In search of the very best nationwide parks to go to in August?
It’s your likelihood to squeeze in your final journeys earlier than the top of summer season. Positive, you may go to lots of the nationwide parks any time of yr, however we realized the arduous method that some parks are solely totally open in July and August, and a few parks are plain depressing with the summer season warmth.
Be taught from our errors. Right here’s a month-to-month information for visiting all of the nationwide parks on the most optimum instances on account of climate and accessibility.
Final Up to date: June 19, 2023
Earlier than we get into it, we wish to remind everybody to discover the parks responsibly utilizing the 7 Go away no Hint Rules. Have a plan, keep on established trails, perform something you carry in, go away what you discover, decrease campfire affect, respect wildlife, and be thoughtful of others.
In regards to the Nationwide Park by month Sequence
To place collectively this listing, we’ve mixed our private experiences and suggestions we gathered from locals and cross-referenced them with the climate, accessibility, native boards, seasonal sights like fall foliage or wildflowers, and particular occasions taking place within the space. We additionally took under consideration any distinctive adventures solely supplied at sure instances of the yr to search out essentially the most optimum months to go to every Nationwide Park. Phew! that was loads!
It took me a complete week of analysis, however since I’m a maximizer, it was utterly value having a year-round calendar of adventures (publishing that quickly!). Additionally, take a look at our full listing of all of the nationwide parks and all nationwide park items that embody soon-to-be nationwide parks.
We principally stayed away from the hardest-to-access nationwide parks in Alaska and those in U.S. territories on this collection.
Nationwide Parks: Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | Might | Jun | Jul
15 Greatest Nationwide Parks to Go to in August
1. Mt Rainier Nationwide Park, Washington
Dawn Park Rd, Ashford, WA 98304, map
Common Temperatures: 75°F / 46°F
Why Go to: July to August is the very best time to go to Mt Rainier to catch it coated in a carpet of wildflowers. The climate is perfect for mountaineering, and the times are lengthy. Plus, it’s one of many driest months of the yr, so that you’re extra more likely to get clear skies to see Rainier.
Greatest For / High Actions: Climbing, Mountaineering, Pictures
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Skyline Path, Myrtle Falls, Comet Falls
- Wildlife – Black Bears, Cougars, Coyotes, Purple Foxes, Deer
Professional Tip: It’s crowded this time of yr, so you need to go to through the weekday or take a look at lesser-known areas should you’re occurring the weekend, just like the Mowich Lake Entrance.
See Extra: 15 Greatest Weekend Getaways from Seattle WA
2. Crater Lake Nationwide Park, Oregon →
Crater Lake Nationwide Park, Rim Village, OR 97604, map
Common Temperatures: 69°F / 41°F
Why Go to: Visiting from July to September is good as a result of all of the roads and amenities are usually open and the climate is heat. On our first go to, we went in June, and half of the park loop was closed on account of snow (they common 40 ft of snow every year). Since snowfall and snowmelt can differ yr to yr, verify their web site for closures.
Greatest For / High Actions: Hikers and Backpackers, Excursions, Pictures, Scenic Drives, Swimming
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Rim Drive, Boat Tour, Go to Wizard Island
- Wildlife – Black Bears, Porcupines, Elks, Coyotes, Mazama Newt
Professional Tip: Be ready for cold water should you plan to swim!
See Extra: The Final Information to Crater Lake Nationwide Park
3. North Cascades Nationwide Park, Washington →
376 Newhalem St, Marblemount, WA 98267, map
Common Temperatures: 54°F / 30°F
Why Go to: We visited North Cascades and did the scenic drive, which has a number of notable spots. To actually expertise and entry many of the park, nonetheless, you could hike in. August is a good time to go to as a result of the climate is hotter, and it’s nonetheless not crowded because it’s one of many least visited nationwide parks within the US.
Greatest For / High Actions: Hikers / Backpackers, Fishing
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Scenic Drive alongside North Cascades Freeway, Cascade Cross, Sahale Arm, Washington Cross Overlook, Diablo Lake Vista Level, Stehekin
- Wildlife – Black Bears, Grey Wolves, Elks, Beavers, Bobcats
- What number of days do you want? 1-3
Professional Tip: Plan forward of time if you wish to go to Stehekin Valley since you may solely entry Stehekin Vally by foot, boat, or airplane.
See Extra: Travelogue: North Cascades Nationwide Park
4. Kings Canyon & Sequoia Nationwide Park, California →
47050 Generals Hwy, Three Rivers, CA 93271, map
Common Temperatures: Kings Canyon 70°F / 32°F || Sequoia 71°F / 44°F
Why Go to: Kings Canyon and Sequoia Nationwide Parks are subsequent to one another, so most individuals go to each parks in a single go to. The climate is superb from June to August, however you’ll get fewer guests in August than in June and July.
Greatest For / High Actions: Hikers / Backpackers, Scenic Drive, Pictures, Swimming
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Grant Drove, Kings Canyon Scenic Byway, Common Sherman Tree, Moro Rock
- Wildlife – Coyotes, Badgers, Black Bears, Deer, Wolverines, Beavers
Professional Tip: On heat days, leap within the river at Street’s Finish.
See Extra: 15 Wonderful Issues to Do in Sequoia and Kings Canyon Nationwide Park
5. Glacier Nationwide Park, Montana →
Logan’s Cross Customer Middle, Browning, MT 59417, map
Common Temperatures: 70°F / 45°F
Why Go to: July and August are the very best by way of climate to go to Glacier Nationwide Park since the whole lot is open. The primary highway into the park is closed many of the yr. Though each months are crowded, August is much less crowded than July.
Greatest For / High Actions: Scenic Drive, Climbing / Backpacking, Kayaking, Excursions, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Going-to-the-Solar Street (requires a allow), Purple Bus Tour, Lake McDonald, Goose Island (from The Shining)
- Wildlife – Deer, Marmots, Mountain Goats, Massive Horned Sheep, Grizzly Bears, Black Bears
Professional Tip: Some folks say you need to go in September, since you might also get an opportunity to see fall colours. It’s cooler, and far much less crowded since college could have began again up, however you danger components of the park closing on account of climate. Be sure you verify the circumstances earlier than you go.
See Extra: 9 Unbelievable Issues to Do in Glacier Nationwide Park
6. Isle Royale Nationwide Park, Michigan
800 E Lakeshore Dr, Houghton, MI 49931, map
Common Temperatures: 71°F / 55°F
Why Go to: Isle Royale is made up of over 400 islands. Due to its location, you may solely go to from mid-April to late October. Although July-Aug is peak season, it’s nonetheless not that busy because it’s one of many least visited nationwide parks within the US.
Greatest For / High Actions: Hikers / Backpackers, Tenting, Fishing, Canoeing, Kayaking, Scuba Diving
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Ferry Trip, Greenstone Ridge Path, Tour the three Lighthouses
- Wildlife – Moose, Wolves, Elk, Snowshoe Hares, Foxes, Mink, Beavers
Native Tip: Locals desire June/early fall shoulder season as a result of it’s quieter.
See Extra: Checklist of Nationwide Parks by State
7. Kenai Fjords Nationwide Park, Alaska
1212 4th Ave, Seward, AK 99664, map
Common Temperatures: 48°F / 35°F
We’re planning to go this August, and we will’t wait!
Why Go to: Like many of those different parks within the PNW, the climate is greatest in July and August (barely much less crowded in August). Kenai Fjords is understood for Harding Icefield, the biggest icefield solely throughout the US.
Greatest For / High Actions: Wildlife Viewing, Cruises, Hikers, Kayaking, Ice Climbing
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Exit Glacier, Wildlife Cruise, Glacier Kayaking
- Wildlife – Moose, Black Bears, Brown Bears, Wolves, Sea Lions, Seals, Dolphins, Humpback Whales, Orcas, Sea Otters, Bald Eagles, Peregrine Falcons, Tufted and Horned Puffins
Professional Tip: Exit Glacier is the one portion of the park accessible by highway. Should you don’t have a lot wilderness coaching, rent an clothing store to take you to different areas of the park.
See Extra: 9 Breathtaking Issues to Do in Seward Alaska
8. Lassen Volcanic Nationwide Park, California
38050 Hwy 36 E, Mineral, CA 96063, map
Common Temperatures: 75°F / 41°F
Why Go to: See steaming fumaroles, flower-filled meadows, and clear alpine lakes at Lassen Volcanic. August is a good time to go to as a result of the roads are open, and it’s much less crowded than July. We missed a lot of the park on our go to as a result of it was nonetheless closed.
Greatest For / High Actions: Climbing, Scenic Drives, Swimming, Kayaking
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Bumpass Hell Path, Lassen Peak, Lassen Park Freeway, Manzanita Lake, Kings Creek Falls, Devils Kitchen
- Wildlife – Black Bear, Bobcat, Mountain Lion, Coyote, Fox, Skunk
See Extra: 15 Least Visited Nationwide parks You Have to Discover Subsequent
9. Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park, Colorado
1000 US-36, Estes Park, CO 80517, map
Common Temperatures: 66°F / 44°F
Why Go to: Climbing is nice from June to September for the reason that snow is usually melted. There are over 300 miles of trails, however if you would like a extra leisurely expertise, the Scenic Drives are additionally nice.
Greatest For / High Actions: Hikers / Backpackers, Wildlife Viewing, Scenic Drives, Stargazing
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Path Ridge Street, Sprague Lake, Bear Lake Street, Alpine Ridge Path, Emerald Lakes, Alberta Falls
- Wildlife – Elk, Moose, Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Lions, Deer, Bears, Bobcats
Professional Tip: To discover Bear Lake Street, you could receive a allow.
See – Your Full Checklist of All Nationwide Parks within the US
10. Denali Nationwide Park, Alaska →
Park Rd, Denali Nationwide Park and Protect, AK 99755, map
Common Temperatures: 61°F / 46°F
Why Go to: Lengthy days and hotter climate make August a good time to go to Denali. It’s additionally drier so you may hopefully catch glimpses of Mount Denali not shrouded in clouds. Just one highway results in the park’s heart, however that is additionally one of many few nationwide parks in Alaska you may drive to. Through the summer season, shuttle buses run up and down Denali Park Street.
Greatest For / High Actions: Hikers / Backpackers, Scenic Drive, Wildlife Viewing, Pictures, Excursions
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Tundra Wilderness Tour, Flightseeing Tour, Canine Rangers
- Wildlife – Dall Sheep, Moose, Caribou, Wolves, Grizzly Bears, Foxes
Professional Tip: Personal autos can solely drive for the primary 15 miles (aside from uncommon circumstances just like the Denali Street lottery which may be very tough to get). Past this level, you’ll have to trip the park shuttle.
See Extra: 17 Unforgettable Issues to Do in Denali Nationwide Park
11. Olympic Nationwide Park, Washington →
3002 Mt Angeles Rd, Port Angeles, WA 98362, map
Common Temperatures: 62°F / 44°F
Why Go to: August is a busy time at Olympic Nationwide Park however for good motive. The climate is nice, and it’s usually drier. There’s by no means a assure for clear skies because it rains year-round on this temperate rainforest, however heavy downpours often begin later within the yr.
Greatest For / High Actions: Climbing / Backpacking, Tidepools, Scenic Drives, White Water Rafting, Kayaking
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Hurricane Ridge, Hoh Rainforest, Rialto Seashore, Storm King, Sol Duc Falls, Shi Shi Seashore
- Wildlife – Deer, Elk, Cougars, Bears, Beaver, Mink, Salmon
Professional Tip: It’s at all times sensible to have a raincoat with you simply in case.
See – 4 Issues to Do in Olympic Nationwide Park
12. Apostle Islands Nationwide Park, Wisconsin
415 Washington Ave, Bayfield, WI 54814, map
Common Temperatures: 76°F / 55°F
Why Go to: Apostle Islands includes 21 islands with stunning seashores and trails. August is an incredible time to go to since you benefit from the climate and water. After all, there’s some nice mountaineering as effectively.
Greatest For / High Actions: Hikers / Backpackers, Water Sports activities, Kayak, Scuba Dive, Fishing, Boating
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Mainland Lakeshore Path, Meyers Seashore, Kayak to Sea Caves, Apostle Islands Cruise
- Wildlife – Bears, Otters, Coyotes, Deer, Vole
13. Channel Islands Nationwide Park, California →
1901 Spinnaker Dr, Ventura, CA 93001, map
Common Temperatures: 72°F / 57°F
Why Go to: Discover the 5 islands of the Channel Islands in August to benefit from the hotter climate, particularly should you’re doing water actions. It’s additionally a good time to see Blue and Humpback Whales.
Greatest For / High Actions: Climbing, Kayaking, Snorkeling, Diving
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Whale Watching, Kayaking to Sea Caves, Pelican Bay Path, Fishing, Snorkeling / Diving
- Wildlife – Whales (Blue, Humpback, Fin, Grey), Orcas, Dolphins, Sea Lions, Elephant Seals, Island Fox, Skunks
- What number of days do you want? 1-3
Professional Tip: Be careful for the native foxes. They’re cute however sneaky, and they’ll come to steal your meals.
See Extra: Kayaking Channel Islands Nationwide Park
14. Nice Basin Nationwide Park, Nevada →
100 Nice Basin, Baker, NV 89311, map
Common Temperatures: 76°F / 51°F
Why Go to: Nice Basin in August is a good time to discover the park (you get nice mountaineering climate from Might-Sep). The climate makes it superb for climbing the second-highest peak in Nevada, touring Lehman Caves, and seeing wildlife and wildflowers. It’s additionally a nationwide park identified for stargazing, and August is a good month to see the Milky Manner.
Greatest For / High Actions: Hikers / Backpackers, Stargazing
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Bristlecone Path, Lehman Caves, Wheelers Peak, Stella Lake
- Wildlife – Water Shrews, Voles, Porcupines, Beavers, Ringtail Cats, Marmots, Bobcats, Mountain Lions
Native Tip: Should you’re tremendous into astronomy, go to in September once they have their annual Astronomy Competition.
See Extra: 7 Issues You Can’t Miss in Nice Basin Nationwide Park
15. Gates of the Arctic Nationwide Park & Protect, Alaska
101 Dunkel St, Fairbanks, AK 99701, map
Common Temperatures: 63°F / 44°F
Why Go to: Should you’re searching for a real journey, that is it. Gates of the Arctic is the least visited Nationwide Park within the US, and also you decide your personal journey since there are not any roads, no established trails, or campsites. Summer time (mid-June to September) is your greatest and solely possibility.
Greatest For / High Actions: Backpackers (Hikers), Fishing, Climbers, Skilled Pack Rafters/Canoers.
Don’t Miss:
- To Do – Climbing and Backpacking, Rock Climbing/Mountaineering. For the much less adventurous, you are able to do fly-over excursions and keep the evening in Anaktuvuk Cross.
- Eat – There are not any meals companies within the park. be sure you pack it in (and out, clearly), and must be correctly saved in an authorised bear-resistant meals container.
- Keep – Solely backcountry tenting.
- Wildlife – Grizzly Bears, Wolves, Muskox, Caribou, Moose, Wolverine, Fox, Dall Sheep
Professional Tip: That is really untouched wilderness, and guests ought to be proficient in out of doors survival abilities.
Ideas for Visiting Nationwide Parks in August
- Decide up a Nationwide Park Annual Cross should you plan on visiting a number of parks throughout the yr.
- It’s at all times a good suggestion to pack layers wherever you go. Some parks are heat through the day and funky at evening or could differ in temperature relying on elevation adjustments.
- See which nationwide parks now require reservations right here.
- At all times verify the park’s web site and Guests Middle for essentially the most up-to-date info on closures.
- Discover the parks responsibly utilizing Leave no Trace principles. Keep on established trails, perform something you carry in, and many others.
- Keep in mind that wildlife is wild. Be conversant in the best way to work together with animals and the way a lot house you need to have between you and them.
Continuously Requested Questions
ARE NATIONAL PARKS BUSY IN AUGUST?
Sure, many parks are busiest in the summertime, and August is the tail finish of that. Not all faculties have began but, so some parks will nonetheless be busy.
WHAT IS THE BEST NATIONAL PARK TO VISIT IN SUMMER?
It will depend on what you wish to do! Our listing includes parks you need to go to due to the climate and accessibility.
WHAT IS THE HARDEST NATIONAL PARK TO VISIT?
Gates of the Arctic Nationwide Park is the toughest since it’s true wilderness. It’s additionally the least visited park.
WHEN SHOULD I VISIT THE NATIONAL PARKS?
Every Nationwide Park has the very best time to go to. It’s greatest to do analysis particularly try this park. We usually like visiting throughout shoulder seasons to get respectable climate however fewer crowds.
CAN YOU VISIT GRAND CANYON IN AUGUST?
The Grand Canyon is open year-round. August is a extremely scorching time to go to with temps effectively over 100. You’ll be able to go to, but it surely’s not superb.
WHAT IS GLACIER NATIONAL PARK LIKE IN AUGUST?
July and August are the very best time to go to Glacier Nationwide Park however that additionally means it’s the busiest time.
WHAT IS THE CHEAPEST NATIONAL PARK TO VISIT?
If you’re factoring in journey, the most cost effective nationwide park is the park closest to you! Should you love Nationwide Parks, decide up an Annual Cross to save lots of on entrance charges.
HOW DO I PLAN A TRIP TO A NATIONAL PARK?
Take a look at blogs (like ours) and overview Nationwide Park’s web site for up-to-date information. Then verify if reservations, permits, or bookings are required to begin planning forward. We desire to plan one primary exercise a day, then have an inventory of different issues we wish to take a look at that we go away versatile.
WHAT MONTH ARE NATIONAL PARKS THE BUSIEST?
Sometimes July and August are the height months for many Nationwide Parks however not all.
Nationwide Parks: Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | Might | Jun | Jul
Are you able to consider others that belong on this listing of greatest nationwide parks to go to in August? Which of them are we lacking?
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Esther and Jacob are the founders of Native Adventurer, one of many prime 5 journey blogs within the US. They imagine that journey will be discovered close to and much and hope to encourage others to discover domestically. They discover a brand new metropolis in depth yearly and presently base themselves in Las Vegas.
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