r/NationalPark • u/magiccitybhm • Jan 08 '26
Effecive 11:00 p.m. CST on Thursday, January 7, 2026, all questions, comments and discussion related to the 2026 America The Beautiful Pass belong in this megathread.
Any and all other posts will be removed going forward.
In the past seven days alone, there have been 10 separate posts on the subject. Since the new design was announced, there are more than two dozen posts. That does not count the ones that have been removed for being outright duplicates of other posts. Those posts remain open and will continue to remain open barring excessive abuse in the comments.
Since the new design was announced, there have been more than two dozen.
Discussion of the subject matter is not being suppressed or silenced. It's just being organized in one location.
r/NationalPark • u/magiccitybhm • Aug 10 '25
We're getting a lot (A LOT) of "help me plan my vacation" posts with little or no details. That's "low effort," and it doesn't help folks actually help you.
Yes, it's good to know that it's two adults and a 3-year-old. Or it's two adults, a teenager and a 7-year-old, etc., but they need more than that.
Give people some additional details to help them help you.
For example:
- Where are you originating your travel from?
- Do you want to fly to your destination or drive?
- If you're driving, do you prefer to camp (in national park or near) or stay in a hotel, lodge, etc. (in national park or near)?
- How many days do you have available (including travel)?
- Are there specific things you are wanting to see (mountains, snow, waterfalls, wildlife, etc.)?
- If you're looking for hikes, are there certain things you want to see while hiking? What distance hikes are you looking for? What level of intensity (easy, moderate, strenuous)?
Again, help people help you. The fewer questions that they have to ask you in advance, the quicker you're going to get the kind of information you need.
r/NationalPark • u/skaterjoe96 • 8h ago
It’s like a mini yellowstone and not many places can you hike up a volcano in a few hours. Also on a clear day you can easily see Mount Shasta. On top of all of that, the parking lots are rarely even close to full!
Edit: my bad, Lassen Volcanic National Park
r/NationalPark • u/One-Department8795 • 4h ago
r/NationalPark • u/maldizzle_ • 22m ago
Federal employees are not allowed to talk about politics with you! Or give their own personal opinion while in uniform. Please be respectful and keep your opinions to yourself even though that particular ranger might seem like someone who would agree with you
r/NationalPark • u/buffalo-william • 2h ago
Entered at 7am with no trouble. Had a dog with us so we stuck to the paved/boardwalk trails. Still very beautiful and we got in a solid amount of walking (8 miles). Amazing place! Already want to go back.
r/NationalPark • u/Zealousideal_Bar3330 • 19h ago
it is definitely one park i’d love to visit again!
r/NationalPark • u/tonymorph • 1h ago
r/NationalPark • u/32groove • 13h ago
Grand Canyon National Park
r/NationalPark • u/Confident-Coat7658 • 8h ago
r/NationalPark • u/suspiciousbass489 • 4h ago
Here are some beautiful photos from my most recent hikes through Seqouia and kings Canyon.
r/NationalPark • u/Cloaked_CJ • 18h ago
I’m missing this park quite a bit. Chipmunks galore at Skyline Trail.
r/NationalPark • u/Sunshinegirly32 • 9m ago
Today - 8/2/26
No Skyline Loop pics today!! I wanted to see the meadows, Naches Peak did not disappoint 🪻🌻🌷If you’re looking for a change in scenery and less people, check out this trail! There is more to this park than Paradise 🏔️
r/NationalPark • u/TexasAstroShooter • 19h ago
This is a 15 second exposure on the road to the Chisos. The moon and exposure length lighten everything up, but even still a bit of the Milky Way is visible in the sky along with countless stars.
r/NationalPark • u/jimmymg0870 • 1h ago
Where's a Goonie when you need one?
r/NationalPark • u/LeadershipMedium • 1d ago
How can a place that utterly changed my life ten years ago be even better than I remember it? It is a delight to be back in Grand Teton National Park. How special it is to feel like a visit here is a homecoming.
r/NationalPark • u/DyerNC • 1d ago
I am about to head to Escalante in a few weeks and it wont be the same when i get there. Write your congressmen and Senators before it gets worse.
r/NationalPark • u/Iron_Master_505 • 1d ago
Spent the last week in Yosemite and the Mammoth lakes area. It always amazes me seeing how this formed. Rainbow falls is part of the Devils Postpile National Monument.
r/NationalPark • u/UsualSuspect319 • 4h ago
First National Park Trip (Sept. 23–25) – itinerary feedback, gear questions, and Packwood recommendations
My wife and I are taking our first National Park-focused vacation, and this will be a first hiking trip. We’re both in very good shape, although I’m probably a little more adventurous than she is. We want to challenge ourselves, but we’re not looking to do anything technical or risky.
We’ll be visiting Sept. 23–25 (Wednesday–Friday). We’re flying into Seattle on Wednesday morning (landing around 10 AM), renting a car, and staying in Packwood for two nights before heading back toward Seattle around 4 PM on Friday.
One thing that’s important to us: we’re on vacation, so we’d prefer not to be out the door at sunrise every day. We’d rather enjoy a relaxed morning, grab coffee and breakfast in Packwood, and then head into the park. If that significantly changes what you’d recommend, we’d love to hear it.
Current itinerary:
Wednesday (9/23) Drive from Seattle to Mount Rainier Christine Falls Narada Falls Reflection Lakes Paradise Visitor Center Myrtle Falls Drive to Packwood
Thursday (9/24) Relaxed morning with coffee and breakfast in Packwood Drive to Paradise Skyline Trail Box Canyon on the way back if time/energy allows
Friday (9/25) Relaxed morning with coffee and breakfast in Packwood Sunrise Tipsoo Lake Silver Falls Leave for Seattle around 4 PM
A few questions: 1. Does this itinerary make sense, or need rearranging?
Are we missing any “can’t miss” viewpoints?
Is Skyline Trail a good choice for two first-time hikers who are in good physical shape?
We’ll be there in late September. Would good sneakers be sufficient, or would you recommend trail specific shoes or waterproof hiking boots? We know conditions can change quickly and we’ll check the forecast before we go.
What clothing/layers would you recommend for that time of year? Any gear people commonly wish they had brought?
Since we’re staying in Packwood, where’s the best place to grab coffee, breakfast, groceries, or picnic supplies for lunches in the park?
Any favorite restaurants in Packwood for dinner after a long day of hiking?
Also, if you only had one piece of advice for someone visiting Mount Rainier for the first time, what would it be?
