Crater Lake National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve offer vastly different experiences for visitors. While Crater Lake boasts a stunning blue lake surrounded by towering cliffs, Katmai showcases the rugged Alaskan wilderness with its large populations of brown bears and other wildlife. Whether you’re in the mood for a scenic hike or an up-close encounter with nature, these two national parks are sure to provide memories that will last a lifetime. So, pack your bags and get ready to choose between the still waters of Crater Lake and the wilds of Katmai!
Hiking Trails in Crater Lake National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve
Crater Lake National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve are two parks that offer contrasting hiking experiences. Crater Lake features several trails ranging from easy to strenuous, including the Rim Trail which provides breathtaking views of the lake and its surroundings. For those looking for a leisurely hike, the Garfield Peak Trail is a good option. This 3.4-mile hike leads to the summit and offers panoramic views of the park and the surrounding mountains. On the other hand, the Cleetwood Cove Trail is the most challenging hike in Crater Lake. This steep 2.2-mile trail descends to the lake’s shore and is considered strenuous.
Katmai National Park & Preserve, renowned for its bear viewing opportunities, also provides a range of hiking trails. The easiest trail is the Brooks Falls Trail, a 1.5-mile path that leads to Brooks Falls where visitors can observe brown bears fishing for salmon. The Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, a 7-mile hike, is the most strenuous trail in Katmai. This trail takes visitors through an ash-filled valley created by the eruption of Novarupta in 1912 and offers views of steam vents and other volcanic features. Both parks offer unique and diverse hiking experiences, from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry treks.
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 Katmai National Park & Preserve
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brooks Falls | 4667.086 | 63.7032 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Dumpling Mountain | 4828.02 | 225.8568 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
Wildlife in Crater Lake National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve
Crater Lake NP is known for its lake & diverse forest habitats, home to animals like black bears, deer, & squirrels. The park also has a variety of bird species like bald eagles & ospreys. Katmai NP, on the other hand, is famous for its brown bears who gather to feast on salmon in Brooks River. Visitors may also spot moose, caribou, & sea birds like puffins & cormorants. Both parks offer unique views of wildlife, but the types of species found differ greatly between them.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Crater Lake National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Crater Lake National Park | Katmai National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| 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 | Northern Flicker |
| Northern Flicker | Merlin |
| Merlin | Barn Swallow |
| Barn Swallow | Savannah Sparrow |
| Savannah Sparrow | Hermit Thrush |
| Great Blue Heron | American Kestrel |
| Hermit Thrush | Bald Eagle |
| Bald Eagle | Song Sparrow |
| Song Sparrow | European Starling |
| European Starling | Northern Pintail |
| Northern Pintail | American Wigeon |
| American Wigeon | Green-Winged Teal |
| American Pipit | American Pipit |
| Swainson’s Thrush | Swainson’s Thrush |
Mammals
| Crater Lake National Park | Katmai National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Little Brown Bat |
| Bobcat | Black Bear |
| Striped Skunk | Porcupine |
| Little Brown Bat | Red Fox |
| Deer Mouse | Mink |
| Raccoon | Gray Wolf |
| Black Bear | Short-Tailed Weasel |
| Porcupine | Varying Hare |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Northern River Otter |
| Hoary Bat | Masked Shrew |
| Red Fox | Red Squirrel |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Montane Shrew |
| House Mouse | Lynx |
| Mountain Lion | Wolverine |
| Mink | American Marten |
| Mule Deer Or Black-Tailed Deer | Grizzly Bear |
| Gray Fox | Meadow Vole |
| Wolf | Moose |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Least Weasel |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Pygmy Shrew |
| American Badger | Meadow Jumping Mouse |
| Ermine | Northern Bog Lemming |
Fish
| Crater Lake National Park | Katmai National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Redband Trout |
| Brook Trout | Longnose Sucker |
| Brown Trout | Lake Trout |
| Lake Trout | Northern Pike |
| Silver Salmon | Burbot |
| Kokanee Salmon | Silver Salmon |
| Cutthroat Trout | King Salmon |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Sockeye Salmon | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Reptiles
| Crater Lake National Park | Katmai National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Western Terestrial Garter Snake | |
| Racer | |
| Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Rubber Boa | |
| Western Skink | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Amphibians
| Crater Lake National Park | Katmai National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog | Wood Frog |
Insects
| Crater Lake National Park | Katmai National Park & Preserve |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Honey Bee | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Crater Lake National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve
Crater Lake National Park is known for its stunning Crater Lake, surrounded by the caldera of an ancient volcano, with hikeable overlooks for panoramic views of the deep blue waters and surrounding cliffs. The park offers scenic drives, including Rim Drive, for views of the lake and nearby peaks.
Katmai National Park & Preserve features the unique Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, filled with steaming vents and fumaroles created by the eruption of Novarupta in 1912. Brooks Falls is famous for brown bear viewing and salmon fishing. The park also boasts rugged coastlines and glaciers in the Alaska Peninsula.
Things To-Do and Activities in Crater Lake National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve
Crater Lake NP is famous for its deep blue lake, scenic drives, boating, fishing & hiking. Katmai NP, on the other hand, is a hub for bear watching, fishing, and rafting. Brooks River in the park is known for high concentration of Alaskan brown bears, providing opportunities for observing the creatures in their habitat. Both parks offer ranger-led programs, camping, and backcountry experiences. Crater Lake emphasizes scenic beauty & rec activities, while Katmai offers a unique wilderness & wildlife viewing experience.
Best Time to Visit Crater Lake National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve
Crater Lake National Park in Oregon has a cool, wet climate with heavy snow in winter and frequent rain in summer. July and August are the best months to visit, with mild weather and peak scenic beauty.
Katmai National Park & Preserve in Alaska has long, harsh winters and cool, rainy summers. The park has a marine climate with high humidity and frequent rain in summer. June through September is the best time to visit, with mild weather and active brown bears.
Family Friendliness of Crater Lake National Park and Katmai National Park & Preserve
Crater Lake is recommended for families for its stunning views and short, easy hikes. Katmai, however, is more suited for adventure-seekers with its brown bears and volcanic activity. Crater Lake offers more family-friendly amenities and activities, making it the better choice for families traveling with kids.