Crater Lake National Park and Haleakalā National Park are two unique and awe-inspiring destinations that offer visitors a chance to experience the beauty of volcanic landscapes. While Crater Lake boasts the deepest lake in the United States, surrounded by towering cliffs and lush forests, Haleakalā features a massive shield volcano that rises above the lush tropical forests of Maui. Both parks offer a variety of outdoor activities, from hiking and fishing to stargazing and wildlife watching. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or just looking for a peaceful escape, these parks are sure to leave you in awe. Get ready to explore the breathtaking beauty of Crater Lake and Haleakalā!
Hiking Trails in Crater Lake National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Crater Lake National Park in Oregon and Haleakalā National Park in Hawaii provide diverse hiking experiences with varying levels of difficulty. Crater Lake offers the Rim Trail, a leisurely hike with breathtaking views of the lake from various overlooks. For a more strenuous adventure, Cleetwood Cove Trail descends to the lake’s shore for a swim and picnic. Haleakalā, known for its towering volcanic cinder cones, presents strenuous challenges such as the Sliding Sands Trail into the crater, and the demanding Halemau’u Trail to the summit. Easy hiking options are also available, like the Hosmer Grove Trail, which winds through a forest of native trees. Both parks offer a range of hikes, but Crater Lake’s Rim Trail is considered easier compared to Haleakalā’s summit trails that can be physically demanding.
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 Haleakalā National Park
Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pipiwai Trail and Waimoku Falls | 5471.756 | 249.936 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
Sliding Sands Trail | 17702.74 | 851.916 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
Seven Sacred Pools Trail (‘Ohe’o Gulch) | 965.604 | 32.9184 | Easy | loop | 4 |
Halalai’i and Pu’unaue Trail | 20116.75 | 978.7128 | Hard | loop | 5 |
Halemau’u Haleakala Overlook Trail | 12230.984 | 723.9 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
Haleakala Crater Trail | 18024.608 | 930.8592 | Hard | point to point | 5 |
Pa Ka’oao Trail | 965.604 | 40.8432 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
Leleiwi Overlook Trail | 482.802 | 30.7848 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
Pa ka’oao Trail (White Hill Trail) | 804.67 | 32.9184 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
Silversword Loop Via Halemau’u Trail | 20116.75 | 1105.8144 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Crater Lake National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Crater Lake NP in Oregon has bears, river otters, bald eagles, & ospreys. Haleakalā NP in Hawaii has Nene geese, Hawaiian hoary bats, & endemic plants. Crater Lake has a diverse range of animals & birds, while Haleakalā has unique endemic species.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Crater Lake National Park and Haleakalā National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
Crater Lake National Park | Haleakalā National Park |
---|---|
Peregrine Falcon | Peregrine Falcon |
Northern Harrier | Northern Harrier |
Sharp-Shinned Hawk | Rock Pigeon |
Osprey | House Sparrow |
Tree Swallow | Northern Mockingbird |
Mallard | Black-Crowned Night-Heron |
Canada Goose | Barn Owl |
Lincoln’s Sparrow | Cattle Egret |
Ruby-Crowned Kinglet | Ring-Necked Pheasant |
American Robin | Chukar |
Great Horned Owl | Ruddy Turnstone |
Red-Tailed Hawk | Northern Cardinal |
Northern Flicker | California Quail |
Merlin | |
Barn Swallow | |
Savannah Sparrow | |
Great Blue Heron | |
Hermit Thrush | |
Bald Eagle | |
Song Sparrow | |
European Starling | |
Northern Pintail | |
American Wigeon | |
American Pipit | |
Swainson’s Thrush |
Mammals
Crater Lake National Park | Haleakalā National Park |
---|---|
Coyote | House Mouse |
American Beaver | Norway Rat |
Muskrat | Black Rat |
Big Brown Bat | Domestic Cattle |
Bobcat | Feral Hog |
Striped Skunk | |
Little Brown Bat | |
Deer Mouse | |
Raccoon | |
Black Bear | |
Porcupine | |
Silver-Haired Bat | |
Hoary Bat | |
Red Fox | |
Long-Tailed Weasel | |
House Mouse | |
Mountain Lion | |
Mink | |
Mule Deer Or Black-Tailed Deer | |
Gray Fox | |
Wolf | |
Long-Legged Myotis | |
Long-Eared Myotis | |
American Badger | |
Ermine |
Fish
Crater Lake National Park | Haleakalā National Park |
---|---|
Rainbow Trout | |
Brook Trout | |
Brown Trout | |
Lake Trout | |
Silver Salmon | |
Kokanee Salmon | |
Cutthroat Trout |
Reptiles
Crater Lake National Park | Haleakalā National Park |
---|---|
Western Terestrial Garter Snake | |
Racer | |
Sagebrush Lizard | |
Common Garter Snake | |
Rubber Boa | |
Western Skink | |
Western Fence Lizard |
Amphibians
Crater Lake National Park | Haleakalā National Park |
---|---|
Bullfrog | Bullfrog |
Insects
Crater Lake National Park | Haleakalā National Park |
---|---|
Orange Sulphur | Painted Lady |
Painted Lady | Monarch Butterfly |
Red Admiral | American Painted Lady |
Honey Bee | Cabbage White |
Purplish Copper | Honey Bee |
Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Crater Lake National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Crater Lake is famous for its crystal-clear blue lake surrounded by steep cliffs, volcanic peaks and lush forests. Visitors can drive around the lake or hike to overlooks for stunning views. Waterfalls, streams and wildlife sightings are also common.
Haleakalā is known for its 10,023-ft volcano and scenic drives. The park features diverse landscapes, from subalpine forests to desert, and is home to unique flora and fauna, including endangered Hawaiian silversword plant and nene goose.
Things To-Do and Activities in Crater Lake National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Crater Lake NP is popular for its deep blue lake, scenic drives and boat tours, fishing, picnicking, historic sites, and interactive exhibits. Haleakalā NP is known for its volcanic crater, sunrise/sunset viewing, stargazing, camping, wildlife watching, ranger-led programs, and cultural activities. Both parks offer unique experiences and natural beauty.
Best Time to Visit Crater Lake National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Crater Lake National Park in Oregon has cold, snowy winters and mild summers due to its subalpine climate. It’s best to visit from July to September, when the road to the lake is plowed and weather is mild. Winter temperatures often reach below freezing, with heavy snowfall and limited visibility.
Haleakalā National Park in Hawaii has a tropical climate, with warm temperatures all year. Summer temperatures can reach the 80s and 90s, but winter temperatures are cooler and more comfortable. Rain showers are occasional in winter. The best time to visit is early morning, when the sun rises over the volcanic landscape, especially vibrant in summer.
Family Friendliness of Crater Lake National Park and Haleakalā National Park
Crater Lake and Haleakalā are both family-friendly, but offer different experiences. Crater Lake has easy hikes, boat tours, picnic areas, a junior ranger program, and a scenic drive. Haleakalā has unique landscape, sunrise/sunset viewing, camping, and a range of hiking options. Both have educational opportunities. If traveling with young children, Crater Lake may be a better choice due to its easier activities.