Crater Lake National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two of America’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. Crater Lake is a serene blue gem surrounded by towering cliffs, while New River Gorge boasts some of the country’s most dramatic scenic beauty with its rugged cliffs, verdant forests and rolling hills. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or a first-time visitor, these parks offer something for everyone, from tranquil hikes to heart-pumping adventures. Immerse yourself in the spectacular beauty of Crater Lake’s crystal-clear waters, or tackle the thrilling rapids of the New River. So, pack your bags and get ready to experience the wild, because these two parks are not to be missed!
Hiking Trails in Crater Lake National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Crater Lake and New River Gorge both offer a range of hiking trails, with varied difficulty levels. Crater Lake’s Rim Village Nature Trail is a 0.5-mile, easy loop with lake views. For those seeking a strenuous challenge, the Garfield Peak Trail is 7.7 miles with steep elevation gain to the summit, offering panoramic views of Crater Lake and its surroundings.
New River Gorge’s Endless Wall Trail is a 2.5-mile, easy loop that offers views of the New River Gorge. The Grandview Rim Trail is a demanding 5.5-mile hike along the gorge rim with steep climbs and descents for those seeking a challenge. Another option is the Kaymoor Trail, a steep descent to the river that passes through an old mining town. Both parks offer scenic beauty and unique geology, catering to hikers of all levels.
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 New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tolmie Peak Trail | 8851.37 | 463.9056 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Skyline Trail | 8529.502 | 535.8384 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| Comet and Christine Falls | 6920.162 | 610.8192 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Camp Muir Route Via Skyline Trail | 13518.456 | 1403.9088 | Very Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Burroughs Mountain Loop Trail | 15127.796 | 780.8976 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| Naches Peak Loop Trail | 5310.822 | 193.8528 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Spray Park Trail to Mount Pleasant | 11104.446 | 635.8128 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mount Fremont Lookout Trail | 9012.304 | 348.996 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Pinnacle Peak Saddle Trail | 3862.416 | 321.8688 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Summerland Trail | 13196.588 | 655.9296 | Moderate | out and back | 4.6 |
Wildlife in Crater Lake National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Crater Lake NP boasts a range of wildlife incl. black bears, mountain lions, deer, & birds such as ravens, American dippers & Steller’s jays. The park features conifers like Douglas & white firs & deciduous trees like aspens & maples.
New River Gorge NP & Preserve is a habitat for white-tailed deer, black bears, river otters & birds like bald eagles, great blue herons & pileated woodpeckers. The park is rich in plants incl. hemlocks, rhododendrons, & ferns.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Crater Lake National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Crater Lake National Park | New River Gorge National Park and 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 | Great Horned Owl |
| American Robin | Red-Tailed Hawk |
| Great Horned Owl | Barn Swallow |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | Savannah Sparrow |
| Northern Flicker | Great Blue Heron |
| Merlin | Hermit Thrush |
| Barn Swallow | European Starling |
| Savannah Sparrow | Northern Pintail |
| Great Blue Heron | American Wigeon |
| Hermit Thrush | Green-Winged Teal |
| Bald Eagle | American Pipit |
| Song Sparrow | Killdeer |
| European Starling | Brown-Headed Cowbird |
| Northern Pintail | Hairy Woodpecker |
| American Wigeon | Red-Breasted Nuthatch |
| American Pipit | White-Crowned Sparrow |
| Swainson’s Thrush | Northern Shoveler |
Mammals
| Crater Lake National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| 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 | Porcupine |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Hoary Bat | Hoary Bat |
| Red Fox | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | House Mouse |
| House Mouse | Mountain Lion |
| Mountain Lion | Black-Tailed Deer |
| Mink | Wolf |
| Mule Deer Or Black-Tailed Deer | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Gray Fox | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Wolf | Ermine |
| Long-Legged Myotis | California Myotis |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Snowshoe Hare |
| American Badger | North American River Otter |
| Ermine | Masked Shrew |
Fish
| Crater Lake National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brook Trout | Eastern Brook Trout |
| Brown Trout | Brown Trout |
| Lake Trout | Coho Salmon |
| Silver Salmon | Chinook Salmon |
| Kokanee Salmon | Mottled Sculpin |
| Cutthroat Trout | Slimy Sculpin |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Kokanee | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Reptiles
| Crater Lake National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Western Terestrial Garter Snake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Racer | Common Garter Snake |
| Sagebrush Lizard | Rubber Boa |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Rubber Boa | |
| Western Skink | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Amphibians
| Crater Lake National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog | Tiger Salamander |
Insects
| Crater Lake National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | Mourning Cloak |
| Painted Lady | Cabbage White |
| Red Admiral | Silvery Blue |
| Honey Bee | Purplish Copper |
| Purplish Copper | Anise Swallowtail |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Crater Lake National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Crater Lake is known for its deep blue lake, created by a collapsed volcano, and surrounded by cliffs. Visitors can hike to various overlooks for stunning views.
New River Gorge offers outdoor activities and scenic views, with its rapids, trails, and overlooks. The park is centered around the New River, which has carved a deep gorge through the Appalachian Mountains. The New River Gorge Bridge offers a view of the river and landscape from over 800 ft.
Things To-Do and Activities in Crater Lake National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Crater Lake and New River Gorge are both renowned for outdoor recreation. Crater Lake is popular for its scenic drives, picnicking, fishing, kayaking, and boat tours, while New River Gorge draws visitors for rock climbing, whitewater rafting, scenic drives, camping, fishing, and hunting. Both offer a range of activities for nature lovers and adventure seekers, but each has its own unique features that draw visitors.
Best Time to Visit Crater Lake National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Crater Lake and New River Gorge both have distinct weather patterns, affecting their peak visiting seasons. Crater Lake experiences heavy snowfall with avg. depths over 5ft from Nov to Apr, making summer the best time to visit. New River Gorge has mild winters, warm summers and occasional snow, making fall its peak season for leaf peepers. The best time to visit is from Sep to Nov when leaves are at their best.
Family Friendliness of Crater Lake National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Crater Lake is known for its stunning lake and recreational activities, with a Junior Ranger program for kids. New River Gorge is more geared towards adventurous families with activities such as rafting, rock climbing, and hiking, and also has a Junior Ranger program. For a more family-friendly experience, Crater Lake is the better choice.