Olympic National Park and Saguaro National Park are two of America’s most diverse and breathtaking national parks. Both parks offer unique landscapes and unique experiences, but which one is right for you? If you’re looking for a vacation filled with adventure, stunning views, and a chance to reconnect with nature, then this article is for you!
Imagine yourself standing at the top of a mountain, surrounded by towering trees, looking down at the glittering waters of the Pacific Ocean. Or, picture yourself hiking through the desert, surrounded by towering cacti and the distant sounds of wildlife. Both Olympic National Park and Saguaro National Park offer these experiences and so much more.
So, which park is right for you? Whether you’re interested in breathtaking mountain views or desert landscapes, both parks offer a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature. If you’re ready to experience the best that both parks have to offer, keep reading. The rest of this article will take a closer look at Olympic National Park and Saguaro National Park, comparing and contrasting their highlights and unique features.
Hiking Trails in Olympic National Park and Saguaro National Park
Olympic National Park and Saguaro National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Hiking is one of the main attractions at both parks, and both offer a range of trails for visitors of all skill levels.
At Olympic National Park, visitors can hike through the lush temperate rainforest, along the rugged coastline, and up to the peak of Mount Olympus. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Spruce Nature Trail and the Hoh River Trail, both of which offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. For those seeking a more challenging hike, the Seven Lakes Basin is a popular destination, offering a strenuous 8-mile hike through the heart of the park.
Saguaro National Park, located in Arizona, is known for its towering saguaro cacti and stunning desert landscapes. Some of the easiest hikes in the park include the Freeman Homestead Trail and the Cactus Forest Trail, both of which offer a gentle stroll through the desert landscape. For those seeking a more strenuous hike, the King Canyon Trail is a popular destination, offering a challenging 6-mile hike through the heart of the park.
Both Olympic National Park and Saguaro National Park offer a range of hiking experiences for visitors of all skill levels, from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry adventures. Whether you’re looking for lush temperate rainforest or towering saguaro cacti, both parks have something to offer.
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 |
Most Popular Hiking Trails in Saguaro National Park
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridal Wreath Falls Trail | 9012.304 | 326.7456 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Wasson Peak Trail | 12713.786 | 567.8424 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
| King Canyon Trail to Wasson Peak | 11426.314 | 560.832 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Wasson Peak via Sweetwater Trail | 14966.862 | 637.9464 | Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Douglas Spring Trail | 26715.044 | 1139.952 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Tanque Verde Ridge Trail | 32186.8 | 1705.9656 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mica View Loop Trail | 5954.558 | 36.8808 | Easy | loop | 4 |
| Hugh Norris Trail | 14323.126 | 729.996 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Safford Peak Trail | 3862.416 | 278.892 | Moderate | out and back | 4 |
| Gould Mine | 3701.482 | 115.824 | Moderate | loop | 4.5 |
Wildlife in Olympic National Park and Saguaro National Park
Olympic National Park and Saguaro National Park are two of the most diverse national parks in the United States. Olympic National Park is located in Washington State and is known for its diverse landscapes, including temperate rainforests, snow-capped mountains, and wild beaches. Saguaro National Park, located in Arizona, is a desert environment with towering saguaro cacti and unique wildlife.
At Olympic National Park, visitors can expect to see a variety of wildlife including black bears, elk, mountain lions, and deer. The park is also home to several species of salmon and is a popular destination for bird watchers, as it is home to over 300 species of birds, including the Olympic Marbled Murrelet and the Harlequin Duck. The forests of Olympic National Park are also home to a wide variety of plant species, including old-growth Douglas firs, Western red cedars, and Pacific yews.
In contrast, Saguaro National Park is a dry desert environment, where visitors can expect to see a variety of cacti, including the towering saguaro cacti for which the park is named. The park is also home to several species of reptiles and mammals, including rattlesnakes, Gila monsters, and jackrabbits. Birdwatchers will also have a chance to see a variety of bird species, including the Gilded Flicker, the Cactus Wren, and the Roadrunner.
Both Olympic National Park and Saguaro National Park offer unique and diverse wildlife experiences, attracting visitors from all over the world. Whether you’re interested in observing large mammals, bird watching, or exploring unique plant species, these two parks are sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Olympic National Park and Saguaro National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Olympic National Park | Saguaro 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 |
| Northern Flicker | 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 | Song Sparrow |
| European Starling | European Starling |
| Northern Pintail | Killdeer |
| American Wigeon | Brown-Headed Cowbird |
| Green-Winged Teal | Hairy Woodpecker |
| American Pipit | Red-Breasted Nuthatch |
Mammals
| Olympic National Park | Saguaro National Park |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| 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 | Mountain Lion |
| House Mouse | Mule Deer |
| Wolf | Common Gray Fox |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Long-Eared Myotis |
| California Myotis | Badger |
| Snowshoe Rabbit | Californis Myotis |
| North American River Otter | Fringed Myotis |
| Fringe-Tailed Myotis | Mexican Free-Tailed Bat |
| Masked Shrew | Western Harvest Mouse |
| Water Shrew | Yuma Myotis |
| Western Big-Eared Bat | Bighorn Sheep |
| Bushy-Tailed Woodrat | White-Tailed Deer |
Fish
| Olympic National Park | Saguaro National Park |
|---|---|
| Steelhead/Rainbow Trout | |
| Brook Trout | |
| Largemouth Bass | |
| Salish Sucker | |
| Coho Salmon | |
| Chinook Salmon | |
| Longnose Dace | |
| Speckled Dace | |
| Threespine Stickleback | |
| Sockeye Salmon | |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Reptiles
| Olympic National Park | Saguaro National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | Gopher Snake |
| Common Garter Snake | Western Rattlesnake |
| Rubber Boa | Ring-Necked Snake |
| Western Fence Lizard | Hernandez’s Short-Horned Lizard |
| Side-Blotched Lizard | |
| Common Kingsnake | |
| Night Snake | |
| Leopard Lizard | |
| Southwestern Black-Headed Snake | |
| Tree Lizard | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Eastern Collared Lizard | |
| Glossy Snake | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Desert Spiny Lizard |
Amphibians
| Olympic National Park | Saguaro National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog | Northern Leopard Frog |
| Bullfrog | |
| Red-Spotted Toad | |
| Canyon Treefrog |
Insects
| Olympic National Park | Saguaro National Park |
|---|---|
| Honey Bee |
Beautiful Landscapes in Olympic National Park and Saguaro National Park
Olympic National Park is located in Washington state and is known for its diversity of landscapes, from the rugged Pacific coastline to the lush temperate rainforests to the snow-capped Olympic Mountains. One of its most famous landscapes is Hurricane Ridge, which offers stunning views of the Olympic Mountains and the surrounding valleys. Another popular spot is the Hoh Rainforest, a temperate rainforest filled with towering trees and lush vegetation.
Saguaro National Park, located in Arizona, is home to the iconic saguaro cactus, which can only be found in the Sonoran Desert. One of its most famous landscapes is the Rincon Mountain District, which boasts towering saguaros and breathtaking vistas of the surrounding desert. Another popular destination is the Tucson Mountain District, which features scenic drives, hiking trails, and picnic areas.
Both Olympic National Park and Saguaro National Park offer unique and beautiful landscapes that are sure to impress visitors. Whether you’re looking for towering mountains, lush rainforests, or iconic cacti, these parks have something for everyone.
Things To-Do and Activities in Olympic National Park and Saguaro National Park
Olympic National Park and Saguaro National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. Both parks are known for their diverse landscapes and unique activities, making them popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts.
Olympic National Park is located in Washington state and is known for its stunning coastline, lush rainforests, and majestic mountain ranges. Visitors can hike, kayak, and camp in the park, as well as explore the tide pools and enjoy the scenic views. Many people also enjoy exploring the park’s scenic drives, such as the Hurricane Ridge Road, which offers breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains.
Saguaro National Park, located in Arizona, is known for its unique saguaro cacti and diverse desert landscape. Visitors to the park can hike, bike, or horseback ride through the desert, as well as visit the park’s scenic drives and scenic overlooks. The park is also home to several unique wildlife species, such as the Gila monster, rattlesnake, and tarantula, making it a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
Both Olympic National Park and Saguaro National Park offer visitors a unique outdoor experience and a chance to explore their diverse landscapes. Whether you are seeking adventure or simply want to relax and enjoy nature, these parks are sure to provide you with an unforgettable experience.
Best Time to Visit Olympic National Park and Saguaro National Park
Olympic National Park in Washington and Saguaro National Park in Arizona are two of the most popular parks in the US. While they are both beautiful, they have significantly different climates, which affects the best time to visit each park.
Olympic National Park is known for its temperate rainforest climate, with heavy rainfall throughout the year. Summer months tend to be the driest, but still see some rain. Winter months are the wettest, with snow and high winds possible in the higher elevations. The best time to visit Olympic National Park is during the summer months, when the weather is mild and visibility is good for exploring the park’s lush greenery and stunning coastline.
Saguaro National Park, on the other hand, experiences hot, dry weather in the summer months with temperatures often exceeding 100°F. Winter months are mild, with temperatures in the 60s and 70s. The best time to visit Saguaro National Park is during the spring and fall, when temperatures are comfortable for hiking and exploring the park’s unique cactus forests and scenic desert landscapes. Winter months can also be a good time to visit, as the cooler weather makes it easier to spot wildlife and enjoy the park’s many trails.
Family Friendliness of Olympic National Park and Saguaro National Park
Olympic National Park and Saguaro National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, with unique landscapes and a range of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. Both parks are family-friendly, but each has its own advantages and disadvantages for families traveling with children.
Olympic National Park has a variety of environments, including beaches, forests, and mountains, which makes it a great destination for kids who enjoy exploring and discovering new things. The park offers many kid-friendly activities, such as hiking, kayaking, and tidepooling, and there are also several ranger-led programs that are designed specifically for children.
On the other hand, Saguaro National Park is a desert environment, with towering cactus and unique wildlife. This park is also great for families, as it offers several easy hikes and scenic drives that are perfect for children. Additionally, the park has several ranger-led programs and guided walks that are educational and interactive, making it a great option for families who want to learn about the desert environment and the plants and animals that live there.
When it comes to choosing between these two parks, it really depends on what kind of environment and activities your family is interested in. If your family enjoys exploring diverse landscapes and outdoor activities, Olympic National Park is a great option. However, if your family is interested in learning about the desert environment and its unique flora and fauna, Saguaro National Park is a great option.