Crater Lake National Park and Virgin Islands National Park are two unique destinations that offer vastly different experiences. While Crater Lake boasts a deep blue lake surrounded by steep cliffs, Virgin Islands National Park is a tropical paradise with pristine beaches and lush vegetation. Both parks offer opportunities for adventure – from climbing to the Rim of Crater Lake to snorkeling in the clear waters of Virgin Islands – making them ideal for those seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you want to explore the rugged beauty of Crater Lake or relax in the warm sun of Virgin Islands, these two parks will not disappoint.
Hiking Trails in Crater Lake National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Crater Lake National Park and Virgin Islands National Park offer different hiking experiences. Crater Lake features several trails around the rim of the lake, offering views of the blue water and cliffs. The easiest hike is the 1.1-mi Rim Village to Rim Trail, a paved walk with views of park features. The most challenging hike is the 700-ft descent to the lake shore on the Cleetwood Cove trail. Virgin Islands National Park, located on St. John, offers hikes through historic ruins, lush forests, and coastline views. The easiest trails are 1-mi loops at Annaberg Plantation and Cinnamon Bay. The most difficult is the 3-mi Ram Head trail with steep inclines, rocky terrain, and scenic coastline views. Both parks showcase diverse landscapes and offer a range of hikes from easy to challenging.
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 Virgin Islands National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wind Canyon Trail | 804.67 | 16.764 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Caprock Coulee Loop | 6115.492 | 159.7152 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Painted Canyon Nature Trail | 1770.274 | 78.9432 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Petrified Forest Trail | 16415.268 | 253.8984 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Maah Daah Hey Trail | 229009.082 | 4614.9768 | Hard | point to point | 4.5 |
| Lower Paddock Creek Trail | 11587.248 | 127.7112 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Buck Hill Trail | 643.736 | 16.764 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Ridgeline Nature Trail | 1126.538 | 33.8328 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Coal Vein Trail | 965.604 | 4.8768 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Buckhorn Trail | 19633.948 | 324.9168 | Hard | loop | 4.6 |
Wildlife in Crater Lake National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Crater Lake NP, OR: black bears, chipmunks, deer, elk, squirrels, ospreys, bald eagles, Douglas firs, pines, spruces.
Virgin Islands NP, USVI: brown pelicans, flamingos, frigatebirds, coral reef fish, sea turtles, iguanas, mongooses, deer, lush tropical vegetation.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Crater Lake National Park and Virgin Islands National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Crater Lake National Park | Virgin Islands 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 | American Kestrel |
| Bald Eagle | Bald Eagle |
| Song Sparrow | Song Sparrow |
| European Starling | European Starling |
| Northern Pintail | Northern Pintail |
| American Wigeon | American Wigeon |
| American Pipit | Green-Winged Teal |
| Swainson’s Thrush | Swainson’s Thrush |
Mammals
| Crater Lake National Park | Virgin Islands National Park |
|---|---|
| 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 | 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 |
| Mule Deer Or Black-Tailed Deer | Gray Wolf |
| Gray Fox | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Wolf | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Badger |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Snowshoe Hare |
| American Badger | North American River Otter |
| Ermine | Masked Shrew |
Fish
| Crater Lake National Park | Virgin Islands National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Longnose Sucker |
| Brook Trout | Green Sunfish |
| Brown Trout | Bluegill |
| Lake Trout | Flathead Minnow |
| Silver Salmon | Golden Shiner |
| Kokanee Salmon | Carp/European Carp |
| Cutthroat Trout | Northern Pike |
| Burbot | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Channel Catfish | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Creek Chub |
Reptiles
| Crater Lake National Park | Virgin Islands National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terestrial Garter Snake | Bullsnake |
| Racer | Racer |
| Sagebrush Lizard | Rattlesnake |
| Common Garter Snake | Sagebrush Lizard |
| Rubber Boa | Common Garter Snake |
| Western Skink | Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Amphibians
| Crater Lake National Park | Virgin Islands National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
| Crater Lake National Park | Virgin Islands National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Honey Bee | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Crater Lake National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Crater Lake NP showcases a volcanic caldera filled with a deep blue lake, surrounded by cliffs. Visitors can drive Rim Drive for panoramic views and hike for overlook vistas of Wizard Island and the lake.
Virgin Islands NP on St. John showcases turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and lush hills. Hiking trails lead to views of the Caribbean Sea, including Reef Bay Trail with a waterfall and petroglyphs. Snorkeling/diving opportunities abound, with colorful coral reefs and marine life to explore.
Things To-Do and Activities in Crater Lake National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Crater Lake NP in Oregon offers scenic drives, boat tours, fishing, camping while Virgin Islands NP in US VI offers snorkeling, kayaking, beach-hopping. Both parks offer opportunities to enjoy nature, but activities vary due to different environments.
Best Time to Visit Crater Lake National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Crater Lake National Park (Oregon) experiences a humid continental climate with cold, snowy winters and cool summers. Summer high temperatures (July-Aug) are around 65-70°F, while winter lows (Dec-Mar) are around 20-30°F. The park averages 44 inches of snowfall annually, sometimes remaining on the ground until June. To visit Crater Lake with warm, dry weather and open roads/facilities, the best time is July to September.
Virgin Islands National Park (US Virgin Islands) has a tropical climate with warm temperatures throughout the year and a rainy season from May to October. Summer highs (July-Aug) are around 85°F, while winter lows (Jan-Apr) are around 75°F. The park gets 55 inches of rainfall annually, with the heaviest amounts falling from Sep to Oct. For drier, less humid weather and calmer waters for water activities, the optimal time to visit Virgin Islands National Park is Dec to Apr.
Family Friendliness of Crater Lake National Park and Virgin Islands National Park
Crater Lake NP has easier trails, ranger-led activities, and camping making it ideal for families with young kids. Virgin Islands NP, with its challenging hikes and water activities like snorkeling, is better for older children and teens. Both parks offer picnicking, but Virgin Islands NP may have more dining options.