Crater Lake National Park vs Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

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Crater Lake National Park vs Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

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.

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