5 Best US National Parks to Visit

Travel
Written By Julia Thompson

The United States holds some of the most unique and jaw-dropping parks on the planet. With over 429 National Park sites to visit, it can get overwhelming to choose which ones should be top of mind for your next road trip. In this blog post, we share 5 of our favourite parks, as well as all the best things to do and see to help you seamlessly plan a memorable and fun trip. With endless opportunities for hiking, camping, and enjoying the great outdoors, these parks are ideal destinations for your summer adventures. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer road trip, these five national parks offer a variety of experiences that showcase the diverse landscapes and stunning scenery found across the country. Here’s a look at our favourite national parks to visit between May and October for an unforgettable outdoor experience.

All national parks require permits. Check out the website here for more information.

Our Responsibility

Through our platform, we hope to provide tools and help you create a connection with these wild places that fuels a shared responsibility to protect and cherish them. Together, we have the responsibility of taking care of the outdoors and leaving it better than we found it. Always respect and follow Leave No Trace principles. By committing to LNT, we contribute to the preservation of these landscapes, ensuring they remain pristine for future generations to come.

1. Sawtooth National Recreation Area

Escape the crowds and find your alpine paradise! We think the Sawtooths are one of the most underrated parks in the United States. The mountains were named for their jagged peaks resembling those of an old handsaw. Unlike most parks across the US, you aren’t required to have a permit for backcountry camping in the Sawtooths - but this means you need to be self-sufficient and closely follow LNT Principles. Campsites are found, not made. There are self-registration kiosks at each hike which you fill out and then you’re all set. Many of the hikes and campsites are quiet and located at pristine and remote alpine lakes which is the best reward after a long hike. 

The Sawtooth National Recreation Area (SNRA) spans over 756,000 acres. This vast wilderness offers unlimited outdoor adventures, from hiking and fishing to camping and wildlife watching. Begin your trip in the town of Stanley, which serves as a gateway to the SNRA, and provides amenities such as lodging, dining, and equipment rentals.

Free self-issued permits are required at trailheads. No other permits are required to enter the park.

How to get to Sawtooth Wilderness:

If you’re accessing the Sawtooths via airplane, your closest major airport would be Boise Airport (BOI). From there you’ll take the 3.5 hour trip northeast into the mountains. For international flights, Missoula or Salt Lake City would be the closest airports.

Are you driving into the Sawtooths? Depending on where you’re coming from, you’ll want to enter “Stanley, Idaho” into Google Maps. Stanley, ID.

Best time to Visit:

You can visit the Sawtooths during spring, summer, and fall (June - September). If you plan on hiking at higher elevations then your best bet would be to visit in mid to late July as there can still be significant snow in June. July and August will be the best for hiking, and enjoying the alpine lakes, and beaches. August is prone to wildfires so be sure to check Travel & Outdoor Resources blog post and check the current fire conditions. 

If you’re looking to soak up the hot springs, then spring and fall would be a better time to visit. 

Interesting facts:

There are 57 peaks that have an elevation of over 10,000 feet in the Sawtooth Range. The Sawtooth Range and Wilderness are home to nearly 400 lakes created by receding alpine glaciers.

The Sawtooth National Recreation Area (SNRA) in Idaho is part of the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, which is a Gold Tier International Dark Sky Reserve. This designation is the highest level given by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) and indicates that the area has exceptionally dark skies with minimal light pollution, making it an ideal location for stargazing.

The Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, which includes parts of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, is the first of its kind in the United States and covers over 1,400 square miles of land. The reserve's Gold Tier status means that visitors can experience some of the darkest skies in the country, with clear views of the Milky Way, constellations, and other celestial phenomena.

Where to eat: 

Where to stay:

Camping:

Things to do in Sawtooth Wilderness:

Hiking

  • Goat Lake Trail
    Distance: 8.1 miles round trip
    Elevation: 1768 feet
    Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

White Water Rafting

The best time for white water rafting is in May and June due to higher water levels from spring snow melt. Sawtooth Adventure Company and White Cloud Rafting Adventures have a variety of tours you can choose from, ranging from scenic paddling trips to runs down Class IV rapids and 6 day adventures. 

Kayaking / Paddleboarding

There are kayak, canoe, and standup paddleboard rentals at the Redfish Lake Lodge making it the easiest and most popular spot for water sports. Other great options for kayaking are at Pettit and Alturas lakes. There aren't any rental options at these lakes but you can rent a kayak offsite at Riverwear or the Sawtooth Adventure Company.

Beach Day

Redfish, Pettit and Alturas lakes are easily accessible spots and are great places to swim and lay back on the beach.

Fly Fishing

Go on a guided fly fishing trip with Sawtooth Adventure Company. They have lessons for beginners and full-day trips for the more serious enthusiasts. The best time for fishing is from the middle of July to the middle of September.

Hot Springs

  • Sunbeam Hot Springs: Find a little rock pool along the river, and sit back and enjoy the hot water mixed with the cooler river temperatures. (20 minutes from Stanley, Idaho)  

  • Boat Box Hot Spring: Soak in a cauldron next to the river in this truly unique hot spring experience. (10 minutes from Stanley, Idaho)

  • Kirkham Hot Springs: Is this heaven? This hot spring's key feature is its hot flowing waterfall cascading over a cliffside into a thermal pool you can relax in. (1 hour from Stanley, Idaho)

  • Goldbug Hot Springs: This one's a bit further away from Stanley but we’re sure you won’t regret the drive. Sit back in the Goldbug pools and waterfalls and enjoy the stunning mountain views. (2 hours from Stanley, Idaho)

Stargazing

The Sawtooths are part of a 1,416-square mile Dark Sky Reserve and is the only Gold Tier dark sky reserve in the entire United States! On clear nights you’ll be able to see millions of stars, the Milky Way and even planets with your naked eyes.

2. Olympic National Park

If you’re a fan of the Twilight series then this is the place for you! Olympic National Park was established in 1938 in part to preserve some of Washington's quickly disappearing forests. Now the park protects one of the largest remaining old growth forests and temperate rain forest in the US.  The park is nestled in the Pacific Northwest and is a mosaic of diverse ecosystems, from rugged coastlines and dense rainforests to majestic alpine peaks. What we love most about this park is that you can visit in any weather and still have an incredible time. Dare we say that it might be even better in the rain?! 

Olympic National Park has something for everyone, with stunning beaches, backpacking trails, short hikes and more.

Permits Required: you either need America the Beautiful Pass, A Standard Pass for Olympic National Park (1-7 Days), Or an Annual Pass for Olympic National Park (365 days). See more details HERE.

How to get to Olympic National Park:

Olympic National Park covers a large landmass and there are lots of things to do throughout the park so keep this in mind when planning a trip.  

If you’re accessing the Olympic National Park via airplane then your closest major airport would be Seattle (SEA). From there you’ll need to rent a car and drive 2-4 hours depending on how far into the park you plan on going. 

Driving into the Olympics? Depending on what direction you're coming from and what activities you plan on doing you’ll want to enter one of the 3 following towns into Google maps. (Maps linked below)

Best time to visit:

April through to October is a great time to visit the Olympic Peninsula. Although if you plan on hiking at higher elevations then you're better off visiting in July - October as there can still be significant snow into late June depending on the year. 

Interesting facts:

Olympic National Park is home to some of the oldest trees on Earth, including some that are over 1,000 years old. 

The park has three distinct ecosystems within its boundaries; temperate rainforest, rugged coastline, and glaciated mountains. All these landscapes make it one of the most ecologically diverse national parks in the United States, with thousands of plant and animal species.

Although not actually filmed there; the town of Forks was the inspiration for the The Twilight Saga. 

Where to stay:

Camping:

Where to eat:

Breakfast / Coffee: A Shot In the Dark
Lunch: FYABES Mexican Cuisine

Things to do in Olympic National Park:

Hiking

  • Mount Storm King Trail

    Length: 4 miles round trip
    Elevation: 2106 feet
    Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

  • Mount Ellinor

    Length: 6 miles return
    Elevation: 3412 feet
    Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

  • Lena Lakes

    Length: 12.4 miles return
    Elevation: 4609 feet
    Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

  • Royal Basin

    Length: 15.9 miles
    Elevation: 3800 feet
    Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

  • Hall of Mosses

    Length: 1.1 miles return
    Elevation: 80 feet
    Difficulty: Easy

Beach Day

  • Ruby Beach: stroll the beach and find endless tide pools full of life, check out the sea stacks, make beach forts out of driftwood or sit back, relax and watch the waves.

  • Kalaloch Beach: the main feature of Kalaloch is the “tree of life” which rests precariously on a cliff beside the beach. It gets its name from the exposed roots that hang across the cave below the tree.

  • Rialto Beach: 3.4 miles return hike. Stroll the beach and explore the beautiful sea stacks and tide pools along the beach. Be sure to know the tides so that you can time your visit to the Hole-in-the-Wall at low tide.The hole-in-the-wall is a massive arch that goes through a sea cliff along the beach and is only accessible at low tide. Rialto is a great place to camp overnight but make sure your site is above the high tide line.

  • Second Beach: 2.1 miles return hike. Often a lot quieter than other beaches in the area, Second Beach is also a great place to camp overnight but make sure your site is above the high tide line. Of course there are also lots of sea stacks and more tide pools to explore as well.

Kayak / Paddleboard 

Get out on the water at Lake Crescent and Lake Quinault. There are kayak, canoe and paddleboard rentals available at both lakes via Lake Crescent Lodge and Lake Quinault Lodge. 

Visit Waterfalls

  • Sol Duc Falls Trail: just a short 1.6 mile return walk through old growth forest to see this stunning waterfall. Look for the bridge that goes across the canyon to get the best views of the waterfall.

  • Marymere Falls: a short 1.8 miles return hike through old growth forest.  Be sure to check out Lake Crescent after your hike and jump off the dock near the Storm King Ranger Station.

Watch Sunset / Sunrise 

Hurricane Ridge is a great drive up spot up in the mountains overlooking Olympic National Park. There's a visitor center there as well as hiking trails varying from 0.5 to 8 mile return.

Any of the beaches outlined above would also be fantastic options for enjoying sunsets. 

3. Glacier National Park

This park has to be one of our favorites to road trip through in the USA! We have visited a couple of times now, and no matter what we do we can’t get enough. Depending on the activities you want to do, you could spend a week here and just barely scratch the surface. We visited the park in June, which is an amazing time to see wildflowers in the valley, and baby wildlife such as moose, grizzly bears and mountain goats. Read the post HERE about animal safety in the parks.

Glacier National Park is renowned for its stunning alpine scenery, rugged mountains, pristine lakes, and diverse wildlife. As the name suggests the park is famous for its glaciers, although sadly, they are rapidly receding due to climate change. There were around 150 glaciers in the park in the late 19th century, but today, only about 25 remain large enough to still be considered active glaciers. The park covers over a million acres and encompasses parts of two mountain ranges, over 130 named lakes, more than 1,000 different species of plants, and hundreds of species of animals. It's also home to over 700 miles of hiking trails, offering opportunities for both casual strolls and challenging backcountry adventures. It's also a designated International Biosphere Reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its outstanding natural beauty and ecological significance.

Permits Required: you either need America the Beautiful Pass, A Standard Pass for Glacier National Park (1-7 Days), Or an Annual Pass for Glacier National Park (365 days). See more details HERE.

Vehicle registration is required from May through September when driving on the Going to the Sun Road.  Book Here.

How to get to Glacier National Park:

If you’re accessing Glacier via airplane then your closest major airport would be Glacier Park International Airport (FCA). From there you’ll take the 1 hour trip northeast into West Glacier.

Driving into Glacier? Depending on what direction you're coming from you’ll want to enter one of the following towns to get into the park (google map links below):

Best time to visit:

In general June through September is the best time to visit Glacier. Depending on what activities you're wanting to do will also help further determine which month is best for you. The going to sun run normally doesn't fully open up until early July which is perfect because most hikes are accessible by then and wildflowers start to take over the park. Wildflowers are best during July and August. 

Interesting facts:

In 1850 Glacier National Park had approximately 150 Glaciers and is now down to just 25. This number is expected to rapidly decline with the ongoing impacts of climate change.

The Rocky Mountain Goat, often considered the symbol of Glacier, is like the park's unofficial mascot. Known for their remarkable agility, these majestic animals are frequently seen climbing steep cliffs. Be sure to keep your eye out on the surrounding cliffs to spot these majestic creatures!

The Continental Divide runs right through the park which has created a unique and rare feature known as a triple divide, where waters potentially can flow into three drainages. 
An outdoor lover’s paradise, Glacier offers a staggering 762 lakes, 175 mountains and 750 miles of hiking trails.

Where to eat:

Where to stay:

Camping:

Things to do in Glacier National Park:

Hiking 

  • Highline Trail
    Distance: Approximately 15 miles round-trip
    Elevation: 2621 feet
    Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

  • Grinnell Glacier Trail
    Distance: Approximately 7.6 miles round-trip
    Elevation: 2047 feet
    Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

  • Hidden Lake Overlook
    Distance: Approximately 2.8 miles round-trip
    Elevation: 551 feet
    Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

  • Iceberg Lake
    Distance: Approximately 9.7 miles round-trip
    Elevation: 1460 feet
    Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult 

  • Cracker Lake
    Distance: 12.5 mile return
    Elevation: 1712 feet
    Difficulty: Moderate

Lake Days 

There are so many lakes to choose from but the following are easily accessible with little to no hiking involved. Kayak, paddleboard and canoe rentals as well as boat tours are available for booking with Glacier Park Boat Company.

  • Lake Mcdonald: probably the most well known lake in Glacier with its crystal clear water and bright coloured rock pebbles that line the shores. Kayak, paddleboard and canoe rentals as well as boat tours are available. 

  • Two Medicine Lake: a gorgeous lake with views of Sinopah Mountain especially when the lake is calm and there’s a clear reflection. Kayak, paddleboard and canoe rentals as well as boat tours are available. 

  • Swiftcurrent Lake: our favorite sunrise spot in all of Glacier National Park. A calm morning at Swiftcurrent Lake with reflections of Swiftcurrent Mountain is incredible.  Kayak, paddleboard and canoe rentals as well as boat tours are available. Grab breakfast and a coffee at the historic Many Glacier Hotel which was built in 1914 and sits at the edge of Swiftcurrent Lake.   

  • Lake Josephine: a short walk to Morning Eagle Viewpoint at the shores of lake Josephine is a great place to watch sunrise before hiking up to Grinnell Glacier. Boat tours are available with Glacier Park Boat Company.

Going to the Sun Road

One of the most iconic scenic drives in the US, this 51 mile winding road passes alongside glacial lakes, alpine forests, and huge sheer cliffs. This impressive feat of engineering was constructed between 1919 and 1933 using 490,000 pounds of explosives. Vehicles longer than 21ft and wider than 8ft wide are prohibited between Avalanche Creek and Rising Sun as the turns are too tight to pass. 

Vehicle registration is required during May through September.  Book Here

There’s tons of trails to choose from that are along the way but our favorites are Hidden Lake Lookout and Highland Trail.

  • Wild Goose Island Lookout: The view of Saint Mary Lake from Wild Goose Island Overlook is one of the most recognizable and awe inspiring scenes in all of Glacier.

  • Paradise meadow overlook: One of the best spots for seeing wildflowers throughout the summer months and the views over Glacier National Park are incredible. 

  • Feeling like sitting back and getting a tour across the Going to Sun Road than book an interpretive tour Red Bus Tours. What better way to see and learn more about Glacier National Park than in the famous Red Buses that are from the 1930’s and are part of the oldest operating touring fleet in the world.

Boat Tour

Take a narrated scenic boat tour aboard a historic vessel built in 1930. Take in the incredible views and learn more about Glacier National Park. Glacier Park Boat Company offers boat tours at Lake McDonald, St. Mary, Two Medicine and Many Glacier.   

All boat tours can be booked here.

Fly Over Glacier

Book a plane tour over Glacier with Red Eagle Aviation which is the only company in the world that has a permit to fly into Glacier National Park. Book Here.

Fishing Trips

Everything from lessons to half day, full day and multi day fishing trips are available with Glacier Anglers & Outfitters.
Book HERE.

Kayak & White Water Rafting

White water rafting is best in May and early June for those looking for a more exhilarating experience.  The rivers will even out and be less hectic moving into July and August and are more suitable for family or if you’re looking for a more relaxed adventure.  Book your white water rafting adventure HERE.

Kayak, paddleboard and canoe rentals can be booked at Lake McDonald, Many Glacier and Two Medicine. Book HERE. 

Wildlife Spotting

The best time to see wildlife is in the warmer months of spring and summer. Glacier has 71 species of mammals and 276 species of birds so don’t forget to bring those binoculars! There are also over 1990 species of plants documented in the park. It’s possible to see all sorts of animals all over the park but to get you started check out the following spots for wildlife viewing. (please respect the animals space and make sure you know how to act safely in their environment)

  • Highland Trail: In early spring you can see grizzly bears scoring the avalanche slopes on Mount Cannon and the Glacier Wall on Going-to-the-Sun Road.

  • Logan Pass: Mountain goats and bighorn sheep often wander around the parking lot at Logan Pass and can be seen on the Hidden Lake Overlook trail. You can also see grizzlies if you look up on the surrounding glaciers around Logan Pass and Hidden Lake Overlook.

  • Mounts Henkel and Altyn: In late summer you can spot grizzly and black bears feeding on huckleberries. Try Iceberg-Ptarmigan Trail for closer views of Mount Henkel. Altyn Peak is right beside Swiftcurrent Lake and can be seen from the road and campsites nearby. You can also often see bears grazing on the way to Apikuni Falls.

  • Swiftcurrent Valley: Take an easy stroll on the Swiftcurrent Pass Trail and stop at Fishercap Lake, Redrock and Bullhead Lakes for the best chances to see Moose. We personally saw 5 moose in one morning walk. 

  • North Fork Road: The elusive gray wolves can be spotted on this dirt road at dawn or dusk.

  • Goat Lick Overlook: You can spot mountain goats in early summer licking the natural minerals on the mountain side.

4. Grand Teton National Park

Get ready to feel like you're in a western movie! Located in northwestern Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park is a pristine natural haven that draws millions of visitors each year. At the heart of the park lies the Teton Range, one of the most iconic mountain ranges in North America. The Grand Teton, the highest peak, stands at an impressive 13,775 feet. These dramatic peaks, with their sharp, rugged profiles, are a magnet for climbers and photographers from around the world.

What we love most about this park is how immersed in nature you are, even though you aren’t far from the town of Jackson. There is something special about this mountain range, and it’s hard to explain until you have seen it for yourself! Make sure you get up for sunrise to watch the red and golden light hit the peaks. You can witness sunrise on the mountain range almost anywhere in the park from the start of the Grand Teton scenic drive, to the Jackson Lake overlook. Don’t miss out on coffee and treats at Cowboy Coffee after your adventure!

Permits Required: you either need America the Beautiful Pass, A Standard Pass for Teton National Park (1-7 Days), Or an Annual Pass for Teton National Park (365 days). See more details HERE.

How to get to Grand Teton National Park:

If you’re accessing the Tetons via airplane then your closest airport is Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) which is right beside the park and only 30 minutes from the town of Jackson Hole. The closest international airport is Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) or Bozeman International Airport (BZN) are both 4.5-5 hours from the Tetons.

Driving into the Tetons? Depending on what direction you're coming from you’ll want to enter one of the following towns to get into the park. (google map links below):

Best time to visit:

Mid-may to October most hikes and activities will be accessible. For higher elevation hikes July through to September would be best. October can be extremely beautiful with fall colors but early winter weather can occur.

Interesting facts:

Geologically, the Tetons are one of the youngest mountain ranges in North America, forming between 6 and 9 million years ago. Despite their youth, the range features some of the continent's most rugged and prominent peaks.

The Tetons rise abruptly from the valley floor with no significant foothills, creating a dramatic skyline. This makes them unique compared to most other mountain ranges in North America.

The Tetons were created by a series of seismic disasters. During each major quake, Jackson Hole dropped downward and the Teton Range rose upward.

The Tetons are sacred to several Native American tribes, including the Shoshone, Bannock, Blackfoot, Crow, and Gros Ventre. The mountains have been a significant part of their cultural and spiritual traditions for centuries.

Where to eat:

Where to stay:

Camping:

Things to do in Grand Teton National Park:

Hiking

  • Cascade Canyon Trail
    Distance: 9.1 miles round trip (to the Forks)
    Elevation: 1100 feet
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • Lake Solitude Trail
    Distance: 15.3 miles round trip
    Elevation: 2670 feet
    Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

Lake Day

  • Jenny Lake: this lake is an easy drive up spot great for taking in the views and going for a swim. You can walk around the whole lake if you follow the Jenny Lake Trail which is a 8 mile loop. If you’re feeling like relaxing at the lake then this would be a great spot to take the paddleboard out and enjoy the water. 

  • Phelps Lake: to get to the lake you’ll follow the Phelps Lake & Woodland Loop Trail (7 mile loop). Swim at the lake and if you’re feeling adventurous you can jump off a 30ft rock into the lake. When you get to Phelps lake you can either go right or left around the lake but the trail to the right side is faster if you’re just wanting to go to the jumping rock. Keep in mind the water can be very cold and there are risks involved when suddenly submerging into cold waters. 

  • Taggart Lake: a great spot to watch sunrise or sunset and go swimming on those hot summer days. It’s just a 3.8 mile return hike to enjoy this beautiful lake.

Explore The Town Of Jackson Hole

  • We think this is one of the coolest towns in the US. Wooden boardwalks, cowboy hats, antlers and more will make you feel like you’re walking in a western movie. Explore the shops and fill your bellies with all the delicious cafes and restaurants. 

Drive Up Overlooks

  • Schwabacher Landing: a calm river with one of the best views of the Tetons in the back. You might even get lucky enough and see a moose grazing nearby or in the river.

  • Mormon Row: a historic district established in 1912. The main feature still remaining today and a photographer's dream is the barn which was built somewhere between 1912 and 1945.

  • T.A. Moulton Barn: another historic barn which is part of Mormon Row

  • Glacier View Turnout: vast overlook of the Teton valley and the Teton range

  • Snake River Overlook: vast overlook of the Teton valley with the Snake River winding its way through the valley.

  • J.P. Cunningham Cabin: a historic building built in 1888 with the Tetons in the back

  • Oxbow Bend: a stunning view of a often calm river lined with tall aspens and Mount Moran towering above will often reflect in the river. This spot is especially beautiful in fall when the aspens turn golden yellow.

  • Elk Ranch Flats Turnout: be on the lookout for elk, bison and horses with views of the whole Teton range in the distance.

  • National Elk Refuge Observation Viewing Area: lots of elk congregate in this refuge during December to April. Rare to see them here in the summer months as they migrate into higher elevations as the snow melts.

Wildlife Spotting

The best time to see wildlife is in the warmer months of spring and summer. There are 61 species of mammals and 263 species of birds so don’t forget to bring those binoculars! Please respect the animals space and make sure you know how to act safely in their environment. Double check how to act around wildlife HERE. Most of the summer months are great for wildlife viewing however the animals are the most active during May in the morning and late evenings. For the best chance at spotting wildlife book a tour with a professional guide HERE or HERE.

Book Turpin Meadow Ranch for more of an experience and combine your stay with tours they include such as fishing, wildlife viewing and UTV trips. Book HERE. 

Fishing 

Enjoy a day on the river with views of the Tetons! Everything from lessons to half and full day tours like this fishing tour here. 

Book Turpin Meadow Ranch for more of an experience and combine your stay with tours they include such as fishing, wildlife viewing and UTV trips. Book HERE.

Horseback Riding

Feeling like being a cowgirl or cowboy for the day then saddle up for an incredible day of horseback riding!

Book Turpin Meadow Ranch for more of an experience and combine your stay with tours they include such as fishing, wildlife viewing and UTV trips.  Book HERE.

White Water Rafting 

Looking for a wild adventure? Book a white water rafting trip in spring and early summer when the rivers are the roughest. As the summer continues the water smooths out. Find options for white water rafting here.

Jackson Gondola 

Get up high and look over Jackson Hole and the valley down below the Tetons. Don’t forget to try the world famous waffles at Corbet's Cabin! Book your tickets here.

Boat Tour & Kayak Rentals

Float down the scenic Snake River and enjoy views of the Grand Tetons and the wildlife. Book HERE.
Want to explore on your own? There are kayaks, canoes and boat rentals available at Colter Bay Boat Rentals on Jackson Lake. Book HERE.

Rent a paddleboard for the day so you can explore many different lakes! Find a 12 hour rental HERE.

5. Mount Rainier National Park

This iconic park, home to the towering Mount Rainier, offers breathtaking landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and a myriad of activities for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and adventure seekers alike. Whether you're planning a day trip or a multi-day excursion, Mount Rainier National Park promises an unforgettable experience. Enter an ethereal mountain paradise and visit in early August when the wildflowers are in full bloom. Autumn is also a pretty special time of year, when the wild blueberry, huckleberry, and vine maple turn a beautiful gold and red hue in mid-October. 

Permits Required: you either need America the Beautiful Pass, A Standard Pass for Mount Rainier National Park (1-7 Days), Or an Annual Pass for Mount Rainier National Park (365 days). Reservations are now required to enter the park between 7am-3pm. See more details HERE.

How to get to Mount Rainier National Park:

If you’re accessing Rainier via airplane then your closest major airport is Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA) which is a 2-2.5 hour drive South East to Rainier, depending on which part of the park you’re visiting. Portland International Airport (PDX) is approximately 3.5 hours from the park.

Driving to Mount Rainier? Depending on what direction you're coming from and what part of the park you’d like to see you’ll want to enter one of the following locations to get into the park (google map links below):

Sunrise - 2 hours from SEA
Paradise - 2.5 hours from SEA
Mowich Lake - 2 hours from SEA

Best time to visit:

There can still be too much snow throughout most of June for you to truly experience the best of Mount Rainier so best stick to July through October when visiting. Wildflowers start in late July and peak around the 1st or 2nd week in August depending on the year and which part of the park you’re in. Check out Outdoor Resources blog to determine when the flowers are peaking. 

Late September and early October will have less crowds and fall colors.

Interesting facts:

Mount Rainier is one of the world’s deadliest volcanoes. Rainier is referred to as a stratovolcano, this means that it is a volcano composed of alternating layers of lava and ash.

The mountain is known as "Tahoma" or "Tacoma" by local Native American tribes, such as the Puyallup and the Muckleshoot. These names are believed to mean "mother of waters" or "snowy peak." The mountain holds spiritual significance and is featured in many tribal stories and traditions.

Mount Rainier has the most glaciers of any peak in the contiguous United States, with around 25 major glaciers. The largest, Emmons Glacier, covers 4.3 square miles and is the largest glacier by area in the lower 48 states.

Established in 1899, Mount Rainier National Park is one of the oldest national parks in the U.S. It covers 369 square miles and is a designated wilderness area, preserving the natural beauty and ecosystems of the mountain and its surroundings.

Where to eat:

Coffee & light snacks - Tatoosh Cafe
Light snacks - Sunrise Day Lodge

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner - Paradise Inn
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner - National Park Inn

Where to stay: 

Camping:

Things to do in Mount Rainier National Park:

Hiking

  • Skyline Trail
    Distance: 5.5 miles (loop)
    Elevation: 1170 feet
    Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult 

  • Spray Park Trail
    Distance: 7.8 miles (round trip)
    Elevation: 2200 feet
    Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult 

Waterfalls 

  • Spray Falls: A beautiful and easy trail that’s 4.6 miles out and back. The waterfall drops 354 feet over a lava cliff. 

  • Myrtle Falls: In our opinion this is the prettiest waterfall in the park. There’s a bridge over the canyon that provides the best vantage point of the falls with Mount Rainier in the background. The walk to the falls is only 0.4 miles. 

  • Christine Falls: Drive just past the Comet Falls parking area and you'll reach the Christine Falls pullouts right next to the bridge. There’s a short path to the overlook below the stone bridge.

Wildflowers 

  • There are wildflowers all over the park in late July to Mid August. Paradise and Sunrise are great options and easily accessible for all. Our favorite trial is Skyline Tail that starts in Paradise. 

Explore Lakes

  • Reflection Lake: as the name suggests you can often see the lake completely calm with a reflection of Mount Rainier. Park along Stevens Canyon Road which runs right beside the lake. 

  • Tipsoo Lake: an easy half mile loop around the lake with views of Mount Rainier. Best seen with wildflowers in mid to late July.  

  • Bench & Snow Lake: Hike to crystal clear blue lakes and go for a cold dip during the summer months (yes, the water will be very cold, so swim at your own risk). Follow the Snow Lake Trail and visit both lakes. If you choose to see both lakes it’ll be 2.2 miles out and back hike.

Hopefully these tips have helped inspire you to plan your next trip! Thanks for reading, and feel free to ask a question in the comments, or send over an email using the contact box. Happy travels!

Featured
5 Best Hiking Trails in Vancouver
5 Best Hiking Trails in Vancouver
Backpacking Gear Guide
Backpacking Gear Guide
5 Backcountry Campsites in BC Canada
5 Backcountry Campsites in BC Canada
Julia Thompson
Next

How To Research and Prepare for Trips