Lassen Volcanic National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in the United States. Both offer a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors, but which one is right for you? In this article, we’ll be comparing these two iconic parks, and revealing what makes each one truly special.
Yellowstone is often referred to as the first national park in the world, and it’s easy to see why. The park is home to a vast array of wildlife, including bison, elk, and grizzly bears, as well as geothermal features like geysers and hot springs. Lassen Volcanic National Park, on the other hand, is a volcanic wonderland, with bubbling mud pots, steaming vents, and the iconic Lassen Peak, a still-active volcano.
So, whether you’re a fan of wildlife, geology, or just the great outdoors, this article will help you decide between these two incredible parks. Get ready to be transported to a world of natural beauty, and discover which park is the perfect destination for your next adventure.
Hiking Trails in Lassen Volcanic National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. Both parks offer a range of hiking trails for all levels of hikers, from easy walks to strenuous backcountry treks. Here’s a comparison of the hiking trails at these two parks:
Lassen Volcanic National Park has over 150 miles of hiking trails, with a variety of options for all skill levels. Some of the easiest trails include the Manzanita Lake Trail, a gentle 1.5-mile loop around a tranquil lake, and the Bumpass Hell Trail, a 3-mile round-trip hike to one of the largest hydrothermal areas in the park. For those seeking a more strenuous hike, the Lassen Peak Trail is a popular choice. This 8-mile round-trip hike takes you to the top of Lassen Peak, the park’s most iconic feature.
Yellowstone National Park boasts over 900 miles of trails, with a variety of options for every level of hiker. One of the easiest trails is the Geyser Hill Loop, a half-mile boardwalk trail that takes you past several of the park’s famous geysers. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Mount Washburn Trail is a popular choice. This 4.6-mile round-trip hike takes you to the top of Mount Washburn, offering stunning views of the park. Another challenging hike is the Heart Lake Trail, this 7-mile round-trip hike takes you to the foot of Heart Lake, surrounded by towering peaks and pristine wilderness.
In conclusion, both Lassen Volcanic National Park and Yellowstone National Park offer a range of hiking trails for all levels of hikers, from easy walks to strenuous backcountry treks. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging adventure, these parks 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 Yellowstone National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mystic Falls, Fairy Creek and Little Firehole Loop | 5632.69 | 184.7088 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Grand Prismatic Hot Spring | 2574.944 | 60.96 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful Observation Point Loop | 7242.03 | 73.7616 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Canyon Rim North Trail to Inspiration Point | 12713.786 | 349.9104 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail | 1609.34 | 17.9832 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Mammoth Hot Springs Area Trail | 5632.69 | 170.9928 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Artists Paintpots Trail | 1609.34 | 30.7848 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Avalanche Peak Trail | 7402.964 | 614.7816 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Old Faithful Geyser Loop Trail | 1126.538 | 4.8768 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Upper Falls, Lower Falls and Crystal Falls Trail | 6115.492 | 140.8176 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Lassen Volcanic National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Both Lassen Volcanic National Park and Yellowstone National Park are famous for their unique geological features and abundant wildlife. Lassen Volcanic National Park is located in Northern California and is home to a diverse range of plants and animals, including black bears, mule deer, mountain lions, and many species of birds. The park is also home to a variety of coniferous trees, such as Ponderosa pine and Douglas fir.
Yellowstone National Park, located in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, is known for its geysers, hot springs, and vast herds of bison and elk. In addition to these iconic species, visitors to Yellowstone can also see wolves, grizzly bears, and pronghorns. The park is also home to a variety of bird species, including bald eagles and ospreys, as well as diverse plant life, such as wildflowers and aspen groves.
While both parks offer unique wildlife experiences, Yellowstone is generally considered to have a more diverse range of species and habitats. Lassen Volcanic National Park, on the other hand, offers a more intimate, up-close experience with its limited number of wildlife species. Regardless of your wildlife preferences, both parks are must-visits for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Lassen Volcanic National Park and Yellowstone National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Lassen Volcanic National Park | Yellowstone 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 | Yellowstone 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 | Mule Deer |
| Bighorn Sheep | Wolf |
| Montane Shrew | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Long-Tailed Vole | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Ringtail | Badger |
| Virginia Opossum | Short Tailed Weasel |
| Wolverine | California Myotis |
Fish
| Lassen Volcanic National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Redband Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brook Trout | Brook Trout |
| Brown Trout | Brown Trout |
| Fathead Minnow | Longnose Sucker |
| Golden Shiner | Lake Trout |
| Silver Salmon | Mottled Sculpin |
| King Salmon | Longnose Dace |
| Mottled Sculpin | Speckled Dace |
| Speckled Dace | Arctic Grayling |
| Brown Bullhead |
Reptiles
| Lassen Volcanic National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Gopher Snake | Racer |
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | Greater Short-Horned Lizard |
| 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 | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Bullfrog | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Insects
| Lassen Volcanic National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | Orange Sulphur |
| Painted Lady | Painted Lady |
| Monarch Butterfly | Monarch |
| American Painted Lady | American Painted Lady |
| Common Checkered-Skipper | Red Admiral |
| Honey Bee | Mourning Cloak |
| Buckeye | Silvery Blue |
| Anise Swallowtail | Common Checkered Skipper |
| Common Sulphur | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in Lassen Volcanic National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park and Yellowstone National Park are both popular destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The two parks offer unique and breathtaking landscapes that are sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors.
Lassen Volcanic National Park is famous for its active volcanic features, including mud pots, fumaroles, and hot springs. The park’s centerpiece is Lassen Peak, a massive volcano that last erupted in 1915. Visitors can hike to the summit of Lassen Peak for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The park is also home to several beautiful mountain lakes, including Manzanita Lake, which is surrounded by scenic hiking trails.
Yellowstone National Park, on the other hand, is known for its geothermally-active features, including geysers, hot springs, and mud pots. The park’s most famous geyser, Old Faithful, regularly erupts every 90 minutes, making it a must-see attraction. Yellowstone is also home to a vast array of wildlife, including bison, elk, and wolves. The park boasts stunning mountain ranges, including the Teton Mountains, and several stunning overlooks, such as the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, which provides breathtaking views of the park’s rugged terrain.
Both Lassen Volcanic National Park and Yellowstone National Park are great destinations for those who appreciate the beauty of nature. Whether you’re interested in exploring volcanic landscapes or geothermally-active wonders, these parks offer something truly special that’s not to be missed.
Things To-Do and Activities in Lassen Volcanic National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park and Yellowstone National Park are popular tourist destinations. Both parks offer a wide range of activities for visitors, including hiking, camping, fishing and wildlife watching.
One of the most popular activities at Lassen is geothermal viewing. The park is home to several geysers and hot springs, including Bumpass Hell, a 300-acre geothermal area with boiling mud pots and steaming vents. In contrast, Yellowstone is more well-known for its geysers, including Old Faithful, which erupts every hour and a half.
Another popular activity at Lassen is hiking, with over 150 miles of trails, including the Lassen Peak Trail, a strenuous hike to the top of the park’s centerpiece volcano. Yellowstone also offers a variety of hiking opportunities, with over 900 miles of trails, including the popular Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone hike.
For those interested in wildlife, both parks offer opportunities for viewing wildlife such as elk, bison, and bears. However, Yellowstone is known for its larger herds of bison, as well as its grizzly bear population.
In conclusion, both Lassen Volcanic National Park and Yellowstone National Park offer a variety of activities, from geothermal viewing and hiking to wildlife watching. Whether you’re interested in geology, hiking, or wildlife, both parks have something to offer.
Best Time to Visit Lassen Volcanic National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer unique geological features and breathtaking landscapes, but the seasonal weather at each park can greatly impact the visitor experience.
At Lassen Volcanic National Park, the summer months are usually warm with occasional thunderstorms, while winter brings heavy snow and sub-zero temperatures. This makes spring and fall the ideal seasons to visit, as the weather is mild and the park is less crowded.
Yellowstone National Park, on the other hand, experiences longer and colder winters with snow that can last into June. The summer months bring mild temperatures and minimal precipitation, making it the best time to visit for outdoor recreation. However, it is also the peak travel season, so expect larger crowds.
Visitors to both parks should be prepared for sudden changes in weather, as the mountainous terrain can cause rapid shifts in temperature and precipitation. Regardless of the season, both Lassen Volcanic National Park and Yellowstone National Park offer breathtaking natural beauty and unique experiences for visitors.
Family Friendliness of Lassen Volcanic National Park and Yellowstone National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer unique geological features, outdoor activities, and breathtaking landscapes, but they differ when it comes to their family-friendliness.
Yellowstone National Park is known for its geysers, hot springs, and other geothermal features, and it offers a variety of educational and interactive programs for families, including ranger-led walks, junior ranger activities, and campfire programs. There are also many picnic areas, playgrounds, and scenic drives that are ideal for families.
On the other hand, Lassen Volcanic National Park is more remote and less developed than Yellowstone, making it a better option for families who are looking for a more peaceful and serene outdoor experience. While there are fewer ranger-led activities and educational programs, there are still plenty of opportunities for families to learn about the park’s geology and history through self-guided trails and interpretive signs. Additionally, the park’s scenic drives and picnic areas offer plenty of opportunities for families to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the park.
In conclusion, both Lassen Volcanic National Park and Yellowstone National Park are great options for families looking for an outdoor adventure, but Yellowstone National Park is more developed and offers more educational programs and activities, making it a better option for families with young children. On the other hand, Lassen Volcanic National Park is a great option for families who are looking for a more peaceful and serene outdoor experience.