National Parks in Washington

Washington has three national parks, each protecting a distinct landscape of the Pacific Northwest. This page aggregates komoot's Adventure Guides for Mount Rainier National Park, Olympic National Park, and North Cascades National Park.

The primary activities in Washington's national parks are hiking, cycling, and mountain biking. Across the three parks, there are more than 200 routes available, with hiking being the most prevalent sport. Specific guides are available for Hiking in Washington and MTB Trails in Washington.

Mount Rainier National Park is centered around an active volcano, which at 14,410 feet (4,392 m) is the most glaciated peak in the contiguous U.S. The park's terrain includes ancient forests on its lower slopes, subalpine wildflower meadows at mid-elevations, and a landscape of ice and rock at its highest points. The park contains nearly 50 designated hiking trails.

Olympic National Park offers a diverse range of routes across its three distinct ecosystems: mountains, coast, and rainforest. The park features over 40 hiking trails, from coastal walks to routes through temperate rainforests. There are also more than 10 mountain bike trails and over a dozen road cycling routes available within the park's guide.

North Cascades National Park is characterized by its rugged, mountainous terrain with jagged peaks and over 300 glaciers. The landscape features deep forested valleys and numerous glacier-fed lakes and waterfalls. It is one of the least visited national parks in the contiguous U.S., offering a more remote wilderness experience.

Yes, family-friendly trails are available, particularly in the more accessible areas of the parks. For example, Mount Rainier National Park has easier walks through its subalpine meadows. A broader selection of easier routes can be found in the guide for Easy hikes in Washington.

The primary season for hiking in most areas of Washington's national parks is summer, typically from July through September. During this period, snow has usually melted from the trails at higher elevations, and subalpine wildflowers are in bloom. Lower elevation trails, especially in coastal areas of Olympic National Park, may be accessible for a longer portion of the year.

In general, pets are not permitted on trails within Mount Rainier, Olympic, and North Cascades National Parks. They are typically restricted to developed areas and must be leashed. It is important to check the specific regulations for each park before visiting with a pet.

Across the three national parks in Washington, there are over 110 designated hiking trails. Mount Rainier National Park has nearly 50 hiking trails, Olympic National Park has over 40, and North Cascades National Park offers more than 20.

Cycling is a popular activity, with routes available for both road and mountain bikes. Olympic National Park has the most variety, with over a dozen road cycling routes and 11 mountain bike trails. Mount Rainier and North Cascades also feature routes for cyclists, primarily on paved and unpaved roads within the parks.

National parks are managed by the National Park Service to preserve unique natural and historical resources for public enjoyment and education, often with stricter regulations. In contrast, national forests, managed by the U.S. Forest Service, allow for a broader range of uses, including recreation and resource extraction. For more information on other protected areas, see the guide to Forests in Washington.