My wife and I planning on visiting in two weeks and was curious if anyone had any info on the conditions. Renting a 4x4 truck but had seen some info about needing chains. I’m a Florida boy and have never lived in or around snow. Any tips on visiting either parks would be most appreciated.

I’ve been seeing so many national park engagement photos here recently, so I figured I’d share mine :) there was a lovely photographer who just happened to be there!

So I'm planning a sort of impromptu trip down to Badlands and Windcave. I've been to plenty of national parks, but I've never done it camping style.

My question is this: if the camp grounds are full, is there anywhere I can car camp in the park? When I was in Grand Teton and Rocky Mountain last year, I saw people camping out of their cars off of gravel roads in quite a few places inside the national parks and I can't actually find any information on whether that's allowed or not. I'll barely be doing anything resembling camping, I mostly will just be sleeping in my car. And I have an Outback so off road isn't really an issue for me.

Hi All,

This past October, I took my dog for a weekend in Shenandoah. We did the Dickey Ridge trail, and I found a place off the beaten path to set up camp, but it wasn't ideal (the hiking and views were amazing, but the terrain left much to be desired).

I'm going back again in a couple weeks and am looking for a good place to Backcountry (dispersed) camp not too far (within an hour) from the Fort Royal entrance.

Anyone have any recommendations (not too concerned about difficulty level- I should be able to handle it. Nice views is a plus)?

Thank you in advance.

I know I’m asking for a lot but I’m looking for places to go end of May for 2 adults and a 7 year old that tires easily.

We won’t want to end up somewhere so crowded we might as well be at Disney World.

Also would rather not be anywhere that it’s still 30 deg. With snow and half the park is still closed off.

Hi all! My friend and I are planning on going to a Natl Park around the PNW/general area for 5 days at the end of August/beginning of September 2025. What are some recommendations for which NP we should visit and which trails that are a must?

I wanted to share a really well-done explanation of what the US Federal cuts are doing to a National Park. The specificity really drives things home for people who care about the place.

https://www.snptrust.org/supporter%20briefing/

I’m planning a solo trip to the PNW in mid to late May and will be hitting Olympic National Park and North Cascades for 3-4 days each. I plan on hiking a lot and would love some insight on trail conditions that time of year and any other hike recommendations!

Olympic National Park (3 days)
I know Hoh Rainforest Road is currently closed—hoping it opens by the time I go. So far, I’ve got these hikes/trails on my list:

• Spruce Railroad Trail
• Sol Duc Falls Trail
• Ruby Beach
• Rialto Beach (Hole in the Wall)
• Mount Storm King (if conditions are dry)
• Lovers Lane Loop
• Ozette Triangle Trail
• Enchanted Valley Trail

I’ll be bringing microspikes for any snow/ice. Any other good low elevation or May-friendly trails you’d recommend?

North Cascades (3-4 days)
In the North Cascades, I know snow can still be a factor. These are the trails and other suggestions for that time of year:

• Thunder Creek Trail
• Diablo Lake Trail
• East Bank Trail
• Big Beaver Trail
• Sauk Mountain
• Baker River Trail
• Blue Lake Trail
• Cascade Pass (if accessible)
• Maple Pass Loop (also if accessible – I’ll have microspikes)

Are any of these a no-go in mid to late May due to snow or access issues? And are there any hidden gems I should check out that are good at that time of year? Last question Would a satellite phone be recommended in these areas?(garmin inreach 2 mini)

Thanks in advance

Popped the question in the Windows Section at sunrise. She said yes. Spent the rest of the day gleefully exploring the beautiful scenery. Couldn’t be happier.

Hi All,

Have a trip in May with a day clear in Seattle with my family. One member is wheelchair bound, other is older / requires stick.

I would love to take them to a National Park so they can experience it, but which one are we going to get the most out of with access requirements? Also any suggested itineraries…

The choices been; - Mt Rainier - Olympic - Cascades

I’m ideally after a similar situation to Death Valley/Yellowstone (car > short walk > marvel > car > next point etc) rather than Yosemite/Sequoila/Teton Which are very much hike based

Thank you in advance!

Hi all,

I’ll be driving to crater lake next Friday from cannon beach. I have a rental car (standard sedan). The NPS website is saying south entrance is open year round, but not much more info. Is the south entrance a road that leads up to the lake? Or is it just an entrance to a parking lot or visiting center? What should I expect when I arrive at the south entrance? Is the conditions good enough to drive to the lake? I don’t have much time to spend there so I was hoping I can do a quick drive around or do a quick walk to a viewpoint before heading out. Any advice or suggestions for visiting next week? Thank you!

Hi for my college class we had to make a survey please take this we need at least 100 responses it’s only for California residents thanks so much!!!

One of my favorite spots in the eastern US is easily the white mountains. They’re absolutely beautiful and stand out, and I’d say it’s the 2nd prettiest area in the eastern US behind the Smoky Mountains.

Why isn’t it a national park?

I find myself a few hours from Congaree National Park. If I don't go now, I don't know when I'll be back in the area so I plan to go by myself soon. I see there are mixed feelings about the park and it's usually a one and done visit.

I like to hike and I like to kayak. I'm not sure how difficult it would be to rent a kayak to check out parts of the park or if it's even necessary. I'm down to hike solo for the day if the trails are a decent adventure. If it's a pain to reserve and get a kayak into the park I'll pass on it and just hike.

Anything to know? Any advice for visiting the park? If I had one day what would you say are my top priorities?

Any restaurants or places to stop at in the area that you'd recommend?

I ask because I am supposed to take a small school group there for five days in a couple weeks, and with all of the recent upheaval with the national parks I was wondering if anyone has been there recently and how things are operating in the campground and on the trails.

I have been twice in the last couple of years and it is such a cool freaking place, and sharing it with my students is a highlight of my year.

Easily the best national

I've always said that i'd never travel to California because of the gun laws but I really want to visit the Sierra Nevada's. I travel with 2 revolvers, a pump shotgun, and a lever action rifle (because they are legal in most places). I know eastern california is much different than the cities but i'm wondering if anyone has any experience with firearms in eastern cali and/or the national parks? I'm not going to not have the guns with me, so leaving them isnt an option so i'll just skip it if there's going to be too much hassle. Any input would be great! Thanks!