Discover the magic of two of America’s hidden gems, Great Basin National Park and North Cascades National Park. These breathtaking landscapes offer a unique wilderness experience, unlike anything you’ve ever encountered. From snow-covered mountain peaks to sprawling deserts, these parks are a must-visit for any nature lover. But which one is right for you?
In this article, we’ll explore the similarities and differences between these two incredible national parks. We’ll delve into the geography, climate, and wildlife that make each park so special. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a birdwatcher, or simply looking for a quiet place to escape, you’ll find something to love in Great Basin and North Cascades.
So sit back, relax, and join us on a journey through two of America’s most beautiful natural wonders. Let’s discover which park is the perfect destination for your next outdoor adventure!
Hiking Trails in Great Basin National Park and North Cascades National Park
Great Basin National Park and North Cascades National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a wide range of hiking trails, from easy, scenic walks to challenging multi-day backpacks.
At Great Basin National Park, the easy hikes include the Bristlecone Pine Trail and the Lehman Caves Trail. Both are short, interpretive trails that offer stunning views of the park’s unique landscapes. The Bristlecone Pine trail is a half-mile loop that takes visitors through an ancient forest of bristlecone pines, some of which are over 4,000 years old. The Lehman Caves Trail is a one-mile loop that leads to the Lehman Caves, a series of underground chambers filled with intricate formations of stalactites and stalagmites.
North Cascades National Park has a number of easy hikes as well, including the Ladder Creek Falls Trail and the Diablo Lake Trail. The Ladder Creek Falls Trail is a half-mile hike that takes visitors to a beautiful waterfall, while the Diablo Lake Trail is a 2.2-mile hike that takes visitors along the shore of the stunning Diablo Lake. Some of the hardest hikes in North Cascades National Park include the Cascade Pass Trail and the Sahale Arm Trail. The Cascade Pass Trail is a 12.5-mile hike that takes visitors over rocky terrain and steep inclines to panoramic views of the park’s peaks, while the Sahale Arm Trail is a 7.2-mile hike that takes visitors up to a stunning mountain pass that offers views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Great Basin National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wheeler Peak Trail via Stella Lake Trail | 13196.588 | 885.7488 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Bristlecone Pine Glacier Trail | 7242.03 | 322.7832 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Alpine Lakes Trail | 4345.218 | 142.9512 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Lehman Cave | 643.736 | 13.716 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Bristlecone and Alpine Lakes Loop | 8529.502 | 308.7624 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive | 37497.622 | 1175.9184 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Baker Lake Trail | 16737.136 | 813.816 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Teresa Lake | 2414.01 | 92.964 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Baker Lake-Johnson Lake Loop | 20760.486 | 1330.7568 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| Lexington Arch Trail | 4667.086 | 340.7664 | Moderate | out and back | 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 Great Basin National Park and North Cascades National Park
Great Basin and North Cascades National Parks are both known for their rich and diverse wildlife. At Great Basin, visitors can spot animals such as the pronghorn antelope, bighorn sheep, and the elusive mountain lion. The park is also a haven for birdwatchers, with species such as the sagebrush sparrow, pygmy owl, and the Brewer’s sparrow. In addition to its wildlife, Great Basin is also home to unique plant species such as the ancient Bristlecone Pine, which can live for over 4,000 years.
North Cascades National Park, on the other hand, is a hotspot for those looking to see large mammals such as the black bear, the gray wolf, and the mountain goat. This park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 200 species including the American dipper, the golden eagle, and the Northern Pygmy Owl. In addition to its wildlife, North Cascades is also known for its diverse plant life, including the Pacific Silver Fir, the Western Hemlock, and the Alaska Cedar.
Both Great Basin and North Cascades National Parks offer a unique and memorable wildlife experience. Whether you’re a birdwatcher, a hiker, or just a nature lover, these parks will not disappoint.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Great Basin National Park and North Cascades National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Great Basin 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 |
| 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
| Great Basin National Park | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
| Bobcat | Bobcat |
| Striped Skunk | Striped Skunk |
| Little Brown Bat | Little Brown Bat |
| Deer Mouse | Deer Mouse |
| Raccoon | Raccoon |
| Porcupine | Black Bear |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Porcupine |
| Hoary Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Red Fox | Hoary Bat |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Red Fox |
| House Mouse | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Lion | House Mouse |
| Mink | Puma |
| Mule Deer | Mink |
| Gray Fox | Black-Tailed Deer |
| Gray Wolf | Wolf |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Western Long-Eared Bat |
| Badger | Ermine |
| Ermine | California Myotis |
| Californis Myotis | Snowshoe Hare |
Fish
| Great Basin National Park | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Redband Trout |
| Brook Trout | Brook Trout |
| Brown Trout | Largemouth Bass |
| Mottled Sculpin | Longnose Sucker |
| Speckled Dace | Lake Trout |
| Cutthroat Trout | Burbot |
| Silver Salmon | |
| King Salmon | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Kokanee | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Amphibians
| Great Basin National Park | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Tiger Salamander | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Reptiles
| Great Basin National Park | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Racer | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | Western Yellowbelly Racer |
| Rubber Boa | Prairie Rattlesnake |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | Common Garter Snake |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | Rubber Boa |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | Western Fence Lizard |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Insects
| Great Basin National Park | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | Orange Sulphur |
| Painted Lady | Painted Lady |
| Monarch Butterfly | Red Admiral |
| American Painted Lady | Mourning Cloak |
| Red Admiral | Silvery Blue |
| Mourningcloak | Clouded Sulphur |
| Cabbage White | Honey Bee |
| Silvery Blue | Purplish Copper |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | Anise Swallowtail |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Great Basin National Park and North Cascades National Park
Great Basin National Park, located in Nevada, is famous for its Lehman Caves, which offer guided tours of stunning underground formations. The park also boasts the 13,063-foot-tall Wheeler Peak, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Its high-altitude alpine forests and glistening streams are perfect for hiking and exploring.
North Cascades National Park, in Washington state, is known for its rugged, snowy peaks and glaciers. The park’s most famous mountain range, the North Cascades, is a popular destination for climbers and backpackers. The park also features breathtaking waterfalls, including the stunning Diablo Lake, surrounded by jagged peaks and lush forests. Visitors can also explore the park’s scenic drive for views of the surrounding landscape.
Both Great Basin and North Cascades National Parks offer unique and captivating landscapes for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re a hiker, climber, or simply looking for breathtaking views, these parks have something to offer for everyone.
Things To-Do and Activities in Great Basin National Park and North Cascades National Park
Great Basin National Park and North Cascades National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of the western United States. Both parks offer many opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing, but there are some distinct differences between the two.
Great Basin National Park is located in eastern Nevada and is known for its stunning high-desert landscapes and the ancient bristlecone pine trees. Visitors to the park can explore the Lehman Caves, go stargazing, and take in the scenic beauty of the park through scenic drives and short hikes.
North Cascades National Park, located in Washington State, is known for its rugged mountain terrain and diverse array of plant and animal life. Visitors to the park can enjoy water activities such as fishing, kayaking, and rafting, or take a scenic drive to admire the majestic peaks and glaciers of the park. Hiking is also a popular activity, with numerous trails offering breathtaking views of the park’s alpine landscapes.
Both Great Basin and North Cascades National Parks are popular destinations for those seeking adventure and a chance to connect with nature. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful hike, an adrenaline-fueled outdoor activity, or simply a chance to unwind and take in the stunning beauty of these parks, there is something for everyone at Great Basin and North Cascades National Parks.
Best Time to Visit Great Basin National Park and North Cascades National Park
Great Basin National Park and North Cascades National Park are two unique destinations with different climates, landscapes and outdoor activities. The seasonal weather patterns at each park influence the best time to visit.
Great Basin National Park, located in Nevada, experiences warm and dry summers with cool and snowy winters. The park’s high elevation and arid desert climate make it ideal for stargazing and hiking during the summer months. Winter sports like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular from December to March.
North Cascades National Park, located in Washington, is known for its rugged and snow-capped peaks. The park experiences heavy snowfall during the winter months, making it ideal for skiing and snowboarding. The summer months offer mild temperatures and clear skies, making it a great time for hiking, camping and fishing. The park’s unique geography and location near the Pacific Ocean result in frequent weather changes, so visitors should be prepared for rain and fog in any season.
Both parks offer a range of year-round activities and breathtaking scenery, but the best time to visit depends on individual preferences and the type of experience desired. Whether you prefer snow sports or warm weather activities, both Great Basin National Park and North Cascades National Park offer something for everyone.
Family Friendliness of Great Basin National Park and North Cascades National Park
Great Basin National Park and North Cascades National Park are two popular destinations for families who want to enjoy the great outdoors. Both parks offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation and adventure, but they differ in terms of the level of accessibility and family-friendliness.
Great Basin National Park is considered to be more family-friendly due to its well-maintained trails and facilities. The park offers a variety of easy hikes that are suitable for families with young children, as well as ranger-led programs and educational activities. The park’s visitor center is also a great place to learn about the local wildlife and geology. In addition, Great Basin National Park is situated in a more remote location, which makes it less crowded and less stressful for families with young children.
North Cascades National Park, on the other hand, is a more rugged and challenging destination that is better suited for families with older children or teenagers. The park offers many opportunities for backcountry hiking, mountaineering, and rock climbing, but these activities can be physically demanding and are not recommended for younger children. The park’s remote location also makes it more difficult to access and less convenient for families with young children.
In conclusion, Great Basin National Park is the better choice for families with young children, while North Cascades National Park is more suitable for families with older children or teenagers. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled vacation, both parks offer unique experiences and memories that will last a lifetime.