Olympic National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are two of the most iconic parks in the United States. Each park boasts its own unique set of features and attractions, making them both incredibly popular destinations for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
If you’re torn between visiting one or the other, or just looking for a side-by-side comparison, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll be comparing and contrasting these two stunning parks, highlighting their key differences, and helping you decide which one is the best fit for your next outdoor adventure.
From towering trees that reach sky-high to rugged coastline and snow-capped peaks, these two parks have a lot to offer. So whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, you’re sure to find something here that will leave you in awe.
So grab a cup of coffee, get comfortable, and let’s dive into the world of Olympic National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks!
Hiking Trails in Olympic National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Olympic National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are two of the most beautiful parks in the United States. Both of them offer incredible hiking trails that range from easy to challenging, making them ideal destinations for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels. However, there are some differences between the two parks when it comes to hiking trails.
At Olympic National Park, the easiest hike is the Spruce Nature Trail, a 0.8-mile loop that winds through a lush forest filled with Douglas Firs and Western Hemlocks. On the other hand, the hardest hike in the park is the Hurricane Ridge Trail, a strenuous 17-mile round trip that climbs to the top of Hurricane Ridge, offering panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, on the other hand, have some of the most challenging hikes in the country. The toughest hike in these parks is the Rae Lakes Loop, a strenuous 41-mile backpacking trip that takes you through some of the most rugged and remote areas of the parks. Meanwhile, the easiest hike in the parks is the Big Trees Trail, a 1-mile loop that takes you through a grove of ancient Giant Sequoias.
In conclusion, both Olympic National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks offer a wide range of hiking trails that cater to different levels of fitness and experience. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, you’ll find something to suit your needs in these two amazing parks.
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 Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
| Name | Length | Elevation | Type | Difficulty | Visitor Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moro Rock Trail | 643.736 | 56.9976 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Tokopah Falls via Tokopah Valley Trail | 6437.36 | 194.7672 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Heather Lake, Emerald Lake, and Pear Lake Trail via Watchtower and Pear Lake Trails | 18990.212 | 887.8824 | Hard | out and back | 5 |
| General Sherman Tree Trail | 1287.472 | 46.9392 | Easy | out and back | 4.5 |
| Marble Falls Trail | 11909.116 | 495.9096 | Moderate | out and back | 4.5 |
| Congress Trail | 5149.888 | 151.7904 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Alta Peak Trail | 23979.166 | 1238.7072 | Very Hard | out and back | 4.5 |
| Mineral King to Eagle Lake Trail | 10460.71 | 674.8272 | Moderate | out and back | 5 |
| Big Trees Trail | 2092.142 | 36.8808 | Easy | loop | 4.5 |
| Giant Forest Loop Trail | 11265.38 | 390.7536 | Easy | loop | 5 |
Wildlife in Olympic National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Olympic National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are two of the most beautiful and diverse national parks in the US. Both parks are home to a wide variety of wildlife, including animals, birds, and plants. However, there are some key differences between the two parks when it comes to the wildlife you can expect to see.
At Olympic National Park, you’ll be able to spot a variety of mammal species, including black bears, elk, and mountain lions. The park is also home to a number of bird species, such as the bald eagle and the northern spotted owl. Additionally, the park is known for its lush vegetation, including towering Douglas firs and Sitka spruces.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks have a different focus. These parks are best known for their giant sequoias, some of the largest trees in the world. While the parks are not as diverse in terms of wildlife as Olympic National Park, they are still home to a number of unique species, including the California condor and the black-tailed deer. Additionally, the parks are surrounded by a diverse landscape, including high-altitude meadows and rocky cliffs, which provide habitat for a variety of bird species.
In conclusion, both Olympic National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are amazing places to see wildlife, but each park has its own unique features and strengths. Whether you’re looking to spot a majestic bald eagle or admire the world’s largest trees, these parks are sure to impress.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Olympic National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Olympic National Park | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
|---|---|
| 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 | Bald Eagle |
| European Starling | Song Sparrow |
| Northern Pintail | European Starling |
| American Wigeon | Northern Pintail |
| Green-Winged Teal | Green-Winged Teal |
| American Pipit | American Pipit |
Mammals
| Olympic National Park | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
|---|---|
| Coyote | Coyote |
| American Beaver | American Beaver |
| Muskrat | Muskrat |
| Big Brown Bat | Big Brown Bat |
| Striped Skunk | Bobcat |
| Little Brown Bat | Striped Skunk |
| Deer Mouse | Little Brown Bat |
| Raccoon | Deer Mouse |
| Black Bear | Raccoon |
| Porcupine | Black Bear |
| Silver-Haired Bat | Porcupine |
| Red Fox | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Hoary Bat |
| House Mouse | Red Fox |
| Wolf | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Long-Legged Myotis | House Mouse |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Mountain Lion |
| California Myotis | Mink |
| Snowshoe Rabbit | Mule Deer |
| North American River Otter | Gray Fox |
| Fringe-Tailed Myotis | Wolf |
| Masked Shrew | Long-Legged Myotis |
| Water Shrew | Long-Eared Myotis |
| Western Big-Eared Bat | Badger |
| Bushy-Tailed Woodrat | Ermine |
Fish
| Olympic National Park | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
|---|---|
| Steelhead/Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brook Trout | Brook Trout Charr Salter |
| Largemouth Bass | Brown Trout |
| Salish Sucker | Green Sunfish |
| Coho Salmon | Golden Shiner |
| Chinook Salmon | European Carp |
| Longnose Dace | Black Bullhead |
| Speckled Dace | Brown Bullhead |
| Threespine Stickleback | Goldfish |
| Sockeye Salmon | Smallmouth Bass |
| Pink Salmon | |
| Chum Salmon | |
| Dolly Varden | |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Reptiles
| Olympic National Park | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | Gopher Snake |
| Common Garter Snake | Western Terrestrial Garter Snake |
| Rubber Boa | Racer |
| Western Fence Lizard | Ring-Necked Snake |
| Sagebrush Lizard | |
| Common Garter Snake | |
| Common Kingsnake | |
| Rubber Boa | |
| Nightsnake | |
| Southwestern Black-Headed Snake | |
| Western Whiptail | |
| Western Skink | |
| Long-Nosed Snake | |
| Western Fence Lizard |
Amphibians
| Olympic National Park | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog | Bullfrog |
Insects
| Olympic National Park | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks |
|---|---|
| Honey Bee |
Beautiful Landscapes in Olympic National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Olympic National Park is a vast wilderness area in Washington State, known for its diverse landscapes, forests, and coastlines. The park is most famous for its stunning mountain ranges, including the Olympic Mountains, which offer breathtaking views and opportunities for outdoor recreation. In addition, the park is home to a number of beautiful waterfalls and overlooks, including Sol Duc Falls and Hurricane Ridge, which provide awe-inspiring views of the surrounding wilderness.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, located in California, are known for their breathtaking beauty and towering trees. The parks are home to some of the largest trees on earth, including the famous General Sherman Tree, which is the largest living thing on the planet. The parks also feature stunning mountain ranges and deep canyons, including the Kings Canyon, which provides breathtaking views and opportunities for outdoor recreation.
In addition to their natural wonders, both Olympic National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks offer a wealth of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife watching. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful escape or an adventurous outdoor experience, these parks are sure to impress.
Things To-Do and Activities in Olympic National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Olympic National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks offer vastly different experiences for visitors, despite both being popular destinations for nature enthusiasts. Olympic National Park is known for its diverse ecosystems, including temperate rainforests, wild beaches, and snow-capped mountains. Here, visitors can enjoy scenic drives, such as the Hurricane Ridge Road, and take part in activities such as camping, backpacking, and wildlife viewing.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, on the other hand, are home to some of the largest trees on Earth, including the General Sherman Tree. This park is a popular destination for rock climbing, camping, and scenic drives, with the Kings Canyon Scenic Byway and the Generals Highway being two of the most popular. Additionally, visitors can explore the parks’ caves, such as the Crystal Cave, or take part in ranger-led programs, such as campfire programs and guided walks.
Both parks offer a range of activities for visitors, but Olympic National Park is more focused on backpacking, camping, and wildlife viewing, while Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are more centered on rock climbing, scenic drives, and exploring caves. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing scenic drive or an adventure-packed backpacking trip, these parks have something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Olympic National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Olympic National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. The weather conditions at both parks vary greatly from one another, which affects the best time of year to visit each park.
Olympic National Park is located in Washington State on the Olympic Peninsula and is known for its temperate rainforest climate. The park experiences a lot of rainfall, especially in the winter months, and temperatures are relatively mild year-round. The best time to visit Olympic National Park is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and dry.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, on the other hand, are located in California and are known for their hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters. The best time to visit these parks is in the spring or fall, when temperatures are mild and there is less chance of snow or extreme heat. In the summer, temperatures can reach over 100°F, making it difficult to enjoy outdoor activities. In the winter, heavy snowfall can make roads impassable, limiting access to some areas of the park.
Both Olympic National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks offer unique and beautiful landscapes, but the best time to visit each park depends on the desired weather conditions. Visitors should plan their trips accordingly in order to fully enjoy their experience in each park.
Family Friendliness of Olympic National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Olympic National Park and Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks are two popular destinations for families. Both parks offer a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. However, the two parks differ in their level of family-friendliness.
Olympic National Park is a great choice for families with young children. The park offers several easy hikes, including the Rainforest Nature Loop and the Spruce Nature Trail, that are suitable for families with children of all ages. Additionally, the park has several campgrounds that offer amenities such as picnic areas, fire pits, and bathroom facilities. Olympic National Park also has several ranger-led activities, such as campfire programs and wildlife walks, that are designed to educate and entertain families.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, on the other hand, offer a more challenging outdoor experience. The parks are home to several towering sequoia trees, including the General Sherman Tree, which is the largest tree in the world. However, hiking to see these trees can be difficult for families with young children, as the trails are steep and rocky. Additionally, the parks do not offer as many ranger-led activities as Olympic National Park.
In conclusion, Olympic National Park is a better choice for families with small children, as it offers easier hikes and a wider range of family-friendly activities. However, families with older children and teenagers may enjoy the challenge of visiting Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks to see the towering sequoia trees.