Crater Lake National Park vs Haleakalā National Park

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Crater Lake National Park vs Haleakalā National Park

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.

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