“Discovering the breathtaking beauty of America’s national parks is like diving into a treasure trove of natural wonders. From the rugged coastlines of the Channel Islands to the misty rainforests of Olympic National Park, each park offers a unique adventure. Imagine kayaking through the crystal-clear waters teeming with sea life in Channel Islands while hiking through lush greenery in Olympic, surrounded by towering trees and the sounds of cascading waterfalls. These parks may be different in landscape, but they both offer a chance to escape into the great outdoors and experience nature in all its grandeur.”
Hiking Trails in Channel Islands National Park and Olympic National Park
“When it comes to hiking, both Channel Islands and Olympic National Parks offer a range of trails for all levels of hikers. Channel Islands, with its rugged terrain and rocky coastline, is known for its strenuous hikes like the Scorpion Canyon Trail, which descends over 800 feet to the beach and boasts breathtaking views of the ocean and nearby islands. On the other hand, the easy and scenic Island View Trail provides a leisurely hike that showcases the diverse flora and fauna of the park. Olympic National Park, on the other hand, has a diverse range of trails from easy river walks to strenuous mountain climbs. The Hoh Rainforest Trail, for example, is a moderate hike that takes you through the lush and misty Hoh Rainforest, while the challenging Hurricane Ridge Trail takes you to the top of the Olympic Mountains for panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness. No matter what level of hiker you are, both parks offer a variety of trails to choose from and the chance to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.”
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 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 Channel Islands National Park and Olympic National Park
“The weather at Channel Islands and Olympic National Parks can vary greatly depending on the time of year and the specific location within the park. Channel Islands, located off the coast of California, has a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. This climate is ideal for a variety of marine life, including seals, sea lions, and whales, which are commonly seen in the waters around the park. Olympic National Park, located in Washington state, has a more varied climate, with rainy, temperate rainforests in the west and dry, alpine meadows in the east. The park’s high peaks also receive significant snowfall in the winter, making it an ideal destination for winter sports enthusiasts. No matter what time of year you visit, both parks offer a chance to experience the unique and diverse climates of the Pacific Northwest.”
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Channel Islands National Park and Olympic National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Channel Islands 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
| Channel Islands National Park | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Big Brown Bat | Coyote |
| Deer Mouse | American Beaver |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Muskrat |
| Hoary Bat | Big Brown Bat |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Striped Skunk |
| California Myotis | Little Brown Bat |
| Fringed Myotis | Deer Mouse |
| Mexican Free-Tailed Bat | Raccoon |
| Western Harvest Mouse | Black Bear |
| Pallid Bat | Porcupine |
| Red Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Black Rat | Red Fox |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | |
| House Mouse | |
| Wolf | |
| Long-Legged Myotis | |
| Long-Eared Myotis | |
| California Myotis | |
| Snowshoe Rabbit | |
| North American River Otter | |
| Fringe-Tailed Myotis | |
| Masked Shrew | |
| Water Shrew | |
| Western Big-Eared Bat | |
| Bushy-Tailed Woodrat |
Reptiles
| Channel Islands National Park | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Yellow-Bellied Racer | Common Garter Snake |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | Rubber Boa |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Fish
| Channel Islands National Park | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Steelhead/Rainbow Trout | |
| Brook Trout | |
| Largemouth Bass | |
| Salish Sucker | |
| Coho Salmon | |
| Chinook Salmon | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Sockeye Salmon | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Amphibians
| Channel Islands National Park | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog |
Insects
| Channel Islands National Park | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Honey Bee |
Beautiful Landscapes in Channel Islands National Park and Olympic National Park
“Whether you’re looking for a relaxing kayaking trip or a challenging hike, both Channel Islands and Olympic National Parks offer a variety of popular activities for visitors to enjoy. Channel Islands is known for its crystal-clear waters, making it a popular destination for kayaking, snorkeling, and whale watching. The park’s rugged coastline and offshore islands are also popular for hiking, with trails ranging from easy scenic walks to challenging climbs. Olympic National Park, on the other hand, is a popular destination for hiking, with trails ranging from easy river walks to strenuous mountain climbs. The park’s lush rainforests, alpine meadows, and high peaks also make it a popular destination for backpacking, camping, and wildlife viewing. Whether you’re a fan of water sports or outdoor adventures, both parks offer a chance to experience the beauty of nature and engage in your favorite outdoor activities.”
Things To-Do and Activities in Channel Islands National Park and Olympic National Park
“When it comes to activities, both Channel Islands and Olympic National Parks offer a variety of experiences for visitors. In Channel Islands, kayaking and snorkeling are popular ways to explore the park’s crystal-clear waters and diverse marine life, while hiking and wildlife viewing are also popular activities. Olympic National Park offers a diverse range of activities, from hiking and backpacking to fishing and wildlife viewing. The park’s diverse landscapes, from the misty Hoh Rainforest to the alpine meadows and peaks of the Olympic Mountains, offer a range of recreational opportunities. Whether you’re interested in exploring the great outdoors, fishing in serene mountain lakes, or simply taking in the stunning scenery, both Channel Islands and Olympic National Parks offer a variety of activities to choose from and a chance to escape into the beauty of nature.”
Best Time to Visit Channel Islands National Park and Olympic National Park
“When it comes to family-friendly activities, both Channel Islands and Olympic National Parks offer a variety of experiences for families. Channel Islands is known for its kayaking and snorkeling opportunities, making it a popular destination for families with young children. The park’s easy and scenic trails, like the Island View Trail, are also a hit with families, providing a chance to explore the park’s diverse flora and fauna. Olympic National Park, on the other hand, is a popular destination for families with older children, with more challenging hikes and backpacking opportunities. The park’s diverse landscapes, from the misty Hoh Rainforest to the alpine meadows and peaks of the Olympic Mountains, offer a variety of recreational opportunities for families to enjoy. Whether your family is interested in water sports or outdoor adventures, both Channel Islands and Olympic National Parks offer a chance to escape into the beauty of nature and create lasting memories together.”
Family Friendliness of Channel Islands National Park and Olympic National Park
“When planning your next family adventure, consider the family-friendly offerings at Channel Islands and Olympic National Parks. Channel Islands, with its mild climate and easy hiking trails, is a great destination for families with children. The park’s clear waters and diverse marine life also offer a unique and educational experience for kids. Olympic National Park, with its diverse range of landscapes and recreational opportunities, is also a great choice for families. From the misty Hoh Rainforest to the alpine meadows and peaks of the Olympic Mountains, there is something for every member of the family to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for easy hikes, scenic drives, or simply a chance to escape into the great outdoors, both Channel Islands and Olympic National Parks offer a family-friendly adventure in the heart of America’s national parks.”