The Gateway Arch National Park and Mount Rainier National Park are two of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. Both parks offer unique experiences that attract millions of visitors each year. Whether you’re an adventurer seeking breathtaking views, or a history buff looking to learn about the country’s past, these parks have something for everyone.
The Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri and is home to the iconic 630-foot tall Gateway Arch. This park offers visitors a chance to explore the history of the American West and learn about the pioneers who helped shape the nation. Visitors can take a tram ride to the top of the arch for panoramic views of the city, or take a riverboat cruise down the Mississippi River.
Mount Rainier National Park, on the other hand, is located in Washington State and is home to the 14,411-foot tall Mount Rainier. This park offers visitors a chance to explore the beauty of the Pacific Northwest and enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and wildlife watching. With its stunning glaciers, alpine meadows, and diverse wildlife, Mount Rainier is a true natural wonder.
In this article, we will compare and contrast these two parks to help you decide which one is the best fit for your next adventure. Get ready to explore the rich history and breathtaking beauty of the Gateway Arch National Park and Mount Rainier National Park!
Hiking Trails in Gateway Arch National Park and Mount Rainier National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Mount Rainier National Park are two popular national parks that offer unique and unforgettable hiking experiences. Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri, and is known for its 630-foot tall monument, the Gateway Arch. On the other hand, Mount Rainier National Park is located in Washington and is famous for Mount Rainier, an active stratovolcano.
At Gateway Arch National Park, hikers can enjoy the easy Riverfront Trail, which is a 1.5-mile trail that runs along the Mississippi River. The harder hike is the Cathedral of St. Louis Trail, which is a 4-mile trail that leads to the top of the Gateway Arch. It is a strenuous hike that provides a stunning view of St. Louis from the top.
Mount Rainier National Park, on the other hand, is a hiker’s paradise with over 260 miles of trails. The easiest hike is the Nisqually Vista Trail, which is a 1-mile trail that offers panoramic views of Nisqually Valley. For a more challenging hike, visitors can tackle the Skyline Trail, which is a 7.2-mile trail that takes hikers to the summit of Mount Rainier. This trail is considered one of the most difficult hikes in the park, but the breathtaking views from the top make it worth the effort.
In conclusion, both Gateway Arch National Park and Mount Rainier National Park offer a range of hiking trails for all skill levels. Whether you are looking for an easy hike or a challenging climb, these two parks have something to offer 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 Mount Rainier National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tolmie Peak Trail | 8851.37 | 463.9056 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Skyline Trail | 8529.502 | 535.8384 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| Comet and Christine Falls | 6920.162 | 610.8192 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Camp Muir Route Via Skyline Trail | 13518.456 | 1403.9088 | Very Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Burroughs Mountain Loop Trail | 15127.796 | 780.8976 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| Naches Peak Loop Trail | 5310.822 | 193.8528 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Spray Park Trail to Mount Pleasant | 11104.446 | 635.8128 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mount Fremont Lookout Trail | 9012.304 | 348.996 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Pinnacle Peak Saddle Trail | 3862.416 | 321.8688 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Summerland Trail | 13196.588 | 655.9296 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Gateway Arch National Park and Mount Rainier National Park
Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis, Missouri, is well known for its 630-foot stainless steel arch, but it also offers visitors a unique urban wildlife experience. The park is home to a variety of animals such as squirrels, rabbits, and white-tailed deer. Birdwatchers will also enjoy sightings of blue jays, cardinals, and woodpeckers. The Mississippi River provides a habitat for a variety of waterfowl, including ducks and geese.
Mount Rainier National Park, located in Washington State, is a much different experience than Gateway Arch. Here visitors will be able to see a wider range of wildlife, including black bears, mountain goats, and elk. The park’s diverse landscapes, including glaciers, meadows, and forests, provide habitats for a variety of birds, such as the American Dipper, the Northern Pygmy Owl, and the American Goldfinch. The park is also home to a range of plant species, including wildflowers, ferns, and conifers.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Gateway Arch National Park and Mount Rainier National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Gateway Arch National Park | Mount Rainier 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 | Great Horned Owl |
| American Robin | Red-Tailed Hawk |
| Great Horned Owl | Barn Swallow |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | Savannah Sparrow |
| Northern Flicker | Great Blue Heron |
| Merlin | Hermit Thrush |
| Savannah Sparrow | European Starling |
| Hermit Thrush | Northern Pintail |
| American Kestrel | American Wigeon |
| Bald Eagle | Green-Winged Teal |
| Northern Pintail | American Pipit |
| American Wigeon | Killdeer |
| Green-Winged Teal | Brown-Headed Cowbird |
| American Pipit | Hairy Woodpecker |
| Swainson’s Thrush | Red-Breasted Nuthatch |
| Hairy Woodpecker | White-Crowned Sparrow |
| Red-Breasted Nuthatch | Northern Shoveler |
Mammals
| Gateway Arch National Park | Mount Rainier National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Black Bear | Big Brown Bat |
| Porcupine | Bobcat |
| Red Fox | Striped Skunk |
| Mink | Little Brown Bat |
| Wolf | Deer Mouse |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Raccoon |
| Varying Hare | Black Bear |
| River Otter | Porcupine |
| Common Shrew | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Red Squirrel | Hoary Bat |
| Montane Shrew | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Lynx | House Mouse |
| Wolverine | Mountain Lion |
| American Marten | Black-Tailed Deer |
| Grizzly Bear | Wolf |
| Meadow Vole | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Moose | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Least Weasel | Ermine |
| Pygmy Shrew | California Myotis |
| Northern Bog Lemming | Snowshoe Hare |
| North American River Otter | |
| Masked Shrew |
Fish
| Gateway Arch National Park | Mount Rainier National Park |
|---|---|
| Longnose Sucker | Rainbow Trout |
| Lake Trout | Eastern Brook Trout |
| Northern Pike | Brown Trout |
| Eelpout | Coho Salmon |
| King Salmon | Chinook Salmon |
| Slimy Sculpin | Mottled Sculpin |
| Chum Salmon | Slimy Sculpin |
| Dolly Varden | Threespine Stickleback |
| Arctic Grayling | Kokanee |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Amphibians
| Gateway Arch National Park | Mount Rainier National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Tiger Salamander |
Reptiles
| Gateway Arch National Park | Mount Rainier National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Rubber Boa |
Insects
| Gateway Arch National Park | Mount Rainier National Park |
|---|---|
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Gateway Arch National Park and Mount Rainier National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Mount Rainier National Park are two of the most famous national parks in the United States. Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri and is known for its 630-foot stainless steel arch, which is the tallest monument in the United States. Visitors can take a tram to the top of the arch for panoramic views of the Mississippi River and the city. The park also has a museum that showcases the history of the arch and the city of St. Louis.
Mount Rainier National Park, on the other hand, is located in Washington State and is known for its majestic 14,410-foot mountain, Mount Rainier. Visitors can hike to the summit of the mountain or simply enjoy scenic drives around the park. The park also has numerous waterfalls, rivers, and glaciers that are popular with visitors. The park is also home to diverse wildlife, including elk, bears, and mountain goats.
Both Gateway Arch National Park and Mount Rainier National Park offer unique and breathtaking landscapes that are sure to dazzle visitors. Whether you’re looking for stunning city views or breathtaking mountain scenery, these two parks are sure to deliver.
Things To-Do and Activities in Gateway Arch National Park and Mount Rainier National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Mount Rainier National Park are two popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri and is best known for the 630-foot-tall Gateway Arch, which is the centerpiece of the park. Visitors can take a tram to the top of the Arch for panoramic views of the city and the Mississippi River. In addition to the Arch, Gateway Arch National Park offers boat tours, bike rentals, and guided walking tours.
On the other hand, Mount Rainier National Park is located in Washington State and is a popular destination for those who love the outdoors. The park is home to Mount Rainier, which is the highest peak in the Cascade Range, and visitors can hike to its summit for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. In addition to hiking, Mount Rainier National Park offers camping, fishing, and sightseeing opportunities. The park is also a popular spot for winter sports, including cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Best Time to Visit Gateway Arch National Park and Mount Rainier National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Mount Rainier National Park are two popular national parks in the United States. While they are both great places to visit, the seasonal weather at each park is quite different, which affects when is the best time of year to visit.
Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri, and is known for its hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The best time to visit is spring and fall, when temperatures are mild and there is little precipitation. During the summer, temperatures can reach over 90°F, making it uncomfortable for outdoor activities. Winter temperatures can drop to below freezing, making it difficult to enjoy the park’s outdoor attractions.
Mount Rainier National Park, on the other hand, is located in Washington State and is known for its mild summers and cold, snowy winters. The best time to visit is during the summer, when temperatures are warm and there is little precipitation. During the winter, the park receives a significant amount of snow, making it ideal for winter sports like skiing and snowshoeing. However, the park’s roads and trails can be dangerous during the winter months, so visitors should be prepared for inclement weather.
In conclusion, both Gateway Arch National Park and Mount Rainier National Park are great places to visit, but the best time to visit depends on the weather conditions. Visitors to Gateway Arch National Park should plan their trips for spring or fall, while those visiting Mount Rainier National Park should plan their trips for the summer.
Family Friendliness of Gateway Arch National Park and Mount Rainier National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Mount Rainier National Park are two popular tourist destinations in the US, attracting millions of visitors each year. Both parks offer unique experiences for families, but each has its own strengths and weaknesses when it comes to family-friendly activities.
Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri, and is the home of the famous 630-foot arch. The park offers a variety of educational and interactive exhibits, as well as a museum and a movie theater. The park is also accessible by tram, providing stunning views of the city and the Mississippi River. Children will enjoy the interactive exhibits and the breathtaking views from the top of the arch.
Mount Rainier National Park, on the other hand, is located in Washington state and is home to the 14,410-foot-tall Mount Rainier. The park provides opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. Children will enjoy exploring the park’s diverse ecosystem, from the subalpine meadows to the old-growth forests. They may also be interested in learning about the park’s geology and the volcanic history of Mount Rainier.
Ultimately, the best park for families will depend on their interests and preferences. Gateway Arch National Park is best for families who enjoy learning about history and science, while Mount Rainier National Park is ideal for families who love the great outdoors and are interested in exploring nature and wildlife.