Crater Lake National Park and Denali National Park & Preserve are two of America’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. Crater Lake boasts crystal-clear waters that are unmatched in their vivid blue hue, surrounded by towering cliffs that soar high into the sky. Meanwhile, Denali is home to the tallest peak in North America, Mount Denali, which stands as a behemoth of stone and snow. Both parks offer visitors the chance to explore stunning wilderness and marvel at the immense beauty of nature. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful escape or an adventure-filled journey, these parks are sure to leave you breathless.
Hiking Trails in Crater Lake National Park and Denali National Park & Preserve
Crater Lake National Park in Oregon and Denali National Park & Preserve in Alaska offer a range of hiking trails for visitors. Crater Lake has shorter, easier trails such as the Rim Trail which circles the lake and offers stunning views of the deep blue water, or the Discovery Point Trail that takes you up close to the edge. For more experienced hikers, the Cleetwood Cove Trail is a challenging descent to the lake shore. In contrast, Denali’s trails are longer and more strenuous, with less developed paths and more opportunities for wildlife sightings. The park’s most popular hike is the Mount Healy Overlook, which provides panoramic views of the park and the Alaska Range. The park’s hardest hike, the Kahiltna Pass, is a backcountry trek that requires a permit and is only recommended for experienced hikers.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Crater Lake National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garfield Peak Trail | 5471.756 | 325.8312 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cleetwood Cove Trail | 3379.614 | 189.8904 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| The Watchman Peak Trail | 2574.944 | 117.9576 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mount Scott Trail | 6759.228 | 383.7432 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Discovery Point Trail | 6437.36 | 278.892 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Plaikni Falls Trail | 3218.68 | 40.8432 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Wizard Island Trail | 3701.482 | 228.9048 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Sun Notch Trail | 1287.472 | 38.7096 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Pinnacles Valley Trail | 1126.538 | 11.8872 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Mazama Village to Rim Village at Crater Lake | 13357.522 | 530.9616 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Denali National Park & Preserve
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Healy Overlook Trail | 6920.162 | 507.7968 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Horseshoe Lake Trail | 3379.614 | 119.7864 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Triple Lakes Trail | 29772.79 | 1124.712 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Bison Gulch | 11265.38 | 1178.9664 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Rock Creek Trail | 7081.096 | 287.7312 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Taiga Trail | 2574.944 | 62.7888 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| McKinley Station Trail | 4667.086 | 113.9952 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Mount Thorofare Ridge Loop | 6598.294 | 507.7968 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| McKinley Bar Trail | 7402.964 | 295.9608 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Tiaga Loop and Horseshoe Lake Trail to Beaver Dam | 4828.02 | 158.8008 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Crater Lake National Park and Denali National Park & Preserve
Crater Lake NP is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including black bears, deer, and several species of fish. While bird enthusiasts may spot bald eagles, ospreys, and common loons, the park is also a great place to see plants such as wildflowers, conifers, and shrubs.
Denali NP&P on the other hand, is known for its large mammals like grizzly bears, moose, caribou, and wolves. Bird watching is also popular here, with species like golden eagles, gyrfalcons, and ravens frequently seen. The park also boasts a variety of plants, including arctic tundra, spruce forests, and wildflowers.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Crater Lake National Park and Denali National Park & Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Crater Lake National Park | Denali National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| 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 | Hermit Thrush |
| Hermit Thrush | American Kestrel |
| Bald Eagle | Bald Eagle |
| Song Sparrow | Song Sparrow |
| European Starling | European Starling |
| Northern Pintail | Northern Pintail |
| American Wigeon | American Wigeon |
| American Pipit | Green-Winged Teal |
| Swainson’s Thrush | Swainson’s Thrush |
Mammals
| Crater Lake National Park | Denali National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Little Brown Bat |
| Bobcat | Black Bear |
| Striped Skunk | Porcupine |
| Little Brown Bat | Red Fox |
| Deer Mouse | Mink |
| Raccoon | Wolf |
| Black Bear | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Porcupine | Snowshoe Hare |
| Silver-Haired Bat | River Otter |
| Hoary Bat | Common Shrew |
| Red Fox | Water Shrew |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Red Squirrel |
| House Mouse | Montane Shrew |
| Mountain Lion | Lynx |
| Mink | Wolverine |
| Mule Deer Or Black-Tailed Deer | American Marten |
| Gray Fox | Northern Flying Squirrel |
| Wolf | Grizzly Bear |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Meadow Vole |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Moose |
| American Badger | Least Weasel |
| Ermine | Pygmy Shrew |
Fish
| Crater Lake National Park | Denali National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Longnose Sucker |
| Brook Trout | Lake Trout |
| Brown Trout | Northern Pike |
| Lake Trout | Burbot |
| Silver Salmon | Coho Salmon |
| Kokanee Salmon | Chinook Salmon |
| Cutthroat Trout | Slimy Sculpin |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Reptiles
| Crater Lake National Park | Denali National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Western Terestrial Garter Snake | |
| Racer | |
| Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Rubber Boa | |
| Western Skink | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Amphibians
| Crater Lake National Park | Denali National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog | Wood Frog |
Insects
| Crater Lake National Park | Denali National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Honey Bee | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Crater Lake National Park and Denali National Park & Preserve
Crater Lake National Park is famous for its eponymous deep blue lake, surrounded by steep cliffs, formed by the collapse of an ancient volcano. Nearby Wizard Island is a scenic spot for hiking and sightseeing. Denali National Park boasts North America’s tallest mountain, Denali (Mount McKinley), and its vast wilderness with glaciers, rivers, valleys, and abundant wildlife. The park is also famous for the scenic drive on the Denali Park Road, which offers views of the mountain and surrounding landscape.
Things To-Do and Activities in Crater Lake National Park and Denali National Park & Preserve
Crater Lake National Park is located in southern Oregon and is known for its stunning blue lake surrounded by steep cliffs. Popular activities include scenic drives, fishing, boating, and camping. Denali National Park & Preserve, located in central Alaska, is famous for its majestic mountains and wildlife. Visitors here often go on wildlife viewing tours, backpacking trips, and scenic drives to see the park’s stunning scenery. Both parks offer a range of outdoor recreation opportunities, but Crater Lake is more focused on lake-based activities and Denali is more focused on mountain and wildlife experiences. Additionally, Crater Lake is accessible by car, while Denali requires a bus or air tour to get deep into the park.
Best Time to Visit Crater Lake National Park and Denali National Park & Preserve
Crater Lake National Park and Denali National Park & Preserve have distinct differences in their seasonal weather patterns and the best time to visit. Crater Lake has a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and dry, hot summers. The park is most popular in the summer months, when temperatures are warm and there’s a large chance of clear skies. On the other hand, Denali experiences long, cold, snowy winters and short, mild summers with potential for rain, fog and cloud cover. The best time to visit Denali is in the summer, when the weather is mild and the wildlife is more active, but visibility can be limited. Both parks offer unique experiences, and visitors should plan accordingly based on their preferred weather and activities.
Family Friendliness of Crater Lake National Park and Denali National Park & Preserve
Crater Lake National Park is considered a family-friendly park with easy hiking trails, scenic drives, and a boat tour of the lake. On the other hand, Denali National Park & Preserve is more challenging, with backcountry options and wildlife viewing opportunities requiring more effort. Both parks offer educational programs for kids, but Crater Lake has more developed facilities and services. Ultimately, Crater Lake may be a better choice for families with small children or those seeking a more relaxed vacation, while Denali is better for families who enjoy adventure and want to immerse themselves in nature.