School buses are back on the road, and pumpkin-spiced everything is creeping onto store shelves. Does that mean summer is over? Not at all.
Summer may be starting to wind down, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. The last days of summer are actually one of the best times to get outside and soak up the season’s lingering warmth.
The sun’s still shining, the days are long, and there’s a hint of crispness in the air that makes being outside all the more enjoyable.
So, before you pack away your flip-flops and sun hats, here are five outdoor activities that will help you relish the last days of summer.
#1 Go for a Scenic Hike
Late summer is like nature’s in-between moments. The last bits of summer still lingers, but there’s a hint of fall peeking through. The days are still long, and the temperatures are just right. Why not go on a hike?
The trails are less busy and often quieter, giving you a peaceful, almost meditative experience.
Silver Falls in the Wenatchee Region, which is 31 miles north and west of Entiat, is an excellent destination for one last hike before fall arrives. Two hiking trails aside, the state park has a newly opened campground.
You can also go hiking around Koma Kulshan, where you can soak up the incredibly beautiful views of Mount Baker.
Late summer is an ideal time to hike around Mount Baker because wildflowers are in full bloom or just past it, says The Seattle Times.
#2 Grill Out
Who says you must stow the grill just because summer’s end creeps closer? Celebrate the season’s final stretch by hosting a barbecue in your backyard.
Invite some friends over and fire up the grill. Serve up all your summer favorites—whether it’s burgers, grilled veggies, hot dogs, or fruit skewers.
This time when you host a barbecue, add a twist to your menu by introducing new flavors. Corn on the cob with chili-lime butter, marinated grilled peaches, or a tangy barbecue sauce with a hint of spice—the options are plentiful.
#3 Plan a Whitewater Rafting Trip
The heat of July might have made you cease outdoor activities. But as late summer rolls in, the weather becomes ideal for a whitewater rafting adventure.
The temperature is warm enough to enjoy the splash of the river without feeling overheated. The water levels also tend to be just right—a thrilling mix of rapids and calm stretches.
One of the top rafting destinations in the country is Colorado, says The Coloradoan. It’s home to 2 of the country’s top 10 river rafting tours.
Plan a whitewater rafting trip to Colorado. The Arkansas River ranks, Echo Canyon River Expeditions says, is among the country’s top 10 whitewater rafting rivers.
Raft there if you’re after incredible views and heart-pounding excitement. The river offers everything from exhilarating rapids to stunning scenery, making it an ideal choice for an unforgettable adventure.
The Poudre River, Colorado River, Clear Creek, and Yampa/Green Rivers are other favorite spots for whitewater rafting in Colorado.
#4 Take a Camping Trip
Camping in the fall can be fun. But there’s nothing like camping in late summer. Take advantage of the cooler nights and go camping with your friends or family.
The campgrounds are less crowded, and the bugs are less relentless in late summer. Hence, you can enjoy swimming in a nearby lake by day and cozy up by a fire at night.
You don’t even have to travel far. Pitch a tent in a nearby campground or a local state park and spend a night under the stars.
Some of the most scenic places for camping in the U.S., according to Travel + Leisure, are Acadia National Park, Maine, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, and Glacier National Park, Montana.
#5 Plan a Picnic
A picnic in a park is a delightful way to enjoy your time outdoors with your friends or family. And what better time to plan a picnic than late summer?
The weather isn’t that hot. You can enjoy sitting outside without the sweltering heat of high summer.
Pick a scenic spot. It could be a shady park, a lakeside, or even your own backyard. Make a picnic basket and add all your favorite goodies, such as sandwiches, fresh fruit, cheese, and maybe a few homemade treats. Don’t forget a refreshing drink, like lemonade or iced tea, to keep things cool.
Late summer doesn’t mean you should put an end to outdoor fun. In fact, it is one of the best times to get outside and enjoy everything the season has to offer—without the intense heat, crowds, or bug bites.
So, before the days get shorter and the chill starts to creep in, grab your gear and make the most of these last sunny days. Summer’s not over yet, and there’s still plenty of fun to have!
