“Imagine standing atop a towering cliff, taking in breathtaking views of the rolling hills and lush forests below. Now, imagine plunging into the depths of a rainforest, surrounded by towering trees and the sounds of nature. These two vastly different experiences can both be had at two of America’s most beautiful national parks: New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Olympic National Park.
With their unique landscapes and diverse range of activities, these two parks offer something for everyone. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie looking for thrills or a nature lover seeking peace and tranquility, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at these two stunning parks and compare what each has to offer.
So buckle up and get ready for a journey to two of the most beautiful and diverse national parks in the country. We’ll explore their diverse landscapes, from the rugged cliffs of New River Gorge to the lush forests of Olympic, and we’ll delve into the exciting activities each park has to offer. And by the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of which park is the perfect destination for you.”
Hiking Trails in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Olympic National Park
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Olympic National Park are two of the most popular parks in the United States. Both offer unique hiking opportunities, but there are some key differences between the two.
At New River Gorge, the easiest hike is the Endless Wall Trail, a 1.5-mile hike that offers breathtaking views of the park and the New River. For more experienced hikers, the Nuttall Trail offers a challenging 11-mile hike through the park’s rugged terrain.
In comparison, Olympic National Park has a wider range of hiking options. The easiest hike is the Hoh Rain Forest Nature Trail, a 1.2-mile loop that showcases the park’s lush and diverse vegetation. One of the hardest hikes in the park is the Hurricane Ridge Trail, a strenuous 5.5-mile hike with steep inclines and breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains.
No matter your hiking experience, both New River Gorge and Olympic National Park have something to offer. The Endless Wall Trail at New River Gorge is perfect for those who are new to hiking, while the Hurricane Ridge Trail at Olympic National Park is a must-do for experienced hikers looking for a challenge.
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 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Olympic National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hurricane Hill via Hurricane Ridge | 4988.954 | 242.9256 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mount Storm King | 6276.426 | 638.8608 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Sol Duc Falls Nature Trail | 2574.944 | 77.724 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Hoh Rain Forest Hall of Moss | 1609.34 | 23.7744 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Marymere Falls Trail | 2735.878 | 90.8304 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Hoh River Trail | 52786.352 | 1558.7472 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| High Divide – Seven Lakes Basin Loop | 30577.46 | 1617.8784 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| Ruby Beach | 2253.076 | 20.7264 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Staircase Rapids Loop | 3379.614 | 64.9224 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Spruce Railroad Trail: Lake Crescent | 18024.608 | 131.9784 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Olympic National Park
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Olympic National Park are two of the most popular National Parks in the United States. While they are both beautiful and have their own unique features, they are different in terms of the wildlife you’ll see there.
At New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, visitors can expect to see a variety of wildlife including white-tailed deer, black bears, foxes, and raccoons. The park is also home to several species of birds, such as the great blue heron, the broad-winged hawk, and the American bald eagle. Additionally, visitors may also spot reptiles such as the eastern box turtle and the northern copperhead snake.
At Olympic National Park, visitors will see a different set of wildlife. The park is home to species such as the Olympic marmot, the Olympic black-tailed deer, and the Roosevelt elk. It’s also a great place to see birds, with over 300 species recorded, including the spotted owl, the pileated woodpecker, and the osprey. Additionally, visitors can expect to see a variety of plant life, including the Sitka spruce, the Douglas fir, and the western hemlock.
Both New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Olympic National Park are great places to see wildlife, but each park has its own unique set of species to offer visitors. Whether you’re interested in birds, mammals, or plants, both parks are sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Olympic National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| New River Gorge National Park and Preserve | Olympic 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 |
| Great Horned Owl | Ruby-Crowned Kinglet |
| Red-Tailed Hawk | American Robin |
| Barn Swallow | Great Horned Owl |
| Savannah Sparrow | Red-Tailed Hawk |
| Great Blue Heron | Northern Flicker |
| 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 | American Pipit |
Mammals
| New River Gorge National Park and Preserve | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
| Bobcat | Striped Skunk |
| Striped Skunk | Little Brown Bat |
| Little Brown Bat | Deer Mouse |
| Deer Mouse | Raccoon |
| Raccoon | Black Bear |
| Black Bear | Porcupine |
| Porcupine | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Red Fox |
| Hoary Bat | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | House Mouse |
| House Mouse | Wolf |
| Mountain Lion | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Black-Tailed Deer | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Wolf | California Myotis |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Snowshoe Rabbit |
| Long-Eared Myotis | North American River Otter |
| Ermine | Fringe-Tailed Myotis |
| California Myotis | Masked Shrew |
| Snowshoe Hare | Water Shrew |
| North American River Otter | Western Big-Eared Bat |
| Masked Shrew | Bushy-Tailed Woodrat |
Fish
| New River Gorge National Park and Preserve | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | Steelhead/Rainbow Trout |
| Eastern Brook Trout | Brook Trout |
| Brown Trout | Largemouth Bass |
| Coho Salmon | Salish Sucker |
| Chinook Salmon | Coho Salmon |
| Mottled Sculpin | Chinook Salmon |
| Slimy Sculpin | Longnose Dace |
| Threespine Stickleback | Speckled Dace |
| Kokanee | Threespine Stickleback |
| Pink Salmon | Sockeye Salmon |
| Dolly Varden | Pink Salmon |
| Cutthroat Trout | Chum Salmon |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Reptiles
| New River Gorge National Park and Preserve | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Common Garter Snake | Common Garter Snake |
| Rubber Boa | Rubber Boa |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Amphibians
| New River Gorge National Park and Preserve | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Tiger Salamander | Bullfrog |
Insects
| New River Gorge National Park and Preserve | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|
| Mourning Cloak | Honey Bee |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Beautiful Landscapes in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Olympic National Park
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Olympic National Park are two of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring national parks in the United States. Each park boasts its own unique landscapes and natural wonders that draw visitors from all over the world.
At New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, visitors can admire the stunning New River Gorge Bridge, one of the longest steel arch bridges in the world. The park is also known for its scenic overlooks, like the Endless Wall Trail, which offers breathtaking views of the New River and the surrounding mountains. Hiking and rafting are popular activities in the park, as well as rock climbing on the park’s many cliffs.
Olympic National Park, on the other hand, is famous for its lush rainforests, rugged coastline, and towering mountain ranges. The park offers many opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, backpacking, and wildlife viewing. The park’s most famous landscape is the Hoh Rainforest, a temperate rainforest that is home to a diverse array of plant and animal species. The park is also home to the Hurricane Ridge, a scenic mountain range that offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Things To-Do and Activities in New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Olympic National Park
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia and Olympic National Park in Washington offer unique and diverse experiences to visitors. New River Gorge is famous for its rugged and scenic beauty, with opportunities for rock climbing, whitewater rafting, kayaking, and fishing. Visitors can also take scenic drives, go camping, and explore the park’s rich history, including the New River Gorge Bridge, which is the longest steel arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere.
Olympic National Park, on the other hand, offers a more varied landscape, including rainforests, mountains, and beaches. Visitors can hike through the Hoh Rainforest, go backpacking in the Olympic Mountains, and explore the stunning coastline. The park is also home to numerous lakes and rivers, offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and kayaking. Wildlife viewing is also a popular activity, with visitors often spotting black bears, elk, deer, and a variety of bird species. Visitors can also take scenic drives, go camping, and visit historic sites, such as the historic Lake Quinault Lodge.
Best Time to Visit New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Olympic National Park
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Olympic National Park have starkly different climates and weather patterns, affecting when is the best time to visit each park.
New River Gorge, located in West Virginia, is characterized by warm summers and cold winters. In the summer, temperatures range from the high 70s to low 80s, making it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, rock climbing, and white-water rafting. In the winter, however, temperatures can drop as low as the 20s, making it too cold for most outdoor activities. Snow and ice are also common in the winter months, making it a popular destination for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding.
Olympic National Park, located in Washington state, is known for its temperate rainforest climate. The park experiences high levels of rainfall year-round, with the heaviest rainfall occurring from October to April. This rain can make certain trails and roads impassable, but it also creates stunning waterfalls and lush vegetation. Summer temperatures in the park are relatively mild, ranging from the mid-50s to mid-60s, making it a great time for hiking and exploring the park’s diverse ecosystems. Winter temperatures are milder than New River Gorge, but heavy rains and snow can still make some trails and roads impassable.
When considering when to visit these parks, it’s important to consider the weather and how it will affect your desired activities. If you’re looking to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and rock climbing, summer is the best time to visit New River Gorge. If you’re interested in exploring the lush rainforest and waterfalls, the best time to visit Olympic National Park is during the summer or early fall, when the rains have subsided but the vegetation is still lush.
Family Friendliness of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Olympic National Park
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Olympic National Park are two popular nature destinations in the United States, but they offer different experiences for families. Both parks have hiking trails, scenic drives, and ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, but New River Gorge is more tailored to families with older children who are comfortable with challenging outdoor activities, while Olympic National Park is better suited for families with younger children or those who want a more relaxed experience.
At New River Gorge, visitors can expect to find rugged terrain, steep cliffs, and challenging hiking trails. While older children may enjoy the adventure, younger children may struggle with the demanding landscape. The park also has a number of climbing routes, making it a popular destination for rock climbers. In addition, the park features a scenic drive that winds through the park along the New River and offers stunning views of the surrounding wilderness.
On the other hand, Olympic National Park is more family-friendly and offers a wider range of activities to accommodate children of all ages. The park features easy hikes, scenic drives, and numerous picnic areas, making it a great place for families to relax and enjoy the scenery. In addition, the park has several beaches and lakes, providing opportunities for swimming and boating. The park also offers ranger-led programs for families, including nature walks and wildlife viewing opportunities.
In conclusion, for families with older children who enjoy challenging outdoor activities, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve offers a unique and exciting experience. For families with younger children or for those who are looking for a more relaxed and leisurely experience, Olympic National Park is a better option.