North Cascades National Park and Shenandoah National Park are two of the most beautiful and diverse national parks in the United States. Both offer breathtaking landscapes and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure, but they are also completely unique in their own ways. In this article, we will compare and contrast these two parks, highlighting the best things to see and do in each place. Whether you’re planning a road trip or just looking for some inspiration for your next national park adventure, you won’t want to miss this comparison.
Shenandoah National Park is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and is known for its rolling hills, scenic drives, and abundant wildlife. On the other hand, North Cascades National Park is located in the Pacific Northwest and boasts rugged peaks, pristine lakes, and dense forests. Both parks offer stunning views and a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, but they offer different experiences for visitors. So, which park is right for you?
Hiking Trails in North Cascades National Park and Shenandoah National Park
North Cascades National Park and Shenandoah National Park are two popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts and hikers. Both offer a diverse range of hiking trails, from easy leisurely walks to strenuous backcountry adventures.
Shenandoah National Park is located in Virginia and boasts over 500 miles of hiking trails. Some of the park’s most popular hikes include the Old Rag Mountain hike, which is a challenging 8.8-mile hike to the summit, and the Rose River Loop, a 5.6-mile hike that takes you through the park’s tranquil woodlands. There are also several easy hikes in the park, such as the Dark Hollow Falls hike, which is a 1.4-mile hike to a beautiful waterfall.
North Cascades National Park, located in Washington state, is a hiker’s paradise with over 300 miles of trails. The park is known for its rugged terrain and breathtaking mountain scenery. Some of the park’s most popular and challenging hikes include the Cascade Pass, which is a 5.5-mile hike to the summit of Cascade Mountain, and the Maple Pass Loop, a 7.2-mile hike that takes you through alpine meadows and forests. There are also several easy hikes in the park, such as the Happy Creek Trail, a 0.7-mile hike along a babbling creek.
Both parks offer a variety of hikes for all levels and provide an opportunity to experience the beauty of nature. Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike or a leisurely walk, North Cascades National Park and Shenandoah National Park 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 Shenandoah National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Rag Mountain Loop | 13840.324 | 736.7016 | Hard | loop | 5 |
| White Oak Canyon and Cedar Run Trails Loop | 14484.06 | 722.9856 | Hard | loop | 4.5 |
| Dark Hollow Falls Trail | 2253.076 | 171.9072 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Bearfence Mountain Trail | 1609.34 | 73.7616 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Hawksbill Gap Loop via Appalachian Trail | 4184.284 | 228.9048 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Rose River Trail | 5632.69 | 256.9464 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| White Oak Canyon Trail | 15288.73 | 733.9584 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Stony Man via Appalachian Trail | 2414.01 | 97.8408 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| South River Falls Trail | 7402.964 | 387.7056 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Little Stony Man Loop via Appalachian Trail | 5471.756 | 263.9568 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in North Cascades National Park and Shenandoah National Park
North Cascades National Park and Shenandoah National Park are two popular National Parks located in the United States. Both parks are known for their beautiful scenery and diverse wildlife.
North Cascades is located in the state of Washington and is famous for its rugged mountains, glaciers and diverse ecosystem. You can see a variety of wildlife including black bears, mountain goats, marmots, and bald eagles. The park is also home to a variety of plant species, including Douglas firs, Western red cedars, and Pacific yews.
Shenandoah National Park is located in the state of Virginia and is known for its rolling hills and scenic Skyline Drive. You can see a wide range of wildlife including white-tailed deer, black bears, and a variety of bird species such as the Eastern Bluebird and the Wild Turkey. The park is also home to a diverse array of plant life, including oak and hickory forests, as well as wildflowers such as trillium and violets.
Both parks offer unique opportunities to see wildlife in their natural habitats. North Cascades is ideal for those interested in seeing larger wildlife such as black bears and mountain goats, while Shenandoah National Park is a great destination for bird watching and seeing deer and other small mammals. Regardless of what you’re interested in, both parks are sure to provide an unforgettable wildlife experience.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at North Cascades National Park and Shenandoah National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| North Cascades National Park | Shenandoah 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 | Merlin |
| Savannah Sparrow | Barn Swallow |
| Great Blue Heron | Savannah Sparrow |
| Hermit Thrush | Great Blue Heron |
| American Kestrel | Hermit Thrush |
| Bald Eagle | American Kestrel |
| Song Sparrow | Bald Eagle |
| European Starling | Song Sparrow |
| Northern Pintail | European Starling |
| American Wigeon | Northern Pintail |
| Green-Winged Teal | American Wigeon |
| American Pipit | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| North Cascades National Park | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
| Bobcat | Bobcat |
| Striped Skunk | Striped Skunk |
| Little Brown Bat | Little Brown Bat |
| Deer Mouse | Deer Mouse |
| Raccoon | Raccoon |
| Black Bear | Black Bear |
| Porcupine | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Hoary Bat |
| Hoary Bat | Red Fox |
| Red Fox | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | House Mouse |
| House Mouse | Mountain Lion |
| Puma | Gray Fox |
| Mink | River Otter |
| Black-Tailed Deer | Masked Shrew |
| Wolf | Water Shrew |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Red Squirrel |
| Western Long-Eared Bat | White-Tailed Deer |
| Ermine | Virginia Opossum |
| California Myotis | Marten |
| Snowshoe Hare | Northern Flying Squirrel |
Fish
| North Cascades National Park | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Redband Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brook Trout | Brook Trout |
| Largemouth Bass | Brown Trout |
| Longnose Sucker | Largemouth Bass |
| Lake Trout | Green Sunfish |
| Burbot | Bluegill |
| Silver Salmon | Common Carp |
| King Salmon | Mottled Sculpin |
| Slimy Sculpin | Longnose Dace |
| Longnose Dace | Yellow Bullhead |
| Threespine Stickleback | Creek Chub |
| Kokanee | Brown Bullhead |
| Pink Salmon | Smallmouth Bass |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Reptiles
| North Cascades National Park | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | Black Racer |
| Western Yellowbelly Racer | Ringneck Snake |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | Common Garter Snake |
| Common Garter Snake | Common Kingsnake |
| Rubber Boa | Milksnake |
| Western Fence Lizard | Eastern Fence Lizard |
Insects
| North Cascades National Park | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | Orange Sulphur |
| Painted Lady | Painted Lady |
| Red Admiral | Monarch |
| Mourning Cloak | American Lady |
| Silvery Blue | Red Admiral |
| Clouded Sulphur | Mourning Cloak |
| Honey Bee | Cabbage White |
| Purplish Copper | Silvery Blue |
| Anise Swallowtail | Common Checkered Skipper |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Buckeye | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Amphibians
| North Cascades National Park | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog |
Beautiful Landscapes in North Cascades National Park and Shenandoah National Park
North Cascades National Park in Washington and Shenandoah National Park in Virginia are two of the most stunning landscapes in the United States.
North Cascades National Park boasts over 300 glaciers, rugged peaks, alpine meadows, and deep valleys. The park’s most famous landmark is the majestic North Cascades Mountain Range, which is surrounded by soaring peaks and glittering lakes. In addition, visitors can enjoy breathtaking overlooks such as the Washington Pass Overlook, which offers panoramic views of the North Cascades.
Shenandoah National Park is home to the Blue Ridge Mountains, which are known for their rolling hills and stunning vistas. One of the park’s most famous features is the Skyline Drive, a scenic road that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The park is also home to numerous waterfalls, including the Dark Hollow Falls and the Lewis Falls, as well as a variety of wildlife, including black bears, deer, and wild turkeys.
Both parks offer a variety of outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing, making them ideal destinations for visitors seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in nature. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or simply looking for a peaceful escape, both North Cascades National Park and Shenandoah National Park are must-see destinations for anyone seeking to experience the beauty of America’s great outdoors.
Things To-Do and Activities in North Cascades National Park and Shenandoah National Park
North Cascades National Park and Shenandoah National Park are two popular national parks in the United States. Both parks offer a range of activities for visitors to enjoy, from scenic drives to camping, hiking and wildlife watching.
North Cascades National Park is known for its rugged wilderness and offers a range of recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can go backpacking, rock climbing, kayaking, and fishing. The park also has several scenic drives, including the North Cascades Highway, which offers stunning views of the park’s rugged peaks and glaciers.
Shenandoah National Park, on the other hand, is known for its rolling hills and scenic drives, including the famous Skyline Drive. Visitors can go camping, hiking, and wildlife watching, as well as horseback riding, fishing, and picnicking. The park has several scenic waterfalls and overlooks, which offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Both parks are popular destinations for nature lovers, and offer a range of activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a quiet hike in the woods, a scenic drive, or a more adventurous outdoor experience, both North Cascades National Park and Shenandoah National Park have something to offer.
Best Time to Visit North Cascades National Park and Shenandoah National Park
North Cascades National Park and Shenandoah National Park are two unique natural getaways, each with its own weather patterns and best times to visit. The North Cascades, located in Washington state, experience heavy rainfall and snowfall in the winter months and mild, dry summers. This creates breathtaking scenery of snow-capped peaks and rushing streams in the winter, but also means that many trails and roads can be inaccessible during the winter.
Shenandoah National Park, located in Virginia, also experiences cold winters, but has relatively milder temperatures and less precipitation. This results in a lush forest environment with a vibrant display of fall foliage in the autumn months. However, summertime in Shenandoah can be hot and humid, with occasional thunderstorms.
Both parks offer stunning natural beauty, but the best time to visit will depend on the type of experience you’re looking for. If you love winter sports or want to see snow-covered landscapes, the North Cascades is the ideal destination for you. If you prefer milder weather and the chance to see fall foliage or spring wildflowers, then Shenandoah National Park is the way to go.
Family Friendliness of North Cascades National Park and Shenandoah National Park
North Cascades National Park and Shenandoah National Park are two beautiful parks that offer different experiences for families.
North Cascades is a more rugged and remote park, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. While this park may not offer as many child-specific activities, it is still a great destination for families looking for an outdoor adventure. However, it is important to note that some of the trails may be difficult for young children and that the park’s remote location can make it more challenging to access certain amenities.
On the other hand, Shenandoah National Park is more easily accessible and offers a wider range of family-friendly activities. In addition to hiking and camping, the park also has scenic drives, picnic areas, and a children’s educational program. The park’s location near the Blue Ridge Mountains also means that it is a popular destination for families, and there are many restaurants and shops nearby.
In terms of which park is better for families, it ultimately depends on what type of experience you are looking for. If you are looking for a remote and rugged adventure, North Cascades may be the better choice. However, if you want a more accessible park with more family-friendly activities, Shenandoah may be the way to go.