North Cascades National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of the United States’ most magnificent natural wonders. Both parks offer breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and endless outdoor recreational opportunities. However, these two parks are distinct in their own ways. In this article, we’ll be comparing North Cascades National Park and Yellowstone National Park, highlighting the unique features of each park that set them apart.
Yellowstone National Park, established in 1872, is the world’s first national park and is known for its geothermal features, including geysers, hot springs, and mudpots. Visitors can witness the famous Old Faithful geyser erupting every hour or two. Yellowstone is also home to an abundance of wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves, elk, and bison.
North Cascades National Park, on the other hand, is a rugged and remote wilderness park located in Washington State. It is known for its stunning glaciers, alpine lakes, and towering peaks, offering visitors a chance to experience some of the most breathtaking scenery in the country. Hiking, camping, backpacking, and mountaineering are just a few of the many outdoor activities visitors can enjoy in this park.
Hiking Trails in North Cascades National Park and Yellowstone National Park
North Cascades National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both offer a wealth of hiking opportunities, but the trails in each park vary greatly.
North Cascades National Park is known for its rugged, mountainous terrain, with trails ranging from easy to strenuous. One of the easiest hikes in the park is the Maple Creek Trail, which is a gentle, 1.5-mile hike that winds through a lush forest to a small waterfall. For those looking for a greater challenge, the Cascade Pass Trail is a strenuous, 7.4-mile trek that leads to panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.
Yellowstone National Park, on the other hand, is known for its geothermal features and diverse landscapes, including forests, lakes, and meadows. One of the easiest hikes in the park is the Two-Mile Trail, which is a flat, 2-mile hike that offers views of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River. For those looking for a greater challenge, the Mount Washburn Trail is a strenuous, 7-mile hike that leads to panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and geothermal features.
In conclusion, both North Cascades National Park and Yellowstone National Park offer a wide range of hiking trails, from easy to strenuous. Whether you’re looking for a gentle stroll through the forest or a challenging trek to the summit, both parks have something to offer.
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 Yellowstone National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mystic Falls, Fairy Creek and Little Firehole Loop | 5632.69 | 184.7088 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| Grand Prismatic Hot Spring | 2574.944 | 60.96 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Upper Geyser Basin and Old Faithful Observation Point Loop | 7242.03 | 73.7616 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Canyon Rim North Trail to Inspiration Point | 12713.786 | 349.9104 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| West Thumb Geyser Basin Trail | 1609.34 | 17.9832 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Mammoth Hot Springs Area Trail | 5632.69 | 170.9928 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Artists Paintpots Trail | 1609.34 | 30.7848 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Avalanche Peak Trail | 7402.964 | 614.7816 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| Old Faithful Geyser Loop Trail | 1126.538 | 4.8768 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Upper Falls, Lower Falls and Crystal Falls Trail | 6115.492 | 140.8176 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
Wildlife in North Cascades National Park and Yellowstone National Park
North Cascades National Park and Yellowstone National Park both offer unique wildlife experiences, but there are some differences between the two. North Cascades is known for its diverse range of animals, including black bears, mountain lions, and elk. In addition, visitors may also see an abundance of bird species, such as the bald eagle, goshawk, and the dipper. The park is also home to many species of plants, including lupine, paintbrush, and heather.
Yellowstone, on the other hand, is famous for its large herds of bison and elk, as well as its thriving population of gray wolves. Visitors are also likely to see pronghorns, mule deer, and even grizzly bears. Bird enthusiasts will enjoy the park’s diverse bird life, including the trumpeter swan, osprey, and the threatened sage grouse. There are also numerous plant species to discover, including lodgepole pines, wildflowers, and the iconic geysers.
In conclusion, while both parks offer unique wildlife experiences, visitors to North Cascades National Park will find a diverse range of animals and birds, while Yellowstone National Park is known for its large herds of bison and elk and thriving population of wolves and bears.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at North Cascades National Park and Yellowstone National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| North Cascades National Park | Yellowstone 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 | Yellowstone 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 | Mule Deer |
| Wolf | Wolf |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Western Long-Eared Bat | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Ermine | Badger |
| California Myotis | Short Tailed Weasel |
| Snowshoe Hare | California Myotis |
Fish
| North Cascades National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Redband Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brook Trout | Brook Trout |
| Largemouth Bass | Brown Trout |
| Longnose Sucker | Longnose Sucker |
| Lake Trout | Lake Trout |
| Burbot | Mottled Sculpin |
| Silver Salmon | Longnose Dace |
| King Salmon | Speckled Dace |
| Slimy Sculpin | Arctic Grayling |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Kokanee | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Reptiles
| North Cascades National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | Racer |
| Western Yellowbelly Racer | Greater Short-Horned Lizard |
| Prairie Rattlesnake | Rubber Boa |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Rubber Boa | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Insects
| North Cascades National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Orange Sulphur | Orange Sulphur |
| Painted Lady | Painted Lady |
| Red Admiral | Monarch |
| Mourning Cloak | American Painted Lady |
| Silvery Blue | Red Admiral |
| Clouded Sulphur | Mourning Cloak |
| Honey Bee | Silvery Blue |
| Purplish Copper | Common Checkered Skipper |
| Anise Swallowtail | Common Sulphur |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Purplish Copper | |
| Anise Swallowtail |
Amphibians
| North Cascades National Park | Yellowstone National Park |
|---|---|
| Northern Leopard Frog | |
| Bullfrog | |
| Woodhouse’s Toad | |
| Plains Spadefoot |
Beautiful Landscapes in North Cascades National Park and Yellowstone National Park
North Cascades National Park, located in Washington state, boasts stunning alpine landscapes with over 300 glaciers and jagged peaks that rise over 7,000 feet. The park offers breathtaking views of the North Cascades mountain range, along with pristine valleys, rushing rivers, and cascading waterfalls.
Yellowstone National Park, on the other hand, is famous for its geothermal wonders, which include geysers, hot springs, and bubbling mud pots. The park is also home to an array of wildlife, including bears, wolves, elk, and bison, as well as several different species of birds. One of Yellowstone’s most famous features is the Old Faithful geyser, which erupts approximately every 90 minutes. Additionally, the park offers beautiful views of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, which was carved by the Yellowstone River, and dramatic mountain ranges, such as the Absarokas.
Both North Cascades and Yellowstone offer a wealth of outdoor recreational opportunities, from hiking and camping to fishing and boating. Whether you’re interested in exploring the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest or discovering the geothermal wonders of the Rockies, these two national parks are must-visits for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Things To-Do and Activities in North Cascades National Park and Yellowstone National Park
North Cascades National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of America’s most popular National Parks. Both are known for their stunning scenery, abundant wildlife, and wide range of recreational activities. In terms of popular activities, North Cascades is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, and boating. With over 300 glaciers, the park offers breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and deep valleys. On the other hand, Yellowstone is famous for its geothermal features, including geysers and hot springs. Visitors to Yellowstone can also enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife watching. The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including bison, elk, wolves, and bears.
When it comes to winter activities, North Cascades is a popular destination for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Yellowstone, on the other hand, is known for its world-class snowmobiling, with over 300 miles of groomed trails. Both parks offer a range of ranger-led programs, including guided hikes, wildlife watching, and educational talks.
Whether you’re looking for breathtaking views, diverse wildlife, or exciting outdoor activities, both North Cascades and Yellowstone have something to offer. Whether you prefer hiking in the mountains or exploring geothermal wonders, both parks are must-visits for anyone who loves the outdoors.
Best Time to Visit North Cascades National Park and Yellowstone National Park
North Cascades National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. While both parks are beautiful and unique, their seasonal weather is quite different.
North Cascades National Park is located in Washington State and is known for its long, rainy and snowy winters, as well as its mild, dry summers. Winter temperatures average around 25°F and can drop to as low as -20°F, making it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. The park’s high elevation and location in the mountains also make it a popular destination for summer hiking and backpacking, with temperatures ranging from 50°F to 80°F.
Yellowstone National Park, located in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, is known for its harsh winters and mild summers. Winter temperatures average around 20°F and can drop to -40°F, making it a popular destination for winter sports such as cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. In the summer, temperatures average around 60°F to 80°F, making it a popular destination for camping, hiking, and fishing.
In conclusion, both North Cascades and Yellowstone National Parks offer unique weather experiences. The best time to visit North Cascades is during the summer months, while the best time to visit Yellowstone is during the winter months for winter sports or the summer months for outdoor recreation.
Family Friendliness of North Cascades National Park and Yellowstone National Park
North Cascades National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. While both parks have much to offer visitors, they differ significantly in terms of family-friendliness.
North Cascades National Park is a remote wilderness area that is not as well-equipped for families as Yellowstone. There are fewer facilities and fewer opportunities for children to participate in ranger-led activities, making it a more challenging destination for families with young children. However, for families that enjoy hiking and outdoor activities, the park offers stunning scenery and a range of trails for all skill levels.
On the other hand, Yellowstone National Park is a more accessible and family-friendly destination. The park has numerous facilities and services, including campgrounds, lodges, restaurants, and stores. Children can take part in ranger-led activities and educational programs, which are designed to make the park experience more engaging and educational for families. Additionally, the park’s famous geysers, hot springs, and other geological wonders provide a unique and unforgettable experience that children of all ages can appreciate.
In conclusion, if you are traveling with children, Yellowstone National Park is the better choice. With its wide range of facilities, educational programs, and family-friendly activities, it offers a more accessible and enjoyable experience for families.