Isle Royale National Park and North Cascades National Park are two of the most breathtaking destinations in the United States. Both offer stunning natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and endless opportunities for adventure. But which one is right for you?
Imagine yourself surrounded by crystal clear lakes and soaring peaks in North Cascades National Park, or exploring the rugged wilderness of Isle Royale National Park where moose and wolves roam freely. Which experience speaks to your inner adventurer?
In this article, we’ll dive into the unique characteristics of each park to help you decide which one is the perfect fit for your next outdoor excursion. We’ll compare the landscapes, activities, and wildlife of both parks, and provide tips on the best time to visit and what to bring.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of both Isle Royale and North Cascades National Park, and be able to make an informed decision about which one to visit next. So whether you’re a seasoned hiker looking for a new challenge, or a nature lover seeking a peaceful escape, this article has got you covered.
Hiking Trails in Isle Royale National Park and North Cascades National Park
Isle Royale National Park and North Cascades National Park are two of the most stunning natural areas in the USA, offering a range of hiking trails for all levels of ability.
Isle Royale has a total of 165 miles of trails, many of which are remote and rugged. Some of the easiest hikes include the Minong Ridge Trail, which winds through the forest and offers views of Lake Superior, and the Rock Harbor Lighthouse Trail, which is a short and easy hike to a historic lighthouse. For those seeking a challenge, the Island Mine Trail is one of the hardest hikes on the island, with steep inclines and rocky terrain.
North Cascades National Park boasts over 300 miles of trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging backcountry treks. One of the easiest hikes is the Heather-Maple Pass Loop, a 7-mile trail that offers stunning views of the North Cascades. For experienced hikers, the Sahale Arm Trail is a rigorous hike that climbs over 4,000 feet and offers views of glaciers, alpine meadows, and the surrounding peaks. The Park also offers the challenging Cascade Pass Trail, a steep and strenuous hike that leads to stunning views of the park’s glaciers and high peaks.
Both parks offer a range of hiking trails for different abilities, and are sure to provide a unique and memorable experience for visitors. Whether you are looking for an easy hike or a challenging backcountry trek, both Isle Royale and North Cascades have something to offer.
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 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 Isle Royale National Park and North Cascades National Park
Isle Royale National Park and North Cascades National Park are two of the most diverse and unique national parks in the United States. Both parks are known for their rich wildlife, including animals, birds and plants.
Isle Royale National Park is located in the middle of Lake Superior and is home to a variety of animals, including moose, wolves, beavers and foxes. The park is also a haven for bird watchers, with over 170 species of birds found in the area, including bald eagles, cedar waxwings, and great blue herons. Visitors can also see a variety of plants, including balsam fir, white spruce, and red maple.
North Cascades National Park, located in Washington state, is known for its diverse landscape, including mountains, glaciers, and forests. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, mountain goats, and marmots. Bird watchers can also see a variety of bird species, including bald eagles, peregrine falcons, and ospreys. Additionally, the park is home to over 700 species of plants, including hemlock, Douglas fir, and western red cedar.
Both Isle Royale National Park and North Cascades National Park are ideal destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re interested in wildlife, birds, or plants, these parks offer a unique and unforgettable experience.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Isle Royale National Park and North Cascades National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Isle Royale National Park | North Cascades 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 | 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 | American Pipit |
Mammals
| Isle Royale National Park | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
| Striped Skunk | Bobcat |
| Little Brown Bat | Striped Skunk |
| Deer Mouse | Little Brown Bat |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Deer Mouse |
| Hoary Bat | Raccoon |
| Red Fox | Black Bear |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Porcupine |
| Mink | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Gray Wolf | Hoary Bat |
| Short-Tailed Weasel | Red Fox |
| Snowshoe Hare | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| North American River Otter | House Mouse |
| Canada Lynx | Puma |
| Marten | Mink |
| Moose | Black-Tailed Deer |
| Red Bat | Wolf |
| Norway Rat | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Southern Red-Backed Vole | Western Long-Eared Bat |
| Northern Long-Eared Bat | Ermine |
| California Myotis | |
| Snowshoe Hare |
Fish
| Isle Royale National Park | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Redband Trout | Redband Trout |
| Coaster Brook Trout | Brook Trout |
| Brown Trout | Largemouth Bass |
| Longnose Sucker | Longnose Sucker |
| Harvey Lake Fathead Minnow | Lake Trout |
| Golden Shiner | Burbot |
| Lake Trout | Silver Salmon |
| Northern Pike | King Salmon |
| Ellpout | Slimy Sculpin |
| Coho Salmon | Longnose Dace |
| Chinook Salmon | Threespine Stickleback |
| Mottled Sculpin | Kokanee |
| Slimy Sculpin | Pink Salmon |
| Longnose Dace | Chum Salmon |
| Black Crappie | Dolly Varden |
| Pink Salmon | Cutthroat Trout |
| Creek Chub |
Amphibians
| Isle Royale National Park | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | |
| Wood Frog |
Reptiles
| Isle Royale National Park | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Western Yellowbelly Racer | |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Rubber Boa | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Insects
| Isle Royale National Park | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Honey Bee | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Isle Royale National Park and North Cascades National Park
Isle Royale National Park and North Cascades National Park are two of the most famous parks in the United States. Both parks offer stunning landscapes and breathtaking natural wonders that draw visitors from all over the world. Isle Royale National Park boasts one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world, Lake Superior, and the rugged beauty of the park’s remote location make it a true wilderness experience. Visitors can hike the park’s numerous trails and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding islands and water.
North Cascades National Park is famous for its rugged mountain ranges, complete with glaciers, alpine lakes, and deep valleys. The park’s landscape is characterized by steep peaks, snow-capped mountains, and wild, rushing rivers. Visitors can hike through the park’s backcountry to take in the stunning views of the surrounding peaks and valleys, or explore the park’s many trail systems for a more leisurely experience. The park is also home to a number of waterfalls, including the popular Rainbow Falls, which provides breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Whether you’re looking for a remote wilderness experience or a chance to explore the rugged beauty of the mountains, Isle Royale National Park and North Cascades National Park have something to offer everyone. Both parks offer breathtaking landscapes and breathtaking natural wonders that will leave visitors with memories to last a lifetime.
Things To-Do and Activities in Isle Royale National Park and North Cascades National Park
Isle Royale National Park and North Cascades National Park are two popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Both parks offer a variety of activities including hiking, camping, fishing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. However, each park has its own unique features and draws visitors for different reasons.
At Isle Royale National Park, visitors can take a ferry to the remote islands and enjoy a more isolated wilderness experience. With over 165 miles of hiking trails, visitors can explore the rugged shorelines, scenic vistas, and diverse wildlife. This park is particularly popular for kayaking and canoeing, with opportunities to explore the numerous lakes and streams. Fishing is also a popular activity in the park, with lake trout, brook trout, and other species available.
North Cascades National Park, on the other hand, is known for its stunning mountain landscapes and is a popular destination for climbing and mountaineering. With over 300 glaciers and numerous alpine lakes, visitors can explore the rugged terrain and enjoy breathtaking views. The park also offers abundant opportunities for wildlife viewing, including black bears, mountain goats, and bald eagles. The park is also popular for camping, with over 400 campsites available for visitors to enjoy the wilderness experience.
In conclusion, both Isle Royale National Park and North Cascades National Park offer unique experiences for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Whether you are looking for a peaceful kayaking trip, a challenging mountaineering adventure, or a chance to view diverse wildlife, these parks have something to offer for all visitors.
Best Time to Visit Isle Royale National Park and North Cascades National Park
Isle Royale National Park and North Cascades National Park are two unique parks that offer visitors a chance to explore wilderness areas with vastly different weather patterns. Both parks offer a range of outdoor recreation opportunities, but the best time to visit each park depends on the weather.
Isle Royale is located in the middle of Lake Superior and is known for its long, harsh winters and mild summers. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing and snowfall can be heavy. Summer temperatures are pleasant, with average temperatures in the 60s and 70s. The best time to visit Isle Royale is during the summer months, when the weather is mild and there is a wide range of outdoor recreation opportunities available, including hiking, camping, and fishing.
North Cascades National Park, on the other hand, is located in the Pacific Northwest and is known for its mild summers and wet, snowy winters. Average summer temperatures are in the 60s and 70s, with occasional rain showers. Winter temperatures are colder, with average temperatures in the 30s and 40s, and heavy snowfall is common. The best time to visit North Cascades is during the summer and fall months, when the weather is mild and the landscape is lush and green. Winter is a great time to visit for those interested in winter sports, such as snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Family Friendliness of Isle Royale National Park and North Cascades National Park
Isle Royale National Park and North Cascades National Park are two of the most beautiful national parks in the United States. Both are great options for families, but they offer different experiences.
Isle Royale National Park is located on an island in Lake Superior and is known for its remote wilderness and diverse landscape. The park is great for families who enjoy hiking and exploring the outdoors, but it may not be the best option for families with young children. The island is only accessible by boat, and the park does not have many facilities or services.
North Cascades National Park, on the other hand, is located in Washington State and is known for its rugged mountains, glaciers, and diverse wildlife. The park has several campgrounds, picnic areas, and hiking trails that are suitable for families. There are also ranger-led programs and educational opportunities for children. North Cascades National Park is a great option for families who want to experience the beauty of the mountains and learn about the natural world.
In conclusion, if you’re traveling with children and looking for a family-friendly national park, North Cascades National Park is the better option. The park has more facilities and services, and it offers a variety of educational opportunities for children. However, if you’re looking for a remote wilderness experience, Isle Royale National Park is worth considering.