Lassen Volcanic National Park and Shenandoah National Park are two of America’s most spectacular natural treasures, and choosing between them can be a difficult task. Both parks offer breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife and a wealth of outdoor activities. But what sets these two parks apart? How do they differ in their geological formations, scenic beauty, and recreational opportunities?
If you’re a nature lover and adventure seeker, read on to find out which park is the perfect fit for you. Whether you’re seeking a getaway to a peaceful mountain retreat or an action-packed outdoor adventure, these two parks have something for everyone. Join us as we take a closer look at the unique characteristics of Lassen Volcanic National Park and Shenandoah National Park and discover which park is the ultimate destination for your next outdoor excursion.
Hiking Trails in Lassen Volcanic National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park and Shenandoah National Park are two of America’s most popular national parks. Both parks offer a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes.
Lassen Volcanic National Park is renowned for its volcanic landscape and has over 150 miles of trails. Some of the easiest hikes include the Bumpass Hell Trail, a 3-mile round-trip walk to a boiling mudpot, and the Manzanita Lake Trail, a 2-mile loop around a scenic lake. More challenging hikes include the Lassen Peak Trail, a strenuous 8-mile round-trip hike to the park’s highest point, and the Cinder Cone Trail, a strenuous 5-mile hike to the top of a volcanic cone.
Shenandoah National Park boasts over 500 miles of trails and is known for its scenic views and rolling hills. Easy hikes include the Rose River Falls Trail, a 1.5-mile round-trip walk to a waterfall, and the White Oak Canyon Trail, a 2.5-mile hike to several waterfalls. Difficult hikes include the Old Rag Mountain Trail, a strenuous 9-mile hike to the park’s highest point, and the Hawksbill Mountain Trail, a challenging 4-mile hike to the park’s second highest point.
Both parks offer a range of hiking trails to suit all levels of ability, from easy walks to challenging hikes. Whether you’re looking for an easy hike or a strenuous climb, Lassen Volcanic National Park and Shenandoah National Park have something for everyone.
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 Shenandoah National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Rag Mountain Loop | 13840.324 | 736.7016 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| White Oak Canyon and Cedar Run Trails Loop | 14484.06 | 722.9856 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| Dark Hollow Falls Trail | 2253.076 | 171.9072 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Bearfence Mountain Trail | 1609.34 | 73.7616 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Hawksbill Gap Loop via Appalachian Trail | 4184.284 | 228.9048 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Rose River Trail | 5632.69 | 256.9464 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| White Oak Canyon Trail | 15288.73 | 733.9584 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Stony Man via Appalachian Trail | 2414.01 | 97.8408 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| South River Falls Trail | 7402.964 | 387.7056 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Little Stony Man Loop via Appalachian Trail | 5471.756 | 263.9568 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Lassen Volcanic National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park and Shenandoah National Park are two distinct national parks in the United States, each with its own unique wildlife. Lassen Volcanic National Park is located in California and is known for its volcanic activity, including the Lassen Peak, which is the largest plug dome volcano in the world. The park is home to many species of wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, and coyotes. Visitors can also expect to see a variety of bird species, including the American kestrel and the willow flycatcher.
Shenandoah National Park, located in Virginia, is known for its rolling hills, scenic views, and diverse wildlife. The park is home to many species of mammals, including black bears, white-tailed deer, and foxes. Birdwatchers can also enjoy a variety of bird species, including the Baltimore oriole, the great blue heron, and the wood thrush. The park also has a diverse array of plants, including ferns, wildflowers, and shrubs.
Both parks are popular among wildlife enthusiasts and offer a unique experience for visitors. While Lassen Volcanic National Park offers a unique and rich volcanic environment, Shenandoah National Park offers a diverse and scenic landscape that is home to a wide range of wildlife. Whether you are a birdwatcher, a nature photographer, or just looking to see some of the United States’ diverse wildlife, both parks have something to offer.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Lassen Volcanic National Park and Shenandoah National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Lassen Volcanic National Park | Shenandoah 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
| Lassen Volcanic National Park | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| 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 | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Mule Deer | Hoary Bat |
| Gray Fox | Red Fox |
| Wolf | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Long-Eared Myotis | House Mouse |
| Snowshoe Hare | Mountain Lion |
| Fringed Myotis | Gray Fox |
| Western Harvest Mouse | River Otter |
| Yuma Myotis | Masked Shrew |
| Bighorn Sheep | Water Shrew |
| Montane Shrew | Red Squirrel |
| Long-Tailed Vole | White-Tailed Deer |
| Ringtail | Virginia Opossum |
| Virginia Opossum | Marten |
| Wolverine | Northern Flying Squirrel |
Fish
| Lassen Volcanic National Park | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Redband Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brook Trout | Brook Trout |
| Brown Trout | Brown Trout |
| Fathead Minnow | Largemouth Bass |
| Golden Shiner | Green Sunfish |
| Silver Salmon | Bluegill |
| King Salmon | Common Carp |
| Mottled Sculpin | Mottled Sculpin |
| Speckled Dace | Longnose Dace |
| Brown Bullhead | Yellow Bullhead |
| Creek Chub | |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Reptiles
| Lassen Volcanic National Park | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | Black Racer |
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | Ringneck Snake |
| Racer | Common Garter Snake |
| Western Rattlesnake | Common Kingsnake |
| Ring-Necked Snake | Milksnake |
| Sagebrush Lizard | Eastern Fence Lizard |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Common Kingsnake | |
| Rubber Boa | |
| Striped Whipsnake | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Western Skink | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Amphibians
| Lassen Volcanic National Park | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog | Northern Leopard Frog |
Insects
| Lassen Volcanic National Park | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | Orange Sulphur |
| Painted Lady | Painted Lady |
| Monarch Butterfly | Monarch |
| American Painted Lady | American Lady |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | Red Admiral |
| Honey Bee | Mourning Cloak |
| Buckeye | Cabbage White |
| Anise Swallowtail | Silvery Blue |
| Common Checkered Skipper | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Buckeye | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Lassen Volcanic National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park is located in northern California, and is known for its volcanic landscapes and geothermal activity. The park is famous for its Lassen Peak, an active volcano that last erupted in 1915. Another popular landscape within the park is the Bumpass Hell, a geothermal area that features steam vents, bubbling mud pots, and colorful pools.
Shenandoah National Park, located in Virginia, is famous for its rolling mountain ridges and scenic drive along Skyline Drive. This park is home to over 500 miles of trails, making it a popular spot for hiking and exploring the natural beauty of the Appalachian Mountains. The park is also known for its many waterfalls, including Dark Hollow Falls and Whiteoak Canyon Falls, both of which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Additionally, visitors can enjoy scenic overlooks, including Hawksbill Mountain, which offers panoramic views of the park and surrounding countryside.
Things To-Do and Activities in Lassen Volcanic National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park and Shenandoah National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Located on opposite coasts, they offer unique experiences for visitors.
Lassen Volcanic National Park is best known for its volcanic features, including hot springs, bubbling mud pots and steam vents. Visitors are encouraged to take scenic drives to see these features, as well as hike the park’s many trails. The park is also home to several campgrounds, making it a popular destination for camping and outdoor recreation.
Shenandoah National Park, on the other hand, is located in Virginia and is best known for its scenic Skyline Drive, a 105-mile road that offers breathtaking views of the park and the surrounding area. The park is also popular for its hiking and camping opportunities, as well as its many picnic areas, which are perfect for a relaxing day trip.
Both parks offer a variety of outdoor activities for visitors, including fishing, bird watching, and horseback riding. Whether you’re looking for an adventure or a peaceful escape, these parks have something for everyone. With its unique natural beauty and diverse recreational offerings, Lassen Volcanic National Park and Shenandoah National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States.
Best Time to Visit Lassen Volcanic National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park and Shenandoah National Park are two of the most visited national parks in the US. However, their seasonal weather patterns are vastly different, which can affect the best time to visit.
Lassen Volcanic National Park, located in northern California, experiences an alpine climate with cold, snowy winters and mild, dry summers. Winter is the peak season for snow sports, and visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding on the park’s snow-covered slopes. Summer is the best time to hike, camp, and explore the park’s geothermal features.
Shenandoah National Park, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, experiences a temperate climate with warm, humid summers and cool, crisp winters. Summer is the peak season for hiking and camping, as temperatures are ideal for outdoor activities. Winter is a quieter time in the park, but visitors can still enjoy scenic drives, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.
The weather at both parks affects the best time to visit, and visitors should plan accordingly. Those looking for a winter wonderland should consider a trip to Lassen Volcanic National Park, while summer is the ideal time to visit Shenandoah National Park. Regardless of the time of year, both parks offer breathtaking natural beauty and a wealth of outdoor recreation opportunities.
Family Friendliness of Lassen Volcanic National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park and Shenandoah National Park are two of the most popular parks in the United States, both known for their stunning natural beauty. However, when it comes to visiting with children, there are some key differences to consider.
Lassen Volcanic National Park boasts an array of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, and fishing. The park is also home to several geysers and volcanic features, which can be educational and exciting for kids. However, the park is spread out and requires some driving to get around, which may be challenging for families with young children. Additionally, some of the trails and features can be strenuous, making them less accessible for families with young kids.
Shenandoah National Park, on the other hand, is known for its accessible trails and scenic drives. The park has over 500 miles of trails, including several that are specifically suited for families and children. The park also offers a variety of ranger-led programs and activities, making it a great option for families looking to learn about the natural world. Additionally, Shenandoah National Park is easily accessible from nearby towns, making it a convenient option for families who want to spend a day out in nature.
Overall, Shenandoah National Park is the better option for families with young children. The park’s accessible trails and educational programs make it an ideal destination for families who want to enjoy the great outdoors with their kids.