Lassen Volcanic National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two of America’s most unique and awe-inspiring parks. With their diverse landscapes and breathtaking views, these two parks offer a world of adventure and discovery for visitors of all ages.
Lassen Volcanic National Park is home to the largest plug dome volcano in the world and is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in geology and volcanic activity. With its diverse landscape, including bubbling mud pots, steam vents, and crystal-clear lakes, it’s easy to see why this park is a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, on the other hand, is a premier destination for rock climbers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. With its towering cliffs, deep canyons, and stunning scenery, this park offers a world of adventure for anyone looking for a challenge. Whether you’re a seasoned climber or just starting out, the New River Gorge has something to offer for everyone.
Hiking Trails in Lassen Volcanic National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Lassen Volcanic National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two popular outdoor destinations, each offering unique hiking experiences. Lassen Volcanic is known for its abundance of volcanic features, including hot springs, mud pots, and steam vents. Hiking trails across the park range from easy, interpretive walks to challenging backcountry adventures. The park’s most popular hike is the Lassen Peak Trail, a strenuous 8-mile round trip hike to the summit of Lassen Peak.
On the other hand, New River Gorge offers a diverse range of hiking trails along the New River and its tributaries. The park offers both easy, scenic hikes and challenging backcountry treks. One of the park’s most popular hikes is the Endless Wall Trail, a moderate 5.5-mile hike with stunning views of the New River Gorge. For those seeking a more strenuous hike, the Kaymoor Mine Trail offers a challenging 7-mile hike to an abandoned coal mine.
Both parks offer a range of hiking experiences, from easy walks to strenuous backcountry adventures. Whether you’re looking to explore the unique volcanic features of Lassen Volcanic or the scenic beauty of New River Gorge, these two parks offer something for all levels of hikers.
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 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
| 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 | 4.6 |
Wildlife in Lassen Volcanic National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Lassen Volcanic National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two different parks with different attractions. The wildlife you can see in each park is one of the biggest differences. In Lassen Volcanic National Park, visitors can see a variety of wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, and deer. The park is also home to different species of birds, including the Steller’s Jay and the Mountain Bluebird. In addition, visitors can see various plant species, such as the Sierra Nevada mixed conifer forest and the Cascade Range.
On the other hand, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is known for its diverse wildlife. Visitors can see a variety of animals, including black bears, raccoons, and white-tailed deer. The park also has a variety of birds, including the American Bald Eagle and the Peregrine Falcon. In addition, visitors can see different plant species, such as the Appalachian hardwood forest and the Appalachian oak-pine forest.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Lassen Volcanic National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Lassen Volcanic National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| 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 | Great Horned Owl |
| American Robin | Red-Tailed Hawk |
| Great Horned Owl | Barn Swallow |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | Savannah Sparrow |
| Northern Flicker | Great Blue Heron |
| Merlin | Hermit Thrush |
| Barn Swallow | European Starling |
| Savannah Sparrow | Northern Pintail |
| Great Blue Heron | American Wigeon |
| Hermit Thrush | Green-Winged Teal |
| American Kestrel | American Pipit |
| Bald Eagle | Killdeer |
| Song Sparrow | Brown-Headed Cowbird |
| European Starling | Hairy Woodpecker |
| Northern Pintail | Red-Breasted Nuthatch |
| American Wigeon | White-Crowned Sparrow |
| Green-Winged Teal | Northern Shoveler |
Mammals
| Lassen Volcanic National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| American Beaver | Coyote |
| Muskrat | American Beaver |
| Bobcat | Muskrat |
| Striped Skunk | Big Brown Bat |
| Raccoon | Bobcat |
| Black Bear | Striped Skunk |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Little Brown Bat |
| Hoary Bat | Deer Mouse |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Raccoon |
| Mountain Lion | Black Bear |
| Mink | Porcupine |
| Mule Deer | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Gray Fox | Hoary Bat |
| Wolf | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Long-Eared Myotis | House Mouse |
| Snowshoe Hare | Mountain Lion |
| Fringed Myotis | Black-Tailed Deer |
| Western Harvest Mouse | Wolf |
| Yuma Myotis | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Bighorn Sheep | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Montane Shrew | Ermine |
| Long-Tailed Vole | California Myotis |
| Ringtail | Snowshoe Hare |
| Virginia Opossum | North American River Otter |
| Wolverine | Masked Shrew |
Fish
| Lassen Volcanic National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Redband Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brook Trout | Eastern Brook Trout |
| Brown Trout | Brown Trout |
| Fathead Minnow | Coho Salmon |
| Golden Shiner | Chinook Salmon |
| Silver Salmon | Mottled Sculpin |
| King Salmon | Slimy Sculpin |
| Mottled Sculpin | Threespine Stickleback |
| Speckled Dace | Kokanee |
| Brown Bullhead | Pink Salmon |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Reptiles
| Lassen Volcanic National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | Common Garter Snake |
| Racer | Rubber Boa |
| Western Rattlesnake | |
| Ring-Necked Snake | |
| Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Common Kingsnake | |
| Rubber Boa | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Western Skink | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Amphibians
| Lassen Volcanic National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog | Tiger Salamander |
Insects
| Lassen Volcanic National Park | New River Gorge National Park and Preserve |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | Mourning Cloak |
| Painted Lady | Cabbage White |
| Monarch Butterfly | Silvery Blue |
| American Painted Lady | Purplish Copper |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | Anise Swallowtail |
| Honey Bee | |
| Buckeye | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Lassen Volcanic National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Lassen Volcanic National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two iconic parks known for their unique landscapes. Lassen Volcanic National Park is located in California and is known for its volcanic activity and geothermal features. The most famous landmark in this park is Mount Lassen, an active volcano that last erupted in 1915. Visitors can also see the Bumpass Hell Trail, the largest hydrothermal area in the park, and the boiling mud pots, a unique geothermal feature.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, located in West Virginia, is famous for its stunning rock formations and scenic overlooks. The New River Gorge Bridge is the centerpiece of the park, offering visitors breathtaking views of the river and surrounding mountains. The park also features over 1,400 climbing routes and more than 70 miles of hiking trails, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The New River Gorge is also home to several waterfalls, including the Kaymoor Falls, which can be accessed via a scenic hike through the park.
Things To-Do and Activities in Lassen Volcanic National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Lassen Volcanic National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two popular national parks in the United States, each offering unique experiences and activities for visitors.
Lassen Volcanic National Park is known for its diverse volcanic features, including geysers, mud pots, and fumaroles. Visitors can hike or drive through the park to see these features, and also enjoy camping, fishing, and exploring the park’s numerous trails.
On the other hand, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is famous for its stunning river views and opportunities for adventure sports such as rafting, rock climbing, and zip-lining. The park also has scenic drives and beautiful picnic areas for those interested in more relaxed activities.
Both parks offer a range of activities to accommodate different interests and activity levels. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful hike or an adrenaline-filled adventure, there’s something for everyone at Lassen Volcanic National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.
Best Time to Visit Lassen Volcanic National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Lassen Volcanic National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve are two of the most popular parks in the United States, and they each offer a unique outdoor experience. The weather at these parks can vary greatly throughout the year, which affects when is the best time to visit.
Lassen Volcanic National Park is located in Northern California and has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The best time to visit is during the summer months when temperatures are mild and the park is accessible. The park is known for its volcanic activity, including boiling mud pots, steam vents, and fumaroles. Winter is a popular time to visit as well, as the park receives heavy snowfall and provides opportunities for winter sports.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is located in West Virginia and has a temperate climate with warm summers and cold winters. The best time to visit is during the fall when temperatures are mild, the leaves are changing colors, and the views from the canyon are stunning. The park is known for its recreational opportunities, including white-water rafting, hiking, and rock climbing. Winter is not the best time to visit, as temperatures can be very cold and the park can be covered in snow and ice.
Both parks offer a unique outdoor experience, and the seasonal weather can greatly affect when is the best time to visit. Whether you are interested in volcanic activity or recreational opportunities, be sure to plan your visit during the best time of year to fully enjoy all that each park has to offer.
Family Friendliness of Lassen Volcanic National Park and New River Gorge National Park and Preserve
Lassen Volcanic National Park is located in Northern California and features a variety of volcanic features and hot springs. On the other hand, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is located in West Virginia and primarily features stunning cliffs and waterfalls.
If you’re traveling with children, Lassen Volcanic National Park might be the better choice. The park offers several easy hikes, including a walk to the bubbling mud pots and the Bumpass Hell Trail, which leads to a thermal area. There are also several campgrounds for families, as well as picnic areas and ranger-led programs.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, on the other hand, is known for its challenging hikes and rock climbing opportunities, making it a better choice for older children and teenagers. While there is still plenty to see and do, including scenic drives and ranger-led programs, it may not be as suitable for younger children or those who prefer a more relaxed visit. There are also several campgrounds available, but they may not be as kid-friendly as those found at Lassen Volcanic National Park.