The Gateway Arch National Park and Olympic National Park are two iconic American landmarks that draw millions of visitors every year. While both parks have their own unique features, they offer vastly different experiences. If you’re trying to decide between the two, this article is for you.
Discover the thrill of city life at Gateway Arch National Park, located in the heart of St. Louis. Climb to the top of the 630-foot arch that symbolizes the Gateway to the West and enjoy breathtaking views of the city from its observation deck. Immerse yourself in history with exhibits at the Museum of Westward Expansion, which documents the journey of pioneers who traveled to the West in the 1800s.
Or, escape to the tranquility of Olympic National Park, located in Washington state. Explore the park’s diverse landscapes, from pristine beaches and winding rivers to towering mountains and lush rainforests. Observe wildlife in their natural habitats and take a dip in one of the park’s many hot springs. Whether you’re an adventurous hiker or prefer a leisurely stroll, Olympic National Park has something for everyone.
So, which one will it be? The excitement of the Gateway Arch National Park or the peaceful beauty of Olympic National Park? Read on to find out!
Hiking Trails in Gateway Arch National Park and Olympic National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Olympic National Park are two contrasting parks in the United States. Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, features a 630-foot monument and riverfront park, while Olympic National Park in Washington State boasts ancient forests and rugged coastlines, offering a range of hiking experiences.
At Gateway Arch National Park, visitors can take an easy hike along the Riverfront Trail and explore the park’s monuments and scenic views. The park also offers a challenging hike to the top of the Gateway Arch for panoramic views of the city.
In contrast, Olympic National Park has a diverse range of hiking trails, from easy hikes through old-growth rainforests to strenuous backcountry treks. The Hurricane Ridge Trail is a popular and relatively easy hike, offering stunning views of the Olympic Mountains and surrounding valleys. On the other hand, the challenging Seven Lakes Basin hike takes visitors through formidable terrain and steep climbs to reach a series of serene alpine lakes.
Regardless of hiking ability, both parks offer unique outdoor experiences and breathtaking views. Visitors to Gateway Arch National Park can learn about American history and urban culture, while those visiting Olympic National Park can immerse themselves in the beauty of the Pacific Northwest’s natural wonders.
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 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 Gateway Arch National Park and Olympic National Park
Gateway Arch National Park is located in St. Louis, Missouri and encompasses the iconic Gateway Arch and its surrounding grounds. Common wildlife sightings in the park include squirrels, rabbits, and a variety of bird species. The park is also home to a small number of bats, which can be seen at dusk and dawn.
Olympic National Park, on the other hand, is located in Washington State and offers a much more diverse range of wildlife. Visitors to the park can expect to see a variety of mammals, including black bears, elk, and mountain lions. Additionally, the park is home to a large number of bird species, including bald eagles and a variety of waterfowl. The park also offers opportunities to see whales, seals, and sea lions, making it a popular destination for marine mammal watching.
In terms of plant life, Olympic National Park is also more diverse, offering a range of habitats from temperate rainforests to subalpine forests. The park is home to a number of unique and endangered plant species, including the Olympic Marmot and the Western White Pine.
While both parks offer unique experiences for visitors, those looking for a more diverse range of wildlife and plant life are likely to find Olympic National Park to be the better choice.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Gateway Arch National Park and Olympic National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Gateway Arch 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 |
| 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 | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Black Bear | Big Brown Bat |
| Porcupine | Striped Skunk |
| Red Fox | Little Brown Bat |
| Mink | Deer Mouse |
| Wolf | Raccoon |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Black Bear |
| Varying Hare | Porcupine |
| River Otter | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Common Shrew | Red Fox |
| Red Squirrel | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Montane Shrew | House Mouse |
| Lynx | Wolf |
| Wolverine | Long-Legged Myotis |
| American Marten | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Grizzly Bear | California Myotis |
| Meadow Vole | Snowshoe Rabbit |
| Moose | North American River Otter |
| Least Weasel | Fringe-Tailed Myotis |
| Pygmy Shrew | Masked Shrew |
| Northern Bog Lemming | Water Shrew |
| Western Big-Eared Bat | |
| Bushy-Tailed Woodrat |
Fish
| Gateway Arch National Park | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Longnose Sucker | Steelhead/Rainbow Trout |
| Lake Trout | Brook Trout |
| Northern Pike | Largemouth Bass |
| Eelpout | Salish Sucker |
| King Salmon | Coho Salmon |
| Slimy Sculpin | Chinook Salmon |
| Chum Salmon | Longnose Dace |
| Dolly Varden | Speckled Dace |
| Arctic Grayling | Threespine Stickleback |
| Sockeye Salmon | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Amphibians
| Gateway Arch National Park | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Wood Frog | Bullfrog |
Reptiles
| Gateway Arch National Park | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Rubber Boa | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Insects
| Gateway Arch National Park | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Honey Bee |
Beautiful Landscapes in Gateway Arch National Park and Olympic National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Olympic National Park are two of the most famous national parks in the United States. Gateway Arch National Park, located in Missouri, is famous for its 630-foot tall Gateway Arch, which is the tallest monument in the US. This park is also home to the Jefferson Expansion Memorial, an outdoor museum that explores the history of the Louisiana Purchase.
Olympic National Park, located in Washington state, is famous for its diverse landscapes, ranging from rugged coastline to temperate rainforest, and from subalpine meadows to snow-capped peaks. The park is also home to the Hoh Rainforest, which receives 140 inches of rainfall annually and is one of the largest temperate rainforests in the world. Another popular attraction is Hurricane Ridge, which offers breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains and the Pacific Ocean.
Overall, both Gateway Arch National Park and Olympic National Park offer unique and beautiful landscapes that are not to be missed by nature enthusiasts and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for a towering monument or a diverse range of natural wonders, these parks have something to offer for everyone.
Things To-Do and Activities in Gateway Arch National Park and Olympic National Park
Gateway Arch National Park, located in St. Louis, Missouri, offers a unique blend of history and outdoor recreation. Visitors can take a trip to the top of the 630-foot tall Gateway Arch for breathtaking views of the city and the Mississippi River. The park also features a museum that showcases the history of westward expansion and the role St. Louis played in it. In addition, visitors can enjoy scenic walks along the riverfront and take a riverboat tour.
Olympic National Park, located in Washington State, offers a vastly different experience. It is well known for its diverse landscapes, from the rugged Pacific coastline to the lush Hoh Rainforest to the high alpine meadows of Hurricane Ridge. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the opportunity to hike, camp, and explore the park’s many trails. Wildlife watching is also popular, with the chance to see black bears, elk, and mountain goats.
Both Gateway Arch National Park and Olympic National Park offer a diverse array of activities for visitors to enjoy. While Gateway Arch National Park focuses on history and urban outdoor recreation, Olympic National Park is all about immersing yourself in nature. Whether you’re interested in history, scenic walks, or outdoor adventure, both parks have something to offer.
Best Time to Visit Gateway Arch National Park and Olympic National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Olympic National Park are two vastly different parks located on either coast of the United States. The seasonal weather at these parks greatly affects when is the best time to visit.
Gateway Arch National Park located in St. Louis, Missouri has a humid subtropical climate with hot and humid summers and cold winters. The park is at its best from March to May and from September to November when the weather is mild and comfortable. The summer months can be oppressively hot and humid, making it less appealing for visitors.
Olympic National Park, located in Washington state, has a diverse range of climates from the temperate rainforest to alpine meadows to the Pacific Ocean coastline. The park is best visited from July to September when the weather is warm and dry, making it ideal for hiking and exploring the lush forests and stunning coastal landscapes. The winter months can be wet and cold, making it less inviting for outdoor activities.
In conclusion, both Gateway Arch National Park and Olympic National Park offer unique experiences, but the best time to visit each park greatly depends on the weather. For Gateway Arch National Park, the mild spring and fall months are the best, while Olympic National Park is best visited during the warm and dry summer months.
Family Friendliness of Gateway Arch National Park and Olympic National Park
Gateway Arch National Park and Olympic National Park are two of America’s most iconic parks, offering a unique combination of history, recreation, and natural beauty. When it comes to family-friendly travel, both parks have much to offer, but there are some key differences to consider.
At Gateway Arch National Park, families can explore the 630-foot stainless steel monument that serves as the centerpiece of the park. The Arch also has a museum that houses exhibits about the history of the area, and a tram ride to the top provides breathtaking views of the city. The park also offers boat tours, bike rentals, and several picnic areas.
Olympic National Park, on the other hand, is a wilderness area that covers nearly a million acres of forest, coastline, and mountain terrain. The park offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The park also has several family-friendly hikes, including the Hoh Rain Forest and the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center.
In conclusion, both parks are great options for families, but they each offer a different type of experience. If you’re looking for an urban park with a mix of history and outdoor recreation, Gateway Arch National Park is the best choice. If you’re looking for a more wilderness-oriented experience, Olympic National Park is an excellent option.