North Cascades National Park and Voyageurs National Park, both located in the United States, are two of the most breathtaking parks in the country. These parks offer unique landscapes, diverse wildlife, and endless opportunities for adventure. In this article, we will compare these two parks and help you choose the perfect destination for your next outdoor adventure.
North Cascades National Park, located in Washington State, is a rugged and remote wilderness, known for its towering peaks, pristine lakes, and diverse wildlife. With over 500,000 acres of protected land, this park is a true hiker’s paradise, offering endless trails and breathtaking vistas. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely walk or a challenging trek, North Cascades has something for everyone.
Voyageurs National Park, located in Minnesota, is a water-based park, known for its interconnected network of lakes and waterways. This park offers a unique opportunity to explore the wilderness from the comfort of a canoe or kayak, and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness. With over 218,000 acres of protected land, Voyageurs is a true paradise for those who love the water and the great outdoors.
Hiking Trails in North Cascades National Park and Voyageurs National Park
North Cascades National Park and Voyageurs National Park both offer scenic and challenging hiking trails, but they have different landscapes and hiking experiences.
North Cascades National Park is known for its rugged, alpine terrain and diverse hiking options. Some of the easiest hikes include the Happy Creek Trail and the Ladder Creek Falls Trail, which offer gentle climbs and rewarding views. For more experienced hikers, the Park offers tougher hikes such as the Sahale Arm and the Cascade Pass Trail, which lead to stunning vistas and alpine lakes.
Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, is centered around water, with extensive networks of lakes, bays, and channels. The park offers a mix of easy and challenging hikes, with trails ranging from short walks to multi-day backpacking trips. Some of the easiest hikes include the Kettle Falls Trail and the Rainy Lake Visitor Center Trail, which offer scenic views of the park’s waterways. For more adventurous hikers, the park offers challenging hikes such as the Pike Bay Trail and the Crypt Lake Trail, which lead to remote islands, rugged cliffs, and breathtaking vistas.
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, both North Cascades National Park and Voyageurs National Park offer a variety of options for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
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 Voyageurs National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blind Ash Bay Trail | 5793.624 | 117.9576 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Kabetogama Lake Overlook Trail | 643.736 | 17.9832 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Cruiser Lake to Brown Lake and Anderson Bay | 14001.258 | 224.9424 | Moderate | loop | 4 |
| Beaver Pond Overlook Trail | 482.802 | 1.8288 | Easy | out and back | 3.5 |
| Kab-Ash Trail | 24461.968 | 406.908 | Easy | out and back | 3 |
| Sullivan Bay Trail | 2092.142 | 27.7368 | Easy | out and back | 4 |
| Black Bay Beaver Pond Trail | 1931.208 | 22.86 | Easy | out and back | 5 |
Wildlife in North Cascades National Park and Voyageurs National Park
North Cascades National Park and Voyageurs National Park are both known for their diverse wildlife. Visitors to North Cascades National Park will have a chance to see various species of mammals, such as black bears, coyotes, mountain lions, and elk. The park is also home to a variety of bird species including bald eagles, ospreys, and peregrine falcons. Additionally, the park boasts a rich array of wildflowers, including lupine, paintbrush, and columbine, among many others.
Voyageurs National Park, located in Minnesota, is known for its water-based wildlife. Visitors to the park can observe loons, beavers, muskrats, and otters. The park is also a prime spot for bird-watching, with species such as the common loon, the American white pelican, and the bald eagle among the birds commonly seen in the park. In the spring, visitors can also witness the blooming of various wildflowers, including trillium, wild roses, and columbine.
Both parks offer a unique and diverse wildlife experience, with North Cascades focusing more on terrestrial animals and birds, while Voyageurs offers a more water-based experience. Regardless of which park visitors choose, they are sure to have a memorable time observing and appreciating the diverse and abundant wildlife in these national parks.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at North Cascades National Park and Voyageurs National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| North Cascades National Park | Voyageurs 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 | Voyageurs 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 | 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 |
| Puma | Mountain Lion |
| Mink | Mink |
| Black-Tailed Deer | Common Gray Fox |
| Wolf | Plains Wolf |
| Long-Legged Myotis | American Badger |
| Western Long-Eared Bat | Ermine |
| Ermine | Snowshoe Hare |
| California Myotis | River Otter |
| Snowshoe Hare | Masked Shrew |
Fish
| North Cascades National Park | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Redband Trout | Largemouth Bass |
| Brook Trout | Longnose Sucker |
| Largemouth Bass | Green Sunfish |
| Longnose Sucker | Bluegill |
| Lake Trout | Fathead Minnow |
| Burbot | Golden Shiner |
| Silver Salmon | Lake Trout |
| King Salmon | Northern Pike |
| Slimy Sculpin | Ellpout |
| Longnose Dace | Mottled Sculpin |
| Threespine Stickleback | Slimy Sculpin |
| Kokanee | Longnose Dace |
| Pink Salmon | Black Crappie |
| Chum Salmon | Black Bullhead |
| Dolly Varden | Creek Chub |
| Cutthroat Trout | Brown Bullhead |
| Smallmouth Bass |
Reptiles
| North Cascades National Park | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | |
| Western Yellowbelly Racer | |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Rubber Boa | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Insects
| North Cascades National Park | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | |
| Painted Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Honey Bee | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Amphibians
| North Cascades National Park | Voyageurs National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | |
| Wood Frog |
Beautiful Landscapes in North Cascades National Park and Voyageurs National Park
North Cascades National Park and Voyageurs National Park are two of the most beautiful parks in the US, each offering unique and stunning landscapes to explore. North Cascades National Park is known for its majestic mountain ranges, alpine lakes, and stunning glaciers. The park’s most famous landscape is the North Cascades Highway, which offers breathtaking views of the rugged peaks and sparkling waters. Another popular destination is the Diablo Lake Overlook, where visitors can take in panoramic views of the emerald-green waters of Diablo Lake surrounded by towering peaks.
Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, is renowned for its network of interconnected waterways, including the stunning Rainy Lake and Kabetogama Lake. Visitors can see the park’s most famous landscape, Kabetogama Peninsula, by taking a scenic boat tour or by hiking along one of the park’s many trails. The park also features several stunning waterfalls, including the towering High Falls and the picturesque Little American Falls. Whether you’re interested in exploring the park’s waterways or its lush forests, Voyageurs National Park is a must-see destination for anyone visiting the region.
Things To-Do and Activities in North Cascades National Park and Voyageurs National Park
North Cascades National Park and Voyageurs National Park are two unique National Parks in the United States, each offering its own outdoor experiences. In North Cascades, visitors can enjoy a variety of recreational activities such as camping, fishing, boating and kayaking. With over 300 glaciers, North Cascades is a popular destination for backcountry hikers and mountaineers seeking to explore the rugged wilderness of the Pacific Northwest.
Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, is a water-based park known for its stunning lakes and waterways. Visitors to this park can enjoy kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and boating experiences. In addition, the park offers excellent opportunities for bird watching, with over 260 species of birds having been spotted in the park. The park also offers several hiking trails for those who prefer to explore the park on foot.
Both parks have spectacular natural surroundings, with North Cascades offering rugged, mountainous landscapes and Voyageurs offering pristine waterways surrounded by forests and wetlands. Regardless of which park you choose to visit, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for adventure, whether it’s camping, fishing, boating, hiking, or bird watching. Whether you’re seeking a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, or an adrenaline-packed adventure, these parks have something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit North Cascades National Park and Voyageurs National Park
North Cascades National Park and Voyageurs National Park are two iconic wilderness areas in the United States. Both parks offer unique opportunities for outdoor recreation and scenic beauty, but they also have distinct seasonal weather patterns.
North Cascades is known for its cold and wet climate, with snow and rain falling in the park throughout much of the year. Winter temperatures can drop to below freezing, making snow and ice activities like skiing and snowshoeing popular. Summer temperatures are mild and can reach into the 70s, making the park a great destination for hiking, camping, and boating.
Voyageurs National Park has a more moderate climate, with hot summers and cold winters. Summer temperatures can reach into the 90s, making boating, fishing and swimming popular activities, whereas winter temperatures can drop to below freezing and snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing become popular.
The weather at each park affects when it’s the best time of year to visit. For those looking to enjoy winter activities, North Cascades is a great choice. For those looking to enjoy summer recreation, Voyageurs National Park offers the warmest temperatures and the most opportunities for water-based activities. No matter what the season, both parks offer unique opportunities for outdoor recreation and scenic beauty, making them must-visit destinations for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Family Friendliness of North Cascades National Park and Voyageurs National Park
North Cascades National Park and Voyageurs National Park are both beautiful locations to visit and offer unique experiences for families. North Cascades National Park is located in Washington state and is known for its stunning mountain scenery and diverse wildlife. The park offers many outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, and boating, making it a great place for families who love nature and adventure. However, it is important to note that some of the park’s hikes can be challenging, and may not be suitable for younger children.
Voyageurs National Park, on the other hand, is located in Minnesota and is centered around a series of interconnected waterways. The park is ideal for families who enjoy water activities such as boating, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. There are also several scenic hiking trails and campsites available for those who prefer to stay on land. Additionally, Voyageurs National Park has several educational programs and ranger-led activities that are designed to engage and educate children.
Overall, both parks are family-friendly and offer unique experiences for families, but if you are traveling with children, Voyageurs National Park might be the better option. With its emphasis on water activities and educational programs, it provides a more child-friendly environment, making it an ideal destination for families with children of all ages.