Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Mount Rainier National Park are two of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in the United States. Both parks are known for their stunning landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and unique geological features. But which one is the better destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the two parks and compare the highlights, activities, and must-see attractions that each has to offer.
On one hand, there is Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, where visitors can witness the power of nature in action as they watch the Kīlauea volcano bubble and steam. This park is home to a diverse array of landscapes, from lush rain forests to barren volcanic deserts, and is a haven for hikers, bird-watchers, and anyone who loves to explore the great outdoors.
On the other hand, there is Mount Rainier National Park, where visitors can stand in the shadow of the majestic 14,411-foot mountain and marvel at the glaciers, waterfalls, and alpine meadows that surround it. This park is a popular destination for hikers, climbers, and anyone who loves to hit the trails and immerse themselves in nature.
Hiking Trails in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Mount Rainier National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Mount Rainier National Park offer a variety of hiking trails, each with its own unique features and challenges.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is known for it’s scenic volcanic landscapes and diverse ecosystems. One of the easiest hikes is the Kilauea Iki Trail, which takes you through lush rainforests and over the crater of a once active volcano. Another popular hike is the Crater Rim Trail, which offers stunning views of the park’s volcanic features and wildlife. For the more adventurous, there is the Mauna Ulu Trail, which takes you to the site of a massive volcanic eruption in the late 1960s.
Mount Rainier National Park, on the other hand, is known for its towering peaks and glaciers. A popular easy hike is the Skyline Trail, which offers breathtaking views of the mountain and surrounding forests. Another popular trail is the Paradise Loop Trail, which takes you through meadows filled with wildflowers and offers views of the mountain’s glaciers. For those seeking a challenge, there is the strenuous hike to the summit of Mount Rainier, which requires technical climbing skills and proper equipment.
In conclusion, both parks offer a range of hiking experiences, from easy scenic walks to strenuous and challenging hikes. Whether you are looking for breathtaking views, unique landscapes, or an adventure, these parks have something for everyone.
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 Mount Rainier National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tolmie Peak Trail | 8851.37 | 463.9056 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Skyline Trail | 8529.502 | 535.8384 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| Comet and Christine Falls | 6920.162 | 610.8192 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Camp Muir Route Via Skyline Trail | 13518.456 | 1403.9088 | Very Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Burroughs Mountain Loop Trail | 15127.796 | 780.8976 | Moderate | loop | 5 |
| Naches Peak Loop Trail | 5310.822 | 193.8528 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Spray Park Trail to Mount Pleasant | 11104.446 | 635.8128 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mount Fremont Lookout Trail | 9012.304 | 348.996 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Pinnacle Peak Saddle Trail | 3862.416 | 321.8688 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Summerland Trail | 13196.588 | 655.9296 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Mount Rainier National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located on the big island of Hawaii and is known for its active volcanoes and unique landscapes. Its wildlife is considered to be one of the most diverse in the world and is home to a variety of endemic species. Some of the more common animals that can be seen include the Hawaiian goose, the Hawaiian monk seal, and the Hawaiian hoary bat. The park is also home to a wide variety of endemic plants, including the Hawaiian silversword and the ʻōhiʻa lehua.
Mount Rainier National Park, located in Washington state, is known for its stunning views of Mount Rainier and its diverse range of habitats, including subalpine meadows and old-growth forests. This park is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, mountain goats, and elk. The park is also well known for its birdlife, including the American dipper, the olive-sided flycatcher, and the Clark’s nutcracker. Additionally, the park is home to a variety of wildflowers, including the western trillium and the glacier lily. Whether you’re a birdwatcher, a wildlife enthusiast, or just someone looking for a scenic hike, both Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Mount Rainier National Park are sure to provide a unique and unforgettable experience.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Mount Rainier National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Mount Rainier 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 | Great Horned Owl |
| Cattle Egret | Red-Tailed Hawk |
| Sanderling | Barn Swallow |
| Ring-Necked Pheasant | Savannah Sparrow |
| Chukar | Great Blue Heron |
| Ruddy Turnstone | Hermit Thrush |
| Northern Cardinal | European Starling |
| California Quail | Northern Pintail |
| American Wigeon | |
| Green-Winged Teal | |
| American Pipit | |
| Killdeer | |
| Brown-Headed Cowbird | |
| Hairy Woodpecker | |
| Red-Breasted Nuthatch | |
| White-Crowned Sparrow | |
| Northern Shoveler |
Mammals
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Mount Rainier National Park |
|---|---|
| House Mouse | Coyote |
| Norway Rat | American Beaver |
| ‘Iole | Muskrat |
| Domestic Cattle | Big Brown Bat |
| Feral Hog | Bobcat |
| Striped Skunk | |
| Little Brown Bat | |
| Deer Mouse | |
| Raccoon | |
| Black Bear | |
| Porcupine | |
| Silver-Haired Bat | |
| Hoary Bat | |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | |
| House Mouse | |
| Mountain Lion | |
| Black-Tailed Deer | |
| Wolf | |
| Long-Legged Myotis | |
| Long-Eared Myotis | |
| Ermine | |
| California Myotis | |
| Snowshoe Hare | |
| North American River Otter | |
| Masked Shrew |
Amphibians
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Mount Rainier National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog | Tiger Salamander |
Insects
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Mount Rainier National Park |
|---|---|
| Painted Lady | Mourning Cloak |
| Monarch Butterfly | Cabbage White |
| American Painted Lady | Silvery Blue |
| Red Admiral | Purplish Copper |
| Cabbage White | Anise Swallowtail |
| Honey Bee |
Fish
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Mount Rainier National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | |
| Eastern Brook Trout | |
| Brown Trout | |
| Coho Salmon | |
| Chinook Salmon | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Kokanee | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Reptiles
| Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park | Mount Rainier National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Rubber Boa |
Beautiful Landscapes in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Mount Rainier National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island of Hawai’i and is home to two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. Visitors can witness the power of nature on display as they hike through the park’s diverse landscapes, including rainforests, deserts and volcanic craters. Some of the most famous landscapes in the park include the Kilauea Iki Crater, known for its picturesque and dramatic steam vents, and the Thurston Lava Tube, a massive underground lava tunnel.
Mount Rainier National Park, located in Washington state, is known for its stunning views of Mount Rainier, an active stratovolcano and the tallest peak in the Cascade Range. The park offers a variety of outdoor experiences, from scenic drives and hiking to camping and backpacking. Visitors can explore the park’s subalpine and alpine meadows filled with wildflowers, glaciers, and stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. One of the most famous landscapes in the park is the Sunrise Overlook, which offers panoramic views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding landscape. Other highlights include the Paradise Inn, a historic lodge and popular destination for visitors, and the Nisqually Glacier, the largest glacier in the park.
Things To-Do and Activities in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Mount Rainier National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Mount Rainier National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, each offering unique experiences and breathtaking landscapes. Both parks offer a variety of outdoor activities, but each has its own specialties.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is famous for its volcanic landscapes and geological wonders, including Kīlauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, and Mauna Loa, the largest shield volcano on Earth. Visitors to the park can witness the power of nature in action by taking a guided walk through the park, joining a volcano boat tour, or exploring the park’s many hiking trails.
On the other hand, Mount Rainier National Park is famous for its stunning glaciers and snow-capped peak. Visitors to the park can take in the beauty of the mountain by hiking on one of its numerous trails, joining a guided climb, or simply admiring the views from a scenic drive. The park is also popular for its diverse wildlife, including elk, mountain goats, and bears, which can be seen in their natural habitats.
Both parks offer a variety of recreational activities, from camping and fishing to wildlife viewing and snow sports. However, if you’re looking for a truly unique experience, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is the perfect choice for those interested in geology and volcanic activity, while Mount Rainier National Park is ideal for those interested in mountain climbing and outdoor adventure.
Best Time to Visit Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Mount Rainier National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Mount Rainier National Park are two iconic national parks in the United States. Both of these parks offer unique and breathtaking landscapes, but the weather conditions in each park vary greatly.
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island of Hawaii and is known for its active volcanoes. The park experiences a tropical climate with warm, humid weather year-round. The best time to visit the park is during the dry season, which runs from April through September. During this time, visitors can expect sunny skies, low humidity, and mild temperatures.
On the other hand, Mount Rainier National Park is located in Washington State and is known for its towering 14,410-foot volcano. The park experiences a temperate maritime climate, with cool, wet weather throughout the year. The park is most accessible during the summer months, from July through September, when visitors can expect warm and dry weather. During the shoulder season, from May through June and October through November, visitors can expect cool, wet weather and occasional snow.
The weather conditions in each park greatly affect when is the best time to visit. If you’re looking for warm, sunny weather, then Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is the better choice. However, if you’re looking for a more temperate climate and the chance to experience snow, then Mount Rainier National Park is the perfect destination.
Family Friendliness of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Mount Rainier National Park
Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Mount Rainier National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer unique experiences for families, but there are some differences to consider when choosing the best park for families.
Mount Rainier National Park is a great option for families who enjoy outdoor recreation. The park features numerous trails for hiking and camping, as well as scenic drives that offer breathtaking views. There’s also a children’s park and a junior ranger program that kids can participate in.
On the other hand, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is a better option for families who are looking for a mix of adventure and education. With its active volcanoes, the park provides an immersive experience that teaches visitors about geology and the natural world. The park also offers educational programs for children, such as the Junior Ranger program, as well as ranger-led hikes and walks.
Ultimately, the choice between these two parks will depend on your family’s interests and preferences. Both parks offer a wealth of opportunities for families to learn and explore, so it’s just a matter of finding the one that best fits your needs.