Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park vs North Cascades National Park

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Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park vs North Cascades National Park

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and North Cascades National Park are two of the most beautiful and unique parks in the United States. They offer vastly different experiences, from the fiery lava flows of Hawai’i to the towering peaks and alpine lakes of the North Cascades.

If you’re planning a trip to either of these parks, you’re in for a treat. But which park is right for you? That’s where this article comes in. We’ll take a close look at both parks, comparing their landscapes, wildlife, recreational opportunities and more. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, a wildlife enthusiast, or just looking for a relaxing getaway, you’ll find plenty to love about both of these incredible parks.

So grab a snack and get ready to learn about two of America’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. You may just discover your next favourite park!

Hiking Trails in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and North Cascades National Park

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is known for its active volcanoes, Mauna Loa and Kīlauea, and offers a unique hiking experience. Some of the most popular hikes include the Kīlauea Iki Trail, which is a 4-mile round-trip hike through a volcanic crater, and the 11-mile round-trip hike to the summit of Mauna Loa. The park also has several easy hikes, including the Crater Rim Trail, which is a 2-mile round-trip hike along the rim of Kīlauea caldera.

North Cascades National Park, on the other hand, is known for its rugged terrain and diverse landscapes. The park has over 400 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry treks. Some of the most popular hikes include the Thunder Creek Trail, which is a 12-mile round-trip hike through a scenic valley, and the Cascade Pass Trail, which is a 5.5-mile round-trip hike to a mountain pass with panoramic views. The park also has several challenging hikes, including the Torment-Forbidden Traverse, which is a strenuous backcountry trek that requires technical mountaineering skills.

Both parks offer a diverse range of hiking experiences, from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry expeditions. If you’re looking for a unique and challenging hiking experience, North Cascades National Park is the place to go, but if you’re looking for a chance to explore an active volcano, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is the place to be.

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 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 Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and North Cascades National Park

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island of Hawaii and is home to some of the most unique wildlife in the world. The park is famous for its active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa, which create a unique ecosystem for wildlife to thrive. Visitors to the park can expect to see a variety of birds, including the endangered Nene Goose and the Hawaiian Hawk, as well as endemic plant species such as the Silversword plant.

On the other hand, North Cascades National Park is located in Washington State and is known for its rugged wilderness and diverse wildlife. The park is home to a variety of mammals such as black bears, mountain lions, and gray wolves, as well as numerous bird species, including the American Dipper and the Northern Pygmy Owl. The park is also known for its diverse plant life, including alpine wildflowers and old-growth forests.

In conclusion, both Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and North Cascades National Park offer visitors the opportunity to see a wide range of wildlife. While Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is known for its unique ecosystem and endemic species, North Cascades National Park is known for its rugged wilderness and diverse wildlife. So, whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or just looking for a unique outdoor experience, both of these parks are sure to offer something for everyone.

Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and North Cascades National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.

Birds

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park North Cascades 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 Merlin
Ruddy Turnstone Barn Swallow
Northern Cardinal Savannah Sparrow
California Quail Great Blue Heron
Hermit Thrush
American Kestrel
Bald Eagle
Song Sparrow
European Starling
Northern Pintail
American Wigeon
Green-Winged Teal
American Pipit

Mammals

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park North Cascades 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
Red Fox
Long-Tailed Weasel
House Mouse
Puma
Mink
Black-Tailed Deer
Wolf
Long-Legged Myotis
Western Long-Eared Bat
Ermine
California Myotis
Snowshoe Hare

Amphibians

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park North Cascades National Park
Bullfrog

Insects

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park North Cascades National Park
Painted Lady Orange Sulphur
Monarch Butterfly Painted Lady
American Painted Lady Red Admiral
Red Admiral Mourning Cloak
Cabbage White Silvery Blue
Honey Bee Clouded Sulphur
Honey Bee
Purplish Copper
Anise Swallowtail

Fish

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park North Cascades National Park
Redband Trout
Brook Trout
Largemouth Bass
Longnose Sucker
Lake Trout
Burbot
Silver Salmon
King Salmon
Slimy Sculpin
Longnose Dace
Threespine Stickleback
Kokanee
Pink Salmon
Chum Salmon
Dolly Varden
Cutthroat Trout

Reptiles

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park North Cascades National Park
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake
Western Yellowbelly Racer
Prairie Rattlesnake
Common Garter Snake
Rubber Boa
Western Fence Lizard

Beautiful Landscapes in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and North Cascades National Park

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is known for its active volcanoes and unique volcanic landscapes. The park is home to Kīlauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, and Mauna Loa, the largest shield volcano in the world. Visitors can witness the power of nature as they hike through the park’s lava fields, view steam vents and sulfur dioxide gas emissions, and observe the spectacular, glowing red lava at night.

North Cascades National Park, located in Washington State, is known for its rugged peaks and glaciers. The park is home to over 300 glaciers and boasts some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the country. Visitors can explore the park’s scenic drives, hike through the alpine meadows and along the ridges for stunning views of the surrounding peaks, or venture into the backcountry for an even more immersive experience.

Both parks offer a unique and unforgettable experience for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether it’s exploring the volcanic landscapes of Hawai’i Volcanoes or witnessing the rugged peaks of North Cascades, these parks are sure to leave a lasting impression.

Things To-Do and Activities in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and North Cascades National Park

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and North Cascades National Park are two popular destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Both parks offer a wealth of opportunities for visitors to explore and experience the natural beauty of their respective regions.

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island of Hawaii and is famous for its active volcanoes, including Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. Visitors can take guided hikes to see the volcanic activity, walk through lava tubes, and explore the park’s diverse ecosystem, including its rainforest, desert, and subalpine regions.

North Cascades National Park, located in Washington State, is known for its rugged peaks and glaciers. The park offers a variety of recreational activities, including camping, fishing, kayaking, and rock climbing. Visitors can take scenic drives, hike through old-growth forests, and witness the park’s abundant wildlife, including bears, mountain goats, and eagles.

In both parks, visitors can also enjoy ranger-led programs and campfire talks, stargazing, and wildlife watching. Whether you’re interested in outdoor recreation or simply want to experience the beauty of nature, both Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and North Cascades National Park offer something for everyone.

Best Time to Visit Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and North Cascades National Park

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and North Cascades National Park both offer unique and breathtaking landscapes, but the weather in each park varies greatly. The tropical climate of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is characterized by warm temperatures year-round, with an average temperature ranging from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Rain is frequent in the park, but it is generally light and brief, and it is most common during the winter months. This makes it a great destination for those seeking a tropical getaway, with the best time to visit being from May to September.

Contrastingly, North Cascades National Park is located in Washington State and experiences much cooler temperatures and more precipitation. The park is known for its dramatic peaks and glaciers, and the weather reflects this rugged landscape. The average temperature in the summer is in the mid-50s to mid-60s, with average winter temperatures dropping to the mid-30s. The park receives heavy snowfall during the winter months, making it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. The best time to visit North Cascades National Park is from June to October, when the weather is mild and the snow has melted, allowing for easier access to trails and scenic vistas.

Family Friendliness of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and North Cascades National Park

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and North Cascades National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer unique and diverse landscapes, but when it comes to family-friendliness, they differ significantly.

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is a great destination for families with young children. The park offers many educational and interactive programs that are designed for kids, such as the Junior Ranger Program, where kids can learn about the park’s geology, wildlife, and culture. There are also several well-maintained trails that are suitable for families, including the Crater Rim Trail, which offers stunning views of the park’s volcanic landscapes.

On the other hand, North Cascades National Park is a more challenging destination for families with young children. The park is known for its rugged and remote terrain, which can be difficult for kids to navigate. There are few trails that are suitable for young children, and many of the park’s best attractions require a long hike or backpacking trip. Additionally, the park’s remote location and lack of visitor facilities can make it a less convenient destination for families with young kids.

In conclusion, if you’re traveling with young children, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is a better choice. The park offers many educational and interactive programs, well-maintained trails, and stunning views that are sure to captivate kids of all ages. On the other hand, North Cascades National Park is a more challenging destination that may not be suitable for families with young children.

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