“Crater Lake National Park and Pinnacles National Park, two contrasting yet complementary parks, both offer unique and stunning landscapes. While Crater Lake boasts the deepest lake in the US, formed by a volcanic eruption, Pinnacles presents towering spires and cliffs that challenge climbers and hikers. Whether you prefer to take a dip in the crystal clear waters of Crater Lake or scale the rugged terrain of Pinnacles, both parks cater to nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. So, come along for the journey as we explore the wonders of these two diverse national parks – a place where adventure and beauty await at every turn.”
Hiking Trails in Crater Lake National Park and Pinnacles National Park
Crater Lake and Pinnacles National Parks offer diverse hiking options. Crater Lake features hikes ranging from easy rim walks to tough descents to lake shore such as the Rim Village Walk or Discovery Point Trail and the Cleetwood Cove Trail, respectively. Hiking to the summit of Garfield Peak is also a strenuous option at 7.7 miles. Pinnacles Park is recognized for its unique rock formations, with hikes varying from easy walks like the Balconies Cave Trail to strenuous climbs like the 5.5-mile High Peaks Trail. Another challenging hike is the Steep and Narrow Trail, a 2.4-mile hike along narrow paths along towering cliffs. Both parks provide opportunities to explore natural wonders and offer a range of hiking experiences.
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 Pinnacles National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Condor Gulch Trail to High Peaks Trail Loop | 8690.436 | 484.9368 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| Old Pinnacles Trail Loop | 15288.73 | 527.9136 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Bear Gulch Day Use Area to Reservoir via Rim Trail | 2896.812 | 134.7216 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| High Peaks Trail | 10138.842 | 539.8008 | Very Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| High Peaks & Balconies Cave Loop Trail | 12713.786 | 549.8592 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Moses Spring Trail to Bear Gulch Reservoir | 1770.274 | 96.9264 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Old Pinnacles Trail to Balconies | 8207.634 | 150.876 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Balconies Trail | 13196.588 | 592.836 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Juniper Canyon Trail to High Peaks | 5793.624 | 383.7432 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| Balconies Cave Trail | 4184.284 | 121.92 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Crater Lake National Park and Pinnacles National Park
Crater Lake NP in Oregon has diverse wildlife including black bears, elk, mule deer, & lynx. Birds like bald eagles, peregrine falcons, & osprey can also be seen. Vegetation includes conifers, wildflowers, & meadows.
Pinnacles NP in California is known for its endangered California condors, golden eagles, prairie falcons, & other birds. Common mammals include black-tailed deer, coyotes, & bobcats. Park vegetation consists of oak woodlands, coastal sage scrub, & chaparral.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Crater Lake National Park and Pinnacles National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Crater Lake National Park | Pinnacles 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 | 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 | Great Blue Heron |
| Savannah Sparrow | Hermit Thrush |
| Great Blue Heron | American Kestrel |
| Hermit Thrush | Bald Eagle |
| Bald Eagle | Song Sparrow |
| Song Sparrow | European Starling |
| European Starling | Swainson’s Thrush |
| Northern Pintail | Killdeer |
| American Wigeon | Brown-Headed Cowbird |
| American Pipit | Hairy Woodpecker |
| Swainson’s Thrush | Red-Breasted Nuthatch |
Mammals
| Crater Lake National Park | Pinnacles 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 | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Raccoon | Hoary Bat |
| Black Bear | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Porcupine | House Mouse |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Puma |
| Hoary Bat | Mule Deer |
| Red Fox | Gray Fox |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Long-Legged Myotis |
| House Mouse | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Mountain Lion | North American Badger |
| Mink | California Myotis |
| Mule Deer Or Black-Tailed Deer | Fringed Myotis |
| Gray Fox | Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat |
| Wolf | Townsends’ Big-Eared Bat |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Western Harvest Mouse |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Western Small-Footed Bat |
| American Badger | Yuma Myotis |
| Ermine | Pallid Bat |
Fish
| Crater Lake National Park | Pinnacles National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Green Sunfish |
| Brook Trout | Fathead Minnow |
| Brown Trout | Threespine Stickleback |
| Lake Trout | Mosquitofish |
| Silver Salmon | |
| Kokanee Salmon | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Reptiles
| Crater Lake National Park | Pinnacles National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terestrial Garter Snake | Gophersnake |
| Racer | Yellow-Bellied Racer |
| Sagebrush Lizard | Ringneck Snake |
| Common Garter Snake | Sagebrush Lizard |
| Rubber Boa | Common Gartersnake |
| Western Skink | Side-Blotched Lizard |
| Western Fence Lizard | California Kingsnake |
| Rubber Boa | |
| Night Snake | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Glossy Snake | |
| Western Skink | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Amphibians
| Crater Lake National Park | Pinnacles National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog | Bullfrog |
Insects
| Crater Lake National Park | Pinnacles National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | Orange Sulphur |
| Painted Lady | Painted Lady |
| Red Admiral | Monarch |
| Honey Bee | American Lady |
| Purplish Copper | Red Admiral |
| Anise Swallowtail | Mourning Cloak |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | |
| Buckeye | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Crater Lake National Park and Pinnacles National Park
Crater Lake National Park is famous for its deep, pristine lake surrounded by cliffs and Wizard Island, a cinder cone volcano. The Rim Drive offers panoramic views. Pinnacles National Park boasts unique rock formations, spires, and caves formed by volcanic activity, and visitors can hike to see them up close, including the popular High Peaks trail with valley views.
Things To-Do and Activities in Crater Lake National Park and Pinnacles National Park
Crater Lake National Park is known for its scenic beauty, including the deep blue lake, surrounded by cliffs and hiking trails. Popular activities include scenic drives, boat tours, fishing, and sightseeing. Pinnacles National Park, on the other hand, is popular for its unique rock formations, bird watching, and adventurous activities like hiking, rock climbing, and camping. Both parks attract nature enthusiasts, but Crater Lake is more focused on scenic views, while Pinnacles is geared towards more active pursuits.
Best Time to Visit Crater Lake National Park and Pinnacles National Park
Crater Lake National Park in Oregon has cold, snowy winters and mild summers due to its high elevation. June to September is the best time to visit, with warm weather and no snow. Pinnacles National Park in California has the opposite climate with dry, hot summers and cool, wet winters. The best time to visit is from March to May or from September to November when the weather is mild, with fewer crowds. Winter rains bring lush vegetation but also make hiking difficult.
Family Friendliness of Crater Lake National Park and Pinnacles National Park
Crater Lake National Park is known for its scenic drives, easy trails and ranger-led programs, making it a more family-friendly option compared to Pinnacles National Park. Pinnacles is known for its challenging hikes and rock formations, but may not be as suitable for kids. If traveling with children, Crater Lake is the better option for a fun and accessible family experience.