‘Stunning’ WA spot is one of best national parks to visit this fall. Here’s why

Washington’s national parks might be most popular in the summer, but they have plenty to offer in the fall as well.

Lonely Planet recently ranked the 15 best U.S. national parks to visit this fall — and a popular Washington spot made the list.

“US national parks are known for stunning, mind-bogglingly diverse landscapes, and fall reveals a quieter, shier side,” LonelyPlanet contributor Taryn Shorr-McKee wrote in an Aug. 28 article. “As summer crowds fade and cooler weather sets in, vibrant foliage transforms forests and mountains, wildlife becomes more active, and brisk pine-scented air encourages cozy campfires and serene hikes.”

“Autumn offers a magical, more grounded park experience” for visitors, McKee added.

Here’s where to go in Washington state:

Why is Mount Rainier best national park to visit this fall?

Mount Rainier National Park was No. 10 on Lonely Planet of the top national park destinations in fall.

According to the travel publisher, what sets the iconic landmark in Western Washington apart is its colorful plants.

“Most of Mount Rainier’s seasonal color comes not from trees, but vivid groundcover — scarlet paintbrush, elderberries and golden grasses, creating a jewel-toned carpet,” McKee wrote.

LonelyPlanet recommended paying a visit to Reflection Lakes and the Skyline Trail in the Paradise area, as well as the Naches Peak Loop on the east side of the park.

According to Visit Rainier, the Reflection Lakes are typically only accessible by car through early fall, but can be reached by hiking or snowshoeing during the colder months.

Where are the best US national parks to visit in autumn?

According to Lonely Planet, these were the top 10 national parks to visit in the fall:

• 1. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
• 2. Acadia National Park, Maine
• 3. Glacier National Park, Montana
• 4. Yosemite National Park, California
• 5. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee and North Carolina
• 6. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
• 7. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming and Montana
• 8. Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
• 9. Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio
• 10. Mount Rainier National Park

When’s the best time to see fall foliage in Washington?

The best time to view fall foliage in Washington depends on where you are in the Evergreen State.

Fall travel website Explore Fall maintains a map that depicts when foliage is expected to be most visible across the United States.

According to the map, fall colors will be at their brightest in the Cascade and Olympic mountains in September and early October.

In parts of the Puget Sound region, which includes sections Seattle and Tacoma, fall foliage is expected to peak in late October, while fall colors in the rest of western Washington will be at their finest in mid-October.

Much of central and southeast Washington is expected to see fall colors peak in late-October, according to the Explore Fall map. Peak times vary for the rest of eastern Washington.

Where to go for fall scenery? Try Mount Baker, Yakima Greenway

Mount Rainier isn’t the only place you can see bright colors in Washington in the fall.

According to State of Washington Tourism, here are some of the other places you should check out:

• Colville National Forest
• Mount Baker National Forest
• Iller Creek Trail, Spokane
• Washington Park Arboretum, Seattle
• Yakima Greenway
• Tieton River, Yakima
• Methow Valley
• Snoqualmie Pass
• Stevens Pass Greenway
• Highway 101, Olympic National Park
• Chuckanut Drive
• Columbia River Gorge Highway 14