Crater Lake National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park are two of the most unique and awe-inspiring natural wonders in the United States. While both parks offer a chance to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and explore the great outdoors, each has its own distinct personality and character. Crater Lake is a stunning blue gem nestled in the heart of the Cascade Mountains in Oregon, surrounded by towering peaks and breathtaking vistas. Mammoth Cave, on the other hand, is a mysterious underworld of twisting passages and towering chambers located in Kentucky, offering a chance to delve into the heart of the earth and discover its secrets. Whether you’re a fan of breathtaking panoramas or subterranean adventures, these two parks are sure to leave you in awe and have you planning your next visit before you even leave.
Hiking Trails in Crater Lake National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park
Crater Lake National Park in Oregon offers several hiking trails with varying levels of difficulty, ranging from easy walks to strenuous climbs. One of the easiest trails is the Rim Trail, which offers stunning views of the lake and allows visitors to walk along the rim of the crater. On the other hand, the toughest trail is the Cleetwood Cove Trail, a steep descent to the lake shore that requires a steep ascent back up to the rim. Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky offers a different hiking experience, with trails that wind through the rolling hills of the park and into the vast underground caves. One of the easiest trails is the River Styx Spring trail, a gentle walk through the forest to a scenic spring. The hardest trail is the Frozen Niagara tour, a challenging hike through the caves that involves crawling and climbing through tight spaces. Both parks offer unique hiking experiences and a range of trails to suit all abilities and interests.
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 Mammoth Cave National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green River Bluffs Trail | 7242.03 | 169.7736 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Cedar Sink Trail | 2896.812 | 70.7136 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mammoth Cave National Park Scenic Drive | 17541.806 | 173.736 | Easy | point to point | 4.5 |
| Sinkhole Trail | 3862.416 | 108.8136 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Echo River Spring and Sinkhole Loop | 4988.954 | 122.8344 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Echo River and River Styx Springs Trail | 5471.756 | 129.8448 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Sal Hollow and Buffalo Creek Loop Trail | 8690.436 | 100.8888 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
| Dixon Cave Trail Loop | 2414.01 | 83.82 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| First Creek Lake Trail | 5793.624 | 158.8008 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| McCoy Hollow Trail | 19794.882 | 434.9496 | Hard | out and back | 4 |
Wildlife in Crater Lake National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park
Crater Lake National Park in Oregon is home to a diverse range of wildlife including birds such as the bald eagle, osprey and common raven, as well as mammals like the black bear, mountain lion, and mule deer. The park is also known for its unique plant life, including the whitebark pine and subalpine meadow ecosystems. In contrast, Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky is primarily known for its subterranean wildlife, including bats, blind cavefish, and crayfish. Above ground, the park is home to a variety of bird species such as the great blue heron, turkey vulture, and wood duck, as well as mammals like the white-tailed deer, eastern grey squirrel, and raccoon. Both parks offer unique and diverse wildlife experiences for visitors.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Crater Lake National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Crater Lake National Park | Mammoth Cave 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 | Mammoth Cave 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 | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Porcupine | Hoary Bat |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Red Fox |
| Hoary Bat | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Red Fox | House Mouse |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Mink |
| House Mouse | Gray Fox |
| Mountain Lion | Western Long-Eared Bat |
| Mink | River Otter |
| Mule Deer Or Black-Tailed Deer | Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
| Gray Fox | White-Tailed Deer |
| Wolf | Virginia Opossum |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Meadow Vole |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Eastern Red Bat |
| American Badger | White-Footed Mouse |
| Ermine | Norway Rat |
Fish
| Crater Lake National Park | Mammoth Cave National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brook Trout | Largemouth Bass |
| Brown Trout | Green Sunfish |
| Lake Trout | Bluegill |
| Silver Salmon | Golden Shiner |
| Kokanee Salmon | Common Carp |
| Cutthroat Trout | Yellow Bullhead |
| Channel Catfish | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Mosquitofish | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Goldfish | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Reptiles
| Crater Lake National Park | Mammoth Cave National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terestrial Garter Snake | Black Racer |
| Racer | Ringneck Snake |
| Sagebrush Lizard | Eastern Garter Snake |
| Common Garter Snake | Eastern Fence Lizard |
| Rubber Boa | |
| Western Skink | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Amphibians
| Crater Lake National Park | Mammoth Cave National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog | Eastern Tiger Salamander |
| Bullfrog | |
| Wood Frog |
Insects
| Crater Lake National Park | Mammoth Cave National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | Orange Sulphur |
| Painted Lady | Commom Wood Nymph |
| Red Admiral | |
| Honey Bee | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Crater Lake National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park
Crater Lake National Park is famous for its pristine blue lake, formed by the collapsed volcano Mount Mazama. The lake is surrounded by towering cliffs and offers stunning views from the Rim Drive. The park also offers hiking trails through old-growth forests and opportunities to see wildlife, including deer, elk, and bald eagles.
Mammoth Cave National Park is famous for its namesake cave system, one of the longest in the world, with over 400 miles of explored passageways. The park also offers scenic views of rolling hills, forests, and the Green River. Visitors can take ranger-led tours to explore the cave, go hiking or camping, or take a scenic river trip.
Things To-Do and Activities in Crater Lake National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park
Crater Lake National Park is known for its stunning blue waters and scenic vistas, drawing visitors for sightseeing and hiking. Popular activities also include fishing, boat tours, and camping. Mammoth Cave National Park, on the other hand, is famous for its underground cave system, offering visitors the chance to explore the caves through guided tours. Above ground, visitors enjoy hiking, camping, and ranger-led programs. While both parks offer outdoor recreational opportunities, Crater Lake emphasizes scenic beauty and Mammoth Cave highlights its unique geological formations and underground adventure.
Best Time to Visit Crater Lake National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park
Crater Lake National Park in Oregon experiences cold, snowy winters and mild, dry summers. The best time to visit is July through September when temperatures are moderate and snow has melted, offering clear views of the lake. On the other hand, Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and cool, wet winters. The best time to visit is spring and fall, when temperatures are milder and cave tours are available. The cave remains a constant 54°F year-round, making it a comfortable escape from extreme weather outside.
Family Friendliness of Crater Lake National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park
Crater Lake National Park and Mammoth Cave National Park are both family-friendly destinations, but each offers unique experiences. Crater Lake is known for its stunning lake surrounded by towering peaks and offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, and boat tours. Mammoth Cave, on the other hand, is known for its extensive cave system, offering tours of various lengths and difficulty levels, as well as camping, hiking, and horseback riding. If you’re traveling with children, Crater Lake might be the better choice, as it offers a variety of outdoor activities and breathtaking scenery.