National Parks
Comparing Washington's National Parks
Mount Rainier National Park
Location: Southwestern Washington
Known for: Being—some say—the most magical mountain in America.
Biggest crowds: July through September
Accessibility: You can drive up winding mountain roads to view the summit cone or the wildflowers that carpet the alpine meadows. Hop onto the trails to walk through a wilderness of enormous trees and ancient glaciers.
Why kids like it: Visiting an active volcano is really cool!
What hikers say: Enjoy more than 240 mi of maintained trails—or seek real adventure by summiting Mt. Rainier.
Best for:Birds, Climbing, Fishing, Glaciers & Icefields, Grand Geysers, Horseback Riding, Volcanoes, Waterfalls, Winter Recreation
North Cascades National Park
Location: Northwestern Washington
Known for: Stunning, snow-covered mountain panoramas and pine-ringed glacial lakes.
Biggest crowds: Snowmelt through early September, especially weekends and holidays
Accessibility: Highway 20 runs between the park's north and south units; Lake Chelan towns can only be reached by boat or floatplane. Note that park access is limited from November to April.
Why kids like it: Wildlife sightings are frequent, and many trails and activities are geared towards youngsters of all ages.
What hikers say: Every season brings visual thrills: spring wildflowers, summer waterfalls, autumn leaves, and winter snows. The stretch of Cascade peaks provides endless challenges for hikers of all levels.
Best for:Boating, Majestic Mountains, Climbing, Fishing, Glaciers & Icefields
Olympic National Park
Location: Northwestern Washington
Known for: Temperate rainforests, rugged coastal expanses, Sol Duc hot springs, and skiing at Hurricane Ridge.
Biggest crowds: June through September
Accessibility: Spread over several separate sections of the Olympic Peninsula, the park is easily accessible via the central Highway 101 ring road.
Why kids like it: The broad Hoh Rainforest trails are lined with ideal climbing sites at massive fallen logs and knotted stumps, and the west-coast beaches are natural playgrounds filled with sea stacks and tide pools.
What hikers say: With rainforest, mountain, and beach tracks—plus hot springs along the way—every day brings a new adventure. Be on the lookout for elk, deer, bears, bald eagles, and other wildlife on the trails.
Best for:Beaches, Boating, Majestic Mountains, Climbing, Fishing, Glaciers & Icefields, Grand Geysers, Horseback Riding, Waterfalls
