Summer is peak family season. The gorges run 10–15°F cooler than the ridgetops thanks to hemlock canopy and sandstone microclimates — natural air conditioning. Since swimming is banned in the state park, Lake Logan (400-acre lake with a 527-foot beach, minutes away) and Lake Hope (600-foot beach with concession stand) are the go-to spots for water days.
The free weekend shuttle within the park is wheelchair-accessible and saves you the trailhead parking scramble. Use it.