Visiting a national park is on most people’s summer bucket lists, but if you only plan to explore one this year, you must choose wisely.
Now that we’re entering the second half of summer, we thought it would be helpful to give you our top insights on the best national parks to visit in August. Off the bat, there are a few clear perks of traveling this month, from less foot traffic to comfortable temperatures.
Since our hometown is Seattle, we leaned into our love for Pacific Northwest parks in our roundup below. Before you book, we recommend trying to plan part of your trip on August 4th, which is a free national park entrance day to celebrate the anniversary of the Great Outdoors Act.
Now, let’s get to the parks!
Mount Rainier National Park
Where: Washington State
Top Trail Pick: Skyline Loop Trail
The Highlights:Of course, we have to lead this list with a local icon. No matter what path you take in this park, all roads lead back to the massive 14,410-foot tall Mount Rainier, an activated volcano that stretches remarkably across five rivers.
With wildflowers and greenery in full bloom and little to no ice in sight, this is a hiker’s paradise in August. And while ski season is not in session, you can take a scenic gondola ride to view all the captivating corners of the mountain instead.
Plan your trip to Mount Rainier National Park.
Glacier National Park
Where: Montana
Top Trail Pick: Avalanche Lake
The Highlights: True to its name, this park is home to roughly two dozen gorgeous glaciers. With more than 700 winding trails to explore, some even by horseback, the options are endless. Given the park’s diverse terrain, almost any trail you choose to trek will likely feature crystal-clear alpine lakes and majestic mountain peaks.
If you prefer to camp overnight, there are a ton of spots to pitch your tent or bring your RV or vehicle. And although it will be peak summertime when you travel in August, temperatures at night are known to drop as low as 47 degrees Fahrenheit at night, so bring cozy layers, like a men’s sustainable and warm jacket or a women’s soft sherpa jacket.
Plan your trip to Glacier National Park.
Crater Lake National Park
Where: Oregon
Top Trail Pick: Cleetwood Cove Trail
The Highlights: To truly understand the complexities of this national park, we have to go way back.
More than 7,000 years ago, one massive violent eruption caused enough catastrophic damage to sink a mountain peak into the ground. And while destructive, this brought us the beauty of Crater Lake, the deepest, and arguably most captivating, lake in the United States. While this lake looks good from any viewpoint, in any season, August is a fantastic time to visit with its wildflowers in full force and the strong summer sun reflecting off the lake.
Perhaps the best way to view the park is by taking your car for a scenic drive along the historic 33-mile Rim Drive, which features nearly 30 overlook points. Go slow and steady, and don’t forget the car snacks.
Plan your trip to Crater Lake National Park.
Olympic National Park
Where: Washington
Top Trail Pick: Hall of Mosses Trail
The Highlights: For those who prefer a bit of everything when it comes to their outdoor adventure, Olympic National Park is a clear winner. The wide range of elevation and precipitation creates an ever-changing experience with distinct ecosystems.
While you can easily find plenty of typical national park activities, like hiking and fishing, you must check out the tide pools along the coast. A few notable views to put on your radar include Kalaloch's Beach 4 and Mora's Hole in the Wall, Second Beach, Third Beach, and Ruby Beach.
Before you swing by, check the tide levels consistently. To get the best, and safest experience, go when the tide is lower than normal to have a higher chance of seeing sea stars, crabs, eels, and more sea critters. And if you have them handy, water shoes may be a huge help for extra grip support.
Plan your trip to Olympic National Park.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Where: Colorado
Top Trail Pick: Bear Lake
The Highlights: If you’re big into outdoor adventures, chances are Colorado might be one of your favorite states. It’s home to Rocky Mountain National Park, which features more than 355 hiking trails with varying levels of difficulty, fascinating wildlife from birds to sheep, and spectacular sights, like the Continental Divide.
And if you love to stargaze, we have good news. Throughout this summer, local volunteer astronomers will be setting up telescopes in the park so you can get a close-up look at the sparkling night sky. If your schedule allows, mark your calendar for the astronomy festival happening on August 2nd and 3rd.
Before you kick off the planning process, since this is a popular park, keep in mind there are timed entry reservations required at certain hours of day.
Plan your trip to Rocky Mountain National Park.
Redwood National Park
Where: California
Top Trail Pick: Trillium Falls Trail
The Highlights: When you think of Redwood National Park, you likely think of its towering trees. If so, your head’s in the right place.
Redwood trees are scattered throughout the park, densely surrounding hiking and biking trails. And fun fact: they can live up to a remarkable 2,000 years. While staring at these trees can certainly occupy your whole day, there are many rushing rivers throughout the park to discover, and plenty of prairie fields where you can spot elk.
One of the most popular spots to visit during August is the coastline edge of the park, which includes Enderts Beach or Crescent Beach Overlook. On a clear day, you might just even catch a glimpse of a whale. And if the sea spray is powerful, you should bring along protective waterproof gear, like this lightweight fleece men’s jacket or this hooded hybrid women’s jacket.
Plan your trip to Redwood National Park.
Outstanding Apparel to Pack For The Parks
We can already hear the sound of you lacing up your hiking boots.
This August, we hope you get the chance to cross at least one of these National Parks off your list. While you can count on summer humidity to join you on your trail of choice, don’t forget to prepare for rainy days and low temperatures at night. To fill your suitcase, check out our all-season men’s outdoor apparel styles and women’s outdoor apparel looks.
And don’t forget to throw in an insulated water bottle, electrolyte packets, hats, and sunglasses too. Happy summer hiking!
