Everglades National Park and North Cascades National Park are two of the most unique and captivating natural wonders in the United States. Both parks offer breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and a wealth of recreational opportunities, but they are as different as night and day.
In the Everglades, visitors can explore a vast river of grass that is home to alligators, panthers, and a colorful array of bird species. On the other hand, the North Cascades boasts rugged peaks, pristine alpine lakes, and dense forests teeming with black bears, mountain goats, and elk.
Whether you prefer to hike, paddle, fish, or simply relax and take in the scenery, both parks are sure to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. In this article, we will compare these two amazing parks and help you decide which one is the best fit for your next adventure. So, pack your bags and get ready for a wild ride as we embark on a journey through Everglades National Park and North Cascades National Park.
Hiking Trails in Everglades National Park and North Cascades National Park
Everglades National Park and North Cascades National Park are two of the premier national parks in the U.S. Both offer a wide range of hiking opportunities, from easy walks to strenuous backcountry treks.
Everglades National Park is known for its flat, easy hikes that wind through the mangrove forests and prairies. The Anhinga Trail, for example, is a short, half-mile walk that offers excellent bird-watching and alligator spotting opportunities. The longer Gumbo Limbo Trail is a 3-mile loop that takes visitors through a hardwood hammock, mangrove forest, and coastal prairie.
North Cascades National Park, on the other hand, is renowned for its rugged, challenging hikes. The park is home to over 300 glaciers and numerous peaks, and its hikes reflect this rugged terrain. The Cascade Pass Trail, for example, is a strenuous hike that ascends 3,500 feet over 5.5 miles and offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks. For a more strenuous hike, try the 8.2-mile climb to the summit of Sahale Peak, which offers panoramic views of the North Cascades and beyond.
Regardless of your hiking experience, both Everglades National Park and North Cascades National Park offer a variety of trails to suit your interests and abilities. Whether you’re looking for an easy walk or a challenging backcountry trek, these parks are sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Everglades National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shark Valley Trail | 25427.572 | 6.7056 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Anhinga Trail | 2414.01 | 0 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Pa-Hay-Okee Overlook Trail | 321.868 | 0 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Gumbo Limbo Trail | 643.736 | 0 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
| Long Pine Key Trail | 24944.77 | 0 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Mahogany Hammock Trail | 643.736 | 0 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
| Everglades Coastal Prairie Trail | 27358.78 | 4.8768 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Pinelands Trail | 643.736 | 0 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
| Everglades National Park East Entrance to Flamingo Scenic Route | 58258.108 | 7.9248 | Easy | point to point | 4.5 |
| Nine Mile Pond | 8851.37 | 0 | Easy | loop | 4 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in North Cascades National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Lake Trail | 8529.502 | 291.9984 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm Trail | 17541.806 | 1175.9184 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Sourdough Mountain Trail | 14644.994 | 1555.6992 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cascade Pass Trail to Cottonwood Camp | 25588.506 | 1422.8064 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Cascade Pass Trail | 10460.71 | 542.8488 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Sahale Arm Trail to Quien Sabe Glacier | 19955.816 | 1651.7112 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Trail of the Cedars Nature Walk | 3057.746 | 21.9456 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Fourth of July Pass via Panther Creek Trail | 14966.862 | 759.8664 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Ruby Mountain Summit via Fourth of July and Thunder Creek Trail | 23335.43 | 1949.8056 | Hard | out and back | 4 |
| Gorge Creek Falls Trail | 804.67 | 11.8872 | Easy | loop | 3.5 |
Wildlife in Everglades National Park and North Cascades National Park
Everglades National Park is a unique and diverse ecosystem located in southern Florida. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including alligators, manatees, and a wide variety of bird species such as the great egret, roseate spoonbill, and wood stork. The park also has a diverse plant life, including mangroves, cypress, and the rare ghost orchid.
North Cascades National Park, located in northern Washington, is known for its rugged landscapes and diverse wildlife. Visitors can spot black bears, mountain goats, and the elusive lynx. Over 200 species of birds have been recorded in the park, including the bald eagle, osprey, and the rare gray-crowned rosy finch. The park also boasts a diverse array of plants, such as the western red cedar, Douglas fir, and alpine wildflowers.
Both parks offer visitors the opportunity to see unique and diverse wildlife, from alligators and manatees in the Everglades to bears and mountain goats in North Cascades. Whether you are a birdwatcher, nature lover, or just looking for a unique outdoor experience, both of these parks offer something for everyone.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Everglades National Park and North Cascades National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Everglades National Park | North Cascades 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 | Merlin |
| 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
| Everglades National Park | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| Bobcat | American Beaver |
| Striped Skunk | Muskrat |
| Raccoon | Big Brown Bat |
| Red Fox | Bobcat |
| House Mouse | Striped Skunk |
| Mink | Little Brown Bat |
| Gray Fox | Deer Mouse |
| Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Raccoon |
| White-Tailed Deer | Black Bear |
| Eastern Cottontail | Porcupine |
| House Rat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Spotted Skunk | Hoary Bat |
| Fox Squirrel | Red Fox |
| Eastern Gray Squirrel | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Feral Hog | House Mouse |
| Northern Short-Tailed Shrew | Puma |
| Least Shrew | Mink |
| Black-Tailed Deer | |
| Wolf | |
| Long-Legged Myotis | |
| Western Long-Eared Bat | |
| Ermine | |
| California Myotis | |
| Snowshoe Hare |
Fish
| Everglades National Park | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | Redband Trout |
| Bluegill | Brook Trout |
| Golden Shiner | Largemouth Bass |
| Yellow Bullhead | Longnose Sucker |
| Channel Catfish | Lake Trout |
| Black Crappie | Burbot |
| Mosquitofish | Silver Salmon |
| Brown Bullhead | King Salmon |
| Goldfish | Slimy Sculpin |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Kokanee | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Reptiles
| Everglades National Park | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Western Yellowbelly Racer | |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Rubber Boa | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Insects
| Everglades National Park | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Honey Bee | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Everglades National Park and North Cascades National Park
Everglades National Park and North Cascades National Park are two distinct American national parks known for their breathtaking landscapes and natural wonders.
Everglades National Park is a vast wetland in Florida, home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including alligators, manatees, and a variety of bird species. The park is also known for its beautiful sawgrass prairies and mangrove forests, and provides visitors with opportunities for kayaking, bird-watching, and fishing.
North Cascades National Park, located in Washington State, is famous for its rugged mountain ranges and glaciated peaks. The park is a hiker’s paradise, offering trails that lead to stunning overlooks, glaciers, and waterfalls. The park also features alpine lakes, old-growth forests, and opportunities for rock climbing and mountaineering.
Both Everglades National Park and North Cascades National Park are unique and offer visitors a chance to experience nature at its finest. Whether you prefer the lush wetlands of Everglades National Park or the rugged mountain ranges of North Cascades National Park, these parks are sure to leave a lasting impression on all who visit.
Things To-Do and Activities in Everglades National Park and North Cascades National Park
Everglades National Park and North Cascades National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a wide range of outdoor activities for visitors, but the types of activities vary greatly between the two parks. In Everglades National Park, people love to explore the park by boat, kayak or canoe, taking in the breathtaking views of the swamp and its wildlife. Visitors can also participate in a variety of ranger-led tours, including bird watching and wildlife viewing. In addition to these activities, Everglades National Park also offers fishing and camping opportunities.
In contrast, North Cascades National Park is known for its challenging hiking and climbing opportunities. Visitors can tackle some of the most rugged terrain in the country, with ample opportunities for backpacking, mountaineering and rock climbing. The park also offers scenic drives, fishing, and camping, but the focus is on its diverse and challenging hiking and climbing opportunities. Whether visitors are looking for a relaxing nature experience or a more strenuous outdoor adventure, North Cascades National Park has something to offer.
Best Time to Visit Everglades National Park and North Cascades National Park
Everglades National Park and North Cascades National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. The weather at these parks varies greatly, affecting when is the best time to visit.
Everglades National Park is located in southern Florida and has a subtropical climate. The park experiences hot and humid summers, with temperatures ranging from the high 80s to low 90s. Winters are mild, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to low 80s. The best time to visit is from November to April, when the weather is dry and the crowds are smaller.
North Cascades National Park is located in Washington state and has a temperate climate. The park experiences warm summers, with temperatures ranging from the high 60s to low 70s. Winters are cold and snowy, with temperatures ranging from the low 20s to high 30s. The best time to visit is from June to September, when the weather is mild and the wildflowers are in bloom.
In conclusion, both Everglades National Park and North Cascades National Park offer unique experiences for visitors, but the time of year you visit can greatly impact your experience. Whether you’re looking for warm, humid weather or cool, crisp mountain air, both parks have something to offer.
Family Friendliness of Everglades National Park and North Cascades National Park
Everglades National Park and North Cascades National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer unique experiences to visitors, but they are different when it comes to family-friendliness.
Everglades National Park is a great option for families with young children. The park has several short and easy trails, and many ranger-led programs designed for children. The park also offers airboat rides, which can be a fun and exciting experience for kids. The park also has several picnic areas perfect for families to relax and enjoy a meal together.
North Cascades National Park, on the other hand, is more challenging for families with young children. The park is known for its rugged terrain and scenic hikes, but these can be difficult for young children. However, the park does have several ranger-led programs that are family-friendly, including nature walks and campfire programs. The park also offers scenic drives that are perfect for families to enjoy the stunning views without having to hike.
In conclusion, both Everglades National Park and North Cascades National Park are wonderful destinations for families, but they cater to different preferences and abilities. If you’re traveling with young children, Everglades National Park is the better option with its shorter trails and ranger-led programs, while North Cascades National Park is better suited for families with older children who are up for a challenge.