National Parks

Washington's National Parks

Washington's National Parks Map
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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