Glacier National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are two of America’s crown jewels. Both offer breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and endless opportunities for adventure. But which one is right for you? Whether you’re a hiker, camper, or just a nature lover, this article will give you an in-depth comparison of these two stunning national parks.
Glacier National Park is a massive wilderness area in Montana, known for its glaciers, alpine meadows, and sparkling lakes. With over 700 miles of trails, it’s a hiker’s paradise. From the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road to the rugged backcountry, there’s something for everyone.
Lassen Volcanic National Park is a unique park located in northern California, showcasing a diverse range of volcanic landscapes. From boiling mud pots to steaming vents, Lassen is a living laboratory of geothermal activity. The park also boasts over 150 miles of trails, offering a chance to explore the park’s volcanic wonders.
Hiking Trails in Glacier National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Glacier National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Both parks offer a variety of hiking trails ranging from easy to challenging, but each park has its own unique features.
In Glacier National Park, the popular Easy Peasy trail is a 1.6-mile hike that takes you through a forested area and offers views of the surrounding mountains. For more of a challenge, the Highline trail is a 14.6-mile hike that takes you along a narrow path along the cliffs with stunning views of the park.
Lassen Volcanic National Park offers a variety of hikes, including the popular Bumpass Hell trail which is a 3-mile hike to a geothermal area with bubbling mud pots and steam vents. Another popular hike is the Lassen Peak trail, a 5.5-mile hike to the top of the park’s largest volcano. This hike is strenuous and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
In both parks, the trails are well-maintained and offer a variety of scenic views. However, Lassen Volcanic National Park has a more rugged and volcanic terrain, while Glacier National Park offers a more traditional mountain landscape with glaciers and snow-capped peaks.
Regardless of your hiking skill level, both Glacier National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park offer something for everyone, from easy nature walks to challenging mountain hikes. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or just looking for a leisurely walk, these parks have something to offer for everyone.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Glacier National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grinnell Glacier Trail | 18185.542 | 658.9776 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Avalanche Lake via the Trail of the Cedars | 9173.238 | 227.9904 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Iceberg Lake Trail | 14966.862 | 441.96 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Hidden Lake Trail | 8529.502 | 418.7952 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Highline Trail – Logan Pass to Granite Park Chalet | 23979.166 | 785.7744 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| St. Mary and Virginia Falls Trail | 4667.086 | 137.7696 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Hidden Lake Overlook | 4506.152 | 176.784 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Cracker Lake Trail | 19312.08 | 502.92 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Trail of the Cedars | 1287.472 | 10.9728 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| The Garden Wall | 23657.298 | 1068.9336 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
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 Glacier National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Glacier National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are two popular destinations for nature enthusiasts. Both parks offer a variety of wildlife, but the types of animals you’ll see differ greatly between the two.
In Glacier National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of large mammals such as grizzly bears, black bears, moose, elk, and mountain lions. The park is also home to a wide variety of bird species, including eagles, owls, and various species of songbirds. Additionally, the park is home to a diverse array of plant life, including wildflowers and coniferous trees.
In contrast, Lassen Volcanic National Park is known for its unique geological features and the wildlife that inhabits them. Visitors can expect to see animals such as marmots, pikas, and other alpine mammals. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including the mountain bluebird and the Clark’s nutcracker. Additionally, the park is known for its diverse array of wildflowers, including lupines and paintbrushes.
While both parks offer unique and diverse wildlife, the main difference between the two is the types of animals you’ll see. Glacier National Park is known for its large mammals, while Lassen Volcanic National Park is known for its unique alpine wildlife and geological features. Regardless of which park you visit, you’re sure to be impressed by the abundance and beauty of the wildlife you’ll see.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Glacier National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Glacier 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 |
| 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 |
Mammals
| Glacier National Park | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | American Beaver |
| American Beaver | Muskrat |
| Muskrat | Bobcat |
| Big Brown Bat | Striped Skunk |
| Bobcat | Raccoon |
| Striped Skunk | Black Bear |
| Little Brown Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Deer Mouse | Hoary Bat |
| Raccoon | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Black Bear | Mountain Lion |
| Porcupine | Mink |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Mule Deer |
| Hoary Bat | Gray Fox |
| Red Fox | Wolf |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Mountain Lion | Snowshoe Hare |
| Mink | Fringed Myotis |
| Mule Deer | Western Harvest Mouse |
| Gray Wolf | Yuma Myotis |
| Long-Legged Bat | Bighorn Sheep |
| Long-Eared Bat | Montane Shrew |
| Badger | Long-Tailed Vole |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Ringtail |
| California Myotis | Virginia Opossum |
| Snowshoe Hare | Wolverine |
Fish
| Glacier National Park | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Redband Trout |
| Brook Trout | Brook Trout |
| Longnose Sucker | Brown Trout |
| Fathead Minnow | Fathead Minnow |
| Lake Trout | Golden Shiner |
| Northern Pike | Silver Salmon |
| Burbot | King Salmon |
| Mottled Sculpin | Mottled Sculpin |
| Slimy Sculpin | Speckled Dace |
| Longnose Dace | Brown Bullhead |
| Sockeye Salmon | |
| Arctic Grayling |
Reptiles
| Glacier National Park | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | Gopher Snake |
| Common Garter Snake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Rubber Boa | Racer |
| Western Rattlesnake | |
| Ring-Necked Snake | |
| Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Common Kingsnake | |
| Rubber Boa | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Western Skink | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Amphibians
| Glacier National Park | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog |
Insects
| Glacier 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 Glacier National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Glacier National Park, in Montana, is known for its stunning mountain ranges, glaciers, and glistening lakes. One of its most famous landscapes, Going-to-the-Sun Road, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Visitors can also hike to Hidden Lake Overlook for panoramic views of the park’s alpine terrain.
Lassen Volcanic National Park, in California, is famous for its volcanic landscapes and geothermal features. The park is home to Lassen Peak, the largest plug dome volcano in the world, and visitors can hike to its summit for sweeping views of the park and surrounding area. Another popular destination is Bumpass Hell, a geothermal area with bubbling mud pots and steam vents. The park also offers scenic drives through the beautiful Lassen National Forest and opportunities for camping, fishing, and bird watching.
Whether you’re a fan of majestic mountain ranges or unique volcanic landscapes, both Glacier and Lassen Volcanic National Parks offer a once-in-a-lifetime outdoor experience. Whether you’re hiking, camping, or simply enjoying the beauty of nature, these parks are sure to leave a lasting impression.
Things To-Do and Activities in Glacier National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Glacier National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, each offering its own unique experience for visitors. Glacier National Park is known for its stunning glaciers, pristine lakes, and rugged mountain landscapes. There are many opportunities for outdoor recreation, such as hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can also take a scenic drive along the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road, which offers breathtaking views of the park’s alpine terrain.
Lassen Volcanic National Park is a unique landscape that features a mix of volcanic features, including geysers, hot springs, and mud pots. Visitors can hike to the top of Lassen Peak, the park’s most prominent feature, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area. The park also offers excellent opportunities for camping, fishing, and backpacking. Additionally, visitors can explore the park’s many geothermal features, such as Bumpass Hell, the largest hydrothermal area in the park.
Both parks offer visitors a chance to experience the beauty of nature and participate in a variety of outdoor activities. Whether you are looking for stunning mountain landscapes, glaciers, volcanic features, or just a peaceful place to explore, Glacier National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park offer something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Glacier National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Glacier National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are two of the most popular parks in the United States. The parks are located in different regions of the country and offer different experiences to visitors. The seasonal weather in each park is one of the key factors that affect when is the best time to visit.
Glacier National Park is located in Montana and is known for its alpine climate. The park experiences cold winters and warm summers. Winter temperatures average from 20 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit and snowfall is common in the park. Summer temperatures average from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, making it the ideal time to visit for outdoor activities such as hiking and camping.
Lassen Volcanic National Park is located in California and is known for its volcanic geology. The park experiences hot summers and cold winters. Summer temperatures average from 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit and the park is ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. Winter temperatures average from 20 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit and snowfall is common in the park, making it the ideal time to visit for winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding.
Both parks have different weather patterns, but both offer unique opportunities for visitors to experience the natural beauty of the parks. Visitors should plan their trip to Glacier National Park in the summer for outdoor activities, while visitors should plan their trip to Lassen Volcanic National Park in the summer for outdoor activities or in the winter for winter sports.
Family Friendliness of Glacier National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Glacier National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are two of the most beautiful and popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer unique experiences and breathtaking scenery, but both differ when it comes to family-friendliness. Glacier National Park is known for its stunning glaciers and alpine scenery, with numerous hiking trails and scenic drives, making it a great destination for families who enjoy outdoor activities. There are several campgrounds and lodges, with options for all budgets.
On the other hand, Lassen Volcanic National Park is especially well-suited for families with younger children, thanks to its many easily accessible geothermal features like boiling mud pots and steaming vents. The park has a scenic drive that takes visitors past several of these features, making it easy for families to see them without much effort. Additionally, the park has several short, easy hiking trails that are perfect for families with children.
Both parks offer a wide range of activities and attractions, but Lassen Volcanic National Park is a better choice for families with younger children, while Glacier National Park is a better choice for families who enjoy outdoor activities and scenery. Regardless of which park you choose, you’re sure to have a memorable and enjoyable family vacation.