“Imagine standing at the rim of a deep blue crater filled with crystal clear water, surrounded by towering cliffs and an active volcano nearby. Now, picture yourself in the heart of the Rockies, surrounded by towering peaks, glaciers, and an ecosystem teeming with diverse wildlife. Welcome to Crater Lake National Park and Glacier National Park, two of the most unique and breathtaking national parks in the United States. Both offer stunning vistas, outdoor adventure, and the chance to immerse yourself in some of the most spectacular natural scenery in the world. Whether you are seeking solitude in Crater Lake’s serene beauty or the thrill of hiking Glacier’s rugged terrain, these two parks are sure to leave you in awe and wondering which one to explore first.”
Hiking Trails in Crater Lake National Park and Glacier National Park
Crater Lake National Park and Glacier National Park both offer scenic and challenging hiking trails that attract many visitors each year. Crater Lake has a variety of trails ranging from easy to strenuous, with the easiest being the Cleetwood Cove Trail, a 2.2 mile round trip hike to the lake shore. On the other hand, the most challenging hike in the park is the Rim Trail, a 33-mile trek along the rim of the crater with significant elevation gain. Glacier National Park has over 700 miles of trails, including some of the most strenuous hikes in the country. The easiest hike in the park is the Trail of the Cedars, a short, accessible trail through a cedar forest, while the toughest is the Highline Trail, a 11.6-mile hike with significant elevation gain and exposure along a narrow ridgeline. Both parks offer stunning views and a chance to experience nature, but hikers should be prepared for varying degrees of difficulty and exertion.
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 Glacier National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grinnell Glacier Trail | 18185.542 | 658.9776 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Avalanche Lake via the Trail of the Cedars | 9173.238 | 227.9904 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Iceberg Lake Trail | 14966.862 | 441.96 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Hidden Lake Trail | 8529.502 | 418.7952 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Highline Trail – Logan Pass to Granite Park Chalet | 23979.166 | 785.7744 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| St. Mary and Virginia Falls Trail | 4667.086 | 137.7696 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Hidden Lake Overlook | 4506.152 | 176.784 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cracker Lake Trail | 19312.08 | 502.92 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Trail of the Cedars | 1287.472 | 10.9728 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| The Garden Wall | 23657.298 | 1068.9336 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
Wildlife in Crater Lake National Park and Glacier National Park
Crater Lake National Park in Oregon is known for its stunning volcanic landscapes, pristine blue waters, and diverse wildlife. Visitors can expect to see black bears, deer, coyotes, and a variety of bird species including bald eagles, ospreys, and peregrine falcons. The park is also home to a number of plant species including Ponderosa Pine, Douglas Fir, and various wildflowers.
Glacier National Park in Montana boasts its own array of diverse wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. Common animals found in the park include grizzly bears, moose, mountain goats, and wolves. Birdwatchers can spot species such as the common loon, the Clark’s nutcracker, and the mountain bluebird. The park is also known for its diverse vegetation, featuring species such as the Western Red Cedar, Douglas Fir, and the Lodgepole Pine.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Crater Lake National Park and Glacier National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Crater Lake National Park | Glacier 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 |
| Bald Eagle | American Kestrel |
| Song Sparrow | Bald Eagle |
| European Starling | Song Sparrow |
| Northern Pintail | European Starling |
| American Wigeon | Northern Pintail |
| American Pipit | American Wigeon |
| Swainson’s Thrush | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Crater Lake National Park | Glacier National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
| Bobcat | Bobcat |
| Striped Skunk | Striped Skunk |
| Little Brown Bat | Little Brown Bat |
| Deer Mouse | Deer Mouse |
| Raccoon | Raccoon |
| Black Bear | Black Bear |
| Porcupine | Porcupine |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Hoary Bat | Hoary Bat |
| Red Fox | Red Fox |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| House Mouse | Mountain Lion |
| Mountain Lion | Mink |
| Mink | Mule Deer |
| Mule Deer Or Black-Tailed Deer | Gray Wolf |
| Gray Fox | Long-Legged Bat |
| Wolf | Long-Eared Bat |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Badger |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| American Badger | California Myotis |
| Ermine | Snowshoe Hare |
Fish
| Crater Lake National Park | Glacier National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brook Trout | Brook Trout |
| Brown Trout | Longnose Sucker |
| Lake Trout | Fathead Minnow |
| Silver Salmon | Lake Trout |
| Kokanee Salmon | Northern Pike |
| Cutthroat Trout | Burbot |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Sockeye Salmon | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Reptiles
| Crater Lake National Park | Glacier National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terestrial Garter Snake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Racer | Common Garter Snake |
| Sagebrush Lizard | Rubber Boa |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Rubber Boa | |
| Western Skink | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Amphibians
| Crater Lake National Park | Glacier National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog |
Insects
| Crater Lake National Park | Glacier National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Honey Bee | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Crater Lake National Park and Glacier National Park
Crater Lake NP has Crater Lake, one of the world’s clearest lakes formed by a collapsed volcano. Glacier NP has 700+ miles of trails, mountain ranges incl. the Continental Divide, scenic drives like the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road, and hidden waterfalls, glacial valleys, and high elevation overlooks.
Things To-Do and Activities in Crater Lake National Park and Glacier National Park
Crater Lake NP and Glacier NP offer different outdoor experiences. Crater Lake NP is popular for its scenic drives, boating, fishing, and ranger programs. Glacier NP attracts outdoor enthusiasts for hiking, camping, fishing, ranger programs, scenic drives, boating, and horseback riding. Crater Lake is known for its deep blue waters and stunning views, while Glacier NP is famous for glaciers and rugged terrain.
Best Time to Visit Crater Lake National Park and Glacier National Park
Crater Lake NP in OR & Glacier NP in MT have contrasting seasonal weather patterns that impact the best time to visit. Crater Lake gets heavy snowfall (44-51ft/yr) and is closed in winter. Visit June-Sept for cleared roads and warm, sunny weather. Glacier has moderate temp (70s in summer, 20s in winter) but sudden weather changes can bring rain/snow even in summer. Best time to visit is June-Sept, when weather is mild and Going-to-the-Sun Road is open.
Family Friendliness of Crater Lake National Park and Glacier National Park
Crater Lake NP is better for younger children with easier hikes, ranger programs, and calm waters. Glacier NP is better for older children with more strenuous hikes, scenic drives, and boat tours.