This summer will be the best time to take a trip into nature and take a break from your normal activities and everyday life! While living in Oregon, we are lucky to live amid and near natural beauty like being surrounded by mountains, forests, rivers, and even the coast, but this summer, adventure beyond Oregon and experience America’s insanely diverse landscapes. From the white capped peaks in Montana To the red rock canyons in Utah, going to a national park this summer will be perfect for seeing wildlife, amazing hikes, views, and just being in the fresh air. These three parks are the perfect places to visit this summer.
Looking for cool mountain air and jaw-dropping mountain views? Glacier National Park offers so much as a great retreat from the summer heat, but also has one of the most photogenic landscapes. It’s one of the highest-rated parks in the country. As amazing as the overall park is, its activities are even better; its alpine trails and reflective lakes are unforgettable. The top hikes for this park are: The Highline Trail for cliffside trekking and wildflowers, and the Grinnell Glacier Trail for glacier views and mountain goats. More activities include: Kayaking, scenic drives, boat tours, and horse riding. One pro tip for this park is that driving the iconic Going to the Sun Road requires a reservation; make sure to book ahead and go early to avoid congestion.
(Going-to-the-Sun Road cuts through the middle of Glacier National Park-us park pass)
Zion National Park, located in Utah, is worth a long drive, and its breathtaking cliffs, emerald lakes, and canyons make up for the hot summer heat. Zion is also perfect for experienced hikers who enjoy scary and adrenaline-pumping hikes like Angels Landing. And if you’re a water person, the Narrows is a river hike through towering canyon walls. If you’re looking for a more moderate hike, the Emerald Pools Trail is perfect, green, and lush. One pro tip for Zion: Summer temperatures in Zion can reach over 100°F. Begin hikes at dawn and carry water! Use the park’s mandatory shuttle system to access Zion Canyon from spring through fall.
If you’re more interested in a closer
National park with hard hikes
But also easier options and nice
Summer weather, Mount Rainier
National Park is a good choice.
In the summer, its slopes are bursting with wildflower meadows, while miles of trails lead through forests and beautiful lakes. Mt Rainier offers so much while also being close and visible from Seattle. The wildlife in Mt. Rainier is unmatched. The park is home to black bears, mountain goats, marmots, elk, and foxes. Mt Rainier’s scenery hikes don’t go unnoticed, the famous Skyline Trail or Paradise is A must-do loop which offers wildflower meadows, amazing views, and some of the best looks at the Nisqually Glacier. Or the Naches Peak Loop, almost as popular, and a moderate trail with lakes, wildflowers, and views of Rainier’s summit. A pro tip for this park is: Arrive early, parking fills up fast at Paradise and Sunrise in summer. Always check trail conditions, as snow can linger into July on higher routes. Bring layers! Even the sunny days might just turn chilly in the Alps.
