Crater Lake National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are two gems that sparkle in the crown of America’s national parks. While Crater Lake boasts the deepest lake in the country, surrounded by stunning cliffs, Sequoia & Kings Canyon is home to some of the tallest and oldest trees on earth. Whether you’re seeking a serene alpine escape or a rugged adventure among towering giants, these parks offer a diverse range of experiences that will leave you in awe. So get ready to explore two of the most breathtaking destinations in the country and discover why they’re beloved by millions of visitors each year!
Hiking Trails in Crater Lake National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Crater Lake and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks offer diverse hiking experiences. Crater Lake has trails ranging from easy walks around the lake’s rim to challenging descents into the caldera. Easy hikes include the Rim Trail and Discovery Point, while the Cleetwood Cove Trail is the most strenuous. Sequoia & Kings Canyon have diverse range of trails too, including easy walks like the Big Trees Trail and Congress Trail, and the tough High Sierra Trail, a strenuous backpacking route recommended for experienced hikers.
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 Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Moro Rock Trail | 643.736 | 56.9976 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Tokopah Falls via Tokopah Valley Trail | 6437.36 | 194.7672 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Heather Lake, Emerald Lake, and Pear Lake Trail via Watchtower and Pear Lake Trails | 18990.212 | 887.8824 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
General Sherman Tree Trail | 1287.472 | 46.9392 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
Marble Falls Trail | 11909.116 | 495.9096 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Congress Trail | 5149.888 | 151.7904 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Alta Peak Trail | 23979.166 | 1238.7072 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
Mineral King to Eagle Lake Trail | 10460.71 | 674.8272 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
Big Trees Trail | 2092.142 | 36.8808 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Giant Forest Loop Trail | 11265.38 | 390.7536 | Easy | loop | 5 |
Wildlife in Crater Lake National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Crater Lake National Park is known for its diverse wildlife, including black bears, deer, squirrels, chipmunks, and otters. The park is also a popular destination for birdwatchers, with over 150 species of birds, including the rare osprey and peregrine falcon. On the other hand, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are home to big mammals such as black bears, coyotes, bighorn sheep, and marmots. The parks also have a diverse range of bird species, including Steller’s Jay, White-headed Woodpecker, and Hermit Warbler. The parks are famous for their giant sequoias, the largest trees on Earth, and other unique plant species like the Sierra Nevada red fir.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Crater Lake National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
Crater Lake National Park | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
---|---|
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 | Green-Winged Teal |
Swainson’s Thrush | American Pipit |
Mammals
Crater Lake National Park | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
---|---|
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 | Red Fox |
Long-Tailed Weasel | Long-Tailed Weasel |
House Mouse | House Mouse |
Mountain Lion | Mountain Lion |
Mink | Mink |
Mule Deer Or Black-Tailed Deer | Mule Deer |
Gray Fox | Gray Fox |
Wolf | Wolf |
Long-Legged Myotis | Long-Legged Myotis |
Long-Eared Myotis | Long-Eared Myotis |
American Badger | Badger |
Ermine | Ermine |
Fish
Crater Lake National Park | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
---|---|
Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
Brook Trout | Brook Trout Charr Salter |
Brown Trout | Brown Trout |
Lake Trout | Green Sunfish |
Silver Salmon | Golden Shiner |
Kokanee Salmon | European Carp |
Cutthroat Trout | Black Bullhead |
Brown Bullhead | |
Goldfish | |
Smallmouth Bass |
Reptiles
Crater Lake National Park | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
---|---|
Western Terestrial Garter Snake | Gopher Snake |
Racer | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
Sagebrush Lizard | Racer |
Common Garter Snake | Ring-Necked Snake |
Rubber Boa | Sagebrush Lizard |
Western Skink | Common Garter Snake |
Western Fence Lizard | Common Kingsnake |
Rubber Boa | |
Nightsnake | |
Southwestern Black-Headed Snake | |
Western Whiptail | |
Western Skink | |
Long-Nosed Snake | |
Western Fence Lizard |
Amphibians
Crater Lake National Park | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
---|---|
Bullfrog | Bullfrog |
Insects
Crater Lake National Park | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
---|---|
Orange Sulphur | |
Painted Lady | |
Red Admiral | |
Honey Bee | |
Purplish Copper | |
Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Crater Lake National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Crater Lake, known for its deep blue water and surrounding peaks of the Cascade Range, is a highlight of Crater Lake National Park. Rim Drive offers scenic views of the lake, Wizard Island, and the range.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon NPs boast giant sequoias and stunning mountain scenery. The Generals Highway and Kings Canyon Scenic Byway offer views of Sierra Nevada and Kings Canyon. Parks also feature rivers, valleys, and rugged terrain.
Things To-Do and Activities in Crater Lake National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Crater Lake NP is known for its deep blue lake, scenic drives, and boat tours. Sequoia & Kings Canyon NP is famous for its giant sequoias, scenic valleys, and tree-lined byways. Both offer camping, picnicking, ranger programs and caves to explore. Crater Lake has limited hiking options, while Sequoia & Kings Canyon has more trails for day hikes and backpacking.
Best Time to Visit Crater Lake National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Crater Lake NP in Oregon has a high-altitude, alpine climate with cold, snowy winters and mild, dry summers. The park averages 533 inches of snow a year, with heaviest snow Nov-Apr. Best time to visit is summer (July-Aug) for clear roads & skies.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon NP in California have a moderate Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The parks receive most precipitation Nov-Apr, with snow possible at high elevations. Best time to visit is shoulder seasons (May-Jun, Sep-Oct) for mild weather & smaller crowds.
Family Friendliness of Crater Lake National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Crater Lake is more family-friendly with easier trails and facilities, while Sequoia & Kings Canyon has steeper trails and requires more effort to access key attractions. Both offer educational opportunities.