Ah, the great outdoors! Two of the most awe-inspiring national parks in the US are Great Basin and Olympic. These parks offer breathtaking landscapes, heart-pumping adventures, and serene moments of nature’s beauty. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a nature photographer, or simply an admirer of the great outdoors, both Great Basin and Olympic National Park are must-sees.
Great Basin National Park is a hidden gem located in Nevada. With its dark skies, ancient bristlecone pines, and stunningly beautiful Lehman Caves, this park is a nature lover’s paradise. On the other hand, Olympic National Park in Washington boasts a diverse range of ecosystems, from the misty rainforests of the Pacific coast to the alpine meadows of the Olympic Mountains.
So why choose between the two? Well, you don’t have to! In this article, we’ll take a closer look at both parks and compare them side by side. From the best time to visit, to the top attractions and activities, we’ve got everything covered. Get ready to pack your bags and hit the road, because this is one adventure you won’t want to miss!
Hiking Trails in Great Basin National Park and Olympic National Park
Great Basin National Park and Olympic National Park are two of the most spectacular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a wide range of hiking trails, from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry treks.
Great Basin National Park is known for its beautiful high-altitude hikes, including the popular Wheeler Peak trail, which is a 13-mile round-trip hike to the summit of the park’s tallest peak. The trail is strenuous and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Another popular hike is the Bristlecone Pine Trail, which is a gentle 1.2-mile loop that takes visitors through a forest of ancient bristlecone pines.
Olympic National Park, on the other hand, is known for its diverse landscapes, including rugged coastline, rainforests, and high-altitude mountains. The park’s most popular hike is the Hurricane Ridge Trail, which is a 3-mile round-trip hike to a panoramic viewpoint. The trail is considered easy to moderate, and it offers stunning views of the Olympic Mountains. Another popular hike is the Hoh Rainforest Trail, which is a 17-mile round-trip hike through one of the world’s largest temperate rainforests.
Both parks offer a range of options for hikers of all skill levels, from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry treks. Whether you’re interested in exploring high-altitude peaks or ancient rainforests, Great Basin National Park and Olympic National Park are two of the best places to go for a hike.
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 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 Great Basin National Park and Olympic National Park
Great Basin National Park and Olympic National Park are both popular destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. While both parks are home to a diverse range of wildlife, the types of animals, birds, and plants you will see at each park differ significantly.
At Great Basin National Park, visitors often see animals such as the pronghorn antelope, mule deer, and bighorn sheep. Additionally, the park is home to a variety of bird species, including the American dipper, the common raven, and the sage thrasher. The park is also known for its unique plant life, including species such as the bristlecone pine, which is one of the oldest living species on the planet.
In contrast, Olympic National Park is known for its diverse range of marine wildlife, including whales, seals, and sea lions. Additionally, visitors can see a variety of bird species, including the bald eagle, the common loon, and the osprey. The park is also home to several species of native plants, such as the Pacific rhododendron and the Douglas fir.
Whether you’re interested in viewing wildlife or exploring the unique ecosystems of each park, Great Basin National Park and Olympic National Park are both excellent destinations. Whether you choose to visit one or both, you’re sure to have a memorable experience.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Great Basin National Park and Olympic National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Great Basin 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
| Great Basin 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 |
| Porcupine | Porcupine |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Hoary Bat | Red Fox |
| Red Fox | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | House Mouse |
| House Mouse | Wolf |
| Lion | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Mink | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Mule Deer | California Myotis |
| Gray Fox | Snowshoe Rabbit |
| Gray Wolf | North American River Otter |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Fringe-Tailed Myotis |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Masked Shrew |
| Badger | Water Shrew |
| Ermine | Western Big-Eared Bat |
| Californis Myotis | Bushy-Tailed Woodrat |
Fish
| Great Basin National Park | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Steelhead/Rainbow Trout |
| Brook Trout | Brook Trout |
| Brown Trout | Largemouth Bass |
| Mottled Sculpin | Salish Sucker |
| Speckled Dace | Coho Salmon |
| Cutthroat Trout | Chinook Salmon |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Sockeye Salmon | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Amphibians
| Great Basin National Park | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Tiger Salamander | Bullfrog |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Reptiles
| Great Basin National Park | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Racer | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Greater Short-Horned Lizard | Common Garter Snake |
| Rubber Boa | Rubber Boa |
| Long-Nosed Leopard Lizard | Western Fence Lizard |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Insects
| Great Basin National Park | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | Honey Bee |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourningcloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Great Basin National Park and Olympic National Park
Great Basin National Park and Olympic National Park are two of America’s most beautiful national parks. Both parks offer stunning landscapes and breathtaking natural wonders.
Great Basin National Park is located in Nevada, and is famous for its towering mountain ranges, including Wheeler Peak, the highest point in the park at over 13,000 feet. The park also boasts numerous beautiful overlooks, including the popular Bristlecone Pine Trail, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Olympic National Park, located in Washington, is known for its diverse landscapes, including ancient rainforests, rugged coastline, and majestic mountain ranges. The park’s Hoh Rainforest is one of its most famous attractions, and is home to lush vegetation and towering trees that are over 1,000 years old. The park’s rugged coastline is also a popular destination, with stunning cliffs, sea stacks, and sandy beaches that offer breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.
Both parks offer unique landscapes and natural wonders and are must-visit destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for towering mountain ranges or lush rainforests, Great Basin National Park and Olympic National Park have something to offer for everyone.
Things To-Do and Activities in Great Basin National Park and Olympic National Park
Great Basin National Park in Nevada and Olympic National Park in Washington are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, but they differ in their offerings. While Great Basin offers opportunities for stargazing, camping and fishing, Olympic is known for its scenic drives, rainforest hikes and beachcombing.
Great Basin National Park is home to the only certified International Dark Sky Park in Nevada, making it a prime destination for stargazing. Visitors can also hike to the top of Wheeler Peak, the second highest peak in Nevada, for panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscape and camp in the park’s backcountry for a true wilderness experience. In addition, the park’s Lehman Creek offers opportunities for fishing and exploring the park’s unique plant and animal life.
Olympic National Park boasts a diverse range of landscapes, from its rainforest hikes in the Hoh Rainforest to scenic drives along the park’s coastline. Beachcombing is a popular activity along the park’s 73 miles of rugged Pacific coastline, where visitors can explore tide pools and search for sea life. The park’s temperate rainforest is also a must-visit, with towering trees and lush vegetation that provide a unique contrast to the park’s coastal and mountain landscapes.
Best Time to Visit Great Basin National Park and Olympic National Park
Great Basin National Park and Olympic National Park are two of the most beautiful parks in the United States. They offer visitors a unique and diverse landscapes, but the seasonal weather at these parks can vary greatly.
Great Basin National Park is located in Nevada and is known for its hot and arid summer months, with temperatures often reaching over 100°F. Winter months can be cold and snowy, with temperatures dropping below freezing at night. The best time to visit Great Basin National Park is in the spring or fall when temperatures are mild and pleasant.
Olympic National Park, on the other hand, is located in Washington state and experiences a more moderate climate. During the summer months, temperatures are usually in the 60s and 70s with occasional rain showers. Winter months can be wet and cold, with heavy snowfall at higher elevations. The best time to visit Olympic National Park is during the summer, when the weather is mild and the park is lush and green.
Both Great Basin National Park and Olympic National Park offer visitors a unique and beautiful experience, but the weather conditions can greatly affect when is the best time to visit. It is important to keep the seasonal weather in mind when planning a trip to either park to ensure the best possible experience.
Family Friendliness of Great Basin National Park and Olympic National Park
Great Basin National Park and Olympic National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both of these parks offer breathtaking natural beauty and a variety of outdoor activities, but which park is the better option for families traveling with children?
When it comes to family-friendliness, Olympic National Park has a slight advantage. The park offers a variety of short, easy hikes, as well as ranger-led programs for kids. There are also several campgrounds within the park that are great for families. On the other hand, Great Basin National Park has fewer options for families. While it does have a few easy hikes and a campground, it does not have any ranger-led programs for kids.
However, Great Basin National Park has one feature that sets it apart from Olympic National Park and makes it a great option for families: the Lehman Caves. These caves are a unique and fascinating geological formation that kids will love exploring. The park also has several stargazing programs, which are ideal for families who are interested in astronomy.
In conclusion, both Great Basin National Park and Olympic National Park are great options for families, but Olympic National Park has a slight advantage due to its ranger-led programs and variety of easy hikes. However, if your family is interested in geology or astronomy, Great Basin National Park is a great choice.