“Discover the beauty and diversity of two of America’s most remarkable national parks – Crater Lake National Park and Isle Royale National Park! One boasts a stunning, crystal-clear lake surrounded by towering cliffs, while the other offers a remote wilderness refuge teeming with wildlife. Whether you’re a fan of breathtaking vistas or rugged outdoor adventures, these two parks have something for everyone. So, buckle up and get ready to explore two of the most unique and awe-inspiring destinations in the country!”
Hiking Trails in Crater Lake National Park and Isle Royale National Park
Crater Lake National Park in Oregon and Isle Royale National Park in Michigan offer contrasting hiking experiences characterized by stunning natural beauty. At Crater Lake, the easiest hikes include Rim Drive, Rim Village, and Wizard Island, all offering breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding cliffs. The hardest hikes, such as Cleetwood Cove and Garfield Peak, require more physical exertion and offer stunning views of the lake and its surroundings. On the other hand, Isle Royale offers a wilderness escape and an easier option with Tobin Harbor and Minong Ridge trails, both showcasing the island’s interior and Lake Superior. For more challenging hikes, Rock Harbor Lighthouse and Greenstone Ridge trails are available, ascending over 400 ft and 40 miles respectively, crossing the island’s spine. Both parks offer a range of hikes to suit different levels of experience, providing magnificent views of nature.
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 Isle Royale National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greenstone Ridge Trail: Windigo to Tobin Harbor | 63568.93 | 1216.7616 | Hard | point to point | 4 |
| Rainbow Cove Trail | 2253.076 | 21.9456 | Easy | out and back | 5 |
| Malone Bay to Hatchett Lake | 37658.556 | 664.7688 | Moderate | out and back | 0 |
| Ishpeming Trail to Ishpeming Point | 23496.364 | 339.852 | Moderate | out and back | 0 |
Wildlife in Crater Lake National Park and Isle Royale National Park
Crater Lake National Park in Oregon is home to black bears, deer, elk, eagles and hawks. In Isle Royale National Park in Michigan, visitors can see moose, wolves and lynx. Both parks have smaller mammals such as squirrels, chipmunks, and beavers. Crater Lake has diverse plant life including coniferous and deciduous trees, while Isle Royale is known for its boreal forest. Both parks are popular for birdwatching, with Isle Royale attracting birders for species such as the common loon and bald eagle.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Crater Lake National Park and Isle Royale National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Crater Lake National Park | Isle Royale 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 | Isle Royale National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
| Bobcat | Striped Skunk |
| Striped Skunk | Little Brown Bat |
| Little Brown Bat | Deer Mouse |
| Deer Mouse | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Raccoon | Hoary Bat |
| Black Bear | Red Fox |
| Porcupine | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Mink |
| Hoary Bat | Gray Wolf |
| Red Fox | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Snowshoe Hare |
| House Mouse | North American River Otter |
| Mountain Lion | Canada Lynx |
| Mink | Marten |
| Mule Deer Or Black-Tailed Deer | Moose |
| Gray Fox | Red Bat |
| Wolf | Norway Rat |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Southern Red-Backed Vole |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Northern Long-Eared Bat |
| American Badger | |
| Ermine |
Fish
| Crater Lake National Park | Isle Royale National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Redband Trout |
| Brook Trout | Coaster Brook Trout |
| Brown Trout | Brown Trout |
| Lake Trout | Longnose Sucker |
| Silver Salmon | Harvey Lake Fathead Minnow |
| Kokanee Salmon | Golden Shiner |
| Cutthroat Trout | Lake Trout |
| Northern Pike | |
| Ellpout | |
| Coho Salmon | |
| Chinook Salmon | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Creek Chub |
Reptiles
| Crater Lake National Park | Isle Royale National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terestrial Garter Snake | |
| Racer | |
| Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Rubber Boa | |
| Western Skink | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Amphibians
| Crater Lake National Park | Isle Royale National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Wood Frog |
Insects
| Crater Lake National Park | Isle Royale National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Honey Bee | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Crater Lake National Park and Isle Royale National Park
Crater Lake National Park is famous for its deep blue, caldera lake surrounded by cliffs. Visitors can drive or hike to various overlooks for stunning views.
Isle Royale National Park features rugged wilderness, diverse ecosystem, and scenic vistas like Rock Harbor Lighthouse and Mount Desor. Visitors can hike, spot wildlife like moose and wolves, and explore forests and shores.
Things To-Do and Activities in Crater Lake National Park and Isle Royale National Park
Crater Lake NP, OR & Isle Royale NP, MI both offer scenic views & wildlife watching, but differ in specific activities. Crater Lake NP is popular for swimming, fishing, boat tours & scenic drives. Isle Royale NP is known for backpacking, canoeing/kayaking, fishing in its remote wilderness. Isle Royale is a destination for Moose watching & backcountry camping, while Crater Lake offers boat tours of the lake. Both offer unique experiences for outdoor recreation, but Isle Royale is more rugged with fewer amenities.
Best Time to Visit Crater Lake National Park and Isle Royale National Park
Crater Lake National Park and Isle Royale National Park have different weather patterns due to their location and elevation. Crater Lake is in the Cascade Mountains in Oregon, with a Mediterranean climate featuring mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers. Best time to visit is July-September with warm and sunny weather ideal for outdoor activities.
Isle Royale, located in Lake Superior, has a humid continental climate with cold, snowy winters and cool, rainy summers. Best time to visit is June-September with mild weather and open water for boating and fishing. Both parks can experience thunderstorms and strong winds, with Isle Royale being more susceptible to severe weather because of its location on the lake.
Visitors to both parks should be prepared for sudden weather changes and bring appropriate gear like warm clothing and rain gear, regardless of the season.
Family Friendliness of Crater Lake National Park and Isle Royale National Park
Crater Lake National Park is more accommodating for families with young children compared to Isle Royale National Park. Crater Lake offers many activities such as ranger programs, boat tours, easy hikes, and camping, which cater to kids’ interests. Isle Royale, on the other hand, is remote and less developed, with limited amenities or services. The park is more suitable for older children and adults due to its challenging outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking.