Crater Lake National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park are two natural wonders that couldn’t be more different. One is a peaceful haven, featuring the deepest lake in the US surrounded by towering cliffs, while the other is a dynamic display of volcanic activity, with constantly changing landscapes and the chance to witness lava flowing into the ocean. These two parks offer a chance to experience the raw power of nature and the peaceful serenity it can provide. Whether you’re an adventurer seeking an unforgettable hike or simply want to soak in the breathtaking views, these parks are sure to leave a lasting impression. Get ready to be amazed as you explore two of America’s most unique and awe-inspiring national parks.
Hiking Trails in Crater Lake National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Crater Lake National Park in Oregon and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park in Hawaii offer unique and breathtaking hikes for nature enthusiasts. Crater Lake boasts scenic trails that encircle the lake and lead to the summit of Wizard Island. The Rim Trail is a 2.5-mile hike with moderate elevation gain that offers stunning views of the lake. For a challenge, hikers can attempt the Cleetwood Cove Trail, a 2.2-mile descent to the lake shore with 700 feet of elevation gain.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park offers a diverse range of hikes through volcanic landscapes and to the summit of active volcanoes. The Kīlauea Iki Trail is a 4-mile hike through a volcanic crater filled with steam vents and ferns, and is considered one of the easiest hikes in the park. The Mauna Loa Summit, on the other hand, is a strenuous 13.5-mile hike to the summit of the world’s largest shield volcano and involves 4,000 feet of elevation gain.
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 Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kilauea Iki Trail and Crater Rim Trail | 4828.02 | 209.7024 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Kalapana Lava Viewing | 15288.73 | 196.9008 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Pu’u Huluhulu via Napau Crater Trail | 4023.35 | 94.7928 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Halema���uma���u Steam Bluff and Sulfur Banks | 2092.142 | 24.9936 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Puu Loa Petroglyphs Trail | 1931.208 | 25.908 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Mauna Loa via Observatory Trail and Summit Trail | 20760.486 | 905.8656 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Devastation Trail to Puu Puai Overlook | 1609.34 | 37.7952 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| End of Chain of Craters Road Trail to Lava Viewing | 16576.202 | 130.7592 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Sandalwood (Iliahi) Trail | 1931.208 | 13.716 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Halema’uma’u Trail | 2735.878 | 130.7592 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Crater Lake National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Crater Lake NP in Oregon is known for its diverse birdlife, including bald eagles, ospreys, and peregrine falcons, as well as mammals like black bears, deer, and elk. The park is surrounded by dense forests and features wildflower-filled alpine meadows.
Hawai’i Volcanoes NP on the Big Island is famous for its endemic species like Hawaiian honeycreepers, ‘ōpe’ape’a bats, and nēnē geese, as well as its active volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. The park also boasts a range of vegetation, from tropical rainforests to subalpine forests.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Crater Lake National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Crater Lake National Park | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Peregrine Falcon | Peregrine Falcon |
| Northern Harrier | Canada Goose |
| Sharp-Shinned Hawk | Great Blue Heron |
| Osprey | Rock Pigeon |
| Tree Swallow | House Sparrow |
| Mallard | Northern Mockingbird |
| Canada Goose | Black-Crowned Night-Heron |
| Lincoln’s Sparrow | Wild Turkey |
| Ruby-Crowned Kinglet | Barn Owl |
| American Robin | Cattle Egret |
| Great Horned Owl | Sanderling |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | Ring-Necked Pheasant |
| Northern Flicker | Chukar |
| Merlin | Ruddy Turnstone |
| Barn Swallow | Northern Cardinal |
| Savannah Sparrow | California Quail |
| 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 | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | House Mouse |
| American Beaver | Norway Rat |
| Muskrat | ‘Iole |
| 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 | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | |
| Brook Trout | |
| Brown Trout | |
| Lake Trout | |
| Silver Salmon | |
| Kokanee Salmon | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Reptiles
| Crater Lake National Park | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terestrial Garter Snake | |
| Racer | |
| Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Rubber Boa | |
| Western Skink | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Amphibians
| Crater Lake National Park | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog | Bullfrog |
Insects
| Crater Lake National Park | Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | Painted Lady |
| Painted Lady | Monarch Butterfly |
| Red Admiral | American Painted Lady |
| Honey Bee | Red Admiral |
| Purplish Copper | Cabbage White |
| Anise Swallowtail | Honey Bee |
Beautiful Landscapes in Crater Lake National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Crater Lake National Park is famous for its deep blue lake, surrounded by cliffs that rise 2,000 feet from the water, created by a collapsed volcano. Visitors can hike to the rim and enjoy views of the lake, as well as explore nearby forests and waterfalls.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is known for its active volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa, and unique landscapes like black sand beaches, steam vents and volcanic craters. The park offers hiking, camping and volcano exploring opportunities, plus a visit to the Pacific Tsunami Museum.
Things To-Do and Activities in Crater Lake National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Crater Lake NP offers scenic drives, fishing, boating, and camping. Hawaii Volcanoes NP features volcano viewing, hiking through lava fields, stargazing, and ranger-led programs. Crater Lake is known for its calm blue lake surrounded by cliffs, while Hawaii Volcanoes offers a unique blend of natural beauty and geological activity. Both parks offer breathtaking experiences, but Crater Lake is serene while Hawaii Volcanoes is dynamic with active volcanoes.
Best Time to Visit Crater Lake National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Crater Lake NP in Oregon has cool, snowy weather with summer temps averaging 60s-70s and winter temps averaging 30s-40s. The park is accessible June-Oct, with best lake viewing from July-Sept. Hawaii Volcanoes NP on the Big Island has two climate zones, ranging from sea level to over 13,000ft. Lower elevations have tropical weather with 60s-80s temps and high humidity. Higher elevations are cooler and wetter with 40s-60s temps. The park is open year-round, with best volcano viewing from Dec-Apr when skies are clear.
Family Friendliness of Crater Lake National Park and Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
Crater Lake offers scenic beauty, hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing for families with kids who enjoy the great outdoors. Hawaii Volcanoes offers unique experiences with volcanic activity, rainforests, and hikes through craters and steam vents. Both have educational programs, but Hawaii Volcanoes may be better for older kids due to the physically demanding hikes and potential dangers posed by volcanic activity. The choice depends on traveler preferences and interests.