Gateway Arch National Park and North Cascades National Park are two of the most unique and contrasting National Parks in the US. While Gateway Arch is located in the bustling city of St. Louis, Missouri, North Cascades is tucked away in the remote wilderness of Washington State. They both offer breathtaking landscapes and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, but in very different ways.
At Gateway Arch, visitors can admire the 630-foot stainless steel monument that serves as the “Gateway to the West” and learn about the history of the Louisiana Purchase and westward expansion. Meanwhile, at North Cascades, people can explore the rugged beauty of the Cascade Range and see glaciers, alpine meadows, and diverse wildlife.
So, which one is right for you? That’s what we’re here to find out! In this article, we’ll compare and contrast these two National Parks, taking a closer look at what they have to offer and what kind of experiences you can expect. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or an adventure-filled trip, this article has everything you need to know to make the most of your visit to Gateway Arch National Park or North Cascades National Park.
Hiking Trails in Gateway Arch National Park and North Cascades National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and North Cascades National Park are two popular national parks that offer a range of hiking experiences. Gateway Arch National Park is located in Missouri and is known for its 630-foot tall Gateway Arch, the tallest monument in the United States. The park offers several easy hikes, including the Kennedy Forest trails, which are perfect for families and visitors who are looking for a leisurely stroll. The park also has several challenging hikes, such as the Riverfront trail, which takes hikers along the Mississippi River and offers stunning views of the city and the Gateway Arch.
North Cascades National Park, located in Washington state, is known for its rugged terrain and stunning mountain scenery. The park has a range of hikes, from easy walks along the shores of Diablo Lake to challenging backcountry treks through the North Cascades mountains. The park’s highlight hike is the Cascade Pass Trail, a strenuous but rewarding 8.5-mile hike that leads to a panoramic view of the surrounding peaks and glaciers. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Park Butte trail offers a strenuous 6.5-mile trek to the top of a mountain, with stunning views of the North Cascades and the surrounding wilderness.
In conclusion, both Gateway Arch National Park and North Cascades National Park offer a range of hiking experiences, with easy trails for families and challenging hikes for more experienced hikers. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a strenuous backcountry trek, these two parks have something to offer for every level of hiker.
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 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 Gateway Arch National Park and North Cascades National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and North Cascades National Park are two iconic national parks that offer visitors a chance to experience diverse wildlife. Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is home to a variety of species including coyotes, squirrels, and raccoons. The park also has a thriving bird population, including different species of hawks, owls, and songbirds. In addition, the park’s riverfront location attracts a variety of waterfowl, including ducks and geese.
North Cascades National Park, located in Washington state, offers a completely different wildlife experience. This park is home to a diverse array of mammals, including black bears, cougars, and deer. Visitors may also spot smaller mammals, such as squirrels and chipmunks, as well as a variety of bird species, including eagles, ospreys, and a variety of songbirds. The park’s high elevation and abundant forests also provide a habitat for a variety of plant species, including wildflowers and ferns.
Both parks offer visitors a chance to experience unique and diverse wildlife, each with its own special features and attractions. Whether you’re interested in observing mammals, birds, or plants, there is something for everyone at both Gateway Arch National Park and North Cascades National Park.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Gateway Arch National Park and North Cascades National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
Gateway Arch 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 |
Savannah Sparrow | Savannah Sparrow |
Hermit Thrush | Great Blue Heron |
American Kestrel | Hermit Thrush |
Bald Eagle | American Kestrel |
Northern Pintail | Bald Eagle |
American Wigeon | Song Sparrow |
Green-Winged Teal | European Starling |
American Pipit | Northern Pintail |
Swainson’s Thrush | American Wigeon |
Hairy Woodpecker | Green-Winged Teal |
Red-Breasted Nuthatch | American Pipit |
Mammals
Gateway Arch National Park | North Cascades 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 | Red Fox |
Lynx | Long-Tailed Weasel |
Wolverine | House Mouse |
American Marten | Puma |
Grizzly Bear | Mink |
Meadow Vole | Black-Tailed Deer |
Moose | Wolf |
Least Weasel | Long-Legged Myotis |
Pygmy Shrew | Western Long-Eared Bat |
Northern Bog Lemming | Ermine |
California Myotis | |
Snowshoe Hare |
Fish
Gateway Arch National Park | North Cascades National Park |
---|---|
Longnose Sucker | Redband Trout |
Lake Trout | Brook Trout |
Northern Pike | Largemouth Bass |
Eelpout | Longnose Sucker |
King Salmon | Lake Trout |
Slimy Sculpin | Burbot |
Chum Salmon | Silver Salmon |
Dolly Varden | King Salmon |
Arctic Grayling | Slimy Sculpin |
Longnose Dace | |
Threespine Stickleback | |
Kokanee | |
Pink Salmon | |
Chum Salmon | |
Dolly Varden | |
Cutthroat Trout |
Amphibians
Gateway Arch National Park | North Cascades National Park |
---|---|
Wood Frog |
Reptiles
Gateway Arch National Park | North Cascades National Park |
---|---|
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
Western Yellowbelly Racer | |
Prairie Rattlesnake | |
Common Garter Snake | |
Rubber Boa | |
Western Fence Lizard |
Insects
Gateway Arch 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 Gateway Arch National Park and North Cascades National Park
Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri and is known for its 630-foot tall stainless steel arch that dominates the park’s skyline. The arch is a symbol of westward expansion in the United States and offers stunning views of the city from its observation deck. Visitors can also take a tram to the top of the arch for panoramic views of the Mississippi River and the surrounding city.
North Cascades National Park, on the other hand, is located in the state of Washington and is known for its rugged mountain landscape. The park boasts over 300 glaciers, alpine meadows, and crystal-clear lakes. Some of the most famous landscapes in the park include Diablo Lake, which is surrounded by towering peaks, and the Cascade Pass, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. The park also has numerous waterfalls, including the stunning Diablo Falls, as well as many hiking trails that offer opportunities for exploring the park’s natural wonders.
In conclusion, both Gateway Arch National Park and North Cascades National Park offer unique and beautiful landscapes for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a cityscape or a rugged mountain landscape, these parks are sure to offer something that will take your breath away.
Things To-Do and Activities in Gateway Arch National Park and North Cascades National Park
Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is well-known for its 630-foot stainless steel arch that serves as a symbol of the city’s role as the “Gateway to the West.” Visitors love to take a trip to the top of the Arch for panoramic views of the city and the Mississippi River. In addition to the Arch, the park offers a museum that showcases the history of the Westward Expansion, and riverboat cruises. The park is also a popular spot for picnics, concerts, and festivals.
On the other hand, North Cascades National Park in Washington state is a wilderness lover’s paradise. The park features rugged peaks, glaciers, and more than 300 pristine alpine lakes. Visitors love to explore the park’s backcountry on foot, with popular activities including backpacking, rock climbing, and wildlife viewing. The park’s scenic drives provide stunning views of the mountain landscape, and the park’s quiet atmosphere is ideal for those seeking a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Both parks offer unique experiences and activities for visitors, but the key difference lies in the type of experience sought. Gateway Arch National Park is a great option for those looking for a mix of history, city life, and outdoor recreation, while North Cascades National Park is perfect for those seeking a more remote and rugged wilderness experience.
Best Time to Visit Gateway Arch National Park and North Cascades National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and North Cascades National Park are two very different parks with each having its own unique weather patterns. Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri and the weather there is characterized by hot summers and cold winters. During the summer months, temperatures can reach up to 90°F with high humidity, making it a great time to visit the park for outdoor activities. On the other hand, winter months can be harsh with temperatures dropping to below freezing and snow accumulations.
North Cascades National Park, on the other hand, is located in Washington State and is known for its wet, rainy climate. The park is surrounded by the Cascades Mountain Range which creates a rain shadow effect, making it one of the wettest areas in the US. The park is also known for its mild summers, but the best time to visit is during the fall when temperatures are cool and the scenery is at its best. Winter is also a great time to visit, but visitors should be prepared for snow and icy conditions.
In conclusion, the best time to visit Gateway Arch National Park is during the summer months, while the best time to visit North Cascades National Park is during the fall or winter. Visitors should be mindful of the weather conditions when planning a trip to either of these parks, as it can greatly impact their experience.
Family Friendliness of Gateway Arch National Park and North Cascades National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and North Cascades National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the US, both offering unique experiences and stunning landscapes. However, when it comes to traveling with children, the two parks offer different experiences.
Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, is a great option for families. The park features a museum, interactive exhibits, and a tram that takes visitors to the top of the 630-foot-tall Gateway Arch, offering stunning views of the city. The park also has a large outdoor space for kids to run and play.
On the other hand, North Cascades National Park, located in Washington state, is a more rugged, wilderness experience. While still offering breathtaking scenery and opportunities for outdoor recreation, it may not be as family-friendly as Gateway Arch National Park. Hiking trails can be challenging and camping can be primitive, making it a better choice for families with older children or for families looking for a more adventurous vacation.
In conclusion, if you are traveling with young children and are looking for a more educational and accessible experience, Gateway Arch National Park is the better option. However, if you are looking for a more rugged, wilderness experience and have older children, North Cascades National Park may be the way to go.