Lassen Volcanic National Park and Voyageurs National Park are two of the most unique and captivating natural wonders in the United States. Both parks offer visitors a chance to experience the beauty and power of nature in its rawest form. But, what sets these two parks apart from each other? In this article, we will compare Lassen Volcanic National Park and Voyageurs National Park, taking an in-depth look at the geography, wildlife, and activities available in each park to help you decide which one is right for your next adventure.
Lassen Volcanic National Park is a world of fire and ice, where geothermal wonders and towering peaks meet. This park is famous for its active volcanic activity, including bubbling mud pots, steam vents, and the world-renowned Lassen Peak, which last erupted in 1915. The park also offers a variety of recreational activities, such as hiking, camping, fishing, and stargazing.
Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, is a water wonderland located in northern Minnesota, surrounded by over 400 lakes and countless waterways. This park offers a unique experience for visitors, with opportunities for boating, fishing, and kayaking. Voyageurs National Park is also home to a diverse array of wildlife, including beavers, moose, and bald eagles.
So, whether you prefer the thrill of hiking to the top of a volcano or the peace and beauty of exploring the waterways, both Lassen Volcanic National Park and Voyageurs National Park have something to offer. In this article, we will explore these two parks in more detail, helping you decide which one is the perfect destination for your next outdoor adventure.
Hiking Trails in Lassen Volcanic National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park and Voyageurs National Park are two unique parks with different hiking experiences to offer. Lassen Volcanic National Park, located in California, has a variety of trails ranging from easy walks to strenuous hikes. One of the easiest hikes is the Bumpass Hell Trail, a 3-mile round trip hike that takes you through a series of boardwalks and steep hills to a geothermal area with boiling mud pots and steaming vents. On the other hand, one of the most challenging hikes in the park is the Lassen Peak Trail, a strenuous 8-mile round trip hike that takes you to the summit of Lassen Peak, the largest volcano in the park.
Voyageurs National Park, located in Minnesota, is known for its water-based recreation, but also has a variety of hiking trails to offer. One of the easiest hikes in the park is the Kabetogama Lake Trail, a 2-mile round trip hike that takes you through the forest and to a scenic overlook of Kabetogama Lake. On the other hand, one of the most challenging hikes in the park is the Rainy Lake Trail, a strenuous 8-mile round trip hike that takes you through the forest and to scenic views of Rainy Lake.
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 Voyageurs National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blind Ash Bay Trail | 5793.624 | 117.9576 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Kabetogama Lake Overlook Trail | 643.736 | 17.9832 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Cruiser Lake to Brown Lake and Anderson Bay | 14001.258 | 224.9424 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Beaver Pond Overlook Trail | 482.802 | 1.8288 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Kab-Ash Trail | 24461.968 | 406.908 | Easy | out and back | 3 |
| Sullivan Bay Trail | 2092.142 | 27.7368 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Black Bay Beaver Pond Trail | 1931.208 | 22.86 | Easy | out and back | 5 |
Wildlife in Lassen Volcanic National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park and Voyageurs National Park are two unique and beautiful parks located in the United States. Despite their geographical differences, both parks offer a diverse range of wildlife and vegetation to explore.
Lassen Volcanic National Park, located in California, is home to a variety of mammals such as black bears, mountain lions, and deer. The park is also a haven for bird enthusiasts, with over 160 species of birds including the American dipper, mountain bluebird, and Steller’s jay. The park’s vegetation is diverse, with forests, meadows, and wetlands offering a range of habitats for different species.
Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, is located in Minnesota and is surrounded by water, making it an ideal habitat for waterfowl and other aquatic animals. Visitors to the park can expect to see a variety of animals such as beavers, muskrats, and moose. The park is also home to over 200 species of birds, including the common loon, osprey, and bald eagle. The park’s vegetation is primarily composed of northern coniferous forests, with a mix of deciduous trees and shrubs.
In conclusion, both Lassen Volcanic National Park and Voyageurs National Park offer unique and diverse wildlife experiences. Whether you’re interested in mammals, birds, or vegetation, both parks have something to offer.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Lassen Volcanic National Park and Voyageurs National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Lassen Volcanic National Park | Voyageurs 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 | Voyageurs 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 | Porcupine |
| Mule Deer | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Gray Fox | Hoary Bat |
| Wolf | Red Fox |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Snowshoe Hare | House Mouse |
| Fringed Myotis | Mountain Lion |
| Western Harvest Mouse | Mink |
| Yuma Myotis | Common Gray Fox |
| Bighorn Sheep | Plains Wolf |
| Montane Shrew | American Badger |
| Long-Tailed Vole | Ermine |
| Ringtail | Snowshoe Hare |
| Virginia Opossum | River Otter |
| Wolverine | Masked Shrew |
Fish
| Lassen Volcanic National Park | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Redband Trout | Largemouth Bass |
| Brook Trout | Longnose Sucker |
| Brown Trout | Green Sunfish |
| Fathead Minnow | Bluegill |
| Golden Shiner | Fathead Minnow |
| Silver Salmon | Golden Shiner |
| King Salmon | Lake Trout |
| Mottled Sculpin | Northern Pike |
| Speckled Dace | Ellpout |
| Brown Bullhead | Mottled Sculpin |
| Slimy Sculpin | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Black Crappie | |
| Black Bullhead | |
| Creek Chub | |
| Brown Bullhead | |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Reptiles
| Lassen Volcanic National Park | Voyageurs 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 |
Amphibians
| Lassen Volcanic National Park | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Wood Frog |
Insects
| Lassen Volcanic National Park | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch Butterfly | |
| American Painted Lady | |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | |
| Honey Bee | |
| Buckeye | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Lassen Volcanic National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park is located in northern California and is famous for its active volcanic landscape. The park is home to Lassen Peak, the largest volcano in the park, as well as several other volcanic features such as boiling mud pots, steaming vents and fumaroles. Visitors can hike to the top of Lassen Peak for panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Voyageurs National Park, located in northern Minnesota, is known for its stunning waterways and scenic beauty. The park is home to over 40 lakes and is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and canoeing. The park is also home to several breathtaking bays and inlets, as well as several scenic overlooks. Visitors can enjoy the view of the lakes and other natural wonders while exploring the park.
Both parks offer unique and beautiful landscapes that attract visitors from all over the world. Whether you are looking for an active volcanic landscape or a stunning waterway, both Lassen Volcanic National Park and Voyageurs National Park are great destinations for anyone who loves nature.
Things To-Do and Activities in Lassen Volcanic National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park and Voyageurs National Park are two of the most popular parks in the US, both offering a unique range of activities. Lassen Volcanic National Park is known for its active volcanic features, including steam vents, mud pots, and geysers. Visitors love to hike the trails that lead to the summit of Lassen Peak, which offers a panoramic view of the surrounding area. In addition, visitors can also enjoy fishing, boating, and kayaking in the park’s numerous lakes and streams.
On the other hand, Voyageurs National Park is known for its extensive water network, including over 500 lakes and four major rivers. The park is a popular destination for those who love boating, fishing, and canoeing, making it an ideal destination for both water sports enthusiasts and those who simply want to relax on the water. Visitors can also enjoy hiking and backpacking, as well as exploring the park’s many islands and bays.
Whether you are an outdoor enthusiast or simply looking for a peaceful escape, both Lassen Volcanic National Park and Voyageurs National Park offer something for everyone. Whether it’s exploring the volcanic features of Lassen or boating and fishing in the extensive waterways of Voyageurs, these parks are a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of the US.
Best Time to Visit Lassen Volcanic National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park and Voyageurs National Park are both popular tourist destinations, but their seasonal weather patterns are quite different. Lassen Volcanic National Park is located in northern California, and the weather there is characterized by long, cold winters and mild summers. During the winter, snow and icy conditions can make some areas of the park inaccessible. The best time to visit Lassen Volcanic National Park is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and dry, and the snow has melted, making it easier to explore the park’s trails and geothermal features.
In contrast, Voyageurs National Park is located in northern Minnesota, and the weather there is characterized by hot summers and cold winters. The park’s lakes and waterways are popular attractions, but they can be covered in ice during the winter months, making them inaccessible to visitors. The best time to visit Voyageurs National Park is during the summer months, when the weather is warm, and the lakes are free of ice, making it possible to explore the park’s waterways by boat.
Overall, both parks offer unique and beautiful landscapes, but the weather at each park affects when is the best time to visit. Visitors to Lassen Volcanic National Park should plan their trips for the summer months, while visitors to Voyageurs National Park should plan their trips for the summer months to take advantage of the warm weather and accessible waterways.
Family Friendliness of Lassen Volcanic National Park and Voyageurs National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park and Voyageurs National Park are both great destinations for families with children, but each park has unique aspects that make it better suited for specific types of family trips.
Lassen Volcanic National Park is located in California and is well known for its diverse landscapes, including volcanic formations, lakes, and forests. There are many short and easy hikes in the park that are perfect for families with young children, such as the Bumpass Hell Trail and the Lassen Peak Trail. In addition, the park offers a Junior Ranger Program that helps children learn about the park’s natural and cultural resources.
Voyageurs National Park, located in Minnesota, is a water-based park with many opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming. There are also several scenic drives in the park, such as the Kabetogama Peninsula Drive and the Rainy Lake Drive. The park offers a Junior Ranger program and family-friendly activities throughout the summer, including ranger-led canoe trips, campfire programs, and wildlife watching.
Ultimately, the best park for your family will depend on your specific interests and preferences. If your family loves hiking and exploring geological wonders, Lassen Volcanic National Park is a great choice. If your family enjoys boating and water activities, Voyageurs National Park is a great option. Both parks offer a variety of family-friendly activities and are great places for families to connect with nature and each other.