Isle Royale National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are two of America’s most unique natural wonders. Both are popular tourist destinations, but each offers its own distinct experiences. If you’re torn between which one to visit, or if you’re looking for a new adventure, then this article is for you.
Isle Royale is a remote wilderness located in Lake Superior, providing visitors with a rugged and unforgettable experience. Lassen Volcanic, on the other hand, is a volcanic wonderland in California, offering up a mesmerizing display of nature’s raw power.
Whether you’re a hiker, camper, or just someone who loves being outdoors, these parks have something for everyone. From the pristine waters of Isle Royale to the steaming vents of Lassen, these parks are a must-see for anyone who appreciates the beauty of nature. So pack your bags and get ready to explore two of America’s most incredible parks.
Hiking Trails in Isle Royale National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Isle Royale National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a wide range of hiking trails for visitors to explore.
Isle Royale is known for its remote location and rugged wilderness. The park features over 165 miles of trails that lead visitors through dense forests, along scenic lakeshores, and up to breathtaking vistas. Some of the easiest hikes at Isle Royale include the Minong Ridge Trail and the Greenstone Ridge Trail, which offer great views of the surrounding wilderness without too much elevation gain. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Mount Ojibway Trail is a strenuous climb to the top of the highest peak on the island.
Lassen Volcanic National Park, on the other hand, is home to a variety of volcanic features, including fumaroles, hot springs, and geysers. The park features over 150 miles of trails that take visitors through diverse landscapes, from lush forests to barren volcanic landscapes. The Lassen Peak Trail is one of the park’s most popular hikes, offering stunning views of the surrounding wilderness from the top of the park’s largest volcano. The Bumpass Hell Trail is another popular hike, leading visitors through a steaming, sulphur-scented valley to a series of bubbling mud pots. For those seeking a more strenuous hike, the Summit Lake North Trail offers a challenging climb to the top of one of the park’s many volcanic peaks.
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Isle Royale National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greenstone Ridge Trail: Windigo to Tobin Harbor | 63568.93 | 1216.7616 | Hard | point to point | 4 |
| Rainbow Cove Trail | 2253.076 | 21.9456 | Easy | out and back | 5 |
| Malone Bay to Hatchett Lake | 37658.556 | 664.7688 | Moderate | out and back | 0 |
| Ishpeming Trail to Ishpeming Point | 23496.364 | 339.852 | Moderate | out and back | 0 |
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 Isle Royale National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Isle Royale National Park:
Isle Royale National Park, located in Lake Superior, is known for its diverse wildlife, including moose, fox, beaver, and otter. The island is also home to various species of birds, including ospreys and eagles. Visitors can also expect to see a variety of plants, such as wildflowers, berry bushes, and coniferous trees.
Lassen Volcanic National Park:
Lassen Volcanic National Park, located in California, offers visitors a unique experience with its geothermal activity and diverse wildlife. The park is home to a variety of mammal species, including black bears, mountain lions, and deer. Bird-watchers can also enjoy spotting a variety of species, including Steller’s Jays, Clark’s Nutcrackers, and Woodpeckers. In addition to the wildlife, visitors can also expect to see an abundance of plant life, including wildflowers, and dense coniferous forests.
Both Isle Royale and Lassen Volcanic National Parks offer visitors a chance to experience the beauty of nature and observe a variety of wildlife. However, Isle Royale is known for its moose population, while Lassen Volcanic is recognized for its geothermal activity and black bear sightings. Both parks offer a unique experience for nature enthusiasts and are definitely worth visiting.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Isle Royale National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Isle Royale National Park | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
|---|---|
| Peregrine Falcon | Peregrine Falcon |
| Northern Harrier | Northern Harrier |
| Sharp-Shinned Hawk | Sharp-Shinned Hawk |
| Osprey | Osprey |
| Tree Swallow | Tree Swallow |
| Mallard | Mallard |
| Canada Goose | Canada Goose |
| Lincoln’s Sparrow | Lincoln’s Sparrow |
| Ruby-Crowned Kinglet | Ruby-Crowned Kinglet |
| American Robin | American Robin |
| Great Horned Owl | Great Horned Owl |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | Red-Tailed Hawk |
| Northern Flicker | Northern Flicker |
| Merlin | Merlin |
| Barn Swallow | Barn Swallow |
| Savannah Sparrow | Savannah Sparrow |
| Great Blue Heron | Great Blue Heron |
| Hermit Thrush | Hermit Thrush |
| American Kestrel | American Kestrel |
| Bald Eagle | Bald Eagle |
| Song Sparrow | Song Sparrow |
| European Starling | European Starling |
| Northern Pintail | Northern Pintail |
| American Wigeon | American Wigeon |
| Green-Winged Teal | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Isle Royale National Park | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | American Beaver |
| American Beaver | Muskrat |
| Muskrat | Bobcat |
| Big Brown Bat | Striped Skunk |
| Striped Skunk | Raccoon |
| Little Brown Bat | Black Bear |
| Deer Mouse | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Hoary Bat |
| Hoary Bat | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Red Fox | Mountain Lion |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Mink |
| Mink | Mule Deer |
| Gray Wolf | Gray Fox |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Wolf |
| Snowshoe Hare | Long-Eared Myotis |
| North American River Otter | Snowshoe Hare |
| Canada Lynx | Fringed Myotis |
| Marten | Western Harvest Mouse |
| Moose | Yuma Myotis |
| Red Bat | Bighorn Sheep |
| Norway Rat | Montane Shrew |
| Southern Red-Backed Vole | Long-Tailed Vole |
| Northern Long-Eared Bat | Ringtail |
| Virginia Opossum | |
| Wolverine |
Fish
| Isle Royale National Park | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
|---|---|
| Redband Trout | Redband Trout |
| Coaster Brook Trout | Brook Trout |
| Brown Trout | Brown Trout |
| Longnose Sucker | Fathead Minnow |
| Harvey Lake Fathead Minnow | Golden Shiner |
| Golden Shiner | Silver Salmon |
| Lake Trout | King Salmon |
| Northern Pike | Mottled Sculpin |
| Ellpout | Speckled Dace |
| Coho Salmon | Brown Bullhead |
| Chinook Salmon | |
| Mottled Sculpin | |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Creek Chub |
Amphibians
| Isle Royale National Park | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | Bullfrog |
| Wood Frog |
Reptiles
| Isle Royale 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 |
Insects
| Isle Royale National Park | Lassen Volcanic National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | |
| Honey Bee | |
| Buckeye | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Isle Royale National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Isle Royale National Park, located in Lake Superior, is famous for its rugged wilderness, diverse habitats and isolated landscapes. The park is home to numerous hiking trails that lead visitors through forests and along the lake shore. One of its most famous landscapes include the rugged beauty of its rocky coastline and the stunning views from its many overlooks. The park is also home to over 400 smaller islands and islets, each with its own unique natural features.
Lassen Volcanic National Park, located in California, is well-known for its volcanic landscapes and geothermal features. The park is home to four different types of volcanic landscapes, including the Lassen Peak, which is the largest plug dome volcano in the world. Visitors can also explore the park’s geysers, hot springs, and mud pots, as well as take in the stunning views from its many overlooks. The park is also home to a number of scenic drives, including the Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway, which winds through the park’s volcanic landscapes and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Things To-Do and Activities in Isle Royale National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Isle Royale National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are two popular destinations for nature enthusiasts. Both parks offer a range of recreational activities for visitors, but each has its own unique features and draws.
Isle Royale is a remote island in Lake Superior with rugged terrain and abundant wildlife. Visitors come to Isle Royale to hike, camp, fish, and observe the diverse array of plants and animals. The park’s seclusion and lack of development make it an ideal destination for those seeking solitude and a true wilderness experience.
Lassen Volcanic National Park, on the other hand, is located in northern California and is home to a variety of geological features, including geysers, hot springs, and volcanic craters. Visitors come to Lassen to hike, camp, and explore the park’s many geothermal features. In addition, Lassen offers excellent opportunities for winter recreation, including snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and sledding on the park’s snow-covered slopes.
Overall, both Isle Royale and Lassen Volcanic National Parks offer visitors the opportunity to connect with nature and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you’re looking for a remote wilderness experience or a chance to explore unique geological features, both parks are sure to provide an unforgettable outdoor adventure.
Best Time to Visit Isle Royale National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Isle Royale National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are two of the most beautiful parks in the United States. Both parks offer unique experiences and seasonal weather that can greatly impact a visitor’s trip.
Isle Royale National Park is located in the middle of Lake Superior and is known for its harsh winters. During the winter months, temperatures can drop below zero and snow can accumulate up to several feet. Despite the harsh conditions, winter is a popular time to visit the park for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. On the other hand, summer temperatures can reach into the mid-70s and offer visitors the chance to hike and explore the park’s many trails.
Lassen Volcanic National Park, located in California, experiences a different type of weather. Summer temperatures can reach into the 90s, making it a popular time for hiking and camping. Winter temperatures can drop into the 30s, but the park is known for its snow-covered landscapes and opportunities for winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding.
In conclusion, the best time to visit Isle Royale National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park depends on the type of experience you are looking for. Isle Royale is best visited during the summer for its warm temperatures and hiking opportunities, while Lassen Volcanic is best visited in the winter for its snowy landscapes and winter sports.
Family Friendliness of Isle Royale National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park
Isle Royale National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a unique experience for families, but each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages when it comes to family-friendliness.
Isle Royale National Park, located in Michigan, offers a peaceful and remote wilderness experience for families. The park can only be reached by boat or seaplane, and there are limited facilities on the island. This makes it a great destination for families looking for a quiet and peaceful getaway. However, the lack of amenities and the rugged terrain can make it a challenge for families with young children.
Lassen Volcanic National Park, located in California, is a much more accessible destination for families. The park has a well-developed infrastructure, including campgrounds, picnic areas, and several trails that are suitable for families. The park also offers opportunities for families to explore geysers, mud pots, and steam vents, which are unique geological features that are sure to captivate kids.
In conclusion, both Isle Royale National Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park have their own unique benefits for families, but Lassen Volcanic National Park is probably the better option for families with young children. The park’s well-developed infrastructure, easy accessibility, and family-friendly activities make it a great destination for families.