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#3 on this list
Grand Teton National Park
Wyoming
Warm days for lakes, climbs, and wildlife in the valley.
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#4 on this list
North Cascades National Park
Washington
High country opens; turquoise lakes and the most glaciers in the lower 48.
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Grand Teton National Park | North Cascades National Park |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Northwestern Wyoming | Northern Washington State |
| Highest Point | Grand Teton (13,775 feet) | — |
| Backcountry Permits | Competitive; advance online lottery and walk-ups | Required year-round via Recreation.gov or Marblemount |
| Primary Gateway | Jackson and Moose, Wyoming | — |
| Key Wildlife | Grizzly bears, black bears, moose, elk | — |
| Peak Season | July through August | Mid-July through September |
| Designation | — | National Park Service Complex |
| Primary Access | — | State Route 20 (North Cascades Highway) |
| Entrance Fee | — | None |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Grand Teton National Park
- Spectacular, abrupt mountain relief rising straight from the valley floor
- High alpine passes and loops generally clear of impassable snow by mid-July
- World-class multi-pitch alpine rock climbing and scrambling routes
- Pristine flat-water paddling directly along the base of the peaks
- Severe trailhead parking congestion requires pre-dawn arrivals
- Daily afternoon lightning strikes pose high risks above tree line
- Extremely competitive backcountry permit reservations
North Cascades National Park
- World-class jagged alpine scenery without the crowds of Mount Rainier
- No entrance fee for day-use visitors along State Route 20
- Over 300 glaciers feeding vivid turquoise lakes and waterfalls
- Superb network of rugged high-alpine passes and ridgeline trails
- Steep snowfields and swollen creek crossings persist through July
- Voracious mosquitoes and biting flies in subalpine lake basins
- Punishing elevation gain on almost every backcountry route
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