Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are two of the most unique and awe-inspiring parks in the United States. Both parks boast incredible geological features that are sure to leave visitors in awe. From the fiery eruptions of Kilauea in Hawai’i to the towering peaks of Lassen Volcanic National Park, these two parks are a must-visit for anyone who loves nature, adventure and geological wonders.
But which one is the better park to visit? This is a question that many people ask, and it is a tough one to answer. Both parks have a lot to offer, but each has its own unique features that set it apart. Whether you’re looking for an active volcano to hike, a scenic drive, or a peaceful nature walk, both parks have something to offer.
In this article, we will compare these two incredible parks, highlighting the best features of each, so you can decide which one is the perfect choice for your next adventure. We will delve into the history, geology, and unique features of each park, so you can get a better understanding of what each park has to offer. So buckle up and get ready for an exciting journey through two of the most amazing parks in the United States!
Hiking Trails in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are two of the most popular parks in the United States for hiking and exploring volcanic landscapes. Both parks offer a variety of trails ranging from easy to strenuous.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park has the Kilauea Iki Trail, a moderate 4-mile hike that takes visitors through a volcanic crater and offers stunning views of the park. The Crater Rim Trail is another popular option, a 11-mile hike along the rim of Kilauea volcano. On the other hand, the Chain of Craters Road is a easy 3-mile hike that takes visitors through a series of volcanic craters and offers panoramic views of the park.
Lassen Volcanic National Park has the Lassen Peak Trail, a strenuous 4.5-mile hike to the summit of Lassen Peak, offering panoramic views of the park and surrounding areas. The Bumpass Hell Trail is a 3-mile hike to a geothermal area with boiling mud pots and steam vents. On the easier side, the Mill Creek Falls Trail is a short 0.3-mile hike to a waterfall. The park also offers several backcountry trails for those seeking a more challenging experience.
Both parks offer unique and diverse hiking opportunities, allowing visitors to explore the beauty of volcanic landscapes and witness the power of nature. Whether you are seeking an easy stroll or a strenuous hike, both Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park have something to offer.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kilauea Iki Trail and Crater Rim Trail | 4828.02 | 209.7024 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Kalapana Lava Viewing | 15288.73 | 196.9008 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Pu’u Huluhulu via Napau Crater Trail | 4023.35 | 94.7928 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Halema���uma���u Steam Bluff and Sulfur Banks | 2092.142 | 24.9936 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Puu Loa Petroglyphs Trail | 1931.208 | 25.908 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Mauna Loa via Observatory Trail and Summit Trail | 20760.486 | 905.8656 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Devastation Trail to Puu Puai Overlook | 1609.34 | 37.7952 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| End of Chain of Craters Road Trail to Lava Viewing | 16576.202 | 130.7592 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Sandalwood (Iliahi) Trail | 1931.208 | 13.716 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Halema’uma’u Trail | 2735.878 | 130.7592 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
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 Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are two of the most popular volcanic parks in the United States. Both parks offer unique opportunities to see a variety of wildlife, including birds, mammals, and plants.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is home to a number of endemic species, including the Hawaiian goose and the Hawaiian hawk. Visitors may also see the Hawaiian hoary bat, the nene (Hawaiian goose), and the Hawaiian monk seal. In addition to these unique species, the park is also home to a variety of exotic plants, including the ʻōhiʻa lehua tree and the Hawaiian hibiscus.
Lassen Volcanic National Park, located in California, is a popular destination for birdwatching. Visitors may see a variety of bird species, including the Clark’s nutcracker, the mountain bluebird, and the spotted towhee. In addition to birds, the park is also home to a number of mammals, including the black bear, the mule deer, and the mountain lion. The park is also home to a variety of wildflowers, including the lupine and the paintbrush.
Both Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park offer unique opportunities to see a variety of wildlife. Whether you are interested in birdwatching or simply appreciate nature, these parks are both worth a visit.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
|---|---|
| Peregrine Falcon | Peregrine Falcon |
| Canada Goose | Northern Harrier |
| Great Blue Heron | Sharp-Shinned Hawk |
| Rock Pigeon | Osprey |
| House Sparrow | Tree Swallow |
| Northern Mockingbird | Mallard |
| Black-Crowned Night-Heron | Canada Goose |
| Wild Turkey | Lincoln’s Sparrow |
| Barn Owl | Ruby-Crowned Kinglet |
| Cattle Egret | American Robin |
| Sanderling | Great Horned Owl |
| Ring-Necked Pheasant | Red-Tailed Hawk |
| Chukar | Northern Flicker |
| Ruddy Turnstone | Merlin |
| Northern Cardinal | Barn Swallow |
| California Quail | Savannah Sparrow |
| Great Blue Heron | |
| Hermit Thrush | |
| American Kestrel | |
| Bald Eagle | |
| Song Sparrow | |
| European Starling | |
| Northern Pintail | |
| American Wigeon | |
| Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
|---|---|
| House Mouse | American Beaver |
| Norway Rat | Muskrat |
| ‘Iole | Bobcat |
| Domestic Cattle | Striped Skunk |
| Feral Hog | Raccoon |
| Black Bear | |
| Silver-Haired Bat | |
| Hoary Bat | |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | |
| Mountain Lion | |
| Mink | |
| Mule Deer | |
| Gray Fox | |
| Wolf | |
| Long-Eared Myotis | |
| Snowshoe Hare | |
| Fringed Myotis | |
| Western Harvest Mouse | |
| Yuma Myotis | |
| Bighorn Sheep | |
| Montane Shrew | |
| Long-Tailed Vole | |
| Ringtail | |
| Virginia Opossum | |
| Wolverine |
Amphibians
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog | Bullfrog |
Insects
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
|---|---|
| Painted Lady | Orange Sulphur |
| Monarch Butterfly | Painted Lady |
| American Painted Lady | Monarch Butterfly |
| Red Admiral | American Painted Lady |
| Cabbage White | Common Checkered-Skipper |
| Honey Bee | Honey Bee |
| Buckeye | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Fish
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
|---|---|
| Redband Trout | |
| Brook Trout | |
| Brown Trout | |
| Fathead Minnow | |
| Golden Shiner | |
| Silver Salmon | |
| King Salmon | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Brown Bullhead |
Reptiles
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | |
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Racer | |
| Western Rattlesnake | |
| Ring-Necked Snake | |
| Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Common Kingsnake | |
| Rubber Boa | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Western Skink | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Beautiful Landscapes in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island of Hawaii and is home to the active Kilauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes. The park’s landscape is characterized by its volcanic features, including craters, steam vents, and molten lava flows. One of the most famous sites within the park is the Halema’uma’u Crater, which continuously emits steam and gas from its vent and is visible from the park’s Jaggar Museum overlook. The park also offers scenic drives and hiking trails, including the popular Kilauea Iki Trail, which leads visitors through a forest and across the floor of a large volcanic crater.
Lassen Volcanic National Park, located in Northern California, is home to the Lassen Peak, a still-active volcano that last erupted in 1915. The park’s landscape is dominated by volcanic features such as hot springs, mud pots, and fumaroles. Visitors can hike to the summit of Lassen Peak for panoramic views of the park and surrounding area. The park also offers scenic drives, including the Lassen Peak Highway, which offers views of the park’s volcanic features, as well as its forests, lakes, and meadows. The park’s most famous feature is the Bumpass Hell Trail, which leads visitors through a geothermal area with boiling mud pots, steam vents, and colorful sulfur deposits.
Things To-Do and Activities in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer unique experiences to visitors who are looking to explore volcanic landscapes and experience the beauty of nature.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is known for its active volcanoes, including Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. Visitors can hike through the park and witness the beauty of the volcanic landscapes, including steam vents, lava tubes, and volcanic craters. In addition, visitors can also enjoy scenic drives, stargazing, and wildlife viewing.
Lassen Volcanic National Park is a popular destination for visitors who love adventure. The park offers a variety of activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and skiing. Visitors can also explore the park’s hydrothermal areas, including boiling mud pots, steam vents, and hot springs. The park also offers scenic drives, including the Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway, which provides breathtaking views of the park’s volcanic landscapes.
Both parks offer a unique experience for visitors who are looking to explore volcanic landscapes and experience the beauty of nature. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or a first-time visitor, both parks provide opportunities for visitors to connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of the volcanic landscapes.
Best Time to Visit Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are two vastly different parks, but both have a unique volcanic history. The seasonal weather patterns in each park are dramatically different.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island of Hawaii and has a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures and high humidity year-round. The park’s weather is generally mild, with average temperatures ranging from 60-80°F. Rain is frequent, with the wettest months being from November to March. However, visitors can still enjoy clear, sunny days during this time.
In contrast, Lassen Volcanic National Park is located in northern California and has a subalpine climate. During the summer months, temperatures can reach into the 80s, but can drop below freezing at night. Winter snow is common, with the park receiving an average of over 30 feet of snow each year. The best time to visit Lassen Volcanic National Park is during the summer months, when access to the park’s roads and trails is easiest.
In conclusion, the seasonal weather patterns at both parks greatly affect when is the best time to visit. While Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park can be visited year-round, Lassen Volcanic National Park is best visited during the summer months when temperatures are warmer and access to the park’s roads and trails is easier.
Family Friendliness of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are two of the most popular national parks for families. Both parks offer a chance for families to experience the beauty and wonder of volcanic landscapes, but which park is better for families with children will depend on what type of experience you are looking for.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island of Hawai’i and is known for its active Kilauea Volcano. The park is family-friendly and offers a number of activities for children, including ranger-led programs and a Junior Ranger program. Additionally, the park has a variety of hiking trails, picnic areas, and scenic drives, making it a great place to spend a day or two with the family.
Lassen Volcanic National Park is located in northern California and is also home to an active volcano, Lassen Peak. The park is smaller than Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, but it still offers a number of family-friendly activities, including hiking trails, picnic areas, and ranger-led programs. Additionally, Lassen Volcanic National Park is known for its geothermal features, including bubbling mud pots, steam vents, and hot springs.
In conclusion, both Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are great options for families looking to experience the beauty and wonder of volcanic landscapes. If you are looking for a larger, more comprehensive park with more activities and attractions, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park may be the better choice. However, if you are looking for a more intimate experience and a chance to explore unique geothermal features, Lassen Volcanic National Park may be the better option for your family.