Crater Lake National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two American treasures that showcase the diverse beauty of nature. While Crater Lake boasts stunning blue waters that fill a volcanic caldera, Yellowstone boasts geysers like Old Faithful and a range of thermal features. Both parks offer a wealth of outdoor activities and opportunities to witness wildlife, making them perfect destinations for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Join us as we explore the unique wonders of Crater Lake and Yellowstone, and discover why they are must-visit destinations for anyone looking to experience the breathtaking beauty of the American wilderness.
Hiking Trails in Crater Lake National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Hiking at Crater Lake and Yellowstone offers unique experiences. Crater Lake is known for its stunning blue waters surrounded by cliffs, and offers hikes like the 7-mile Rim Trail with moderate elevation and the strenuous Garfield Peak with steep ascent. At Yellowstone, popular trails include the easy boardwalk trails around geysers, the 5-mile Rim Trail with mild elevation, and the challenging Mt. Washburn with over 3,000-ft ascent. Both parks offer options for all skill levels and interests.
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 Yellowstone National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mystic Falls, Fairy Creek and Little Firehole Loop | 5632.69 | 184.7088 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Grand Prismatic Hot Spring | 2574.944 | 60.96 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful Observation Point Loop | 7242.03 | 73.7616 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Canyon Rim North Trail to Inspiration Point | 12713.786 | 349.9104 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail | 1609.34 | 17.9832 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Mammoth Hot Springs Area Trail | 5632.69 | 170.9928 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Artists Paintpots Trail | 1609.34 | 30.7848 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Avalanche Peak Trail | 7402.964 | 614.7816 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Old Faithful Geyser Loop Trail | 1126.538 | 4.8768 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Upper Falls, Lower Falls and Crystal Falls Trail | 6115.492 | 140.8176 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Crater Lake National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Crater Lake and Yellowstone are both known for their rich wildlife. Crater Lake is a haven for bird-watching with species like bald eagles and Steller’s Jays. Mammals present include black bears, deer, and coyotes. Meanwhile, Yellowstone is famous for its bison and elk herds, and is also a prime spot to observe grizzly bears and wolves. Additionally, Yellowstone offers a chance to see rarer species like the lynx and gray wolf. In terms of vegetation, Crater Lake is home to a mix of conifers and deciduous trees, while Yellowstone boasts a variety of grasses, wildflowers, geysers, and hot springs.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Crater Lake National Park and Yellowstone National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Crater Lake National Park | Yellowstone 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 | Yellowstone 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 | 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 | Wolf |
| Wolf | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Badger |
| American Badger | Short Tailed Weasel |
| Ermine | California Myotis |
Fish
| Crater Lake National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brook Trout | Brook Trout |
| Brown Trout | Brown Trout |
| Lake Trout | Longnose Sucker |
| Silver Salmon | Lake Trout |
| Kokanee Salmon | Mottled Sculpin |
| Cutthroat Trout | Longnose Dace |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Reptiles
| Crater Lake National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terestrial Garter Snake | Racer |
| Racer | Greater Short-Horned Lizard |
| Sagebrush Lizard | Rubber Boa |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Rubber Boa | |
| Western Skink | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Amphibians
| Crater Lake National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Bullfrog | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
| Crater Lake National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | Orange Sulphur |
| Painted Lady | Painted Lady |
| Red Admiral | Monarch |
| Honey Bee | American Painted Lady |
| Purplish Copper | Red Admiral |
| Anise Swallowtail | Mourning Cloak |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Checkered Skipper | |
| Common Sulphur | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Crater Lake National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Crater Lake NP in Oregon is famous for its deep blue lake, formed from a collapsed volcano. Visitors can drive Rim Drive for panoramic views or hike to overlooks like Garfield Peak.
Yellowstone NP in Wyoming is known for its geothermal wonders, such as Old Faithful geyser, hot springs, mud pots and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone which has Upper and Lower Falls. Midway Geyser Basin’s colorful hot springs and the Yellowstone River running through the Hayden Valley are also popular.
Things To-Do and Activities in Crater Lake National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Crater Lake NP is known for its stunning lake, scenic drives, boat tours, fishing, and stargazing. Yellowstone NP, on the other hand, is famous for geothermal features such as geysers, hot springs, and wildlife viewing. Visitors to Yellowstone also enjoy scenic drives, camping, and ranger-led programs. Both parks offer diverse outdoor activities but differ in their main attractions.
Best Time to Visit Crater Lake National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Crater Lake and Yellowstone have different climates due to location and elevation. Crater Lake has a continental climate with cold, snowy winters and warm summers. Snow can fall as late as June and temperatures can drop below freezing. The best time to visit is June-September, when weather is mild and snow-free.
Yellowstone has subalpine climate with hot summers and cold winters. Summer temperatures can reach 80s, while winter temperatures often fall below zero. Snow is common Oct-May, and many park facilities close during this time. Best time to visit is June-September, when park is accessible and temperatures are mild.
Family Friendliness of Crater Lake National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Both Crater Lake and Yellowstone are family-friendly parks with unique features that cater to different interests. Crater Lake has a stunning lake and hiking trails while Yellowstone offers a variety of geysers and wildlife. Yellowstone offers more services, but Crater Lake has breathtaking views. The best park for a family would depend on personal interests, but both offer great experiences.