Crater Lake National Park and Petrified Forest National Park are two vastly different but equally captivating destinations for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Crater Lake boasts a stunning, deep blue lake surrounded by towering cliffs and forests, while Petrified Forest offers a unique landscape of colorful, petrified wood and other prehistoric artifacts. Whether you seek serenity and tranquility or the thrill of discovering ancient wonders, these parks have something for everyone. So pack your bags, grab your sunscreen and get ready to embark on a journey through two of the United States’ most fascinating national parks.
Hiking Trails in Crater Lake National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Crater Lake and Petrified Forest NP both offer diverse hiking experiences. Crater Lake has several trails, with easy ones like Rim Village and challenging ones like Cleetwood Cove. Petrified Forest has fewer trails, with easy ones like Giant Logs and difficult ones like Blue Mesa. Trails at both parks offer scenic views, Crater Lake has clear blue waters and Petrified Forest has colorful petrified wood and ancient artifacts such as petroglyphs and Native American ruins.
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 Petrified Forest National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Mesa Trail | 1448.406 | 32.9184 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Crystal Forest Trail | 1448.406 | 10.9728 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Painted Desert Rim Trail | 1770.274 | 11.8872 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Petrified Forest Scenic Drive | 46027.124 | 297.7896 | Moderate | point to point | 4.5 |
| Giant Logs Trail | 965.604 | 10.9728 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Onyx Bridge Trail | 7402.964 | 134.7216 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Long Logs and Agate House Loop Trail | 3379.614 | 24.9936 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Puerco Pueblo Trail | 482.802 | 2.7432 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Devil’s Playground Loop | 12070.05 | 144.78 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Old Jasper Forest Road | 4184.284 | 53.9496 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Crater Lake National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Crater Lake National Park in Oregon is known for its stunning blue waters and volcanic landscapes. Wildlife commonly seen in the area include black bears, mule deer, chipmunks, and squirrels. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including bald eagles, ospreys, and the common raven.
Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona is famous for its petrified wood formations and colorful badlands. Visitors can expect to see species such as pronghorns, rattlesnakes, and coyotes. The park is also a popular spot for birdwatching, with species such as the greater roadrunner and the cactus wren often seen. In terms of vegetation, the park is a transition zone between the Sonoran and Chihuahuan Deserts and is home to unique plant life such as agave and yucca.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Crater Lake National Park and Petrified Forest National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Crater Lake National Park | Petrified Forest 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 | Petrified Forest National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | Big Brown Bat |
| Muskrat | Bobcat |
| Big Brown Bat | Striped Skunk |
| Bobcat | Little Brown Bat |
| Striped Skunk | Deer Mouse |
| Little Brown Bat | Raccoon |
| Deer Mouse | Black Bear |
| Raccoon | Porcupine |
| Black Bear | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Porcupine | Hoary Bat |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Red Fox |
| Hoary Bat | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Red Fox | Mountain Lion |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Mule Deer |
| House Mouse | Gray Fox |
| Mountain Lion | Wolf |
| Mink | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Mule Deer Or Black-Tailed Deer | Badger |
| Gray Fox | California Myotis |
| Wolf | Fringed Myotis |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Pacific Townsend’s Big-Eared Bat |
| American Badger | Bushy-Tailed Woodrat |
| Ermine | Western Harvest Mouse |
Fish
| Crater Lake National Park | Petrified Forest National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | |
| Brook Trout | |
| Brown Trout | |
| Lake Trout | |
| Silver Salmon | |
| Kokanee Salmon | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Reptiles
| Crater Lake National Park | Petrified Forest National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terestrial Garter Snake | Gopher Snake |
| Racer | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Sagebrush Lizard | Western Rattlesnake |
| Common Garter Snake | Sagebrush Lizard |
| Rubber Boa | Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard |
| Western Skink | Side-Blotched Lizard |
| Western Fence Lizard | Common Kingsnake |
| Nightsnake | |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | |
| Milksnake | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Southwestern Black-Headed Snake | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake |
Amphibians
| Crater Lake National Park | Petrified Forest National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
| Crater Lake National Park | Petrified Forest National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Honey Bee | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Crater Lake National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Crater Lake is famous for its deep blue waters and steep cliffs. Petrified Forest is known for its petrified wood formations and the Painted Desert. Both parks offer scenic drives and hiking trails showcasing their unique natural wonders.
Things To-Do and Activities in Crater Lake National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Crater Lake National Park is famous for its deep blue Crater Lake, attracting visitors with scenic drives, boat tours, and short hikes with stunning views. Petrified Forest National Park offers a different experience with its petrified wood, badlands, and Native American petroglyphs, appealing to those interested in backcountry hiking, scenic drives, and cultural history. While both parks offer unique and beautiful vistas, Crater Lake is more focused on water and short hikes, while Petrified Forest is geared toward backcountry and cultural activities.
Best Time to Visit Crater Lake National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Crater Lake National Park in Oregon is characterized by cold and snowy winters with average temperatures ranging from 20 to 30°F, while summers are mild with temperatures in the 50s to 60s°F. Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona experiences hot and dry summers with average temperatures in the 80s to 90s°F, while winters there are mild with temperatures in the 40s to 50s°F. The best time to visit Crater Lake is during the summer months of June to September, while Petrified Forest is best visited between October and April, during the cooler months. The weather plays a significant role in determining the accessibility and enjoyment of the attractions and activities offered at each park. For instance, Crater Lake offers opportunities for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing in winter, while Petrified Forest provides scenic drives and ranger-led walks throughout the year.
Family Friendliness of Crater Lake National Park and Petrified Forest National Park
Both Crater Lake National Park and Petrified Forest National Park offer family-friendly experiences, but each has its own highlights. Crater Lake is great for scenic drives, boat tours, and hikes, while Petrified Forest offers scenic drives, ranger-led activities, and a stroller-friendly path. Both have Junior Ranger programs. The best park for families will depend on personal preferences, but Crater Lake may be more appealing to kids interested in outdoor activities, while Petrified Forest may be better for families with younger children or those interested in geology and history.