By Alex Day, WNPF Marketing/Communications & Database Director
Whether you’re simply visiting for the summer or live here in Washington state, you’ll probably agree: summer in this part of the country is pretty spectacular. That’s even more true in Washington’s three national parks — Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic — as the winter snow is melting out and subalpine wildflower meadows are beginning to re-appear.
One of my personal favorite activities in our national parks is packing up a lunch and enjoying it somewhere with a view. There’s just nothing that doesn’t taste better with fresh air on the side. And the best part of living in Washington? Whatever sort of destination you’re into — whether that’s the surreal silence of a misty temperate rain forest, the powerful roar of a rushing snowmelt-fed waterfall, the crash of ocean waves on the rocky coast, or the subtle insect hum of a bustling subalpine wildflower meadow — you’ll find the perfect picnic backdrop in the national parks.
Whether you’re embarking on a multi-day backpacking trip or planning a national park road trip and want to add in a spectacular lunch view, we’ve got you covered with the top picnic locations in Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks.
Check out these great recipes for picnicking during a hike!
Mount Rainier National Park, affectionately referred to as “the Mountain,” was the fifth national park established and hosts nearly two million visitors every year. It’s also home to over 280 species of wildlife, making it an excellent destination for lunch with a view. The team at Mount Rainier offered up their top choices for a picnic location:
NOTE: Starting on May 24, 2024, the Paradise Corridor will require a timed entry reservation and the Sunrise Corridor timed entry reservations will start on July 4, 2024. Reservations are required until September 2, 2024. Learn more about timed entry here.
NOTE: Fires around Washington State may affect your trip, especially to the North Cascades. Be sure to check the park’s Fire Closures and overall Current Conditions for the status of roads, trails, and campgrounds.
A rugged wilderness sanctuary with over 300 glaciers, the North Cascades National Park Service Complex is one of the most heavily glaciated areas in the United States outside of Alaska. With more than 90% of its land designated as wilderness, this park has tons of incredible picnic destinations for those who want to escape to the outdoors. According to our friends at North Cascades National Park, these are some of the top picnic sites:
Olympic National Park protects more than 1,400 square miles of diverse terrain from the Hoh Rain Forest to the Pacific coast and into the peaks of the Olympics. This vast wilderness offers something for everyone. With so many different places worth visiting in the park, it can be hard to choose just one picnic site but the team at Olympic is here to help narrow down the list:
NOTE: The historic Hurricane Ridge Day Lodge was destroyed in a fire in May 2023. This area of the park has been reopened to visitors, but those interested in visiting should keep in mind that no gift shop or food services will be provided. Restroom facilities will be available. Learn more from the park here.
With so many incredible picnic sites to choose from in Washington’s national parks, we can’t wait to get out there! The only question left is: what’s for lunch?
Washington’s National Park Fund is the official philanthropic partner to Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks. We raise private support to fund scientific research, youth and family experiences, and projects that will keep our parks strong and vital now and forever, for everyone. Learn how you can give back to the parks at wnpf.org/projects.
Editor’s Note: Article last updated May 10, 2024. Cover photo: Hikers experience Mount Rainier from Sunrise, by Kristen Oliphant.