“Get ready for a contrast of natural wonders as we dive into Crater Lake National Park and Hot Springs National Park. Imagine standing at the rim of Crater Lake, gazing into the crystal-clear waters that fill the caldera of a long-extinct volcano, surrounded by towering cliffs and breathtaking views. Now, picture yourself soaking in the warm, mineral-rich waters of the hot springs at Hot Springs National Park, surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills. Both parks offer unique experiences that are sure to leave a lasting impression. So come along and see which one will capture your heart.”
Hiking Trails in Crater Lake National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Crater Lake National Park in Oregon is known for its stunning namesake lake, the deepest in the US, and has trails ranging from easy walks to strenuous day hikes. Rim Village Trail is a 1-mile loop with breathtaking lake views, while Cleetwood Cove Trail offers a 2.2-mile descent to the lake shore.
Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas has scenic beauty and thermal springs, with trails ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes. The Hot Springs Mountain Tower Trail, a 0.5-mile paved hike to an observation tower, is one of the easiest. The Sunset Trail, a 5.5-mile hike to the top of Hot Springs Mountain, is the most challenging.
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 Hot Springs National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunset Trail | 20921.42 | 722.9856 | Hard | loop | 4 |
| West Mountain Trail | 3057.746 | 107.8992 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Goat Rock Trail | 3862.416 | 115.824 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Gulpha Gorge Trail | 1931.208 | 116.7384 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| The Grand Promenade and Side Trails | 1931.208 | 33.8328 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Dead Chief Trail | 4345.218 | 121.92 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Hot Springs Mountain Trail | 5310.822 | 204.8256 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Peak Trail | 2092.142 | 108.8136 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Sugarloaf Mountain Via Sunset Trail | 11426.314 | 592.836 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Goat Rock via Dead Chief Trail | 2092.142 | 87.7824 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Crater Lake National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Crater Lake NP has diverse wildflowers, birds of prey, and small mammals like deer, chipmunks, and squirrels. Hot Springs NP has fewer mammals, but visitors may see raccoons, opossums, and armadillos. Birdwatching opportunities include red-tailed hawks and pileated woodpeckers. Hot Springs NP is also known for its greenery, including magnolia trees and ferns.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Crater Lake National Park and Hot Springs National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Crater Lake National Park | Hot Springs 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 | Hot Springs 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 | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Hoary Bat |
| Hoary Bat | Red Fox |
| Red Fox | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | House Mouse |
| House Mouse | Mink |
| Mountain Lion | Gray Fox |
| Mink | North American River Otter |
| Mule Deer Or Black-Tailed Deer | Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
| Gray Fox | White-Tailed Deer |
| Wolf | Virginia Opossum |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Eastern Red Bat |
| Long-Eared Myotis | White-Footed Mouse |
| American Badger | Norway Rat |
| Ermine | Eastern Cottontail |
Fish
| Crater Lake National Park | Hot Springs National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Largemouth Bass |
| Brook Trout | Green Sunfish |
| Brown Trout | Bluegill |
| Lake Trout | Fathead Minnow |
| Silver Salmon | Golden Shiner |
| Kokanee Salmon | European Carp |
| Cutthroat Trout | Yellow Bullhead |
| Graceful Catfish | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Goldfish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Reptiles
| Crater Lake National Park | Hot Springs National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terestrial Garter Snake | |
| Racer | |
| Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Rubber Boa | |
| Western Skink | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Amphibians
| Crater Lake National Park | Hot Springs National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog | Bullfrog |
Insects
| Crater Lake National Park | Hot Springs National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Honey Bee | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Crater Lake National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Crater Lake NP is famous for its deep blue caldera lake surrounded by cliffs and forested hills. Highlights include the Rim Drive, Watchman Overlook, Pinnacles Overlook, and Wizard Island.
Hot Springs NP is known for its hot springs and historic Bathhouse Row. Visitors can also enjoy scenic drives and hiking trails, including the Hot Springs Mountain Tower with views of the Ouachita Mountains and city.
Things To-Do and Activities in Crater Lake National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Crater Lake NP is known for scenic drives, boat tours, fishing, and camping, while Hot Springs NP is famous for hot springs, hiking, touring historic bathhouses and having campgrounds, picnic areas and scenic drives. The former is a nature-lovers paradise, the latter a blend of history and recreation.
Best Time to Visit Crater Lake National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Crater Lake NP in OR experiences cold, snowy winters & mild, dry summers. Best to visit June-Sept when roads are cleared & weather is mild. Winter avg. temp is 20°F but heavy snow can cause access difficulties. Hot Springs NP in AR has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers & mild winters. Best to visit in spring/fall when temps are moderate. Summer temps can reach 90°F+.
Family Friendliness of Crater Lake National Park and Hot Springs National Park
Crater Lake and Hot Springs National Parks both offer family-friendly activities, but Hot Springs is more suitable for families traveling with children. It has shorter, easier trails and educational programs for kids. Crater Lake, while beautiful, may pose challenges for young children with its steep trails and high elevation.