The United States is home to some of the most stunning natural wonders in the world, and two of them are Gateway Arch National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park. Both parks offer unique experiences that are sure to leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re a fan of towering arches or explosive volcanic activity, these two parks are definitely worth a visit.
Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is home to the famous 630-foot stainless steel arch that symbolizes the city’s role as the “Gateway to the West.” The park offers breathtaking views of the city’s skyline and the Mississippi River. Visitors can take a tram to the top of the arch for an up-close look at its stunning design and a panoramic view of the surrounding area.
Lassen Volcanic National Park, located in northern California, is a must-visit for anyone who loves the great outdoors. The park is home to several active volcanic features, including steaming vents, bubbling mud pots, and boiling hot springs. The park’s main attraction is Lassen Peak, a 10,457-foot active volcano that last erupted in 1915. The park’s unique landscapes, diverse wildlife, and stunning views make it a popular destination for hikers, campers, and nature lovers.
Hiking Trails in Gateway Arch National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park offer a range of hiking trails for visitors of all skill levels. In St. Louis, Gateway Arch offers easy-to-moderate hikes through the Jefferson Expansion Memorial Park, with views of the Mississippi River and downtown St. Louis. Meanwhile, in northern California, Lassen Volcanic offers more strenuous hikes through backcountry areas with lava formations, hot springs, and volcanic craters.
For those looking for a leisurely hike, Gateway Arch National Park offers the Riverfront Trail, a 1.5-mile paved trail along the Mississippi River. The trail offers stunning views of the Gateway Arch and downtown St. Louis. On the other hand, Lassen Volcanic National Park has the Lassen Peak Trail, a strenuous 4.5-mile hike to the summit of the park’s iconic volcanic peak. The trail offers panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness and the chance to see steam vents and boiling mud pots along the way.
For more experienced hikers, Lassen Volcanic National Park offers challenging backcountry hikes through the park’s volcanic landscape. The park features trails through Bumpass Hell, a geothermal area with bubbling mud pots and steaming vents, and the park’s Devastated Area, a moonscape-like landscape formed by a volcanic eruption in the early 1900s. In contrast, Gateway Arch National Park does not offer backcountry hikes, but does offer several miles of paved and dirt trails through the park’s grounds.
Both Gateway Arch National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park offer a range of hiking options for visitors, from easy, scenic walks to challenging backcountry treks. Whether you’re looking for a quick stroll or a multi-day backpacking adventure, these parks have something for everyone.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Gateway Arch National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Louis Riverfront Trail | 34439.876 | 109.728 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Jefferson National Expansion Memorial | 2574.944 | 20.7264 | Easy | loop | 4 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Lassen Volcanic National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lassen Peak | 8207.634 | 599.8464 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Kings Creek Falls Trail | 4345.218 | 143.8656 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cinder Cone Nature Trail | 7724.832 | 317.9064 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| Brokeoff Mountain Trail | 12230.984 | 786.9936 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Mill Creek Falls Trail | 6115.492 | 237.744 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Manzanita Lake Loop | 3057.746 | 13.716 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Devil’s Kitchen Trail | 7402.964 | 187.7568 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Chaos Crags Trail | 6437.36 | 301.752 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cluster Lakes Loop Trail | 16737.136 | 451.7136 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Boiling Springs Lake Loop Trail | 3701.482 | 75.8952 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Gateway Arch National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park offer different wildlife experiences. Gateway Arch is located in the heart of St. Louis and is home to urban wildlife such as squirrels, pigeons, and rabbits. Visitors may also see a variety of birds, including the American Goldfinch, Great Egret and the Red-tailed Hawk. The park also has several species of trees, including the American Elm, White Oak and the Bald Cypress.
On the other hand, Lassen Volcanic National Park is located in Northern California and is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including deer, mountain lions, and black bears. The park also has a variety of bird species, including the Mountain Bluebird, the American White Pelican and the Osprey. The park is also home to several species of plants, including the Sierra Nevada Red Fir, the Lodgepole Pine, and the Mountain Hemlock.
In conclusion, both parks offer unique wildlife experiences. Gateway Arch National Park offers a glimpse of urban wildlife, while Lassen Volcanic National Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife and plants, including deer, mountain lions, and black bears, as well as bird species like the Mountain Bluebird and the American White Pelican.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Gateway Arch National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Gateway Arch National Park | Lassen Volcanic 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 | Merlin |
| Savannah Sparrow | Barn Swallow |
| Hermit Thrush | Savannah Sparrow |
| American Kestrel | Great Blue Heron |
| Bald Eagle | Hermit Thrush |
| Northern Pintail | American Kestrel |
| American Wigeon | Bald Eagle |
| Green-Winged Teal | Song Sparrow |
| American Pipit | European Starling |
| Swainson’s Thrush | Northern Pintail |
| Hairy Woodpecker | American Wigeon |
| Red-Breasted Nuthatch | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Gateway Arch National Park | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | American Beaver |
| American Beaver | Muskrat |
| Muskrat | Bobcat |
| Black Bear | Striped Skunk |
| Porcupine | Raccoon |
| Red Fox | Black Bear |
| Mink | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Wolf | Hoary Bat |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Varying Hare | Mountain Lion |
| River Otter | Mink |
| Common Shrew | Mule Deer |
| Red Squirrel | Gray Fox |
| Montane Shrew | Wolf |
| Lynx | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Wolverine | Snowshoe Hare |
| American Marten | Fringed Myotis |
| Grizzly Bear | Western Harvest Mouse |
| Meadow Vole | Yuma Myotis |
| Moose | Bighorn Sheep |
| Least Weasel | Montane Shrew |
| Pygmy Shrew | Long-Tailed Vole |
| Northern Bog Lemming | Ringtail |
| Virginia Opossum | |
| Wolverine |
Fish
| Gateway Arch National Park | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
|---|---|
| Longnose Sucker | Redband Trout |
| Lake Trout | Brook Trout |
| Northern Pike | Brown Trout |
| Eelpout | Fathead Minnow |
| King Salmon | Golden Shiner |
| Slimy Sculpin | Silver Salmon |
| Chum Salmon | King Salmon |
| Dolly Varden | Mottled Sculpin |
| Arctic Grayling | Speckled Dace |
| Brown Bullhead |
Amphibians
| Gateway Arch National Park | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Bullfrog |
Reptiles
| Gateway Arch National Park | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | |
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Racer | |
| Western Rattlesnake | |
| Ring-Necked Snake | |
| Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Common Kingsnake | |
| Rubber Boa | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Western Skink | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Insects
| Gateway Arch National Park | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | |
| Honey Bee | |
| Buckeye | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Gateway Arch National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is home to the famous 630-foot stainless steel Gateway Arch. Visitors can take a tram to the top of the Arch for panoramic views of the city and Mississippi River. The park features a unique blend of urban and natural landscapes, including the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, which includes the Old Courthouse and the Gateway Arch Museum.
Lassen Volcanic National Park, located in northern California, offers a different type of scenic beauty. It is home to the largest plug dome volcano in the world, Lassen Peak, as well as several other volcanic features, including boiling mud pots, fumaroles, and hot springs. The park also boasts stunning mountain landscapes, including the scenic Lassen Peak Trail and the breathtaking Bumpass Hell Trail, which leads visitors through a landscape of bubbling mud pots and steam vents. Visitors can also enjoy scenic drives, such as the Lassen Park Highway and the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center, which offers stunning views of the park and its volcanic features.
Things To-Do and Activities in Gateway Arch National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are two popular national parks in the United States that offer a variety of outdoor activities for visitors.
At Gateway Arch National Park, visitors can experience the history of the American West through the park’s museum and take a tram ride to the top of the iconic Gateway Arch. The park also offers riverboat cruises and bike rentals, making it easy to explore the surrounding area. Additionally, visitors can participate in ranger-led tours to learn more about the history of the park and the Gateway Arch.
Lassen Volcanic National Park, on the other hand, offers a unique geothermal experience. Visitors can explore the park’s hydrothermal areas, including boiling mud pots, steam vents, and fumaroles, and see the park’s active volcano, Lassen Peak. The park also offers scenic drives, camping, and wildlife viewing opportunities, making it a great destination for those looking to escape the city and get back to nature.
Whether you’re interested in history, geology, or simply getting outside and experiencing the natural beauty of the United States, both Gateway Arch National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park have something to offer.
Best Time to Visit Gateway Arch National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis, Missouri and Lassen Volcanic National Park in California are both popular tourist destinations, but the weather in each park can vary greatly depending on the time of year. Gateway Arch National Park experiences hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The best time to visit is in the spring or fall, when temperatures are mild and rainfall is minimal. During the summer months, temperatures can reach into the 90s, making it uncomfortable for outdoor activities. In the winter, snow and ice can make it difficult to get around.
Lassen Volcanic National Park, on the other hand, experiences a much more moderate climate, with cool summers and mild winters. The best time to visit is during the summer, when temperatures are in the 70s and 80s, and there is minimal precipitation. Snow can fall in the park during the winter, especially at higher elevations, making it difficult to access some areas. Despite this, the park is still a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts, who come to enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. Overall, the weather at Lassen Volcanic National Park is more consistent year-round and is less affected by extreme temperatures and precipitation.
Family Friendliness of Gateway Arch National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are two popular destinations for families in the US. Both parks have a lot to offer in terms of outdoor recreation and educational opportunities, but when it comes to family-friendliness, there are some key differences between the two.
Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is a great place for families with children of all ages. The park offers a variety of interactive exhibits and educational programs that help visitors learn about the history and culture of the region. The star attraction is the Gateway Arch, a 630-foot tall monument that visitors can take a tram to the top of for panoramic views of the city. The park also has a museum, a playground, and plenty of green space for picnicking and playing.
Lassen Volcanic National Park, located in northern California, is a more rugged outdoor destination that is best suited for families with older children. The park is home to an active volcano and offers a variety of hiking trails, including some that lead to the summit of Lassen Peak. There are also several campgrounds, lakes, and scenic drives that families can enjoy. However, the park can be quite remote and isolated, so it may not be the best choice for families with young children who need regular access to amenities like restaurants and stores.
Both Gateway Arch National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park offer unique experiences for families, but for those traveling with young children, Gateway Arch National Park is likely to be the more family-friendly choice.