5 National Parks That Shine in Summer.
Welcome back to The Travel Edit. We’ve finally reached our last hurrah of this National Park overview. This week, we’ll be diving into the best parks to visit throughout the summer months. Summer turns America’s national parks into nature’s playground—sunlit canyons, alpine lakes glittering in the heat, and wildflower-filled trails that feel straight out of a postcard. It’s the season of road trips, golden-hour hikes, and nights spent stargazing far from city lights. Let's jump right in.
Mount Rainier National Park, WA
Summer is when Mount Rainier truly shows off—snow still sparkles on the peak, but trails burst alive with vibrant wildflowers and alpine meadows. Trails that are buried in snow most of the year finally open, giving hikers access to alpine lakes, waterfalls, and panoramic views of the Cascades. The Skyline Trail is a must, winding past flower-filled slopes and leading to glacier overlooks that feel larger than life. On clear days, the stargazing from Sunrise is unbeatable, with the Milky Way stretching above the mountain. This park is just around 2 hours away from Seattle by car, making it an ideal spot for a quick weekend getaway.
Yellowstone National Park, WY
Summer is Yellowstone at its most alive. With the snow melted and roads fully open, you can explore the park’s most iconic spots—like Old Faithful’s powerful eruptions, the rainbow-colored Grand Prismatic Spring, and the towering Lower Falls in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Wildlife watching is unbeatable this time of year, with bison herds roaming the valleys, elk grazing near rivers, and the chance to spot bears or even wolves in Lamar Valley. Warm weather makes it easier to explore massive areas of the park, and the long daylight hours are perfect for road tripping, hiking, and catching a fiery sunset over Yellowstone Lake. Yes, it’s the busiest season, but if you start your days early or explore lesser-known trails, you’ll still find quiet corners of the park that feel completely wild and untouched.
Glacier National Park, MT
Glacier is a bucket list summer destination because the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road is fully open, revealing jaw-dropping mountain views and endless alpine trails. Wildflowers blanket the valleys, and clear blue lakes are perfect for kayaking or a (very chilly) swim. Summer is also prime time for kayaking on Lake McDonald, camping in the backcountry, or tackling epic hikes like the Highline Trail. With long daylight hours, you can squeeze in a sunrise hike, a lakeside picnic, try to spot some mountain goats, marmots, and even grizzlies along the high ridges and still have time to watch the alpenglow light up the peaks in the evening.
Kenai Fjords National Park, AK
Summer unlocks the magic of Kenai Fjords, where glaciers meet the sea and wildlife watching is at its peak. This is the season for boat tours to spot whales, puffins, and sea lions against a backdrop of towering ice cliffs. On land, the Harding Icefield Trail is a tough but rewarding hike, leading you to sweeping views of one of the largest icefields in the country. Longer daylight hours give you time to pair an ocean adventure with a land-based one in the same day, making summer the perfect time to experience both sides of this unique park.
North Cascades National Park, WA
Often called the “American Alps,” the North Cascades are at their best in summer when the snow clears from trails, opening up jaw-dropping hikes to turquoise lakes and jagged peaks. Diablo Lake is a must-see, its bright blue waters looking almost unreal, while trails like Maple Pass Loop offer sweeping mountain views without overwhelming crowds. Summer also unlocks the scenic North Cascades Highway, one of the most beautiful drives in the U.S., with endless overlooks and trailheads to explore. This is also prime camping and backpacking season, with long sunny days giving way to cool, starry nights. Less visited than other national parks, North Cascades offers that rare mix of stunning beauty and true solitude, especially in the summer months.
Happy Travels
Thanks for following along this month with our national park coverage on The Travel Edit. I know summer has just recently come to a close, but hopefully this will help your planning for next year. And keep in mind that, just because I recommend one park for a certain season, you really can’t go to places as wonderful as these at the wrong time. You’ll have a great experience year round!
Now, we’ll be back next week with a post focused on how to use credit card points and other travel hacks to make traveling in your 20s that much easier. See you soon!
