11Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
Perhaps the highlight here is the park’s eponymous active volcano. While it’s possible to enjoy it any time of the year, the Hahnels suggest visiting in the summer. While they confirm the landscapes are exceptional “all year round,” what makes it “really special” in the summer months is the various wildflowers that flow over the meadows located just below the peak.
Towering Mount is always remarkable. Still, hiking through the wildflower-filled meadows, dense pine forests, and even the “spray of waterfalls” is an exceptional experience. Be sure to explore all five areas: Carbon/Mowich, Longmire, Ohanapecosh, Paradise, and Sunrise. The Hahnels specifically recommend hiking Mt. Fremont Lookout Trail, the Tolmie Peak Trail, and the Skyline Trail Loop.
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