Everglades National Park and Olympic National Park are two of the most unique and diverse national parks in the United States. While both parks offer breathtaking landscapes, they each have their own unique set of characteristics that set them apart from one another.
Travelers seeking adventure, beauty and peace can find it all in these two parks. Whether you’re a fan of lush rainforests, diverse wildlife, or serene wetlands, these two parks have something for everyone. In this article, we’ll compare Everglades National Park and Olympic National Park, highlighting the best things to see and do in each park, and the differences between them.
So, let’s take a journey together and discover the beauty, diversity, and uniqueness of Everglades National Park and Olympic National Park. Whether you’re planning a trip to one of these parks or just want to learn more about them, this comparison will give you a better understanding of what each park has to offer. Get ready to be inspired by the natural wonders of these two amazing parks!
Hiking Trails in Everglades National Park and Olympic National Park
Everglades National Park and Olympic National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both offer a variety of hiking trails for visitors to explore, ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes.
The Everglades is known for its flat and easy trails, such as the Anhinga Trail and the Gumbo Limbo Trail. These trails offer visitors the opportunity to explore the unique ecosystem of the Everglades and see a variety of wildlife, including alligators, herons, and ibis.
In contrast, Olympic National Park is known for its more challenging hikes, such as the Hurricane Ridge Trail and the High Divide Trail. These trails offer stunning views of the park’s lush forests and rugged mountain terrain. The Hurricane Ridge Trail is a popular destination for visitors, offering panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The High Divide Trail, on the other hand, is a strenuous hike that leads to the summit of Mount Olympus, the park’s highest peak.
Despite the differences in their hiking trails, both Everglades National Park and Olympic National Park offer something for everyone, from easy walks to challenging hikes. Whether you’re looking for a scenic stroll or a rugged mountain adventure, 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 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 Everglades National Park and Olympic National Park
Everglades National Park and Olympic National Park are two distinct national parks with unique ecosystems. The Everglades is a subtropical wetland located in South Florida and is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including alligators, manatees, and a large number of bird species. Visitors to the Everglades may also see panthers, deer, and a variety of reptiles and amphibians.
Olympic National Park, located in Washington state, is a temperate rainforest and is home to diverse wildlife, including black bears, cougars, and elk. The park is also a popular destination for birdwatchers, as it is home to a wide variety of bird species, including the bald eagle, the spotted owl, and the marbled murrelet. The park is also home to a diverse array of plant life, including towering trees, ferns, and wildflowers.
In conclusion, both Everglades National Park and Olympic National Park offer unique wildlife viewing experiences, with the Everglades offering a subtropical wetland habitat and Olympic National Park offering a temperate rainforest habitat. Regardless of which park you choose, visitors will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in nature and observe a wide variety of wildlife and plant species.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Everglades National Park and Olympic National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
Everglades 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
Everglades National Park | Olympic National Park |
---|---|
Coyote | Coyote |
Bobcat | American Beaver |
Striped Skunk | Muskrat |
Raccoon | Big Brown Bat |
Red Fox | Striped Skunk |
House Mouse | Little Brown Bat |
Mink | Deer Mouse |
Gray Fox | Raccoon |
Brazilian Free-Tailed Bat | Black Bear |
White-Tailed Deer | Porcupine |
Eastern Cottontail | Silver-Haired Bat |
House Rat | Red Fox |
Spotted Skunk | Long-Tailed Weasel |
Fox Squirrel | House Mouse |
Eastern Gray Squirrel | Wolf |
Feral Hog | Long-Legged Myotis |
Northern Short-Tailed Shrew | Long-Eared Myotis |
Least Shrew | California Myotis |
Snowshoe Rabbit | |
North American River Otter | |
Fringe-Tailed Myotis | |
Masked Shrew | |
Water Shrew | |
Western Big-Eared Bat | |
Bushy-Tailed Woodrat |
Fish
Everglades National Park | Olympic National Park |
---|---|
Largemouth Bass | Steelhead/Rainbow Trout |
Bluegill | Brook Trout |
Golden Shiner | Largemouth Bass |
Yellow Bullhead | Salish Sucker |
Channel Catfish | Coho Salmon |
Black Crappie | Chinook Salmon |
Mosquitofish | Longnose Dace |
Brown Bullhead | Speckled Dace |
Goldfish | Threespine Stickleback |
Sockeye Salmon | |
Pink Salmon | |
Chum Salmon | |
Dolly Varden | |
Cutthroat Trout |
Reptiles
Everglades National Park | Olympic National Park |
---|---|
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
Common Garter Snake | |
Rubber Boa | |
Western Fence Lizard |
Amphibians
Everglades National Park | Olympic National Park |
---|---|
Bullfrog |
Insects
Everglades National Park | Olympic National Park |
---|---|
Honey Bee |
Beautiful Landscapes in Everglades National Park and Olympic National Park
Everglades National Park and Olympic National Park are two of America’s most iconic national parks. Everglades National Park is located in south Florida and is known for its vast wetlands, which provide a home for a diverse range of wildlife, including alligators and hundreds of bird species. One of the most famous landscapes in this park is the Anhinga Trail, which winds through the heart of the wetlands and provides visitors with views of alligators and other wildlife, as well as the park’s unique vegetation and natural beauty.
Olympic National Park, located in Washington state, is known for its rugged mountain ranges, lush forests, and pristine coastline. The park’s most famous landscape is the Hoh Rain Forest, which is one of the largest temperate rain forests in the world. Visitors can take a hike through the forest to see towering trees, fern-covered slopes, and the park’s diverse wildlife, including black bears and elk. Another must-see landscape in the park is Hurricane Ridge, which offers breathtaking views of the Olympic Range and the surrounding landscape.
Things To-Do and Activities in Everglades National Park and Olympic National Park
Everglades National Park and Olympic National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, attracting millions of visitors each year. Both parks offer unique experiences and a range of activities to explore the beauty of nature.
In Everglades National Park, visitors can enjoy a variety of water-based activities such as kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. The park is home to several species of fish and birds, making it an ideal place for birdwatching and wildlife photography. Visitors can also take an airboat tour to see the park’s vast sawgrass marshes and spot alligators, panthers, and other wildlife.
Olympic National Park, on the other hand, offers a diverse landscape that includes forests, mountains, and beaches. The park is well-known for its scenic drives and hiking trails, but visitors can also enjoy activities such as camping, fishing, and beachcombing. The park’s temperate rainforest is one of its most popular attractions, and visitors can explore the Hoh Rainforest and the Quinault Rainforest for a unique experience.
Both parks offer different experiences and opportunities for visitors to explore the beauty of nature. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or just looking for a peaceful escape, Everglades National Park and Olympic National Park are both worth a visit.
Best Time to Visit Everglades National Park and Olympic National Park
Everglades National Park and Olympic National Park are two of the most popular parks in the US, and they offer unique experiences to visitors. However, the weather in these parks can vary greatly, making it important to understand the conditions before planning a visit.
In Everglades National Park, the weather is warm and humid throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the high 80s. The best time to visit is during the winter months when the humidity is lower and temperatures are more comfortable. Summer is the rainy season in Everglades, and visitors should be prepared for frequent thunderstorms.
In contrast, Olympic National Park’s weather is much cooler and wetter, with temperatures ranging from the 40s to the 60s. The park is covered in rainforest, and visitors should be prepared for rain throughout the year. The best time to visit Olympic National Park is during the summer months when there is less rain and the weather is more comfortable. The park is also home to several high-altitude areas, including Mount Olympus, which can be covered in snow during the winter.
In conclusion, Everglades National Park is best visited in the winter, while Olympic National Park is best visited in the summer. Visitors should be aware of the weather conditions and pack accordingly, as both parks can present challenges for those who are not prepared.
Family Friendliness of Everglades National Park and Olympic National Park
Everglades National Park and Olympic National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, but they have different environments and activities available for families.
Everglades National Park, located in Florida, is a unique landscape of wetlands and tropical forests. Although it offers opportunities for bird watching and wildlife viewing, it may not be as family-friendly as other parks. There are limited trails and no designated play areas. Visitors should also be aware of the heat and humidity, as well as the risk of insect-borne illnesses.
On the other hand, Olympic National Park in Washington state is more family-friendly. It offers a variety of activities, including hiking, fishing, and beachcombing, as well as scenic drives and ranger-led programs. The park also has several campgrounds and picnic areas, making it a great place to spend a few days with the family. There are also several short, easy hikes that are perfect for families with young children.
In conclusion, if you’re traveling with children and looking for a more family-friendly national park experience, Olympic National Park is the better choice. With its well-maintained trails, scenic drives, and ranger-led programs, there is something for everyone in this beautiful park.