North Cascades National Park vs Olympic National Park

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North Cascades National Park vs Olympic National Park

The Pacific Northwest is a nature lover’s paradise, and choosing between the two crown jewels of the region can be a tough call. North Cascades National Park and Olympic National Park both offer breathtaking landscapes, unique ecosystems, and endless outdoor adventures. But which one is truly worth your time and budget?

In this article, we are going to pit these two national parks against each other and see who comes out on top. From mountainous backcountry to lush rainforests, from glaciers to waterfalls, we’ll cover it all. And the best part? You don’t have to choose just one! Both parks are worth visiting, and we’ll show you why.

So, grab your hiking boots, pack a picnic, and join us as we explore the rugged beauty of North Cascades National Park and the wild wonder of Olympic National Park. Get ready to be blown away by the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest and discover which park is truly the king of the wilderness.

Hiking Trails in North Cascades National Park and Olympic National Park

North Cascades National Park and Olympic National Park are two popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, both offering breathtaking views and diverse hiking trails.

North Cascades National Park offers a number of challenging hikes, including the 8.2-mile trail to the top of Desolation Peak. This hike is considered strenuous, but the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains make it well worth the effort. Another challenging hike is the 8.4-mile trail to the top of Sahale Peak, which offers 360-degree views of the Cascades and the surrounding valleys.

Olympic National Park, on the other hand, offers a more diverse range of hiking options, from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry adventures. Some of the easiest hikes include the 1.2-mile trail to Sol Duc Falls and the 2.5-mile trail to Hurricane Ridge. These hikes are great for families and those who prefer a leisurely pace. For those looking for a more strenuous hike, the 7.4-mile trail to the top of Mount Ellinor offers panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains and the surrounding valleys.

Both North Cascades National Park and Olympic National Park offer incredible hiking opportunities, and the choice between the two will largely depend on personal preferences and fitness levels. Whether you are looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging adventure, these parks have something for everyone.

Most Popular Hiking Trails in North Cascades National Park

Name Length Elevation Type Difficulty Visitor Ratings
Blue Lake Trail 8529.502 291.9984 Moderate out and back 4.5
Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm Trail 17541.806 1175.9184 Hard out and back 5
Sourdough Mountain Trail 14644.994 1555.6992 Hard out and back 4.5
Cascade Pass Trail to Cottonwood Camp 25588.506 1422.8064 Hard out and back 5
Cascade Pass Trail 10460.71 542.8488 Hard out and back 5
Sahale Arm Trail to Quien Sabe Glacier 19955.816 1651.7112 Hard out and back 5
Trail of the Cedars Nature Walk 3057.746 21.9456 Easy loop 4
Fourth of July Pass via Panther Creek Trail 14966.862 759.8664 Moderate out and back 4
Ruby Mountain Summit via Fourth of July and Thunder Creek Trail 23335.43 1949.8056 Hard out and back 4
Gorge Creek Falls Trail 804.67 11.8872 Easy loop 3.5

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 North Cascades National Park and Olympic National Park

North Cascades and Olympic National Parks both offer unique and diverse wildlife experiences. North Cascades is known for its diverse range of wildlife, including black bears, mountain lions, and elks. In addition, visitors can see a variety of bird species such as Bald Eagles, Great Blue Herons, and Western Tanagers. The park is also home to a diverse range of plants, including wildflowers, ferns, and mosses.

Olympic National Park, on the other hand, is known for its coastal wildlife, including sea otters, seals, and whales. Inland, the park is home to black bears, mountain goats, and elks. Bird enthusiasts can spot a variety of species, including Ospreys, Peregrine Falcons, and Harlequin Ducks. The park is also home to a diverse array of plants, including Douglas firs, western hemlocks, and Pacific silver firs.

Both parks offer visitors a unique and diverse wildlife experience, with North Cascades being known for its diverse range of land-based wildlife, and Olympic National Park being known for its coastal wildlife and diverse array of plants. Regardless of which park you visit, a visit to either North Cascades or Olympic National Park is sure to provide visitors with a memorable and enriching wildlife experience.

Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at North Cascades National Park and Olympic National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.

Birds

North Cascades National Park 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
Ruby-Crowned Kinglet Ruby-Crowned Kinglet
American Robin American Robin
Great Horned Owl Great Horned Owl
Red-Tailed Hawk Red-Tailed Hawk
Merlin Northern Flicker
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
American Pipit American Pipit

Mammals

North Cascades National Park 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
Red Fox House Mouse
Long-Tailed Weasel Wolf
House Mouse Long-Legged Myotis
Puma Long-Eared Myotis
Mink California Myotis
Black-Tailed Deer Snowshoe Rabbit
Wolf North American River Otter
Long-Legged Myotis Fringe-Tailed Myotis
Western Long-Eared Bat Masked Shrew
Ermine Water Shrew
California Myotis Western Big-Eared Bat
Snowshoe Hare Bushy-Tailed Woodrat

Fish

North Cascades National Park Olympic National Park
Redband Trout Steelhead/Rainbow Trout
Brook Trout Brook Trout
Largemouth Bass Largemouth Bass
Longnose Sucker Salish Sucker
Lake Trout Coho Salmon
Burbot Chinook Salmon
Silver Salmon Longnose Dace
King Salmon Speckled Dace
Slimy Sculpin Threespine Stickleback
Longnose Dace Sockeye Salmon
Threespine Stickleback Pink Salmon
Kokanee Chum Salmon
Pink Salmon Dolly Varden
Chum Salmon Cutthroat Trout
Dolly Varden
Cutthroat Trout

Reptiles

North Cascades National Park Olympic National Park
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake Western Terrestrial Garter Snake
Western Yellowbelly Racer Common Garter Snake
Prairie Rattlesnake Rubber Boa
Common Garter Snake Western Fence Lizard
Rubber Boa
Western Fence Lizard

Insects

North Cascades National Park Olympic National Park
Orange Sulphur Honey Bee
Painted Lady
Red Admiral
Mourning Cloak
Silvery Blue
Clouded Sulphur
Honey Bee
Purplish Copper
Anise Swallowtail

Amphibians

North Cascades National Park Olympic National Park
Bullfrog

Beautiful Landscapes in North Cascades National Park and Olympic National Park

North Cascades National Park is located in Washington state and is known for its rugged mountain peaks, deep valleys, and stunning waterfalls. Some of the most famous landscapes in the park include the Cascade Range, which is home to over 300 glaciers, and the stunning Diablo Lake, which is surrounded by towering peaks. Hiking and backpacking are popular activities in this park, and visitors can explore the many trails and scenic overlooks that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.

Olympic National Park, located in Washington state, is known for its diverse landscapes, including the Olympic Mountains, lush rainforests, and pristine beaches. One of the most famous landscapes in this park is the Hoh Rainforest, which is home to towering trees, lush vegetation, and a wide variety of wildlife. Another popular attraction is the Hurricane Ridge, which offers panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains and the surrounding forests. Visitors to the park can also explore the many trails and scenic overlooks, which offer stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. Whether you are a hiker, sightseer, or nature lover, both North Cascades and Olympic National Park offer a wealth of natural beauty that is sure to be a highlight of any visit to the Pacific Northwest.

Things To-Do and Activities in North Cascades National Park and Olympic National Park

North Cascades and Olympic National Parks are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts and offer a range of activities for visitors to enjoy. North Cascades is well known for its challenging backcountry hikes and rock climbing opportunities. It’s also a great place for those who love to fish, with its numerous lakes and rivers providing ample opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. In addition, visitors can enjoy kayaking, rafting, and other water-based activities on the Skagit River.

On the other hand, Olympic National Park is famous for its diverse ecosystem, which includes a rainforest, beaches, and mountains. It’s a great destination for those who enjoy exploring different environments and wildlife. Visitors can hike through the lush rainforest, admire the rugged coastline, and explore the park’s many lakes and rivers. In addition, Olympic National Park is a popular destination for camping and backpacking, with a variety of campsites and trails available for visitors to choose from.

In conclusion, both North Cascades and Olympic National Parks offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure and exploration. Whether you’re interested in backpacking, rock climbing, fishing, or simply admiring the stunning natural beauty of these parks, each offers something unique and unforgettable.

Best Time to Visit North Cascades National Park and Olympic National Park

North Cascades National Park and Olympic National Park are two of the most beautiful national parks in the United States. While both parks are known for their natural beauty and diverse ecosystems, the weather in each park can vary greatly depending on the time of year.

In North Cascades National Park, the summer months are typically warm and dry, with temperatures ranging from 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the park is known for its heavy snowfall in the winter months, which can make access to certain areas of the park difficult. This makes spring and fall the best time to visit, as the weather is mild and the snow has melted.

Olympic National Park, on the other hand, experiences a rainy season from October to April, with average rainfall between 80-100 inches. This rain creates a lush, green landscape and is perfect for those who enjoy hiking through dense forests. The summer months are typically dry and mild, with temperatures ranging from 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes summer the best time to visit for those who want to enjoy the park’s many beaches and scenic vistas.

In conclusion, the best time to visit North Cascades National Park is during the spring and fall, while the best time to visit Olympic National Park is during the summer. Both parks offer unique experiences and beautiful scenery, and the weather plays a major role in determining when is the best time to visit.

Family Friendliness of North Cascades National Park and Olympic National Park

North Cascades National Park and Olympic National Park are two of the most stunning parks in the Pacific Northwest. Both parks offer a wealth of opportunities for outdoor recreation and family-friendly activities, but they each have their own unique features that set them apart.

When it comes to family-friendliness, Olympic National Park may be the better option. The park has a variety of easy to moderate hikes that are suitable for families with children, including the short and scenic Lake Crescent Trail. The park also has many campgrounds, picnic areas, and visitor centers that are great for families.

North Cascades National Park, on the other hand, offers a more rugged and remote experience. The park is home to many challenging hikes and backcountry camping opportunities, which may not be ideal for families with young children. However, there are still many beautiful and accessible trails in the park, such as the short and easy trail to Diablo Lake.

Ultimately, the choice between North Cascades National Park and Olympic National Park will depend on the interests and abilities of your family. If you’re looking for a more relaxed and accessible experience, Olympic National Park may be the better choice. But if you’re up for a more adventurous and challenging trip, North Cascades National Park offers plenty of opportunities for exploration and excitement.

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