Big Bend National Park and North Cascades National Park are both incredibly unique and breathtaking places to visit, but they offer vastly different experiences. Big Bend is located in the southwestern United States, where the Chihuahuan Desert meets the Rio Grande River, and boasts a diverse array of plant and animal life, as well as stunning views of rugged mountain ranges and canyons. Meanwhile, North Cascades is located in the Pacific Northwest, where towering peaks and glaciers are surrounded by dense forests and alpine meadows, and is home to an abundance of wildlife, including bears, mountain goats, and eagles. Both parks offer plenty of opportunities for hiking, camping, and exploring, but they’re vastly different in terms of climate, terrain, and the types of activities available. Whether you’re looking to escape the heat and explore a lush, temperate rainforest or to experience the wild and rugged beauty of the desert, these two national parks are sure to impress.
Hiking Trails in Big Bend National Park and North Cascades National Park
Big Bend National Park and North Cascades National Park offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors to enjoy. Big Bend National Park is known for its vast desert landscape and rugged terrain, with hiking trails that range from easy strolls to strenuous backcountry treks. Some popular trails include the Chisos Basin Loop, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountain ranges, and the Lost Mine Trail, which is a moderate hike that takes visitors to a scenic overlook.
North Cascades National Park, on the other hand, is known for its rugged and remote wilderness, with towering peaks and cascading waterfalls. The park offers a wide range of hiking trails, from easy nature walks to challenging alpine climbs. Some popular trails include the Easy Pass Trail, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks, and the Cascade Pass Trail, which is a challenging hike that takes visitors to the heart of the park’s wilderness.
Overall, both Big Bend National Park and North Cascades National Park offer a wide variety of hiking trails for visitors to enjoy, but the type of hiking experience will differ as Big Bend National Park is known for its desert landscape and North Cascades National Park for its rugged and remote wilderness with towering peaks and cascading waterfalls.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Big Bend National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lost Mine Trail | 6759.228 | 334.9752 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| South Rim Trail – Boot Springs Trail | 17702.74 | 709.8792 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| The Window Trail | 8368.568 | 288.9504 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Emory Peak Trail | 13679.39 | 731.8248 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Santa Elena Canyon Trail | 2414.01 | 185.928 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Balanced Rock Trail | 3057.746 | 70.7136 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Boquillas Canyon Trail | 1931.208 | 69.7992 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Hot Springs Canyon Trail | 8851.37 | 280.7208 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Outer Mountain Loop | 38785.094 | 1739.7984 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| Big Bend Hot Springs Trail | 1770.274 | 38.7096 | Easy | loop | 4 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in North Cascades National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Lake Trail | 8529.502 | 291.9984 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm Trail | 17541.806 | 1175.9184 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Sourdough Mountain Trail | 14644.994 | 1555.6992 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cascade Pass Trail to Cottonwood Camp | 25588.506 | 1422.8064 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Cascade Pass Trail | 10460.71 | 542.8488 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Sahale Arm Trail to Quien Sabe Glacier | 19955.816 | 1651.7112 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Trail of the Cedars Nature Walk | 3057.746 | 21.9456 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Fourth of July Pass via Panther Creek Trail | 14966.862 | 759.8664 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Ruby Mountain Summit via Fourth of July and Thunder Creek Trail | 23335.43 | 1949.8056 | Hard | out and back | 4 |
| Gorge Creek Falls Trail | 804.67 | 11.8872 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
Wildlife in Big Bend National Park and North Cascades National Park
Big Bend National Park and North Cascades National Park are both home to a diverse array of wildlife. However, the types of animals, birds, and plants that can be seen at each park are quite different due to the vastly different ecosystems present in each park.
Big Bend National Park is located in the Chihuahuan Desert and is home to a wide variety of desert animals such as roadrunners, rattlesnakes, and desert bighorn sheep. The park is also home to a wide variety of bird species, including several species of hummingbirds, falcons, and vultures. The park also boasts a diverse array of plant life, including cacti, yucca, and agave.
North Cascades National Park, on the other hand, is located in the Cascade Mountains and is home to a wide variety of alpine animals such as mountain goats, marmots, and bears. The park is also home to a wide variety of bird species, including several species of eagles, ospreys, and grouse. The park also boasts a diverse array of plant life, including wildflowers, conifers, and huckleberries.
Overall, both Big Bend National Park and North Cascades National Park offer visitors the opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife, but the types of animals, birds, and plants that can be seen at each park are quite different due to the vastly different ecosystems present in each park.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Big Bend National Park and North Cascades National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Big Bend National Park | North Cascades 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 | Merlin |
| 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
| Big Bend National Park | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
| Bobcat | Bobcat |
| Striped Skunk | Striped Skunk |
| Deer Mouse | Little Brown Bat |
| Raccoon | Deer Mouse |
| Black Bear | Raccoon |
| Porcupine | Black Bear |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Porcupine |
| Hoary Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Hoary Bat |
| House Mouse | Red Fox |
| Mountain Lion | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Mule Deer | House Mouse |
| Common Gray Fox | Puma |
| Gray Wolf | Mink |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Black-Tailed Deer |
| American Badger | Wolf |
| California Myotis | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Fringed Myotis | Western Long-Eared Bat |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Ermine |
| Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat | California Myotis |
| Western Harvest Mouse | Snowshoe Hare |
Reptiles
| Big Bend National Park | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Sonoran Gophersnake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | Western Yellowbelly Racer |
| Ring-Necked Snake | Prairie Rattlesnake |
| Common Side-Blotched Lizard | Common Garter Snake |
| Desert Kingsnake | Rubber Boa |
| Texas Nightsnake | Western Fence Lizard |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Mexican Milksnake | |
| Central Texas Whipsnake | |
| Smith’s Black-Headed Snake | |
| Big Bend Tree Lizard | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Big Bend National Park | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Barred Tiger Salamander | |
| American Bullfrog | |
| Southwestern Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Fish
| Big Bend National Park | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Redband Trout |
| Green Sunfish | Brook Trout |
| Bluegill | Largemouth Bass |
| Fathead Minnow | Longnose Sucker |
| Common Carp | Lake Trout |
| Longnose Dace | Burbot |
| Yellow Bullhead | Silver Salmon |
| Channel Catfish | King Salmon |
| Mosquitofish | Slimy Sculpin |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Kokanee | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Insects
| Big Bend National Park | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Honey Bee | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Big Bend National Park and North Cascades National Park
Big Bend National Park and North Cascades National Park are both known for their stunning landscapes and breathtaking natural wonders. Big Bend National Park is located in Texas and is home to the Chisos Mountains, which offer spectacular views of the surrounding desert. Visitors can also explore the Rio Grande, which runs through the park, and take in the beauty of the Santa Elena Canyon. North Cascades National Park, located in Washington State, is known for its rugged mountains and glaciers. Visitors can hike to the summit of the park’s highest peak, Mount Shuksan, or explore the many alpine lakes and waterfalls. The park is also home to the Ross Lake National Recreation Area, which offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Both parks offer a unique and diverse landscape that will leave visitors in awe.
Things To-Do and Activities in Big Bend National Park and North Cascades National Park
Big Bend National Park and North Cascades National Park both offer visitors a wide variety of activities to enjoy. However, the types of activities that are popular at each park can vary greatly due to the vastly different landscapes and environments present at each park.
Big Bend National Park is known for its rugged desert landscape and is a popular destination for hiking, camping, and backpacking. Visitors to the park can explore over 150 miles of hiking trails, including the park’s famous South Rim and Chisos Basin trails. The park also offers a variety of scenic drives, including the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive and the River Road. Additionally, Big Bend National Park is a popular destination for stargazing and birdwatching.
North Cascades National Park, on the other hand, is known for its rugged alpine landscape and is a popular destination for hiking, camping, and backpacking. Visitors to the park can explore over 400 miles of hiking trails, including the park’s famous Cascade Pass Trail and Sourdough Mountain Trail. The park also offers a variety of scenic drives, including the North Cascades Highway and the Cascade River Road. Additionally, North Cascades National Park is a popular destination for rock climbing and mountaineering.
Overall, both Big Bend National Park and North Cascades National Park offer visitors a wide variety of activities to enjoy, but the types of activities that are popular at each park can vary greatly due to the vastly different landscapes and environments present at each park. So, depending on what kind of activities one is looking for, both parks can be great options to visit.
Best Time to Visit Big Bend National Park and North Cascades National Park
Big Bend National Park and North Cascades National Park are both known for their stunning natural beauty, but their seasonal weather patterns are quite different.
Big Bend National Park, located in southwest Texas, is known for its hot summers and mild winters. The summer months can be extremely hot, with temperatures often reaching well into the triple digits, making it a popular destination for those looking to escape the cold. The winter months are generally mild, with temperatures ranging from the 40s to the 60s. The best time to visit Big Bend National Park is in the spring or fall when temperatures are mild and the park’s wildflowers and fall foliage are at their peak.
North Cascades National Park, on the other hand, is located in the state of Washington and is known for its colder, wetter weather. The park is located in the mountains and is known for its heavy snowfall in the winter months. Temperatures are often below freezing during the winter, making it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. The summer months are generally mild, with temperatures ranging from the 50s to the 70s. The best time to visit North Cascades National Park is in the summer when the snow has melted and the weather is mild.
In general, the best time to visit Big Bend National Park is spring and fall, and the best time to visit North Cascades National Park is in the summer. If you’re looking for a warm-weather getaway, Big Bend National Park is the way to go, but if you’re looking for a winter sports adventure, North Cascades National Park is the place to be.
Family Friendliness of Big Bend National Park and North Cascades National Park
Big Bend National Park and North Cascades National Park are both great options for families looking to experience the beauty of nature. However, they offer different types of experiences and may be more suitable for different types of families.
Big Bend National Park is known for its rugged terrain and desert landscapes. While the park offers many hiking trails, some of which are suitable for families, it also offers a variety of other activities such as camping, river rafting, and stargazing. The park also has a visitors center and museum where children can learn about the park’s history and wildlife. Overall, Big Bend National Park is a great option for families who are looking for a more adventurous, outdoor experience.
On the other hand, North Cascades National Park is known for its beautiful mountain ranges, glaciers, and alpine lakes. The park offers many hiking trails, some of which are suitable for families, as well as camping and picnicking. The park also has a visitors center where families can learn about the park’s history and wildlife. Overall, North Cascades National Park is a great option for families who are looking for a more serene, nature-based experience.
In summary, both Big Bend National Park and North Cascades National Park are family-friendly, but the type of experience your family is looking for will determine which park is best for you. If you’re looking for an adventure and outdoor experience, Big Bend National Park is the best option. If you’re looking for a nature-based experience, North Cascades National Park is the best option.