Haleakalā National Park and Olympic National Park are two of the most unique and breathtaking national parks in the United States. Both of these parks offer a diverse range of landscapes and experiences, from the volcanic landscapes of Haleakalā to the lush rainforests of Olympic. But which one is right for you? In this article, we will compare these two parks side by side, highlighting their similarities and differences, to help you make an informed decision about which one to visit.
Whether you’re a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or simply looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, these two parks have something to offer. From hiking and camping to wildlife watching and scenic drives, you will find endless opportunities to immerse yourself in the beauty of the great outdoors. So, buckle up and get ready to explore the best of what Haleakalā and Olympic have to offer!
Hiking Trails in Haleakalā National Park and Olympic National Park
Haleakalā National Park, located in Hawaii, is known for its unique volcanic landscapes and diverse range of hiking trails. One of the easiest hikes in the park is the Sliding Sands trail, a 4-mile round trip that takes you through a striking cinder desert and offers stunning views of the crater. Another easy hike is the Hosmer Grove trail, a 1-mile loop through a forest of introduced trees.
For more experienced hikers, the Halemauu trail provides a challenging 7.6-mile round trip hike to the summit of the crater, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding area. The Kaupo Gap trail is also a strenuous hike, a 22-mile round trip that passes through varied landscapes, including a barren volcanic desert, lush rainforest, and scenic coastline.
Olympic National Park, located in Washington, boasts a diverse range of hikes, from easy beach walks to challenging mountain trails. One of the easiest hikes in the park is the Hurricane Ridge trail, a 1.5-mile round trip with breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains. Another easy hike is the Sol Duc Falls trail, a 1.8-mile round-trip hike through a lush forest and past a beautiful waterfall.
For those seeking a more challenging hike, the Olympic National Park has plenty of options. The Hoh River trail is a popular backpacking trail, offering a 17.4-mile round trip hike through a temperate rainforest to the Blue Glacier. The High Divide Loop trail is another challenging hike, a 14.4-mile round trip that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Haleakalā National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pipiwai Trail and Waimoku Falls | 5471.756 | 249.936 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Sliding Sands Trail | 17702.74 | 851.916 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Seven Sacred Pools Trail (‘Ohe’o Gulch) | 965.604 | 32.9184 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Halalai’i and Pu’unaue Trail | 20116.75 | 978.7128 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| Halemau’u Haleakala Overlook Trail | 12230.984 | 723.9 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Haleakala Crater Trail | 18024.608 | 930.8592 | Hard | point to point | 5 |
| Pa Ka’oao Trail | 965.604 | 40.8432 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Leleiwi Overlook Trail | 482.802 | 30.7848 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Pa ka’oao Trail (White Hill Trail) | 804.67 | 32.9184 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Silversword Loop Via Halemau’u Trail | 20116.75 | 1105.8144 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
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 Haleakalā National Park and Olympic National Park
Haleakalā National Park, in Hawaii, and Olympic National Park, in Washington, offer unique wildlife experiences.
At Haleakalā, the wildlife is largely endemic to the area and includes native species like the nēnē goose and Hawaiian petrel. Additionally, visitors can see a variety of plants, including the iconic silversword plant, found only in Hawaii.
In contrast, Olympic National Park boasts a diverse array of animals, including elk, black bears, and mountain lions. The park is also home to over 300 species of birds, including the bald eagle and the spotted owl. The lush temperate rainforest in the park provides habitat for a variety of plant species, including the Pacific yew, Douglas fir, and western red cedar.
Both parks offer breathtaking views and the opportunity to observe diverse wildlife, but the type of wildlife you can expect to see is largely dependent on the park you choose to visit. Whether you’re interested in rare, endemic species or a diverse mix of animals, both Haleakalā and Olympic National Parks are worth a visit for nature lovers.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Haleakalā National Park and Olympic National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Haleakalā National Park | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Peregrine Falcon | Peregrine Falcon |
| Northern Harrier | Northern Harrier |
| Rock Pigeon | Sharp-Shinned Hawk |
| House Sparrow | Osprey |
| Northern Mockingbird | Tree Swallow |
| Black-Crowned Night-Heron | Mallard |
| Barn Owl | Canada Goose |
| Cattle Egret | Lincoln’s Sparrow |
| Ring-Necked Pheasant | Ruby-Crowned Kinglet |
| Chukar | American Robin |
| Ruddy Turnstone | Great Horned Owl |
| Northern Cardinal | Red-Tailed Hawk |
| California Quail | Northern Flicker |
| Barn Swallow | |
| Savannah Sparrow | |
| Great Blue Heron | |
| Hermit Thrush | |
| American Kestrel | |
| Bald Eagle | |
| Song Sparrow | |
| European Starling | |
| Northern Pintail | |
| American Wigeon | |
| Green-Winged Teal | |
| American Pipit |
Mammals
| Haleakalā National Park | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| House Mouse | Coyote |
| Norway Rat | American Beaver |
| Black Rat | Muskrat |
| Domestic Cattle | Big Brown Bat |
| Feral Hog | Striped Skunk |
| Little Brown Bat | |
| Deer Mouse | |
| Raccoon | |
| Black Bear | |
| Porcupine | |
| Silver-Haired Bat | |
| Red Fox | |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | |
| House Mouse | |
| Wolf | |
| Long-Legged Myotis | |
| Long-Eared Myotis | |
| California Myotis | |
| Snowshoe Rabbit | |
| North American River Otter | |
| Fringe-Tailed Myotis | |
| Masked Shrew | |
| Water Shrew | |
| Western Big-Eared Bat | |
| Bushy-Tailed Woodrat |
Amphibians
| Haleakalā National Park | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog | Bullfrog |
Insects
| Haleakalā National Park | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Painted Lady | Honey Bee |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Honey Bee |
Fish
| Haleakalā National Park | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Steelhead/Rainbow Trout | |
| Brook Trout | |
| Largemouth Bass | |
| Salish Sucker | |
| Coho Salmon | |
| Chinook Salmon | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Sockeye Salmon | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Reptiles
| Haleakalā National Park | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Rubber Boa | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Beautiful Landscapes in Haleakalā National Park and Olympic National Park
Haleakalā National Park is a unique landscape on the Hawaiian island of Maui. The park’s main feature is the Haleakalā Crater, a massive volcanic depression that provides breathtaking views from its summit. Visitors can hike through the crater, explore the diverse landscape, and see the sunrise from the summit. Another popular feature of the park is the Silversword, a rare plant found only in the park’s high-elevation regions.
Olympic National Park, located on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington state, is known for its diverse landscapes. The park boasts a temperate rainforest, rugged coastline, and the Olympic Mountains. The Hoh Rainforest is one of the park’s most famous attractions, with towering trees and lush vegetation. The park’s coastline is also a popular destination, with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the Olympic Mountains. The park is also home to several waterfalls, including Sol Duc Falls and Marymere Falls. Visitors can also hike in the mountains, where they can see glaciers, alpine meadows, and wildlife in their natural habitat.
Things To-Do and Activities in Haleakalā National Park and Olympic National Park
Haleakalā National Park in Maui, Hawaii and Olympic National Park in Washington are two of the most unique and diverse parks in the United States. Both offer a range of outdoor activities that are popular among visitors, but each park has its own unique offerings.
At Haleakalā, sunrise and stargazing are among the most popular activities. With its high elevation and clear skies, the park offers some of the best views of the sunrise in the world. Visitors can also take guided stargazing tours to learn about the stars and constellations visible in the night sky. In addition, hiking, camping, and wildlife watching are also popular activities in the park.
Olympic National Park, on the other hand, offers visitors a chance to explore the diverse landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. From pristine beaches and old-growth forests to snowcapped peaks, the park offers a range of landscapes to explore. Popular activities include hiking, backpacking, and beachcombing along the park’s stunning coastline. Kayaking and rafting are also popular in the park’s rivers and lakes, offering visitors a chance to see the park from a different perspective.
Both parks offer a wealth of opportunities for outdoor recreation and exploration, each with its own unique offerings. Whether you’re interested in stargazing or beachcombing, both Haleakalā and Olympic National Parks are sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
Best Time to Visit Haleakalā National Park and Olympic National Park
Haleakalā National Park is located on the Hawaiian island of Maui and its weather is characterized by warm temperatures and high humidity. The summer months, from May to October, are the warmest with average temperatures ranging from 75°F to 85°F. Winter temperatures are more mild, averaging between 65°F and 75°F. The park experiences the most rainfall from November to April, with an average of 10 to 15 inches per month.
Olympic National Park, located in Washington State, has a much cooler and wetter climate. The park experiences high amounts of rainfall throughout the year, with an average of 140 inches per year. The summer months are the driest, with temperatures ranging from 50°F to 60°F. Winter temperatures are much cooler, averaging between 35°Fto 45°F, and the park experiences heavy snowfall from November to March.
The best time to visit Haleakalā National Park is in the summer months when the weather is warm and the park is less likely to experience heavy rain. Olympic National Park is best visited in the summer months when the weather is driest, but it is also a popular destination for winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding.
Visitors to both parks should be prepared for unpredictable weather and pack accordingly. Hiking and outdoor activities are best planned for the driest months to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Family Friendliness of Haleakalā National Park and Olympic National Park
Haleakalā National Park and Olympic National Park are both popular destinations for families, but each park offers unique experiences that cater to different family preferences.
Haleakalā National Park, located on the Hawaiian island of Maui, offers stunning views of the sunrise and sunset from its main crater. The park also features several easy hikes, including the Sliding Sands Trail, which is perfect for families with children. The park has picnic areas and restrooms, making it a great place for families to enjoy a day outside.
Olympic National Park, located in Washington State, is a vast wilderness area that offers a variety of outdoor activities for families. The park features temperate rainforests, glaciers, and 70 miles of coastline, making it a great place for families who love exploring diverse landscapes. The park also has family-friendly trails, campsites, and ranger-led programs, which are perfect for families who want to spend a night or two camping.
Overall, both parks are family-friendly, but Olympic National Park is the better choice for families seeking a more wilderness-oriented experience, while Haleakalā National Park is better for families who prefer a more scenic and accessible experience.