Cuyahoga Valley National Park vs Olympic National Park

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Cuyahoga Valley National Park vs Olympic National Park

Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Olympic National Park are two stunning destinations that offer vastly different landscapes and experiences. The former is a peaceful retreat, dotted with rolling hills, sparkling rivers, and lush greenery. The latter, on the other hand, is a rugged wilderness, complete with jagged peaks, pristine lakes, and dense rainforests. Whether you’re in the mood for a scenic hike, a serene picnic, or an adrenaline-fueled adventure, these parks have something for everyone. So, grab your backpack and let’s hit the trail!

Hiking Trails in Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Olympic National Park

Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP) in Ohio and Olympic National Park in Washington State are popular hiking destinations in the US. CVNP is known for its beginner-friendly trails and shorter hikes, such as the Ledges Trail and Towpath Trail, which offer scenic views and historical sites. Olympic National Park offers a wider range of trails, including easy hikes like the Hurricane Ridge Trail and Hoh River Trail, and challenging hikes like the Seven Lakes Basin Trail and Glacier Meadows Trail, both of which climb to high altitudes with awe-inspiring views. Whether you’re looking for an easy or challenging hike, both CVNP and Olympic have plenty of options for all levels of experience.

Most Popular Hiking Trails in Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Name Length Elevation Type Difficulty Visitor Ratings
Ledges Trail 4184.284 46.9392 Moderate loop 4.5
Brandywine Gorge Trail 2735.878 65.8368 Moderate loop 4.5
Stanford House to Brandywine Falls Trail 6115.492 162.7632 Moderate loop 4.5
Blue Hen Falls Trail 804.67 23.7744 Moderate out and back 4
Salt Run Trail 6759.228 123.7488 Moderate loop 4.5
Plateau Trail 7081.096 96.9264 Moderate loop 4.5
Pine Grove Trail and Ledges Trail Loop from Kendall Lake 6115.492 98.7552 Moderate loop 4.5
Buckeye Trail to Valley Bridle Trail Loop 5471.756 119.7864 Moderate loop 4.5
Wetmore Bridle Trail 7563.898 169.7736 Moderate loop 4.5
Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail: Brecksville Station 7081.096 20.7264 Easy out and back 4.5

Most Popular Hiking Trails in Olympic National Park

Name Length Elevation Type Difficulty Visitor Ratings
Hurricane Hill via Hurricane Ridge 4988.954 242.9256 Moderate out and back 4.5
Mount Storm King 6276.426 638.8608 Hard out and back 5
Sol Duc Falls Nature Trail 2574.944 77.724 Easy out and back 4.5
Hoh Rain Forest Hall of Moss 1609.34 23.7744 Easy loop 4.5
Marymere Falls Trail 2735.878 90.8304 Easy out and back 4.5
Hoh River Trail 52786.352 1558.7472 Moderate out and back 4.5
High Divide – Seven Lakes Basin Loop 30577.46 1617.8784 Hard loop 5
Ruby Beach 2253.076 20.7264 Easy loop 4.5
Staircase Rapids Loop 3379.614 64.9224 Easy loop 4.5
Spruce Railroad Trail: Lake Crescent 18024.608 131.9784 Easy out and back 4.5

Wildlife in Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Olympic National Park

Cuyahoga Valley NP in Ohio has diverse wildlife such as white-tailed deer, river otters, beavers, and red foxes. Over 200 bird species have been seen, including American Bald Eagle, Wood Duck and Warbling Vireo. Reptiles and amphibians like Eastern Box Turtle and American Bullfrog are also present. Olympic NP in Wash. boasts diverse ecosystems like temperate rainforests, subalpine meadows, and coastal beaches, resulting in equally diverse wildlife like Olympic Marmot, Black Bear, and Grey Wolf. The park has 300+ bird species including Harlequin Duck, Bald Eagle, and Rhinoceros Auklet and is a popular spot for birdwatching.

Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Olympic National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.

Birds

Cuyahoga Valley National Park Olympic 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 Barn Swallow
Barn Swallow Savannah Sparrow
Savannah Sparrow Great Blue Heron
Great Blue Heron Hermit Thrush
Hermit Thrush American Kestrel
American Kestrel Bald Eagle
Bald Eagle Song Sparrow
Song Sparrow European Starling
European Starling Northern Pintail
Northern Pintail American Wigeon
American Wigeon Green-Winged Teal
Green-Winged Teal American Pipit

Mammals

Cuyahoga Valley National Park Olympic National Park
Coyote Coyote
American Beaver American Beaver
Muskrat Muskrat
Big Brown Bat Big Brown Bat
Bobcat Striped Skunk
Striped Skunk Little Brown Bat
Little Brown Bat Deer Mouse
Deer Mouse Raccoon
Raccoon Black Bear
Silver-Haired Bat Porcupine
Hoary Bat Silver-Haired Bat
Red Fox Red Fox
Long-Tailed Weasel Long-Tailed Weasel
House Mouse House Mouse
Mink Wolf
Gray Fox Long-Legged Myotis
Badger Long-Eared Myotis
Masked Shrew California Myotis
Red Squirrel Snowshoe Rabbit
White-Tailed Deer North American River Otter
Virginia Opossum Fringe-Tailed Myotis
Meadow Vole Masked Shrew
Red Bat Water Shrew
White-Footed Mouse Western Big-Eared Bat
Norway Rat Bushy-Tailed Woodrat

Amphibians

Cuyahoga Valley National Park Olympic National Park
Northern Leopard Frog Bullfrog
Eastern Tiger Salamander
Bullfrog
Wood Frog

Reptiles

Cuyahoga Valley National Park Olympic National Park
Racer Western Terrestrial Garter Snake
Ring-Necked Snake Common Garter Snake
Common Garter Snake Rubber Boa
Eastern Milk Snake Western Fence Lizard
Eastern Fence Lizard

Insects

Cuyahoga Valley National Park Olympic National Park
Orange Sulfur Honey Bee
Painted Lady
Monarch Butterfly
American Painted Lady
European Cabbage White
Buckeye

Fish

Cuyahoga Valley National Park Olympic National Park
Northern Largemouth Bass Steelhead/Rainbow Trout
Green Sunfish Brook Trout
Northern Bluegill Sunfish Largemouth Bass
Northern Fathead Minnow Salish Sucker
Golden Shiner Coho Salmon
European Carp Chinook Salmon
Northern Pike Longnose Dace
Eastern Burbot Speckled Dace
Central Mottled Sculpin Threespine Stickleback
Graceful Catfish Sockeye Salmon
Black Crappie Pink Salmon
Creek Chub Chum Salmon
Goldfish Dolly Varden
Cutthroat Trout

Beautiful Landscapes in Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Olympic National Park

Cuyahoga Valley NP has rolling hills, scenic riverways, waterfalls (Brandywine 65ft & Blue Hen 60ft), historic sites (Cuyahoga River & Ohio/Erie Canal), scenic trails (Towpath & Ledges).
Olympic NP boasts diverse landscapes: rugged Olympic Mountains, old-growth forests, 60mi Pacific coastline, Hoh Rainforest (140in rain/yr), Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center (panoramic views), Sol Duc Falls Trail (stunning waterfall).

Things To-Do and Activities in Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Olympic National Park

Cuyahoga Valley NP offers hiking, biking, scenic train rides, cultural experiences & historic sites. Olympic NP features stunning landscapes, backpacking, fishing, kayaking, and rafting in its lakes and rivers.

Best Time to Visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Olympic National Park

Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio has warm summers (highs in 80s°F), cold winters (lows in 20s°F), and occasional precipitation year-round. The best time to visit is spring/fall for mild temps and colorful foliage. Olympic National Park in Washington has diverse climates: temperate rainforest (Hoh Rainforest), alpine meadows, Pacific coastline. Summer is mild (60s-70s°F), winter brings heavy rainfall/snow in higher elevations. Best time to visit is summer for hiking/exploring various ecosystems or winter for backcountry skiing/snowshoeing.

Family Friendliness of Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Olympic National Park

Cuyahoga Valley NP is more accessible and offers a wider range of family-friendly activities, while Olympic NP offers a more rugged and natural experience. CVNP has bike rentals, scenic railway, picnic areas, a nature center, and educational programs, while Olympic NP’s remote wilderness and challenging hikes may not be ideal for young children. For families with small children, CVNP is a better choice for its accessibility and range of activities.

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