The U.S is home to some of the most breathtaking national parks in the world. Two of the most popular parks are Olympic National Park and Shenandoah National Park. These two parks differ in geography, wildlife, and activities, making them both unique in their own way. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at these two stunning parks and compare them side by side.
Olympic National Park, located in Washington state, boasts a diverse range of landscapes including rugged coastline, temperate rainforests, and snow-capped peaks. This park is a true wonder of nature and offers incredible opportunities for adventure and exploration. On the other hand, Shenandoah National Park in Virginia is famous for its rolling hills, breathtaking skyline drives and scenic hiking trails.
Whether you’re an avid hiker, a nature lover, or just looking for a peaceful escape from the city, these two national parks have something to offer for everyone. So, buckle up and get ready to discover the magic of Olympic National Park and Shenandoah National Park!
Hiking Trails in Olympic National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Olympic National Park and Shenandoah National Park are two popular national parks in the United States, both offering a range of hiking trails for visitors to enjoy.
Olympic National Park boasts over 900 miles of trails, including the popular Hurricane Ridge, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Another popular trail is the Hoh Rain Forest Trail, which takes visitors through a lush, temperate rainforest. For those looking for a challenge, the Seven Lakes Basin hike is a strenuous, 12-mile hike that takes you past seven stunning mountain lakes.
Shenandoah National Park, on the other hand, has over 500 miles of trails, including the popular Appalachian Trail, which runs along the spine of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The park also offers the Old Rag Mountain hike, a strenuous, 8-mile hike to the summit of Old Rag Mountain, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. For those looking for a more leisurely hike, the Rose River Falls hike is a 3-mile hike to a beautiful waterfall.
Both parks offer a range of hiking trails, from easy walks to strenuous hikes, providing something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, Olympic National Park and Shenandoah National Park are both great options for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
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 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 Olympic National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Olympic National Park, located in Washington state, is known for its diverse ecosystems, from the Pacific coastline to the temperate rainforest and the alpine tundra. Wildlife in Olympic National Park includes black bears, elk, mountain goats, and sea otters. Bird enthusiasts will be able to spot bald eagles, marbled murrelets, and spotted owls. On the plant front, visitors can see Pacific Yew, Douglas Fir, and Western Red Cedar.
Shenandoah National Park in Virginia is home to a variety of mammals, including black bears, deer, foxes, and raccoons. Birdwatchers may see a wide range of species, including pileated woodpeckers, turkeys, and warblers. Some of the plants commonly seen in the park include tulip poplars, oak trees, and mountain laurel. The park is also home to a number of wildflowers, including the rare Pink Lady’s Slipper.
Below are lists of the most commonly spotted wildlife at Olympic National Park and Shenandoah National Park. However, you can see a full list of wildlife at each national park here.
Birds
| Olympic 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 |
| 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 | American Wigeon |
| American Pipit | Green-Winged Teal |
Mammals
| Olympic National Park | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| 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 | Silver-Haired Bat |
| Red Fox | Hoary Bat |
| Long-Tailed Weasel | Red Fox |
| House Mouse | Long-Tailed Weasel |
| Wolf | House Mouse |
| Long-Legged Myotis | Mountain Lion |
| Long-Eared Myotis | Gray Fox |
| California Myotis | River Otter |
| Snowshoe Rabbit | Masked Shrew |
| North American River Otter | Water Shrew |
| Fringe-Tailed Myotis | Red Squirrel |
| Masked Shrew | White-Tailed Deer |
| Water Shrew | Virginia Opossum |
| Western Big-Eared Bat | Marten |
| Bushy-Tailed Woodrat | Northern Flying Squirrel |
Fish
| Olympic National Park | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Steelhead/Rainbow Trout | Rainbow Trout |
| Brook Trout | Brook Trout |
| Largemouth Bass | Brown Trout |
| Salish Sucker | Largemouth Bass |
| Coho Salmon | Green Sunfish |
| Chinook Salmon | Bluegill |
| Longnose Dace | Common Carp |
| Speckled Dace | Mottled Sculpin |
| Threespine Stickleback | Longnose Dace |
| Sockeye Salmon | Yellow Bullhead |
| Pink Salmon | Creek Chub |
| Chum Salmon | Brown Bullhead |
| Dolly Varden | Smallmouth Bass |
| Cutthroat Trout |
Reptiles
| Olympic National Park | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | Black Racer |
| Common Garter Snake | Ringneck Snake |
| Rubber Boa | Common Garter Snake |
| Western Fence Lizard | Common Kingsnake |
| Milksnake | |
| Eastern Fence Lizard |
Amphibians
| Olympic National Park | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Bullfrog | Northern Leopard Frog |
Insects
| Olympic National Park | Shenandoah National Park |
|---|---|
| Honey Bee | Orange Sulphur |
| Painted Lady | |
| Monarch | |
| American Lady | |
| Red Admiral | |
| Mourning Cloak | |
| Cabbage White | |
| Silvery Blue | |
| Common Checkered Skipper | |
| Clouded Sulphur | |
| Variegated Fritillary | |
| Buckeye | |
| Commom Wood Nymph | |
| Gray Hairstreak |
Beautiful Landscapes in Olympic National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Olympic National Park is located in the state of Washington and is known for its diverse landscapes, including temperate rainforests, rugged coastline, and snow-capped mountains. The Hoh Rainforest is a famous landscape in Olympic National Park, and is one of the largest temperate rainforests in the world. The forest is home to a variety of unique plants and animals, and visitors can explore its trails and admire the towering trees. Another famous landscape in Olympic National Park is Hurricane Ridge, which offers stunning views of the Olympic Mountains and the surrounding valley.
Shenandoah National Park, located in Virginia, is known for its rolling hills and scenic vistas. Skyline Drive is the most famous landscape in the park, and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. The drive is a 105-mile long road that runs the length of the park and provides access to many scenic overlooks and hiking trails. Another famous landscape in Shenandoah National Park is Dark Hollow Falls, a 70-foot waterfall that is a popular destination for visitors. The falls are located in a serene forested area and can be reached via a short, easy hike.
Things To-Do and Activities in Olympic National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Olympic National Park and Shenandoah National Park are both popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. Both parks offer a variety of activities for visitors, depending on their interests and skill levels.
A popular activity in Olympic National Park is backpacking, due to the park’s vast wilderness and diverse landscapes, including temperate rainforest, alpine meadows, and rugged coastline. In addition, visitors can also enjoy camping, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives.
Shenandoah National Park, on the other hand, is well known for its scenic drives, particularly the Skyline Drive, which runs for over 100 miles and offers stunning views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. Visitors can also enjoy camping, picnicking, and fishing in the park’s many streams and rivers.
Both parks offer a range of recreational activities, but Olympic National Park is more focused on backcountry adventures, while Shenandoah National Park is best suited for those interested in scenic drives and more leisurely outdoor activities. Regardless of which park you choose, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience surrounded by natural beauty and wildlife.
Best Time to Visit Olympic National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Olympic National Park and Shenandoah National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States. The seasonal weather patterns at these parks are different, and these differences determine when is the best time of year to visit each park.
Olympic National Park is located in Washington State and has a temperate rainforest climate. The park experiences high precipitation and mild temperatures year-round, with the wettest months being from October to April. The best time to visit is from July to September, when the weather is drier and the trails are less muddy. Visitors can expect to see lush green forests, waterfalls, and wildlife during this time.
Shenandoah National Park, on the other hand, is located in Virginia and has a humid subtropical climate. The park experiences hot and humid summers, with temperatures often exceeding 90°F, and cold winters, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. The best time to visit is from April to June and from September to November, when the weather is mild and the fall foliage is at its peak. Visitors can expect to see rolling hills, scenic overlooks, and wildlife, such as deer and black bears, during these months.
In conclusion, the seasonal weather patterns at Olympic National Park and Shenandoah National Park determine when is the best time of year to visit each park. Visitors should plan their trips accordingly to make the most of their experience and enjoy the natural beauty of these parks.
Family Friendliness of Olympic National Park and Shenandoah National Park
Olympic National Park and Shenandoah National Park are two of the most popular national parks in the United States, both offering breathtaking natural beauty and ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. When it comes to family-friendliness, both parks have their pros and cons.
Olympic National Park is a great choice for families looking for a more immersive, wilderness experience. With over 900,000 acres of protected wilderness, families can hike through old-growth forests, explore pristine beaches, and witness the majesty of the Olympic Mountains. However, the park’s remote location and rugged terrain can make it a challenge for families with young children.
Shenandoah National Park is a more accessible option for families, located just 75 miles from Washington, D.C. With a scenic drive through the Blue Ridge Mountains, families can witness stunning views and stop at scenic overlooks along the way. The park also offers a variety of family-friendly hiking trails, including the popular Hawksbill Mountain, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding valley. Additionally, the park has several campgrounds, picnic areas, and even a pool, making it a more convenient option for families seeking a more traditional outdoor experience.
In conclusion, both Olympic National Park and Shenandoah National Park offer unique and beautiful experiences for families. While Olympic National Park is better for those seeking a more immersive wilderness experience, Shenandoah National Park is a more accessible and convenient option for families seeking a traditional outdoor experience.