Glacier National Park and Olympic National Park are two of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the United States. Both offer unique experiences and stunning landscapes, making it difficult to choose just one. But what if you only have time to visit one? Which one should you choose? This article will compare the two parks, highlighting their similarities and differences, so you can make an informed decision.
Glacier National Park is located in Montana and is known for its glaciers, alpine meadows, and rugged peaks. It is a hiker’s paradise, offering over 700 miles of trails for all skill levels. On the other hand, Olympic National Park in Washington State is a coastal wonderland, featuring rainforests, beaches, and glaciers of its own. With so much to see and do, it’s easy to get lost in the beauty of this park.
So, what are you in the mood for? A challenging hike with stunning mountain views, or a relaxing walk through a lush rainforest? Either way, you can’t go wrong with either Glacier National Park or Olympic National Park. Let’s dive in and explore the many wonders each park has to offer.
Hiking Trails in Glacier National Park and Olympic National Park
Glacier National Park and Olympic National Park both offer scenic and challenging hikes for visitors. Glacier National Park boasts over 700 miles of trails, including the popular Highline Trail and the strenuous Grinnell Glacier trail. The Highline Trail is a moderate hike that offers breathtaking views of the park’s glacier-carved valleys and peaks. The Grinnell Glacier trail, on the other hand, is a difficult hike that takes visitors to the park’s most famous glacier.
Olympic National Park also offers a variety of hiking trails, with everything from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry treks. The park’s most popular trail is the Hurricane Ridge trail, which offers stunning views of the Olympic Mountains. The park also has the challenging Seven Lakes Basin trail, which takes visitors through the heart of the park’s wilderness.
In terms of easier hikes, both parks offer nature walks and scenic trails through meadows and forests. At Glacier National Park, the Trail of the Cedars is a popular choice, while at Olympic National Park, the Hoh Rain Forest trail is a must-visit. These trails offer visitors a chance to experience the beauty and tranquility of the parks’ natural environments without the physical challenge of a more strenuous hike.
In conclusion, both Glacier National Park and Olympic National Park offer a diverse range of hiking trails to suit a variety of interests and skill levels. From scenic nature walks to challenging backcountry treks, these parks offer a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors.
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 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 Glacier National Park and Olympic National Park
Glacier National Park and Olympic National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks are renowned for their stunning landscape and abundant wildlife. In terms of wildlife, there are some key differences between the two parks.
At Glacier National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of mammals, including grizzly bears, black bears, mountain lions, and elk. The park is also home to a number of bird species, including the bald eagle, peregrine falcon, and the rare species of the Harlequin Duck. In terms of plants, the park boasts a diverse range of vegetation, including alpine meadows, dense forests, and pristine lakes.
In contrast, Olympic National Park is known for its diverse coastal environment and temperate rainforest. Visitors can expect to see a range of marine mammals, including sea lions, seals, and whales. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including the tufted puffin, spotted owl, and the beautiful marbled murrelet. In terms of vegetation, the park is dominated by towering trees, including Douglas firs, Sitka spruces, and western hemlocks.
Both parks offer unique and breathtaking wildlife experiences, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you’re interested in seeing a variety of large mammals and diverse bird species, Glacier National Park is the place for you. If you’re interested in exploring a diverse coastal environment and temperate rainforest, Olympic National Park is the place for you.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Glacier National Park and Olympic National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Glacier 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 |
| 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 | American Pipit |
Mammals
| Glacier National Park | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
| Bobcat | Striped Skunk |
| Striped Skunk | Little Brown Bat |
| Little Brown Bat | Deer Mouse |
| Deer Mouse | Raccoon |
| Raccoon | Black Bear |
| Black Bear | Porcupine |
| Porcupine | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Red Fox |
| Hoary Bat | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Red Fox | House Mouse |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Wolf |
| Mountain Lion | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Mink | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Mule Deer | California Myotis |
| Gray Wolf | Snowshoe Rabbit |
| Long-Legged Bat | North American River Otter |
| Long-Eared Bat | Fringe-Tailed Myotis |
| Badger | Masked Shrew |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Water Shrew |
| California Myotis | Western Big-Eared Bat |
| Snowshoe Hare | Bushy-Tailed Woodrat |
Fish
| Glacier National Park | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Steelhead/Rainbow Trout |
| Brook Trout | Brook Trout |
| Longnose Sucker | Largemouth Bass |
| Fathead Minnow | Salish Sucker |
| Lake Trout | Coho Salmon |
| Northern Pike | Chinook Salmon |
| Burbot | Longnose Dace |
| Mottled Sculpin | Speckled Dace |
| Slimy Sculpin | Threespine Stickleback |
| Longnose Dace | Sockeye Salmon |
| Sockeye Salmon | Pink Salmon |
| Arctic Grayling | Chum Salmon |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Reptiles
| Glacier National Park | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Common Garter Snake | Common Garter Snake |
| Rubber Boa | Rubber Boa |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Amphibians
| Glacier National Park | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog |
Insects
| Glacier National Park | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Honey Bee |
Beautiful Landscapes in Glacier National Park and Olympic National Park
Glacier National Park in Montana and Olympic National Park in Washington are two of the most beautiful natural wonders in the United States. Glacier National Park is famous for its stunning mountain ranges, including the Continental Divide and the Lewis Range, which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors to Glacier can also see beautiful waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes, and scenic overlooks that offer panoramic views of the park.
Olympic National Park, on the other hand, is known for its lush, lush rainforest and rugged coastline. The park is home to towering peaks, including Mount Olympus, which offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can also see a variety of waterfalls, including Sol Duc Falls and Marymere Falls, which are two of the most popular attractions in the park. The park’s coastline is also a must-see, with its rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and crystal-clear waters that are perfect for exploring by kayak or boat.
Things To-Do and Activities in Glacier National Park and Olympic National Park
Glacier National Park and Olympic National Park both offer breathtaking natural beauty and a range of popular activities to visitors.
In Glacier National Park, visitors can enjoy scenic drives along the Going-to-the-Sun Road, taking in stunning views of glaciers, lakes and towering peaks. Hiking is also a popular activity, with over 700 miles of trails to explore. Wildlife viewing is a big draw, with the park home to grizzly bears, mountain goats, and big horn sheep.
Olympic National Park has its own unique offerings, including the beautiful rainforest of the Hoh River Valley and the rugged coastline along the Pacific Ocean. Visitors can hike through the rainforests to reach waterfalls and scenic vistas, or explore tide pools filled with marine life along the coast. The park also has a number of lakes, including the serene Lake Crescent, which offer opportunities for boating and fishing.
Both parks offer a range of camping options, from backcountry camping to car camping, so visitors can fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of each park. Whether you’re looking for a scenic drive, a challenging hike, or a peaceful day spent on the water, Glacier National Park and Olympic National Park offer something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Glacier National Park and Olympic National Park
Glacier National Park and Olympic National Park are two stunning examples of the natural beauty of the United States. Both parks offer a range of outdoor activities and stunning landscapes, but the weather in each park can vary greatly depending on the time of year.
Glacier National Park, located in Montana, has a more extreme climate with cold winters and hot summers. The best time to visit is from June to September when the weather is warm and dry, making it ideal for hiking and camping. During the winter, heavy snowfall can make roads impassable, limiting access to some areas of the park.
In contrast, Olympic National Park, located in Washington, has a more moderate climate with mild, wet winters and dry summers. The best time to visit is from July to September when the skies are clear and the weather is warm, making it perfect for exploring the park’s beaches and forests. The winter months can be quite damp, making it a less ideal time to visit for those looking to hike and enjoy the park’s scenic vistas.
In conclusion, both Glacier and Olympic National Parks offer unique weather patterns that affect the best time to visit. If you are looking for warm, dry weather to enjoy outdoor activities, it’s best to visit Glacier National Park from June to September and Olympic National Park from July to September.
Family Friendliness of Glacier National Park and Olympic National Park
Glacier National Park and Olympic National Park are two of the most beautiful natural wonders in the United States. Both parks offer breathtaking views, diverse wildlife, and numerous recreational opportunities for families. However, when it comes to family-friendliness, there are some differences between the two parks.
Glacier National Park is a great option for families who enjoy outdoor adventures and scenic drives. The park is home to numerous trails for hiking and camping, as well as scenic drives like the Going-to-the-Sun Road, which offers stunning views of the park’s glaciers and mountains. However, the park’s remote location and rugged terrain may not be ideal for families with young children or those who prefer a more relaxed vacation.
On the other hand, Olympic National Park is a better choice for families who prefer a more relaxed and accessible vacation. The park has a variety of short and easy trails, as well as several beaches and campgrounds that are perfect for families. In addition, the park’s temperate rainforest and coastal regions provide a unique and diverse landscape that offers families a chance to explore a different type of ecosystem.
In conclusion, both Glacier National Park and Olympic National Park are great options for families, but each park offers a different type of experience. If you’re traveling with young children or prefer a more relaxed vacation, Olympic National Park is the better choice. If you enjoy outdoor adventures and scenic drives, Glacier National Park is the way to go.