Welcome to a showdown between two of America’s most awe-inspiring national parks: Dry Tortugas and Olympic. Both of these parks offer unique experiences that are sure to leave you in awe and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Dry Tortugas National Park is a remote island located 70 miles west of Key West, Florida. This park offers crystal clear waters and breathtaking coral reefs that are home to an abundance of marine life. Visitors can explore historic forts, swim, snorkel, and even camp on this tropical paradise.
Olympic National Park, on the other hand, is a temperate rainforest located in Washington State. This park boasts lush greenery, misty waterfalls, and rugged coastlines that provide a stunning contrast to the warm waters of Dry Tortugas. Visitors can hike through the park’s diverse landscapes, including snow-capped mountains, rainforests, and beaches.
So, which of these two parks will come out on top? Which park will be crowned the ultimate vacation destination? Buckle up and keep reading to find out!
Hiking Trails in Dry Tortugas National Park and Olympic National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park and Olympic National Park offer unique hiking experiences. The Dry Tortugas, located in the Florida Keys, is a remote island park and offers a rich history with scenic, easy hikes to historic Fort Jefferson. The island trails are well-maintained and provide stunning views of the crystal clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The park’s highlight hike is a 2.5-mile trail that leads to the Fort Jefferson lighthouse.
On the other hand, Olympic National Park, located in Washington, offers a diverse range of hiking trails ranging from easy walks to challenging backcountry treks. The park’s most popular hike is the Hurricane Ridge Trail, a 5-mile round trip that offers panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains. Another popular hike is the Hoh Rainforest Trail, a 17.5-mile round trip that takes you through the lush, temperate rainforest of the Hoh River valley. The park also offers more strenuous hikes such as the Mount Olympus Trail, a challenging 22-mile round trip that takes you to the summit of the park’s highest peak.
In conclusion, both Dry Tortugas and Olympic National Parks offer diverse hiking experiences for visitors. Whether you’re looking for a scenic and historic hike or a challenging backcountry trek, both parks have something for everyone.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Dry Tortugas National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Jefferson Loop | 804.67 | 0.9144 | Easy | 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 Dry Tortugas National Park and Olympic National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park, located in Florida, is known for its diverse marine life. Visitors can expect to see a variety of species of fish and sea turtles, as well as colorful coral reefs and shipwrecks. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including frigatebirds, brown pelicans, and roseate spoonbills. On the other hand, Olympic National Park located in Washington State, is home to a diverse range of terrestrial wildlife, including elk, black bears, and mountain lions. The park is also known for its diverse bird species, including bald eagles, owls, and woodpeckers.
Both parks offer unique opportunities to observe wildlife in their natural habitats. However, Olympic National Park is known for its lush, temperate rainforest and the diverse range of plant species found there, including old-growth forests, meadows, and alpine tundra. Dry Tortugas National Park, on the other hand, is known for its crystal-clear waters and unique marine ecosystem, making it an ideal location for snorkeling, diving, and fishing.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Dry Tortugas National Park and Olympic National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Dry Tortugas 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 |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | Great Horned Owl |
| Northern Flicker | Red-Tailed Hawk |
| Merlin | Northern Flicker |
| Barn Swallow | Barn Swallow |
| Savannah Sparrow | Savannah Sparrow |
| Great Blue Heron | Great Blue Heron |
| Hermit Thrush | Hermit Thrush |
| American Kestrel | American Kestrel |
| Song Sparrow | Bald Eagle |
| European Starling | Song Sparrow |
| Northern Pintail | European Starling |
| Green-Winged Teal | Northern Pintail |
| American Pipit | American Wigeon |
| Swainson’s Thrush | Green-Winged Teal |
| Killdeer | American Pipit |
Mammals
| Dry Tortugas National Park | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| House Rat | Coyote |
| American Beaver | |
| Muskrat | |
| Big Brown Bat | |
| Striped Skunk | |
| Little Brown Bat | |
| Deer Mouse | |
| Raccoon | |
| Black Bear | |
| Porcupine | |
| Silver-Haired Bat | |
| Red Fox | |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | |
| House Mouse | |
| Wolf | |
| Long-Legged Myotis | |
| Long-Eared Myotis | |
| California Myotis | |
| Snowshoe Rabbit | |
| North American River Otter | |
| Fringe-Tailed Myotis | |
| Masked Shrew | |
| Water Shrew | |
| Western Big-Eared Bat | |
| Bushy-Tailed Woodrat |
Fish
| Dry Tortugas National Park | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Steelhead/Rainbow Trout | |
| Brook Trout | |
| Largemouth Bass | |
| Salish Sucker | |
| Coho Salmon | |
| Chinook Salmon | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Sockeye Salmon | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Reptiles
| Dry Tortugas National Park | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Rubber Boa | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Amphibians
| Dry Tortugas National Park | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog |
Insects
| Dry Tortugas National Park | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Honey Bee |
Beautiful Landscapes in Dry Tortugas National Park and Olympic National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park is located in the Gulf of Mexico and is known for its stunning crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reef, and historic Fort Jefferson. Visitors can explore the fort, snorkel, or go bird watching to see some of the over 300 species of birds that call the park home.
Olympic National Park is located in Washington State and is known for its diverse landscapes, including the Olympic Mountains, temperate rainforests, and pristine beaches. The Hoh Rainforest is one of the park’s most famous attractions and features towering trees, fern-covered floors, and a tranquil river. The park’s rugged coastline is also a popular spot for hiking and whale watching, while Hurricane Ridge provides panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Whether exploring Dry Tortugas’ turquoise waters or Olympic National Park’s lush forests and dramatic coastline, both parks offer unique and breathtaking landscapes that are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Things To-Do and Activities in Dry Tortugas National Park and Olympic National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park and Olympic National Park are two unique parks with different activities. Dry Tortugas, located off the coast of Florida, is known for its crystal clear waters that allow visitors to snorkel and dive among rich marine life. The park is also home to Fort Jefferson, a historic 19th century fort that visitors can explore.
Olympic National Park, on the other hand, is a land of contrasts with its Pacific coastline, temperate rainforest, and alpine meadows. This diversity provides a range of activities, including beachcombing, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The park’s temperate rainforest is a popular destination for those looking to hike, while the alpine meadows offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Both parks offer opportunities for boating and kayaking, with Dry Tortugas offering boat tours to Fort Jefferson and Olympic offering kayaking trips along the coast. For those interested in wildlife, Dry Tortugas is a great place to see sea turtles and bird species like pelicans and frigate birds. Olympic has a diverse range of wildlife including black bears, elk, and marmots.
Camping is also popular at both parks, with Dry Tortugas offering primitive camping on Garden Key and Olympic offering several campgrounds throughout the park. Although both parks have different activities to offer, they both provide opportunities for visitors to connect with nature and experience its beauty.
Best Time to Visit Dry Tortugas National Park and Olympic National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park and Olympic National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and a range of recreational activities. However, the seasonal weather at each park is very different, which affects when is the best time to visit.
Dry Tortugas National Park is located in the Gulf of Mexico and has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. The best time to visit is from December to May, when the weather is dry and sunny, with temperatures ranging from 70°F to 80°F. During the summer months, June to September, the park experiences heavy rainfall and increased humidity, making it less comfortable for outdoor activities.
On the other hand, Olympic National Park is located in Washington State and has a temperate rainforest climate. The park experiences heavy rainfall throughout the year, with the wettest months being from November to March. During these months, the park is lush and green, but the weather can be cloudy and misty. The best time to visit is from June to September, when the weather is dry and sunny, with temperatures ranging from 60°F to 70°F.
In conclusion, both Dry Tortugas National Park and Olympic National Park offer unique experiences, but the best time to visit each park depends on the weather conditions. If you are looking for sunny and warm weather, the best time to visit Dry Tortugas National Park is from December to May. If you are looking for a lush and green landscape, the best time to visit Olympic National Park is from November to March.
Family Friendliness of Dry Tortugas National Park and Olympic National Park
Dry Tortugas National Park and Olympic National Park are two unique destinations for family vacation. While both parks are beloved for their natural beauty and rich history, they differ in terms of accessibility and activities for families with children.
Dry Tortugas National Park is located 70 miles west of Key West, Florida, and is only accessible by ferry or seaplane. The park is best known for Fort Jefferson, a historic military fort, and crystal-clear waters ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving. While the park’s remote location and limited facilities may not be ideal for families with young children, older children and teenagers will enjoy exploring the fort and the surrounding waters.
On the other hand, Olympic National Park in Washington state is a more family-friendly destination. The park offers a range of activities for families, including hiking, camping, and beachcombing. The park’s diverse landscape, which includes rainforests, mountains, and coastline, makes it a perfect destination for families who enjoy exploring and being outdoors. Additionally, the park is easily accessible by car and has a variety of facilities and services, making it a convenient destination for families with young children.
In conclusion, if you’re traveling with children, Olympic National Park may be a better destination. With its diverse landscapes, accessibility, and family-friendly activities, it offers a great opportunity for families to connect with nature and create memories that will last a lifetime.