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#6 on this list
Boundary Waters
Minnesota
Canoe season in full swing; long days and loons on the lakes.
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#7 on this list
Olympic National Park
Washington
High country melts out; rainforest, mountains, and coast in one trip.
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Boundary Waters | Olympic National Park |
|---|---|---|
| Total Area | 1,098,000 protected wilderness acres | — |
| Managing Agency | U.S. Forest Service (Superior National Forest) | — |
| Primary Access Hubs | Ely and Grand Marais, Minnesota | — |
| June Water Temps | 55°F to 65°F | — |
| Permit System | Entry-point quota required May through September | Recreation.gov backcountry quota reservations |
| Designated Campsites | Roughly 2,000 primitive sites with latrine and grate | — |
| Primary Gateway | — | Port Angeles, Washington |
| June Temperatures | — | 45°F to 65°F in lowlands |
| Terrain Types | — | Pacific coast, temperate rainforest, glaciated alpine |
| Essential Gear | — | Bear canister, tide tables, waterproof outer shell |
| Park Size | — | Roughly 922,000 acres |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Boundary Waters
- World-class, motor-free wilderness canoeing across thousands of pristine lakes
- Peak early-season freshwater fishing for walleye, smallmouth, and pike
- Eighteen hours of daylight ideal for high-mileage backcountry travel
- Extensive network of designated campsites with fire grates and wilderness latrines
- Intense mosquito and black fly hatches throughout June require full protective gear
- Portaging heavy packs and canoes over rocky terrain demands high physical fitness
- Cold water temperatures and rapid weather shifts create severe capsize hazards
Olympic National Park
- Three distinct biomes within a single day of travel
- Long daylight hours maximize trail time across remote routes
- Rainforest river valleys offer lush, snow-free early-season hiking
- Roosevelt elk and black bears are exceptionally active in June
- High alpine passes remain snow-covered and require technical route finding
- Persistent coastal fog and drizzle can linger for multiple days
- Severe vehicle congestion at popular entry points like the Hoh Rainforest
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