7 National Parks That You Can Really Only Visit In Summer

Isle Royale National Park, Michigan

This remote island cluster in Lake Superior, near Michigan s border with Canada, is a car-free rugged wilderness of forests, lakes, and waterways where moose and wolves roam freely.

Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, Alaska

Best visited in the summer, this park offers a true wilderness experience above the Arctic Circle. Activities include hiking, mountain climbing, and observing the caribou migration.

Kobuk Valley National Park, Alaska

Located north of the Arctic Circle, this park is a summer haven for witnessing caribou migrations, boating, and exploring the Kobuk Giant Sand Dunes. Winter visits are difficult due to severe cold and limited daylight.

Glacier National Park, Montana

Renowned for the Going-to-the-Sun Road, which is only fully accessible in summer, this park offers 700 miles of trails and stunning landscapes. Most services and accommodations are available from late May through September.

Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

Known for the deepest lake in the U.S., this park is best visited in summer when the 33-mile Scenic Rim Drive is open. Snow often blocks access during other seasons, making summer the ideal time for hiking and sightseeing.

Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota

A water-based park with 30 lakes, it is perfect for kayaking, paddling, and fishing in summer. Though open year-round, the frozen lakes and harsh winter conditions limit access and activities.

North Cascades National Park, Washington

Just three hours from Seattle, this park s extensive trail system and stunning mountain landscapes are best enjoyed in summer. The warm weather allows for hiking, camping, and boating on Ross Lake