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12.Denali National Park, Alaska
This national park is named for its biggest attraction, majestic Mount Denali. It is 20,320 feet tall and the highest mountain in the nation. High adventure enthusiasts are drawn here for its remote campsites and backcountry hiking trails.
Denali is the home of such wildlife as brown bears, caribou, elk, and more. Take the two-mile loop trail that runs by Savage River if you prefer a less challenging trail. If you want to go deeper into the more remote areas, sign on for one of the different ranger-guided hikes. You’ll learn about the park’s cultural history, geology, and fascinating flora and fauna too. You can also enjoy a popular tundra wilderness tour if you really want to see caribou, coyotes, grizzly bears, moose, and wolves as well.
11.Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
Perhaps the highlight here is the park’s eponymous active volcano. While it’s possible to enjoy it any time of the year, the Hahnels suggest visiting in the summer. While they confirm the landscapes are exceptional “all year round,” what makes it “really special” in the summer months is the various wildflowers that flow over the meadows located just below the peak.
Towering Mount is always remarkable. Still, hiking through the wildflower-filled meadows, dense pine forests, and even the “spray of waterfalls” is an exceptional experience. Be sure to explore all five areas: Carbon/Mowich, Longmire, Ohanapecosh, Paradise, and Sunrise. The Hahnels specifically recommend hiking Mt. Fremont Lookout Trail, the Tolmie Peak Trail, and the Skyline Trail Loop.
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