Grand Teton in September

12 Best National Parks to Visit in September 2024 (USA)

Julie National Park, United States 1 Comment

September is one of the best months of the year to visit the national parks. The weather is fantastic across much of the USA, the busy summer season is coming to an end, and, in some parks, you can see the first of the fall colors. In this guide, we list 12 of the best national parks to visit in …

Yellowstone National Park

15 Best National Parks to Visit in August 2024 (USA)

Julie National Park, United States Leave a Comment

Planning a trip to the US national parks in August and don’t know which ones to visit? August is a busy time to visit the national parks, but crowd levels aren’t quite at their peak (that typically happens in July for many parks). In this guide, we list some popular summertime parks to visit plus a few quieter parks where …

Best US National Parks July

15 Best National Parks to Visit in July 2024 (USA)

Julie National Park, United States Leave a Comment

Which are the best national parks to visit in July? In this guide, we list 15 great parks to visit in the USA. Go hiking in Mount Rainier and Glacier National Parks, go whale watching in the Channel Islands, and venture into Alaska for some amazing adventures. About this National Park Series This article is part of a series about …

Capitol Reef Photo

Best National Parks in the USA: 15 Amazing Parks for Your Bucket List

Julie National Park, United States 2 Comments

Stretching from the South Pacific, across the United States and into the Caribbean, are 63 national parks. These national treasures are filled with scenic drives, hundreds of miles of hiking trails, wildlife, historic sites, and endless opportunities for adventure. In this guide, we cover 15 of the best national parks in the USA and what makes them so great. About …

Mount Rainier Photo

The Perfect Mount Rainier National Park Itinerary

Julie United States 19 Comments

How do you plan the perfect Mount Rainier National Park itinerary? The answer to this question depends on how much time you have to spend in the park and how much you like to go hiking. At a minimum, you need two days in the park, in order to visit the highlights and hike a few trails. With a third …

Mount Rainier Travel Guide Itinerary

Washington National Parks: Travel Guide & Itinerary

Julie United States 5 Comments

There are three Washington national parks: Olympic, Mount Rainier, and the North Cascades. In Olympic National Park, explore the temperate rainforest, hike high into the mountains, and stroll along the rocky, misty coastline. Mount Rainier is an outdoor paradise, with its old growth forests, carpets of wildflowers in the summer months, and network of hiking trails. To the north, explore …

Washington Itinerary Photo

Washington Road Trip Itinerary: 7 to 14 Days in the National Parks

Julie Itinerary, United States 78 Comments

This Washington itinerary is geared to visiting the three national parks in Washington state: Olympic, Mount Rainier, and North Cascades. But you also have enough time to visit Leavenworth, a Bavarian-themed town, go wine tasting at Lake Chelan, visit Mount Baker, and go on a day hike in the Enchantments. Note: There are currently road closures in North Cascades National …

Best Mount Rainier Hikes

15 Epic Hikes in Mount Rainier National Park

Julie United States 12 Comments

One of the best ways to experience Mount Rainier National Park is from a hiking trail, of which there are many. Some of the best hikes in Mount Rainier National Park are short and sweet, offering jaw-dropping views with very little effort. But for those who crave more adventure or want to journey deep into the park, there are plenty …

Mount Rainier

14 Amazing Things to Do in Mount Rainier National Park

Julie United States 12 Comments

Mount Rainier is a glacier-capped, active volcano that can be seen from hundreds of miles away. In the summer months, the lower slopes are carpeted with wildflowers. With its old growth forests and network of hiking trails, this is an outdoor paradise for many travelers. In this post, we cover the best things to do in Mount Rainier National Park. …

How to Hike Silver Falls

How to Hike the Silver Falls Loop Trail, Mount Rainier National Park

Julie United States 2 Comments

The Silver Falls Loop Trail is a wonderful short hike in Mount Rainier National Park. What it lacks in views of Mount Rainier it makes up for in its easy walkability and breathtaking views of Silver Falls. This short, easy trail is perfect for all ages and ability levels. Less than 4 miles in length, with just a small amount …

Hike Mount Rainier National Park

Hiking the Mount Fremont Lookout Trail | Mount Rainier National Park

Julie United States 2 Comments

The Mount Fremont Fire Lookout hike was our introduction to Mount Rainier National Park and what a great first impression!! Without spending much effort, you get awesome views of Mount Rainier for most of the hike, not to mention stunning views over the Sunrise side of the park. If you are looking for a hike that’s not too long, not …

National Parks Hikes

20 Fun, Short Hikes in the National Parks

Julie United States 6 Comments

One of the best ways to experience the national parks is from a hiking trail. Hike to amazing viewpoints, deep into the forests, through scenic canyons, and to hidden lakes and waterfalls. Along the way, you have a better chance of spotting wildlife and potentially leaving the crowds behind. Here are 20 fun, short hikes in the national parks. Every …

Summerland Hike to Panhandle Gap Photo

Summerland Trail to Panhandle Gap Hike | Mount Rainier National Park

Julie United States 2 Comments

In Mount Rainier National Park, hiking the Summerland Trail to Panhandle Gap is on the longer and more difficult side, but it has a little bit of everything…old growth forests, fields of wildflowers, views of Mount Rainier, the chance to spot wildlife, high alpine views, and panoramic views out to Mount Adams. I wouldn’t classify the Summerland Trail as off-the-beaten-path …

Best National Park Hikes

20 Epic Day Hikes in the National Parks (USA)

Julie United States 16 Comments

With 63 national parks and thousands of miles of hiking trails, your options are endless for exploring the American national parks. We narrowed down the list for you to 20 of the best day hikes in the national parks, 20 amazing ways to explore this beautiful country. Hike to the tallest peaks, through massive canyons, and to gorgeous alpine lakes. …

Skyline Trail Loop Hike

Skyline Trail Loop & Panorama Point, Mount Rainier National Park

Julie United States 13 Comments

For jaw-dropping views of Mount Rainier National Park, it’s hard to beat the Skyline Trail Loop. The entire hike is a beauty. Starting in Paradise, you will hike past lovely Myrtle Falls, through pine forests, and then ascend the slopes to the base of Mount Rainier. From Panorama Point, enjoy spectacular views over the park, and on a clear day …

Tolmie Peak View

Tolmie Peak Lookout Hike | Mount Rainier National Park

Julie United States 8 Comments

This fun hike takes you through dense forests and past several alpine lakes before delivering you to the Tolmie Peak Lookout, for a spectacular view of Mt. Rainier. This hike is located in the northwest corner of Mount Rainier National Park, and due to its more remote location, gets less visitors than many other places in the park. You’ll love …