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.