Ladies and Gentlemen, pack your bags and get ready for a journey through two of the most stunning parks in the United States: Denali National Park & Preserve and Olympic National Park. These parks offer a unique blend of breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and endless adventures. Whether you’re a nature lover, a thrill-seeker, or just seeking peace and tranquility, these parks have something for everyone. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey to explore the best of what each park has to offer, and help you decide which one is right for your next adventure. So grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let’s get started!
Hiking Trails in Denali National Park & Preserve and Olympic National Park
Denali National Park & Preserve and Olympic National Park both offer breathtaking views and challenging hikes. Denali is known for its vast wilderness, with its highest peak, Mount McKinley, offering adventurous hikers a strenuous climb. The park offers a variety of trails to choose from, ranging from easy to strenuous. The easy trails include the 1.5-mile Horseshoe Lake Trail and the 2-mile Savage River Loop Trail. More challenging hikes include the 17-mile Stony Hill Trail and the 20-mile McKinley Bar Trail.
Olympic National Park has a diverse range of trails, from coastal hikes to subalpine meadows. The park’s easiest trails include the 0.8-mile Spruce Nature Trail and 1.6-mile Hall of Mosses Trail. For those looking for a more strenuous hike, the 7.4-mile Ozette Triangle Trail or the 17.4-mile High Divide Loop Trail offer breathtaking views and a challenging workout. The park also offers backcountry camping opportunities for those who want to experience the wilderness for an extended period of time.
Both parks offer a range of hiking trails for visitors of all skill levels and interests. Whether you’re looking for an easy stroll or a challenging backcountry adventure, Denali and Olympic National Parks have something for everyone.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Denali National Park & Preserve
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Healy Overlook Trail | 6920.162 | 507.7968 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Horseshoe Lake Trail | 3379.614 | 119.7864 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Triple Lakes Trail | 29772.79 | 1124.712 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Bison Gulch | 11265.38 | 1178.9664 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Rock Creek Trail | 7081.096 | 287.7312 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Taiga Trail | 2574.944 | 62.7888 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| McKinley Station Trail | 4667.086 | 113.9952 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Mount Thorofare Ridge Loop | 6598.294 | 507.7968 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| McKinley Bar Trail | 7402.964 | 295.9608 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Tiaga Loop and Horseshoe Lake Trail to Beaver Dam | 4828.02 | 158.8008 | Moderate | loop | 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 Denali National Park & Preserve and Olympic National Park
Denali National Park & Preserve and Olympic National Park are two of the most popular parks in the United States, both offering unique wildlife viewing experiences.
At Denali, visitors can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, and moose. The park is also home to a large population of Dall sheep and caribou, which can often be seen grazing on the hillsides. Visitors may also catch a glimpse of smaller mammals, such as foxes, marmots, and ground squirrels.
Olympic National Park, on the other hand, is known for its diverse ecosystems, including temperate rainforests and alpine meadows. As a result, the park is home to an array of wildlife, including black bears, elk, and mountain goats. Visitors may also see a variety of bird species, including eagles, owls, and woodpeckers. Additionally, Olympic National Park is home to a number of rare and endemic plant species, such as the Olympic Marmot and the Olympic Mountain hemlock.
Both parks offer unique wildlife viewing experiences, and visitors are encouraged to take advantage of the many opportunities to experience the natural beauty and diversity of the parks’ ecosystems. Whether you’re interested in seeing large mammals, rare birds, or unique plant species, both Denali National Park & Preserve and Olympic National Park are must-visit destinations for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Denali National Park & Preserve and Olympic National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Denali National Park & Preserve | 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 |
| 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 |
| Swainson’s Thrush | American Pipit |
Mammals
| Denali National Park & Preserve | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Little Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
| Black Bear | Striped Skunk |
| Porcupine | Little Brown Bat |
| Red Fox | Deer Mouse |
| Mink | Raccoon |
| Wolf | Black Bear |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Porcupine |
| Snowshoe Hare | Silver-Haired Bat |
| River Otter | Red Fox |
| Common Shrew | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Water Shrew | House Mouse |
| Red Squirrel | Wolf |
| Montane Shrew | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Lynx | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Wolverine | California Myotis |
| American Marten | Snowshoe Rabbit |
| Northern Flying Squirrel | North American River Otter |
| Grizzly Bear | Fringe-Tailed Myotis |
| Meadow Vole | Masked Shrew |
| Moose | Water Shrew |
| Least Weasel | Western Big-Eared Bat |
| Pygmy Shrew | Bushy-Tailed Woodrat |
Fish
| Denali National Park & Preserve | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Longnose Sucker | Steelhead/Rainbow Trout |
| Lake Trout | Brook Trout |
| Northern Pike | Largemouth Bass |
| Burbot | Salish Sucker |
| Coho Salmon | Coho Salmon |
| Chinook Salmon | Chinook Salmon |
| Slimy Sculpin | Longnose Dace |
| Chum Salmon | Speckled Dace |
| Dolly Varden | Threespine Stickleback |
| Arctic Grayling | Sockeye Salmon |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Amphibians
| Denali National Park & Preserve | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Bullfrog |
Reptiles
| Denali National Park & Preserve | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Rubber Boa | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Insects
| Denali National Park & Preserve | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Honey Bee |
Beautiful Landscapes in Denali National Park & Preserve and Olympic National Park
Denali National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and is known for its stunning mountain ranges, including Mount McKinley, which is the tallest peak in North America. Visitors to the park can experience the breathtaking views from numerous overlooks, go on scenic drives or take guided tours to see the glaciers, wildlife, and tundra. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, and caribou.
Olympic National Park is located in Washington state and boasts a diverse range of landscapes, including the Olympic Mountains, old-growth forests, and over 70 miles of wild Pacific coastline. The park’s Hoh Rainforest is a popular destination, with its towering trees and lush vegetation, while the Sol Duc Falls is another must-see, with its cascading waters and scenic hiking trails. The park also offers opportunities for backpacking, kayaking, and whale watching. Whether you’re a nature lover or outdoor enthusiast, Olympic National Park has something to offer for everyone.
Things To-Do and Activities in Denali National Park & Preserve and Olympic National Park
Denali National Park & Preserve and Olympic National Park are popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. Both parks offer a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, but there are some key differences between the two.
Denali, located in Alaska, is known for its stunning views of Mount Denali, the tallest peak in North America, and its vast wilderness. Visitors can take a bus tour through the park, go fishing, or take a scenic flightseeing tour. Wildlife is abundant in the park, and visitors can see grizzly bears, moose, and caribou.
Olympic National Park, located in Washington, offers a different type of experience. The park is known for its temperate rainforests, and visitors can explore the lush vegetation and waterfalls through a variety of trails. The park also has a long coastline, and visitors can enjoy beachcombing and tidepooling. In the interior of the park, visitors can hike through the mountains and enjoy stunning views of the Olympic Range.
Both parks offer a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, but the experiences are different. Denali is a wilderness experience with opportunities for wildlife viewing, while Olympic is a mix of coastal and mountain experiences with opportunities for beachcombing and hiking. Regardless of which park visitors choose, they are sure to have a memorable experience.
Best Time to Visit Denali National Park & Preserve and Olympic National Park
Denali National Park & Preserve and Olympic National Park are both popular destinations for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers, but they offer very different experiences when it comes to weather and seasonal conditions.
Denali is located in Alaska and is known for its harsh and unpredictable weather, with temperatures ranging from below freezing in the winter to above freezing in the summer. Winter temperatures can drop to -40°F, while summer temperatures can reach 60°F. Winter is the best time to see the Northern Lights, but it is also the best time to avoid the crowds and explore the park’s pristine wilderness on skis or snowshoes. Summer is the best time to experience the park’s stunning mountain scenery and wildlife, but it is also the peak tourist season.
Olympic National Park, located in Washington State, has a much milder climate than Denali, with temperatures ranging from the low 40s in the winter to the high 60s in the summer. Winter is the best time to experience the park’s rainforest and admire its towering trees, but it is also the wettest season. Summer is the best time to visit the park’s beaches and hike its trails, but it can also be quite crowded.
In conclusion, the weather at Denali National Park & Preserve and Olympic National Park affects the best time of year to visit. Winter is the best time to see the Northern Lights at Denali and explore Olympic’s rainforest, while summer is the best time to experience Denali’s mountain scenery and Olympic’s beaches.
Family Friendliness of Denali National Park & Preserve and Olympic National Park
Denali National Park & Preserve and Olympic National Park are two of the most beautiful national parks in the United States. Both parks are family-friendly, but with different experiences to offer.
Denali National Park & Preserve is located in Alaska and is known for its stunning wilderness, abundant wildlife, and challenging terrain. The park offers a variety of family-friendly activities, such as hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. Younger children may find the park’s rugged terrain to be a bit much, but older children should enjoy the adventure.
On the other hand, Olympic National Park in Washington State is a bit more accessible, with a mix of forests, beaches, and mountains. The park offers a variety of family-friendly activities, such as hiking, camping, and beachcombing. Young children will enjoy exploring the forests and playing on the beaches, while older kids will find the park’s challenging hikes to be a fun adventure.
In conclusion, if you’re traveling with children and looking for a national park experience, either Denali National Park & Preserve or Olympic National Park would be a great choice. However, if you’re looking for a more accessible park with a mix of outdoor activities, Olympic National Park may be the better choice.