15 Best US National Parks to Visit in August
August is the perfect time to hit the trails and soak up the sun in some of America’s most stunning national parks.
If you want to trade screen time for mountain time, these parks are ready to welcome you with open trails and endless views.
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1. Lassen Volcanic National Park, CA
Lassen Volcanic National Park is all about steaming fumaroles, bubbling mud pots, and crystal-clear lakes surrounded by pine forests.
Hike the Lassen Peak trail, check out the otherworldly Bumpass Hell, and paddle on Manzanita Lake.
In August, the weather is warm and the crowds are lighter. Stargazing here is unreal thanks to the dark skies.
Where to Stay: Drakesbad Guest Ranch is unique for its rustic charm and proximity to natural hot springs, offering a cozy retreat after a day of adventure.
2. Acadia National Park, ME
Acadia National Park brings together rocky Atlantic coastline, lush forests, and mountain views that look straight out of a postcard.
August is prime time for driving the Park Loop Road, hiking up Cadillac Mountain for sunrise, and grabbing famous popovers at Jordan Pond.
Kayak along the coast or bike the carriage roads for a breezy day out.
Where to Stay: Bar Harbor Inn is unique for its waterfront location and charming historic ambiance, perfect for relaxing after a day outdoors.
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3. Grand Teton National Park, WY
Grand Teton National Park is known for its jaw-dropping mountain scenery, sparkling lakes, and wildlife everywhere you look.
In August, you can boat across Jenny Lake, hike the Cascade Canyon Trail, or snap photos at the historic barns on Mormon Row. Keep your eyes peeled for moose and bald eagles.
Where to Stay: Jackson Lake Lodge is unique for its stunning views of the Teton Range and rustic elegance.
4. North Cascades National Park, WA
North Cascades National Park is a hidden gem with rugged peaks, turquoise alpine lakes, and wildflower meadows that pop in August.
Check out the jaw-dropping views at Diablo Lake, hike the Cascade Pass Trail, and paddle around Ross Lake. The park’s remote vibe makes it a peaceful escape.
Where to Stay: Sun Mountain Lodge is unique for its cozy mountain setting and panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness.
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5. Badlands National Park, SD
Badlands National Park stands out with its dramatic rock formations, wide-open prairies, and fossil beds that tell ancient stories.
August nights are perfect for stargazing, and you can drive the Badlands Loop Road, hike the Notch Trail, and stop by the Ben Reifel Visitor Center for cool exhibits.
Where to Stay: The Cedar Pass Lodge is unique for its rustic charm and close proximity to the park’s main attractions.
6. Olympic National Park, WA
Olympic National Park is a total show-off with its mix of lush rainforests, wild coastline, and mountain peaks all in one spot.
August is the best time to hike through the mossy Hoh Rain Forest, snap selfies at Hurricane Ridge, and hunt for sea creatures in the tide pools at Rialto Beach.
Wildlife sightings and epic sunsets are pretty much guaranteed.
Where to Stay: Lake Crescent Lodge is unique for its historic charm, cozy cabins, and unbeatable lake views.
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7. Yellowstone National Park, WY
Yellowstone is famous for its bubbling geysers, colorful hot springs, and wild bison herds.
August means sunny days for watching Old Faithful erupt, hiking to the rainbow colors of Grand Prismatic Spring, and spotting bears and wolves in Lamar Valley.
The park’s geothermal magic and wildlife make every visit feel like a real-life adventure.
Where to Stay: Old Faithful Inn is unique for its rustic wooden design and location just steps from the park’s most famous geyser.
8. Sequoia National Park, CA
Sequoia National Park is where you’ll find the world’s largest trees, including the massive General Sherman Tree.
August brings cool mountain breezes, perfect for hiking the Congress Trail, exploring the marble halls of Crystal Cave, or climbing Moro Rock for sweeping views. The giant sequoias make you feel tiny in the best way.
Where to Stay: Wuksachi Lodge is unique for its rustic vibe and forest setting, making it easy to reach all the park’s top spots.
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9. Kenai Fjords National Park, AK
Kenai Fjords National Park is all about glaciers, fjords, and wildlife. The dramatic scenery make every day here feel epic.
August is prime time for boat tours to see glaciers calving, kayaking with sea otters, and hiking the Harding Icefield Trail for icy views.
Where to Stay: Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge is unique for its remote location and close-up glacier and wildlife views.
10. Glacier National Park, MT
Glacier National Park is packed with jaw-dropping mountains, sparkling lakes, and wild animals.
August is the sweet spot for driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road, hiking the Highline Trail, and spotting mountain goats and bears.
The scenery is straight out of a postcard, and the trails are at their best.
Where to Stay: Many Glacier Hotel is unique for its classic Swiss-style architecture and incredible lakefront setting.
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11. Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
Rocky Mountain National Park is the place for jaw-dropping mountain views, wildflower-filled valleys, and herds of elk.
August is perfect for hiking the Bear Lake Trail, driving Trail Ridge Road (the highest paved road in the country), and spotting marmots near the Alpine Visitor Center.
Where to Stay: The Stanley Hotel is unique for its historic charm and mountain views, plus it’s famous for inspiring Stephen King’s “The Shining.”
12. Kings Canyon National Park, CA
Kings Canyon National Park is all about deep canyons, giant sequoias, and roaring waterfalls.
In August, the weather is warm and the trails are open for hiking to Mist Falls or exploring the towering trees in Grant Grove.
The Kings River carves through the canyon, making for epic picnic spots and photo ops.
Where to Stay: John Muir Lodge is unique for its cozy lodge vibe and location right in the heart of Grant Grove.
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13. Mount Rainier National Park, WA
Mount Rainier National Park is famous for its wildflower meadows and the massive snow-capped volcano at the center.
August is peak wildflower season, so stroll through Paradise or Sunrise for fields of color, hike the Skyline Trail, and watch waterfalls tumble down the mountainsides.
Where to Stay: Paradise Inn is unique for its classic national park lodge feel and location just steps from the park’s most famous trails.
14. Theodore Roosevelt National Park, ND
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is where bison roam, wild horses graze, and colorful badlands stretch for miles.
August brings warm days for hiking the Painted Canyon Trail, spotting prairie dogs, and driving the Scenic Loop for endless views.
The park’s wide-open spaces and wildlife make every visit feel like a real Western adventure.
Where to Stay: Rough Riders Hotel is unique for its Old West flair and comfy rooms right in the heart of historic Medora.
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15. Crater Lake National Park, OR
Crater Lake National Park is all about that deep blue lake sitting in a giant volcanic crater.
August brings sunny days perfect for cruising the Rim Drive, hiking to Watchman Peak, or taking a boat tour to Wizard Island. The water is so blue you’ll want to stare all day.
Where to Stay: Crater Lake Lodge is unique for its historic charm and unbeatable lake views from the cozy lounge and guest rooms.
