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.