Badlands National Park and Olympic National Park are two of the most diverse and unique national parks in the United States. Both parks offer visitors a chance to explore a wide range of landscapes, from rugged badlands to lush rainforests, and everything in between. But while they may seem vastly different at first glance, these parks have more in common than you might think. For example, both parks are home to a wide variety of wildlife and offer opportunities for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or just looking for a fun family vacation, these two parks have something for everyone. So, pack your bags, lace up your hiking boots, and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime as we explore the beauty and wonder of Badlands and Olympic National Parks.
Hiking Trails in Badlands National Park and Olympic National Park
Badlands National Park and Olympic National Park are both home to a diverse range of hiking trails that offer unique experiences for visitors. Badlands National Park is known for its rugged terrain and striking landscapes, featuring a mix of easy and challenging hikes. The Badlands Loop Road offers an easy hike through the park’s famous Badlands formations and offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. The Notch Trail and Castle Trail are considered more challenging hikes, taking hikers through narrow canyons and steep inclines.
Olympic National Park is home to some of the most diverse and challenging hikes in the Pacific Northwest. The park is known for its dense rainforests, rugged coastline, and towering peaks. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Hoh River Trail, which takes visitors through a lush rainforest, and the Hurricane Ridge Trail, which offers breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains. The park’s most challenging hikes include the Seven Lakes Basin and the Olympic Coast, which offer rugged terrain and steep inclines. Both parks offer a wide range of hiking options, from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry adventures.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Badlands National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Notch Trail | 2092.142 | 39.9288 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Castle Trail | 16898.07 | 95.7072 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| The Door Trail | 1287.472 | 10.9728 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Saddle Pass Trail | 1126.538 | 65.8368 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Medicine Root Loop Trail | 7242.03 | 102.7176 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| The Window Trail | 321.868 | 1.8288 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Cliff Shelf Nature Trail | 804.67 | 19.812 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Fossil Exhibit Trail | 643.736 | 3.9624 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Sage Creek Loop | 36692.952 | 245.9736 | Hard | loop | 4 |
| Sheep Mountain Table Road | 23496.364 | 180.7464 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Olympic National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hurricane Hill via Hurricane Ridge | 4988.954 | 242.9256 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mount Storm King | 6276.426 | 638.8608 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Sol Duc Falls Nature Trail | 2574.944 | 77.724 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Hoh Rain Forest Hall of Moss | 1609.34 | 23.7744 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Marymere Falls Trail | 2735.878 | 90.8304 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Hoh River Trail | 52786.352 | 1558.7472 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| High Divide – Seven Lakes Basin Loop | 30577.46 | 1617.8784 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| Ruby Beach | 2253.076 | 20.7264 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Staircase Rapids Loop | 3379.614 | 64.9224 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Spruce Railroad Trail: Lake Crescent | 18024.608 | 131.9784 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Badlands National Park and Olympic National Park
Badlands National Park and Olympic National Park are both home to a diverse array of wildlife, but the types of animals, birds, and plants you’ll see at each park can be quite different.
At Badlands National Park, you’ll find a variety of mammals such as bison, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, and coyotes. The park also has a significant population of reptiles, including rattlesnakes and lizards. Birds are also abundant in the park, with species such as the golden eagle, ferruginous hawk, and turkey vulture commonly seen. Additionally, the park’s rugged terrain is home to a variety of cactus, yucca, and other desert plants.
In contrast, Olympic National Park is known for its diverse ecosystem, which ranges from rainforests to alpine meadows. Visitors can expect to see a wide variety of animals such as elk, black bears, mountain goats, and marmots. The park is also home to several species of birds such as the northern spotted owl, and Olympic blue grouse. The park’s diverse ecosystems also host a wide range of plants, including Sitka spruce, western hemlock, and Douglas fir.
In summary, Badlands National Park is known for its rugged terrain and desert wildlife, while Olympic National Park offers a wide range of ecosystems and wildlife, from the rainforest to the alpine meadows.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Badlands National Park and Olympic National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Badlands National Park | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Peregrine Falcon | Peregrine Falcon |
| Northern Harrier | Northern Harrier |
| Sharp-Shinned Hawk | Sharp-Shinned Hawk |
| Osprey | Osprey |
| Tree Swallow | Tree Swallow |
| Mallard | Mallard |
| Canada Goose | Canada Goose |
| Lincoln’s Sparrow | Lincoln’s Sparrow |
| Ruby-Crowned Kinglet | Ruby-Crowned Kinglet |
| American Robin | American Robin |
| Great Horned Owl | Great Horned Owl |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | Red-Tailed Hawk |
| Northern Flicker | Northern Flicker |
| Merlin | Barn Swallow |
| Barn Swallow | Savannah Sparrow |
| Savannah Sparrow | Great Blue Heron |
| Great Blue Heron | Hermit Thrush |
| Hermit Thrush | American Kestrel |
| American Kestrel | Bald Eagle |
| Bald Eagle | Song Sparrow |
| Song Sparrow | European Starling |
| European Starling | Northern Pintail |
| Northern Pintail | American Wigeon |
| American Wigeon | Green-Winged Teal |
| Green-Winged Teal | American Pipit |
Mammals
| Badlands National Park | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
| Bobcat | Striped Skunk |
| Striped Skunk | Little Brown Bat |
| Little Brown Bat | Deer Mouse |
| Deer Mouse | Raccoon |
| Raccoon | Black Bear |
| Porcupine | Porcupine |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Hoary Bat | Red Fox |
| Red Fox | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | House Mouse |
| House | Wolf |
| Mountain Lion | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Mule Deer | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Gray Fox | California Myotis |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Snowshoe Rabbit |
| Northern Myotis | North American River Otter |
| Badger | Fringe-Tailed Myotis |
| Weasel | Masked Shrew |
| North American River Otter | Water Shrew |
| Common Shrew | Western Big-Eared Bat |
| Pacific Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | Bushy-Tailed Woodrat |
Reptiles
| Badlands National Park | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Racer | Common Garter Snake |
| Western Rattlesnake | Rubber Boa |
| Common Garter Snake | Western Fence Lizard |
| Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard | |
| Milksnake | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard |
Amphibians
| Badlands National Park | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Bullfrog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Bullfrog | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
| Badlands National Park | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | Honey Bee |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Morning Cloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Check-Skipper | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Honey Bee | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Fish
| Badlands National Park | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Fathead Minnow | Steelhead/Rainbow Trout |
| Golden Shiner | Brook Trout |
| European Carp | Largemouth Bass |
| Longnose Dace | Salish Sucker |
| Yellow Bullhead | Coho Salmon |
| Channel Catfish | Chinook Salmon |
| Black Bullhead | Longnose Dace |
| Creek Chub | Speckled Dace |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Sockeye Salmon | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Beautiful Landscapes in Badlands National Park and Olympic National Park
Badlands National Park is famous for its rugged, otherworldly landscapes that are unlike anything else in the United States. The park is home to towering spires of layered rock, deep canyons, and vast grasslands that are home to a wide variety of wildlife. Visitors can explore these landscapes on one of the many hiking trails that wind through the park, or take a scenic drive along the Badlands Loop Road for a bird’s eye view of the park’s most famous landscapes. Some of the most popular sites to visit in the park include the Badlands Loop Road, Pinnacles Overlook, and the Badlands Pinnacles.
Olympic National Park, on the other hand, offers visitors a chance to explore a wide variety of landscapes, from rugged coastlines to lush rainforests, and everything in between. The park is home to the Olympic Mountains, which offer some of the most spectacular mountain views in the Pacific Northwest. Visitors can explore these landscapes on one of the many hiking trails that wind through the park, or take a scenic drive along Hurricane Ridge Road for a bird’s eye view of the park’s most famous landscapes. Some of the most popular sites to visit in the park include the Hoh Rainforest, Hurricane Ridge, and the Sol Duc Falls.
Overall, both Badlands National Park and Olympic National Park offer visitors a chance to explore some of the most beautiful landscapes in the United States. While Badlands National Park is known for its rugged and otherworldly landscapes and Olympic National Park for its diverse landscapes from rugged coastlines, lush rainforests, and everything in between.
Things To-Do and Activities in Badlands National Park and Olympic National Park
Badlands National Park and Olympic National Park offer a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy.
At Badlands National Park, popular activities include hiking, wildlife viewing, and sightseeing. The park offers several hiking trails that range in difficulty, including the easy 0.25-mile Fossil Exhibit Trail and the challenging 10-mile Castle Trail. Visitors can also spot bison, bighorn sheep, and pronghorn while driving along the park’s scenic drives. The park is also home to a wide variety of birds, including the golden eagle and the swift fox.
At Olympic National Park, popular activities include hiking, camping, and beachcombing. The park offers several hiking trails that range in difficulty, including the easy 2.6-mile Spruce Nature Trail and the challenging 17.4-mile High Divide Loop. Visitors can also camp in one of the park’s several campgrounds, or enjoy beachcombing on the park’s 73 miles of pristine shoreline. The park is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including elk, black bears, and mountain goats.
Both parks offer unique and diverse experiences, with Badlands National Park offering a more arid and rugged terrain while Olympic National Park offers a more lush and verdant terrain. Both parks are great for families, but it depends on their preferences, Badlands National Park offers a more of a “wild west” experience with it’s rugged terrain, while Olympic National Park is great for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts with it’s diverse ecosystems and activities.
Best Time to Visit Badlands National Park and Olympic National Park
Badlands National Park and Olympic National Park have very different climates and weather patterns, which can affect when is the best time to visit each park.
Badlands National Park is located in the Great Plains region of the United States, and has a semi-arid climate. The park experiences hot summers with temperatures often reaching above 90 degrees Fahrenheit and cold winters with temperatures often below freezing. Spring and fall are the best times to visit the park, as the temperatures are mild and the park’s landscapes are at their most vibrant. However, it’s important to note that the park can be very windy and dusty, especially in the summer months.
Olympic National Park, on the other hand, is located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States and has a temperate rainforest climate. The park experiences mild summers with temperatures in the mid-60s to mid-70s Fahrenheit and mild to cool winters with temperatures in the mid-30s to mid-40s Fahrenheit. The park receives a lot of rainfall throughout the year, with the heaviest rainfall occurring during the winter and spring months. The best time to visit the park is during the summer and fall, when the weather is mild and the park’s landscapes are at their most vibrant.
Overall, the best time to visit these two parks is at different times of the year, depending on the park, and what kind of weather you would like to experience. Badlands National Park is best visited in the spring and fall and Olympic National Park is best visited in the summer and fall.
Family Friendliness of Badlands National Park and Olympic National Park
Both Badlands National Park and Olympic National Park offer unique landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities that are suitable for families. However, the type of family-friendly experience offered by each park is quite different.
Badlands National Park is known for its rugged and otherworldly terrain, which is characterized by layered rock formations, deep canyons, and towering spires. The park offers several short and easy hikes, such as the Door and Window Trail, which is a 0.25-mile round-trip hike that leads to a viewpoint overlooking the Badlands formations. The park also offers a scenic drive that takes visitors through the park’s most famous landscapes.
On the other hand, Olympic National Park offers a different kind of family-friendly experience. The park is home to a diverse range of landscapes, from rugged coastlines to lush rainforests, and from snow-capped peaks to wildflower-covered meadows. The park offers a variety of easy to moderate hikes, such as the Klahhane Ridge Trail, which is a 2.5-mile round-trip hike that offers stunning views of the Olympic Mountains. The park also offers a variety of ranger-led activities such as guided nature walks, campfire programs and Junior Ranger programs which are specifically designed for children.
In terms of which park is better to visit with children, it depends on what type of experience you’re looking for. If your family is interested in rugged landscapes and unique geology, then Badlands National Park is a great choice. On the other hand, if your family is looking for a diverse range of landscapes and ranger-led activities for children, then Olympic National Park is a great option.