Channel Islands National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are two of the most unique and diverse parks in the United States. Channel Islands, located off the coast of California, is a playground for marine life and offers kayaking, snorkeling, and diving opportunities. Lassen Volcanic, on the other hand, is a world of fire and ice, with its bubbling mud pots, steaming vents, and towering peaks. Both parks are full of natural wonders that are sure to leave you in awe. Whether you want to explore the underwater world or witness the raw power of nature, these two parks have something for everyone. So grab your hiking boots and pack your sense of adventure, because you’re in for a wild ride when you visit Channel Islands and Lassen Volcanic National Parks.
Hiking Trails in Channel Islands National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Channel Islands National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park offer a range of hiking trails for visitors of different skill levels. Channel Islands has several easy trails, including the Beach Trail and the Inspiration Point Trail, both of which offer stunning views of the ocean. For more challenging hikes, visitors can explore the backcountry trails, such as the Scorpion Canyon Trail, which offers panoramic views of the coastline and rugged terrain. Lassen Volcanic also has several easy trails, such as the Bumpass Hell Trail, which takes visitors through a colorful landscape of steam vents and bubbling mud pots. For more advanced hikers, Lassen Volcanic offers the challenging Lassen Peak Trail, a strenuous hike to the top of the park’s largest volcano. Both parks have something to offer for every type of hiker, from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry adventures.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Channel Islands National Park
Name
Length
Elevation
Type
Difficulty
Visitor Ratings
Potato Harbor Trail
7885.766
183.7944
Easy
loop
4.5
Smugglers Cove Trail
12391.918
426.72
Moderate
out and back
4.5
Scorpion Bay to Cavern Point Loop
2574.944
84.7344
Easy
loop
4.5
El Montanon Trail
13679.39
569.976
Hard
loop
4.5
Santa Cruz Island: Pelican Bay And Prisoners Harbor Trails
13840.324
436.7784
Moderate
loop
4.5
East Anacapa Island Trail
3862.416
115.824
Easy
loop
4.5
Scorpion Canyon Loop Trail
7242.03
238.9632
Moderate
loop
4
Del Norte and Montanon Trail to Scorpion Campgroud
20116.75
810.768
Hard
point to point
5
Cueva Valdez to Arch Rock Trail
11748.182
535.8384
Moderate
out and back
4
Pelican Bay Trail
6437.36
249.936
Moderate
out and back
4.5
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Lassen Volcanic National Park
Name
Length
Elevation
Type
Difficulty
Visitor Ratings
Lassen Peak
8207.634
599.8464
Hard
out and back
5
Kings Creek Falls Trail
4345.218
143.8656
Moderate
out and back
4.5
Cinder Cone Nature Trail
7724.832
317.9064
Hard
loop
5
Brokeoff Mountain Trail
12230.984
786.9936
Hard
out and back
5
Mill Creek Falls Trail
6115.492
237.744
Moderate
out and back
4.5
Manzanita Lake Loop
3057.746
13.716
Easy
loop
4.5
Devil’s Kitchen Trail
7402.964
187.7568
Moderate
out and back
4.5
Chaos Crags Trail
6437.36
301.752
Moderate
out and back
4.5
Cluster Lakes Loop Trail
16737.136
451.7136
Moderate
loop
4.5
Boiling Springs Lake Loop Trail
3701.482
75.8952
Easy
loop
4.5
Wildlife in Channel Islands National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Channel Islands National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park offer unique wildlife viewing opportunities. Channel Islands is home to a diverse array of sea life, including seals, sea lions, dolphins, and whales, as well as a variety of seabirds. On land, visitors can spot island foxes and a variety of reptiles and insects. Lassen Volcanic, on the other hand, is home to a variety of mammals, including deer, bear, and mountain lions, as well as a diverse array of birds, including the American dipper and the mountain bluebird. In addition, the park is home to several species of plants and wildflowers that are unique to the area, such as the Lassen beardtongue and the Lassen silverspot butterfly. Both parks offer opportunities to observe diverse and fascinating wildlife, but visitors come to Channel Islands for the marine life and to Lassen Volcanic to see the diverse array of land-dwelling creatures and unique plant life.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Channel Islands National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
Channel Islands National Park
Lassen Volcanic 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
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
Mammals
Channel Islands National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Big Brown Bat
American Beaver
Deer Mouse
Muskrat
Silver-Haired Bat
Bobcat
Hoary Bat
Striped Skunk
Long-Eared Myotis
Raccoon
California Myotis
Black Bear
Fringed Myotis
Silver-Haired Bat
Mexican Free-Tailed Bat
Hoary Bat
Western Harvest Mouse
Long-Tailed Weasel
Pallid Bat
Mountain Lion
Red Bat
Mink
Black Rat
Mule Deer
Gray Fox
Wolf
Long-Eared Myotis
Snowshoe Hare
Fringed Myotis
Western Harvest Mouse
Yuma Myotis
Bighorn Sheep
Montane Shrew
Long-Tailed Vole
Ringtail
Virginia Opossum
Wolverine
Reptiles
Channel Islands National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake
Gopher Snake
Yellow-Bellied Racer
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake
Side-Blotched Lizard
Racer
Western Rattlesnake
Ring-Necked Snake
Sagebrush Lizard
Common Garter Snake
Common Kingsnake
Rubber Boa
Striped Whipsnake
Western Whiptail
Western Skink
Western Fence Lizard
Fish
Channel Islands National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Redband Trout
Brook Trout
Brown Trout
Fathead Minnow
Golden Shiner
Silver Salmon
King Salmon
Mottled Sculpin
Speckled Dace
Brown Bullhead
Amphibians
Channel Islands National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Bullfrog
Insects
Channel Islands National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Orange Sulphur
Painted Lady
Monarch Butterfly
American Painted Lady
Common Checkered-Skipper
Honey Bee
Buckeye
Anise Swallowtail
Beautiful Landscapes in Channel Islands National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Channel Islands National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are famous for their stunning landscapes and natural wonders. Channel Islands boasts breathtaking coastline views, crystal-clear waters, and rugged cliffs, as well as several caves and sea arches. Lassen Volcanic, on the other hand, is famous for its geothermal features, including bubbling mud pots, steaming vents, and towering peaks. The park also boasts scenic views of rugged mountain ranges, lush meadows, and sparkling lakes. Both parks offer opportunities to witness the raw power of nature and take in breathtaking landscapes, making them must-visit destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you want to soak in the beauty of the ocean or explore unique geothermal landscapes, these two parks have something for everyone.
Things To-Do and Activities in Channel Islands National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Channel Islands National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are both popular outdoor destinations, but offer different experiences for visitors. Channel Islands is known for its diverse array of sea life and opportunities for kayaking, snorkeling, and diving. The park also offers camping, ranger-led programs, and backcountry trips. Lassen Volcanic, on the other hand, is famous for its geothermal features, including bubbling mud pots, steaming vents, and hot springs. Popular activities include hiking, camping, and backpacking, as well as scenic drives and ranger-led programs. Both parks offer breathtaking landscapes and opportunities to explore nature, but visitors come to Channel Islands for its marine life and to Lassen Volcanic to witness its unique geothermal wonders.
Best Time to Visit Channel Islands National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Channel Islands National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park both experience diverse weather patterns, with each park having its own ideal time of year to visit. Channel Islands is known for its mild temperatures, with average temperatures ranging from the low 50s to the high 60s. Summer is the best time to visit, with warm temperatures and calm waters ideal for kayaking, snorkeling, and diving. Lassen Volcanic, on the other hand, experiences more extreme weather patterns, with heavy snowfall in the winter and hot, dry summers. The best time to visit Lassen Volcanic is from June to September, when the park’s geothermal features are most active and the weather is warm and dry. Both parks offer unique experiences, but the best time to visit depends on the type of experience you’re looking for and the weather conditions you prefer.
Family Friendliness of Channel Islands National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Channel Islands National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park both offer opportunities for families to enjoy the outdoors, but they vary in what they offer for families with children. Channel Islands has a more accessible and developed infrastructure, with ranger-led programs, beaches, and several campgrounds. It’s a great choice for families who want a mix of outdoor activities and educational opportunities. Lassen Volcanic, on the other hand, is a remote wilderness destination, with less developed infrastructure and more challenging activities such as backpacking and hiking. It’s better suited for families with older children or those seeking a more rugged adventure. Both parks offer opportunities to explore nature, but Channel Islands is more family-friendly for younger children.