The Ultimate Guide to 23 National Parks in West Coast, USA
Add these incredible National Parks in West Coast, USA to your bucket list
I used to be all about hopping on a plane to exotic international destinations every chance I got. I was under the fallacy that if it wasn’t far away, then it wasn’t cool. I know…facepalm. When the pandemic hit, my gypsy gene went into high gear in search of any adventure I could find. A friend invited me to spend a long weekend visiting some National Parks with him, and that is when my love affair with National Parks officially began. Since then, I have spent any free time I can get exploring the incredible National Parks in West Coast, USA. I can unequivocally say that America’s National Parks are true gifts to the world!
Let’s start with the basics. President Woodrow Wilson created the National Park Service in 1916 to protect some of the country’s most extraordinary outdoor spaces. There are 63 National Parks in total across the 50 United States and the U.S. territories of American Samoa and the Virgin Islands. Becoming an officially-designated National Park is no joke. The National Park Service has a rigorous set of criteria that need to be met before they will put their stamp of approval on a park. Each park offers unique natural wonders, ecosystems, and beauty. What this means for adventurers is that if it’s good enough to be a National Park, then it’s definitely worth visiting.
“Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is a necessity.”
The logistics of visiting America’s National Parks can be daunting, often requiring advance bookings and preparation. So you can save time planning and spend it exploring, I have created this practical guide that breaks down all the logistics you need for each of the 23 West Coast National Parks. I cover the best activities and hiking trails, when to visit, how many days you’ll need, how to get there, where to stay, and all other pertinent information for each park.
For our purposes, I have defined the West Coast as the following states:
Alaska - 8 National Parks
California - 9 National Parks
Hawaii - 2 National Parks
Oregon - 1 National Park
Washington - 3 National Parks
You could spend a lifetime exploring the National Parks in America, there is so much to see and do! I am determined to see as many National Parks as I possibly can, and after reading this post, you will be too! Perhaps a greater appreciation for things closer to home has been one of the best lessons I took away from the pandemic. Now buckle up because this is a super detailed guide, and it will make you want to pack your bags and go!
HERE ARE IN-DEPTH GUIDES FOR ALL 23 NATIONAL PARKS IN WEST COAST, USA:
National Parks in Alaska
Alaska is vast, wild, and raw. In total, Alaska is home to 8 of the best National Parks in the west, some of which have no roadways and are only accessible by plane. Each park features an abundance of wildlife and outdoor activities. To make sure you have the best information to plan your Alaska National Parks tour, I worked with Alaska local and expert, Susanna, from Curiosity Saves Travel.
Pro tip: Alaska is spread out, remote, and getting to its National Parks requires some serious know-how. One of the best ways to see as much of Alaska’s gorgeous National Parks in a short timeframe is by going with an organized tour. Locals know their way around and can help you get the most bang for your buck. This 9-day tour covers 3 of the best parks and literally has thousands of positive reviews, this tour is perfect for families, and this 10-day tour covers the vast expanse of wilderness in 3 parks by sea, land, rail, and air.
1. Denali National Park
Denali is America’s highest mountain towering at 20,310 feet and known as “The Great One.” And after seeing it in all its glory, there is no denying why Denali National Park is one of Alaska’s most popular national parks. Taking a road trip from Anchorage to Denali allows for sneak peeks of the majestic mountain along the scenic drive to build excitement on the way to the park. This is a place to get outside and enjoy nature at its rawest.
Denali National Park is vast, wild, and boasts over 6 million acres of pure Alaskan tundra. There are plenty of nature-based activities on offer such as glacier hiking, white water rafting, ATV adventures, horse-drawn carriage rides, dog-mushing, and scenic flights to glaciers. However, the highlight in Denali is to get inside the park for chances to see bears, moose, caribou, Dall sheep, wolves, and more of Alaska’s unique wildlife. Adventurous types can spend a night wild camping under the stars.
Number of Days to Allot: 2-5 days
Best Time to Visit: The park is open year-round, but is busiest from June-September. Summer solstice (June 20 or 21) brings 21 hours of sunlight. For solitude, visit in winter.
Getting There & Around: The park entrance is accessed by either car or train from Anchorage or Fairbanks. The train runs daily from mid-May to mid-September, and on weekends only in the winter. The only way through the park is on its 92-mile Park Road or through backcountry excursions:
Private vehicles - Private vehicles are only allowed on Park Road during a 4-day event in September known as the “Road Lottery.” During these four days, winners of a lottery drawing are given a chance to purchase a single, day-long permit, allowing them to drive as much of the Denali Park Road as weather allows. Applicants must apply for the lottery between May 1-May 31 to have a chance to drive the road in September.
Unguided Park Shuttles - Denali has transit buses that run through Park Road and allow visitors to experience the park on their own timeline with a hop on/hop off system. You will need to make reservations in advance. The buses also provide bike racks for bicyclists.
Bus Tours - Driving Park Road can be daunting, so it’s nice to leave it to the professionals. There are several guided bus tours that go for various lengths along the 92-mile Park road, ranging from 4-12 hours.
Off-Roading Adventures - You can do a backcountry safari, ATV tour, and a guided or self-guided jeep tour.
On Foot - In addition to the best hikes mentioned below, you can take a walking tour with an expert naturalist guide.
Flightseeing By Plane - Get an aerial view of Denali and its marvels by plane!!
Highlights & Top Experiences: Wildlife sightings, white water rafting, Mt. Denali views
Best Hikes: Triple Lakes Trail, Horseshoe Lake Trail, Mount Healy Overlook Trail
Where to Stay: Accomodation fills up fast, so be sure to book well in advance. Outside the park, there are many lodging options in the towns of Cantwell and Healy. There are also some great vacation rentals available. Luxury travelers can experience the once-in-a-lifetime Sheldon Chalet (only accesible by helicopter). For inside the park:
The park has 6 campgrounds with a total of 274 campsites - Wonder Lake provides the best views of Denali
For backcountry camping, permits are available at the Backcountry Information Center (mile 1 on Park Road) from mid-May to Mid-September
The park has 4 private lodges: Camp Denali, Kantishna Roadhouse, Denali Backcountry Lodge, Skyline Lodge
Denali National Park
2. Gates of the Arctic National Park
One of the least-visited parks in the United States, Gates of the Arctic National Park is a 8.4 million-acre roadless park accessible only by air. Located north of the Arctic Circle, it is one of the few remaining raw, primitive stretches of wilderness left in North America. In addition to its vast rivers and glacier-carved valleys, the park has thousands of archaeological sites that preserve the traditions of the Nunamiut and Athabascan peoples, the descendants of which still live in the park. The park is also home to caribou, musk ox, wolves, waterfowl, and arctic tern.
The park has no trails - visitors can hike anywhere. One typically enters the park through nearby gateway communities, including Anaktuvuk Pass, Beetles, and Coldfoot. These communities are unique cultural experiences in and of themselves, offering a look at modern remote life in the Arctic.
Two must-see park highlights are:
Arrigetch Peaks - Meaning “fingers of the hands extended” in the indigenous dialect, these are rugged granite peaks that extend thousands of feet. They are an excellent destination for experienced climbers and backpackers.
Walker Lake - A 14-mile long lake that is a perfect destination for more relaxed float trips or camping. Air taxis can even take you into the park just to land and enjoy a quiet picnic alonngside this lake, one of the most remote parts of the United States.
This park is super remote and requires some serious outdoors skills. For this reason, I advise booking an all-encompassing multi-day experience with local tour guides that really know what they’re doing. Arctic Wild or Alaskan Alpine Adventures both come highly recommended.
Number of Days to Allot: 5-10 days
Best Time to Visit: June-August; September for the best Northern Lights viewing; winter requires cold-weather survival skills
Getting There & Around: The only way to access Gates of the Arctic National Park is to fly or hike in. It’s easy (but expensive) to get to Bettles or Anaktuvuk Pass from Fairbanks: you can search for flights on Kayak.com or Wright Air. You can also rent a car and drive to Coldfoot on the Dalton Highway, 280 miles north of Fairbanks. From these villages, you can hike in or charter a floatplane to fly above or drop you in the park.
Highlights & Top Experiences: Flightseeing, archaeology, birding, kayaking/canoeing the Noatak River, cross-country skiing or dog sledding to see the Northern Lights
Best Hikes: There are no trails, roads, or cell phone service, so this terrain is only for experts or people going with guides.
Where to Stay: You can camp anywhere in the park without a permit. Popular lodges in the park are Iniakuk Lake Wilderness Lodge and Peace of Selby Wilderness Lodge. Outside the park is the Bettles Lodge.
Gates of the Arctic National Park. Photo by NPS
3. Glacier Bay National Park
Glacier Bay National Park is a 3.3-million acre park with mountains, ice fields, rainforest, fjords, and its crowing jewel, glaciers. A good portion of this park is comrpised of ice! The best way to see this park is by boat - either by kayaking or on a cruise. It’s a popular stop for many cruise itineraries, so if you are cruising to Alaska, you’re likely to stop here with opportunities for additional excursions. Whether you visit with a cruise or independently venture in from Juneau, Bartlett Cove is the launching point for enjoying the park. In Bartlett Cove, you can do some easy hikes for opportunities to see wildlife and breathtaking views.
For the whole experience, a full-day exploring Glacier Bay with a 130-mile boat tour is the ideal way to go. Every morning these boat tours depart from Bartlett Cove, and you’ll see glaciers, wildlife and learn about the park with an onboard park ranger. This boat tour is the only scheduled day tour permitted inside Glacier Bay National Park, so advance reservations are highly recommended. If you’re interested in fishing, Glacier Bay can be an excellent spot for guided halibut fishing with the proper permits.
It rains a lot here regardless of the season, so come prepared with a rain jacket, poncho, or travel umbrella.
Number of Days to Allot: 2-3 days will allow for the full-day boat tour and one day kayaking or hiking
Best Time to Visit: Late May to early September
Getting There & Around: Most visitors get here by cruise. If you want to travel independently, fly from Juneau to Gustavus, the closest airport to the park (book on Kayak.com). Then from there, arrange a cruise or kayak from the park headquarters in Bartlett Cove.
Highlights & Top Experiences: Tidewater glaciers, icebergs, kayaking Muir Inlet and West Arm, whale watching, puffins, sea lions
Best Hikes: Bartlett River Trail, Nagoonberry Loop, Tlingit Trail, Point Gustavus
Where to Stay: The only campground in the park is in Bartlett Cove, backcountry camping is possible from May-September with a free permit, and Glacier Bay Lodge is the only hotel in the park. The nearby town of Gustavus has a variety of accomodation options including this quaint lodge.
Glacier Bay National Park
4. Katmai National Park
Located on the Alaskan peninsula, Katmai National Park is known for having some of the best brown bear-watching in the world. Imagine seeing beautiful brown bears gorging on salmon as they jump through waterfalls. The park also features stunning lakes, Alaska Native cultural traditions, excellent fishing, and ashflow volcano remnants.
One of the best ways to experience the park is with a flightseeing tour over the park. An aerial view allows you to see the incredible and diverse park landscapes, to catch glimpses of bears and sockeye salmon in rivers, and to perhaps even see the steaming volcanoes of the Aleutian Range. Another great way to experience it is by canoeing or kayaking on the hundreds of miles of river and lakes. You can also enjoy ranger-led programs and cultural walks at Brooks Camp.
If you have a few days in Katmai, it is well worth a visit to the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes to see the ash-covered landscape left behind after the explosive eruption of the Katmai Volcano. You can book tours from Brooks Lodge, and advanced reservations are required. If you fancy fishing alongside bears, you can arrange this exciting activity with a tour guide, including the proper permits.
While the park is open year-round, most tourism services operate from June to September, and getting in and out of the park outside of these months would be very difficult. The best time and place to see the bears is in Brooks Camp in July and September when they are feasting, but bears may be around from late May until November.
Number of Days to Allot: 2-4 days
Best Time to Visit: June to October; July and September are the best months for bear watching
Getting There & Around: Fly from Anchorage to King Salmon (book on Kayak.com). Then take a floatplane or boat to Brooks Camp.
Highlights & Top Experiences: Brooks Falls to see bears, canoeing or kayaking the Savonoski Loop, Three Forks Overlook, Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes
Best Hikes: Brooks Falls, Dumpling Mountain
Where to Stay: The park’s only campground is at Brooks Camp and reservations are required. Grosvenor Lodge offers lodging for fisherman, Brooks Lodge is an extremely popular accomodation provider with lots of tours available - they have a lottery system since the demand to stay there is extremely high - and Fure’s Cabin is a popular stopover point for kayakers. All of these spots are expensive though, so if you are on a budget, you can set up camp at a lodge or vacation rental in King Salmon and do day trips to the park.
Flightseeing plane to Katmai National Park
5. Kenai Fjords National Park
Kenai Fjords National Park is a stunning place where ice meets mountains, forests, and the sea. The crowning jewel of the park is the nearly 40 glaciers that carve their way through rock down to fjords. This unique park invites you in for an intimate look at Alaska’s mighty glaciers and the impact that our changing climate has on their prowess.
There are several ways to enjoy the park, each one offering a different experience. One way is by booking a full-day cruise of the park’s waterways (splurge for an 8-hour tour as you won’t see much on the 3-hour tour). If you are interested in whale sightings, there is a dedicated Orca spotting tour. You can also head to the Exit Glacier visitor center and enjoy an easy nature walk along the valley of the shrinking glacier until you arrive at the endpoint for glacier views. Other great ways to experience the park are by a helicopter tour or sea kayaking - a dry top or splash top are essential because you will be cold and wet most of the time. More hardcore adventurers will want to book a hiking or snowmobiling tour through the park, or a guided trek to Harding Icefield, a massive 700-square mile block of ice covering Alaska’s Kenai mountains.
Seward is the closest town with lots of accommodation and dining options. Be sure to stop by Thorn’s Showcase Lounge to try some of the freshest halibut around.
Number of Days to Allot: 2-3 days
Best Time to Visit: June-August
Getting There & Around: From Anchorage, you can hop on the Alaska Railroad to go to Seward, take a bus, or drive 2 hours south, leaving extra time to take the National Scenic Byway. From Seward, you can book a cruise or kayak trip, or you can head inland for a hike to the Exit Glacier.
Highlights & Top Experiences: Harding Icefield, taking a cruise from the fishing village of Seward, marine wildlife, kayaking amidst glaciers
Best Hikes: Exit Glacier, Harding Icefield Trail, Resurrection River Trail, Lost Lake Trail
Where to Stay: The park’s campgrounds are first come, first served. There are 2 public use cabins along the fjords and one cabin at Exit Glacier - bring a sleeping pad and sleeping bag as the bunks are wooden - reservations are required. For luxury travelers the Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge is the only wilderness lodge within the park, and for budget travelers Nauti Otter Inn offers cheap lodging with cabins, hostel rooms, and yurts. Seward also has lots of hotel and vacation rental options.
Kenai Fjords National Park
6. Kobuk Valley National Park
Kobuk Valley is one of the most remote and least visited National Parks in the United States. It is perhaps one of the most unusual parks because you’ll find desert-like dunes in the middle of the Alaskan Arctic, and instead of snakes, you’ll see caribou and sandhill cranes. With no road access, this park can only be entered by plane, boat, or on foot. But you’ll be rewarded for your efforts with stunning views, solitude, and 24 hours of sunlight.
Seeing the dunes is a highlight. Another impressive sight is Onion Portage, an archaeological zone with historical evidence of human activity dating back 12,000 years. Every year thousands of caribou migrate through Kobuk Valley in one of the last remaining large migrations unobstructed by roads, which is an awe-inspiring experience. There are no facilities here, so visiting is not for the faint of heart. Visitors will need expert outdoor skills or it is highly recommended to book a guided excursion with backcountry experts for a more enjoyable and accessible experience.
Number of Days to Allot: 2-4 days
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall are the best times to see the great caribou migrations, otherwise summertime is best.
Getting There & Around: There are no roads into the Kobuk Valley National Park. From Anchorage, fly into Kotzebue or Bettles on Alaska Airlines (you can also book on Kayak.com). Then take an air taxi into the park. Visitors who bring collapsible boats can float from Ambler to Kiana.
Highlights & Top Experiences: Great Kobuk sand dunes, caribou migration
Best Hikes: Kobuk Giant Sand Dunes
Where to Stay: There are no developed campgrounds, but you can camp anywhere in the park without a permit - camping in the sand dunes is a special experience. The nearest lodging option is the Nullagvik Hotel in Kotzebue. Other options include Bettles Lodge and Kobuk River Lodge.
Kobuk Valley National Park
7. Lake Clark National Park
Lake Clark National Park is an abundant park where two major mountain ranges, the Neacola and the Chigmit, merge. They are separated by Lake Clark Pass, which was once surrounded by 24 glaciers. The area is now brimming with glacial lakes and streams. The streams are chock full of salmon, leading to one of the highest concentrations of brown bears in the world. Despite all these wonders, the 4-million acre Lake Clark National Park is one of Alaska’s more under-the-radar parks because the only way to get there is by plane. It is the perfect destination for those looking to connect with nature, engage in bear viewing opportunities, and to get away from the hustle and bustle. Qizhjeh Vena is the lake’s native name, and it means ‘a place where people gathered’. Centuries of Native American history permeates the area.
The park’s main attraction is its 130-mile long coastline along the Cook Inlet where you can see mother bears and their cubs migrate to every June. There are several ways to see the bears up close and peronal. You can book a bear viewing tour with a guide, do a flightseeing and hiking excursion, or a truly adventurous way to see the bears is on a packrafting tour along the Kenai River. Some of the other best things to do in Lake Clark National park are fishing for sockeye salmon, kayaking (you can rent a kayak in Port Alsworth), and glacier hiking.
For those looking to escape into nature for longer than a day, you can book an overnight stay at one of the many privately-owned backcountry lodges (see Where to Stay below) that offer all-inclusive outdoor packages, including fishing, backcountry hiking, and kayaking. Air taxis can take you to the Port Alsworth visitor center where you can check out the Salmon Museum highlighting the importance of Lake Clark’s salmon watershed to Alaskan locals.
Number of Days to Allot: 1-2 days
Best Time to Visit: May-October; June for bear viewing, July or August for fishing. Bring strong repellent as summer is peak mosquito time
Getting There & Around: The park is not connected to the road system. You can take a flight from Anchorage, Homer, or Kenai (Here is a list of flight providers). The east side of the park is accessible via boat, weather and tide permitting.
Highlights & Top Experiences: Tanalian Falls, packrafting/kayaking/canoeing, fishing, bear viewing
Best Hikes: Tanalian Mountain, Kontrashibuna Lake, Portage Creek Trail
Where to Stay: Lake Clark is a giant, trail-free camping site, but be prepared as the weather can change quickly. You can also camp near the famed Richard Proenneke cabin (read his book)! There are 2 public use cabins: Priest Rock Cabin and Joe Thompson Cabin, reservations are required. If you are doing an extended overnight stay, check out Redoubt Mountain Lodge, Silver Salmon Creek Lodge, and Farm Lodge for all-inclusive packages. For day-trippers, here are lodging options if you’re heading to the park from:
Port Alsworth - This off-grid vacation rental is extraordinary
Anchorage - Hotel and vacation rentals
Homer - Hotel and vacation rentals
Kenai - Hotel and vacation rentals
Lake Clark National Park
8. Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
At 13.2-million acres, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park reigns as the largest National Park in the United States. It is an impressive sight to behold, and is known for its incredible backcountry adventures. 9 of the 16 highest peaks in America are found in this park, and it’s also home to several awe-inspiring glaciers. In fact, glaciers cover a quarter of the park. Add to that historic mining towns, a river filled to the brim with salmon, an active volcano, and herds of caribou, and it’s no wonder this is one of the best National Parks in the west.
The absolute best way to experience the grandeur and scale of the park is from the air with a flightseeing tour, where you’ll see mountaintops, glacier valleys, snowfields, rivers, and untouched wilderness. Another once-in-a-lifetime experience is glacier hiking on Root Glacier where you’ll get the chance to get up close and personal with the dynamic landscape. Another park highlight is Kennicott Mine -book a guided tour to see inside the mine. The visitor center is located just outside of Glennallen, and there you can find nature walks and guided ranger tours. There is an air taxi station near the Mine that is the launching point for advanced backcountry adventures in areas of the park inaccessible by road. (Unless you are an advanced outdoors explorer, I highly recommend booking a backcountry excursion with local experts who know what they’re doing - St. Elias Guides or Kennicott Guides).
You can drive into the park, but you will need a 4x4 and the skills to change a tire. Not all rental companies allow this trip, so be sure to check when you rent your vehicle.
Number of Days to Allot: 2 days
Best Time to Visit: June-August
Getting There & Around: Wrangell-St. Elias is a 7-hour drive from Anchorage. You can rent a vehicle or take a shuttle bus to Glennallen. The park has two road access points, but the roads are rough so you’ll need a 4x4. If you have the budget, bush planes are the fastest way to explore the park for remote hiking, climbing, and paddling.
Highlights & Top Experiences: Flightseeing to experience the enormity of the park, rafting through Nizina Canyon, glacier hiking on root glacier, Kennicott copper mine
Best Hikes: Root Glacier Trail, Skookum Volcano Trail, Bonanza Mine Trail, Caribou Creek Trail
Where to Stay: You can camp almost anywhere in the park without a permit. The park has 14 public use cabins (you’ll have to fly or hike in). Other great options include Ma Johnson’s Hotel, Ultima Thule Lodge, Kennicott Glacier Lodge, and affordable vacation rentals and lodging options in nearby McCarthy, Glennallen and Copper Center.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Photo by Travel Alaska
National Parks in California
Oh California, how I love thee! In total, I have spent over 10 years living in the Golden State, in both San Francisco and Los Angeles. There is so much to see and do here that I easily fill up my weekends exploring and never run out of new adventures. California has the most National Parks of any state - 9 in total! When you venture out to these glorious National Parks in California, you will see for yourself why I love calling this place home.
9. Channel Islands National Park
Exploring Channel Islands National Park across the Santa Barbara Channel in southern California is like visiting another world. These islands have isolated ecosystems that developed separately from the mainland, including animal species found nowhere else in the world. And these islands have some of the best scuba diving in America! The park is made up of 5 islands, accessible by boat or air from the mainland, with a mile of ocean surrounding each island:
Anacapa - 1 hour by boat; has a historic lighthouse
Santa Cruz - 1 hour by boat; has amazing sea caves, surf breaks, and secluded beaches; main hub for water sports
Santa Rosa - 3 hours by boat, 30 minutes by air; offers wilderness of trees, white sand, and rocky canyons
San Miguel - 4 hours by boat, 40 minutes by air; renowned for its wildlife
Santa Barbara - 3 hours by boat; has stunning nature
Each island has unique things to see! You can’t choose wrong here - just keep in mind that some islands take longer to reach than others. Spend a day on Santa Cruz and see the native foxes, hike to Potato Harbor Overlook, or kayak the sea caves. Visit the lighthouse on Anacapa, hike to Inspiration Point, or dive the kelp forest. View elephant seals from afar on Santa Barbara. See rare Torrey pine trees on Santa Rosa. Take an all-day hike on San Miguel to see thousands of sea lions and seals.
Day trips are easy. However, you cannot truly explore more than one island in a day, so if you want to see them all you need a minimum of five days. Channel Islands National Park is open year-round, but some areas may be temporarily restricted to protect breeding wildlife. Check the park’s website ahead of your trip for the latest information. To access the islands, reserve a spot on the ferry departing from Ventura or Oxnard harbors - the boat ride is an adventure in and of itself. San Miguel and Santa Barbara are furthest from the shore and much quicker to reach via third-party plane rather than boat. —Contributed by Rachel from Means to Explore
Number of Days to Allot: 1-2 days
Best Time to Visit: Year-round; fall for water sports, spring for wildflowers, summer for the best camping weather, winter for wildlife-watching (whale watching season runs from mid-December to mid-April)
Getting There & Around: Drive to Ventura or Oxnard in Southern California (rent a car from Kayak.com for the best prices). From there take a boat to one of the islands, advance reservations are required. There are also flights from Ventura to Santa Rosa Island, and organized kayak trips.
Highlights & Top Experiences: Arch Rock, kayaking around the islands, diving, snorkeling, tidepooling for marine critters, whale watching
Best Hikes: Inspiration Point (Anacapa Island), Cavern Point Loop & Potato Harbor (Santa Cruz Island), Cherry Canyon (Santa Rosa Island)
Where to Stay: The only way to stay on the Channel Islands is to camp. Each of the 5 islands has a campground, and backcountry camping is allowed on Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa islands. All camping requires advance reservations. Come prepared for a primitive wilderness experience, and bring along all the water and supplies you’ll need. If you’re not camping, here are lots of lodging options for the nearby towns of:
Ventura - Hotel and vacation rentals
Oxnard - Hotel and vacation rentals
Santa Barbara - Hotel and vacation rentals
Channel Islands National Park
10. Death Valley National Park
Death Valley National Park is California’s lowest, driest, and hottest place. It is one of the most enthralling National Parks on the West Coast, offering sand dunes, salt flats, sliding stones, twisting canyons, and a mesmerizing tapestry of desert shades. Driving through the park, you will see prickly pear cacti, tortoises, and bighorn sheep. If you time your visit right, you’ll see orange, purple, and gold wildflowers in full bloom. The park is only a 2-hour drive from Las Vegas, so you can add it on to a larger vacation or take a day trip from Las Vegas.
Temparatures can well exceed 100°F, so visiting at the proper time of year is critical. Death Valley got its name from emigrants who came for the gold rush and almost died there. You’ll see their remnants, and those of miners who came in search of precious metals, in the various ghost towns you’ll pass en route to the park. The park was also a filming location for a couple Star Wars movies. And it’s officially America’s largest “dark sky” park, so it’s an extraordinary spot to stargaze. Take in the stunning views from Zabriskie Point or Dante’s View at sunset, go for a detour along Artist’s Drive and through Mustard Canyon, and walk through the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes Ubehebe Crater, or Mosaic Canyon. The insane views will make you feel like you’ve reached another planet.
Number of Days to Allot: 3-5 days
Best Time to Visit: Spring for wildflowers, fall or winter for temperate weather
Getting There & Around: The closest international airport is in Las Vegas, which is a 2-hour drive from the park. Los Angeles is a 5-hour drive. You’ll need a car to explore the park.
Highlights & Top Experiences: Stargazing, Ubehebe Crater, Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Badwater Basin, Zabriskie Point, Artist’s Drive
Best Hikes: Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes Trail, Wildrose Peak Trail
Where to Stay: Park campgrounds are first come, first served, except for Furnace Creek which requires reservations. There are a few lodging options inside the park: Stovepipe Wells, Panamint Springs, and The Oasis at Death Valley. Beatty, Nevada is the nearest town and has hotel and vacation rentals available. Bear in mind that the park is large, so you’ll want to book accomodation near the sites you want to see.
Death Valley National Park
11. JOSHUA TREE National Park
Joshua Tree National Park is located in the heart of the California desert. This National Park is famous for its twisty, otherworldly Joshua trees, which are thriving all over the park. It also offers fantastic boulder formations, and after hiking through dry desert landscapes and rocks, you will be elated to see one of the few desert oases (my personal fave was the 49 Palm Oasis which is breathtaking)! J-Tree, as it’s knows to locals, is a prime spot for stargazing.
History buffs will enjoy taking a ranger-led tour of Keys Ranch and hiking to visit the ruins of Lost Horse Mine. Adventure lovers will not have a shortage of activities to dive into. There are excellent hiking and moutain biking trails, jeep adventures on backcountry roads, rappelling, and rock climbers love the chance to scramble up the world-class routes up huge grantine rocks. If you are a novice rock climber, you can experience the magnificent boulders on a led tour.
Joshua Tree National Park has several captivating rock formations, including Arch Rock and Skull Rock, a striking skull-shaped boulder. Be sure to check out the Cholla cactus garden which will make you feel like you’ve landed on Mars, and hike up to the peak of Ryan Mountain to catch a sunset of vibrant colors. And if you’re a music lover, you will enjoy a stay at the famous Harmony Motel where U2 stayed while working on their iconic Joshua Tree album. Like any desert, temperatures can be extreme with hot summer days and cold winter nights, so bring layers and carry plenty of water.
Number of Days to Allot: 1-3 days
Best Time to Visit: Year-round; summer is hot but has the Perseids meteor shower, spring brings the biggest crowds when wildflowers are in bloom, fall has mild temperatures, and winter can be cold with clear skies
Getting There & Around: The closest large town is Palm Springs, which is a 1-hour drive from the park. Los Angeles is a 2-hour drive. You’ll need a car to explore the park.
Highlights & Top Experiences: Joshua trees, rock climbing, Skull Rock, Keys View, Cholla cactus garden, backcountry roads
Best Hikes: Hidden Valley, Mastodon Peak, 49 Palm Oasis
Where to Stay: Joshua Tree National park has 9 campgrounds that require reservations in advance. Backcountry camping is also available with a permit. There is no lodging inside the park, but there are tons of excellent vacation rentals and lodging options in the towns of Yucca Valley, Joshua Tree, and Twentynine Palms, including the iconic Harmony Motel where U2 stayed while working on their Joshua Tree album.
Joshua Tree National Park
12. Kings Canyon National Park
Kings Canyon National Park is located in the Sierra Nevada region of California, and is famous for its giant sequoia trees, massive granite cliffs, and deep river canyon. Enthusiasts say that it’s a less-touristy version of Yosemite, so it’s a great place to find some peace and convene with nature. And the park is adjoined with Sequoia National Park, so you can get two National Parks for the price of one.
Kings Canyon has a ton of exciting things to see and do depending on the time of year you visit. The main park highlight is seeing the massive General Grant Tree, the second largest tree in the world! If visiting in the summertime, don’t miss a drive down the twisty 35-mile Kings Canyon Scenic Byway which drops deep into the canyon. You can also go swimming in one of the many swimming holes that appear when water levels drop. You can find them near Roads End in Cedar Grove, especially around the beach by Muir Rock and underneath the Red Bridge. Be sure to stop by Grant Grove Stables for a short horseback or mule ride.
Wintertime provides the opportunity for skiing and snowshoeing. You can also do some sledding at Big Stump. And if you’re lucky, you might just catch a glimpse of the California spotted owl - Kings Canyon is one of its few remaining protected refuges.
Number of Days to Allot: 1-3 days
Best Time to Visit: June to October; winter is great for skiing and snowshoeing but note that the highways will be closed
Getting There & Around: Kings Canyon National Park is a 4-hour drive from San Francisco and 6 hours from Los Angeles. You’ll need a car to access the park and to drive Kings Canyon Scenic Byway.
Highlights & Top Experiences: General Grant Tree, Junction View, Kings Canyon Scenic Byway, Boyden Cavern
Best Hikes: General Grant Trail, Zumwalt Meadow, Paradise Valley Trail, Rae Lakes Loop
Where to Stay: There are several campgrounds available - permits required. Within the park, the Grant Grove Cabins, John Muir Lodge, and Cedar Grove Lodge (summer only) are popular options. Outside the park, there are plenty of excellent vacation rentals available.
Kings Canyon National Park
13. Lassen Volcanic National Park
Mountains, volcanoes, and desert…oh my! Lassen Volcanic National Park is a hidden gem amongst West Coast National Parks located in Northern California in the Sierra Nevadas. In addition to lava fields and cinder cones, you’ll find hundreds of lakes, thick forests, wildflowers, and rich wildlife. Three quarters of the park is designated as wilderness, and you will find 4 of the world’s different volcano types here. Lassen Peak last erupted in 1915, and today there are plenty of boiling mud pots, steaming vents, and sulfur hot springs.
The park offers a range of stimulating activities to match its diverse landscape. You can’t swim in any of the its hot springs, but there are many high elevation lakes to swim, boat, and paddle in. Juniper Lake and Manzanita Lake are particularly popular, as is Lake Helen for spectacular views of Lassen Peak. Hiking the unique Cinder Cone Trail and up to the volcanic summit of Lassen Peak are must-dos for adventure junkies. And be sure to stargaze while there - Lassen Volcanic National Park is one of California’s best dark sky parks.
Number of Days to Allot: 1-3 days
Best Time to Visit: June-September; Winter is popular with backcountry skiers and snowshoers
Getting There & Around: You will need a car to explore Lassen. If you’re not bringing your own vehicle, you can fly into Sacramento for international flights (2-hour drive), and domestically, you can fly into Redding (1-hour drive), San Francisco (4-hour drive), or Los Angeles (9-hour drive) and rent a car.
Highlights & Top Experiences: Lassen Peak, Painted Dunes, Sulphur Works, Manzanita Lake
Best Hikes: Bumpass Hell, Echo Lake Trail, Cinder Cone Trail, Lassen Peak
Where to Stay: There are several campgrounds available by reservation, and backcountry camping is possible with a free permit. Inside the park, there are the Manzanita Lake Camping Cabins and the secluded Drakesbad Guest Ranch. There are also some really comfy cabins/vacation rentals super close to the park.
Lassen Volcanic National Park
14. Pinnacles National Park
Pinnacles National Park is one of the newest parks, only becoming a National Park in 2013. At just 41.6 square miles, it’s also one of the smallest National Parks. The park is popular with rock climbers and hikers due to its landscape of volcanic peaks, canyons, and caves. There are many ranger-led activities, night hikes, and star parties on offer during spring and summer.
Pinnacles is a mecca for wild plants and animals. In early spring, it hosts a ladybug migration. In the fall, male tarantulas can be seen crossing roads in search of a mate. The park is also home to over a dozen kinds of bats - check out the Bear Gulch Caves where bats reside among the talus rocks. If you’re lucky you’ll see the famed California condor, North America’s largest land bird. This park proves that good things can come in small packages.
Number of Days to Allot: 1-3 days
Best Time to Visit: March-June for wildflowers, September-November for fall foliage
Getting There & Around: Pinnacles National Park is a 2-hour drive from San Francisco. You’ll need a car to access the park. The main entrance is on the east side of the park and another entrance is on the west, but the roads do not connect. So you can either hike through or do the drive from one side to the other, which requires a 90-minute trip outside the park.
Highlights & Top Experiences: High Peaks Trail, Bear Gulch
Best Hikes: High Peaks Trail, Balconies Cave Trail, Chalone Peak Trail
Where to Stay: The park only has one campground which requires reservations. There is no lodging in the park, but there are lots of lodging options in the nearby towns of:
Soledad - Motel and vacation rentals
Hollister - Hotel and vacation rentals
Salinas - Hotel and vacation rentals
Pinnacles National Park
15. Redwood National Park
Located along the California Coast, Redwood National Park is a tree-hugger’s paradise. Home to Hyperion, the tallest living tree in the world, the park is filled with giant redwoods, lush green forests, and rugged coastal cliffs. The ginormous specimens of Tall Trees Grove (some trees there are over 370 feet!) are one of the main draws, but you’ve also got fern-filled canyons, bridle trails, and deserted beaches. There is also colorful sea life within its pristine beaches, offshore waters, and coastlines. You can find hidden swimming holes and tour the lively waters beneath the towering redwood trees.
With picturesque trails, friendly wildlife, and idyllic views, Redwood has established itself as one of the top national parks in the country. The only way to really get a taste of the Redwoods is to hike through the forest yourself, climbing over fallen trunks the size of houses or gazing up into the canopy of giants. Don’t limit yourself to just walking, though. You can bike, horseback ride, and camp throughout the park’s 200 miles of trail system year round, and a leisurely drive down the coast and from one end of the park to another takes about three hours. You can also see the world’s largest herd of Roosevelt elk, as well as bald eagles and black bears. Regardless of what strikes your fancy, Redwood National Park will leave you feeling inspired!
Redwood National Park
16. Sequoia National Park
Sequoia is one of nine national parks in California. It was established as the state’s first National Park in 1890 to protect the beautiful Sequoia trees from logging. The perfect trip to Sequoia National Park would consist of anywhere from 1-3 days, depending on how fast you like to travel and how many trails you want to hike. You can certainly see the highlights of the park in just one day.
This park can be visited all year round but when you are looking for ideal weather conditions to enjoy all of the stunning outdoor adventures, it is best to come from June through August. In the wintertime, you might expect road closures and other challenges due to the amount of ice and snow in the park. —Contributed by Rachel and Dana Reed from TravelingFoundLove.com
These are the top things you won’t want to miss:
General Sherman Tree - Visit the Giant Forest and see one of the the largest trees in the world.
Hike the Congress Trail - Take an easy 2-mile walk through massive Sequoia trees away from the crowds.
Drive through the Tunnel Log - Where else can you drive through a fallen Sequoia tree? The 17 feet wide and 8 feet high tunnel makes driving through a breeze.
Climb Moro Rock - Reach the summit of a giant granite dome to admire impressive views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Drive the Scenic Generals Highway - Take in the views of the park along the curvy Generals Highway.
Sequoia National Park
17. Yosemite National Park
Yosemite National Park in California is a must-have item on any bucket list. Located in the Sierra Nevada Mountain range, the most visited area of Yosemite is the Valley, a majestic landscape surrounded by mountains and waterfalls. While a week could easily be spent soaking up the beauty of this place, the major highlights of the park can be seen in 2 days if short on time.
One the most popular things to do in Yosemite is to visit Yosemite Falls. Reaching a height of 2,425 feet, it is one of the tallest waterfalls in North America. Yosemite Falls is beautiful year round, but is at its fullest in the spring. Glacier Point is another top thing to do in Yosemite, a breathtaking viewpoint at an elevation of 7,214 feet with unmatched views of the valley below. Visitors can hike all the way to the top, or drive directly to the lookout or take the park shuttle for an easier route. The other famous landmark in Yosemite is Half Dome. This uniquely shaped mountain, towering at 8,839 feet, is one of the most iconic symbols of this great national park, and it can be seen from many different vantage points within the valley.
Yosemite is most popularly visited in the summer for the great weather and blue skies, and the least visited in the winter because of the snow. Regardless of the time of year visited, however, Yosemite National Park is guaranteed to be absolutely beautiful and provide the trip of a lifetime. —Contributed by Olivia from the Girl With Blue Sails
Yosemite National Park
National Parks in Hawaii
18. Haleakala National Park
One of the most spectacular national parks in all of the USA is Haleakala. Located in Maui, Hawaii, it’s a bucket list location for sure. Visitors to Hawaii spend time away from the beach to see this incredible national park, it’s that good. The highlights of the park can be seen in a day, but spending 2 days would allow the most time to experience Haleakala’s beauty.
Highlights of Haleakala National Park include:
Watch the sunrise at Haleakala above the clouds at 10,000 feet - One of the best sunrises in the USA, this is an experience of a lifetime!
Visit the summit to see its out-of-this-world terrain - For those late risers, visiting the summit any time of day is simply magical. The rainbow colors that make up the summit are incredible.
Take the Road to Hana - Although the Road to Hana is a popular route and one of the best things to do in Maui on a budget, there’s a secondary Road to Hana that starts in Haleakala National Park. It has equally phenomenal views and less traffic than the coastal Road to Hana.
Bike down the volcano to sea level - For thrill-seekers looking for the ultimate experience in Maui, rent bikes specifically designed to ride down this dormant volcano. Seeing the island on the route down will be a highlight of the trip.
Hiking - For nature lovers, hiking in Haleakala National Park is a bucket-list item. The summit area of the park features the popular 0.4 mile Pa Ka’oao Trail and the rugged 11-mile Keonehe’ehe’e (Sliding Sands) Trial. In the Kipahulu District of the park, the 0.6 mile Ohe’o Gulch and 3.4 mile Pipiwai Trail are the most popular.
Visitors should prepare for varying weather conditions as the temperatures fluctuate from 30-80F degrees on a daily basis, depending on altitude and sunshine. Wear layers and plan accordingly. The park is open year-round, and with generally moderate weather in Maui, there’s no bad time to visit Haleakala National Park. —Contributed by Nikki from She Saves She Travels
Haleakala National Park
19. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Volcanoes National Park in Hawaii is different - it offers a glimpse of living atop an active volcano. As recently as 2018, the Kilauea volcano was erupting here and at that time it collapsed and formed the Kilauea Caldera that it is today. You can easily see the best of the park in 2 days (one day if you start super early and are highly motivated). Thanks to the great weather in Hawaii, the park is great to visit anytime of year.
Hiking is a must-do activity in this park. Some of the best hikes include:
Ha’akulamanu (Sulphur Banks) & Steam Vents - An easy (0.7mi/1.1km) flat walk along wooden walkways that is also wheelchair accessible. Start at the Kilauea Visitor Center and walk along to the sulphur banks and then (0.6mi/1km) further to the steam vents, or you can drive to the steam vents as well.
Crater Rim Trail - Another fairly easy flat walk along the Kilauea Caldera that provides some great lookout points over the caldera.
Halema’uma’u Trail - You can hike down (0.8mi/1.3km one-way) to the floor of Kilauea caldera and walk on the caldera floor itself. It feels like you are walking on another planet!
Kilauea Iki Crater Trail - This is one of the most popular trails in the park. You descend about 400ft/122m into a crater and hike a loop (4mi/6.4km) across a hardened lava lake.
There are also some gorgeous drives and lookout points:
Drive the Chain of Craters Road - Drive along the full length of the road, stopping along the way, and see spectacular sea cliffs and the Holei Sea Arch at the end when you reach the ocean.
Lookout off of Crater Rim Trail - From multiple points along the trail, you can peer down and see the expanse of the caldera below. It’s great to get a taste of how vast the crater really is, and super easy to access by parking near the steam vents.
Lookout from Old Crater Rim Drive - Park in the lot by the Devastation Trailhead. Then walk 1mi/1.6km one-way until the road ends. Very few people come here for sunset, so it’s a great secret spot.
Kilauea Lookout - This is the most popular lookout point after dark. There is a line of cars to enter the parking lot after sunset because so many people come here to see the lava, so come prepared and be patient. Go later to get the best views of the glow.
* TIP: Be sure to bring a raincoat or poncho to stay dry. Also bring along plenty of water and snacks, and be sure to fill up your gas tank before entering the park because is no gas station in the park.
Read more: 12 Awesome Things To Do On Big Island Hawaii
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
National Parks in Oregon
20. Crater Lake National Park
Just when you thought the West Coast couldn’t give you anymore scorchers on the national park front, Oregon comes up with the magnificent Crater Lake National Park. The deepest of its kind in the whole United States, it descends more than 1,900 feet from its perfect blue surface through the core of an ancient volcano high up in the Cascades. Sections of the Pacific Crest Trail weave their way through the park, so there’s a steady stream of thru hikers. Meanwhile, the scenic Rim Drive means roadsters can also get their fix of high mountain scenery with ease. Crater Lake has long been revered as sacred by the Klamath tribe of Native Americans, and today, Crater Lake remains a revered sacred site for vision quests and other spiritual pursuits - this spectacular lake is a place of religious-like awe.
The most popular months to visit Crater Lake are July, August, and September. That's when the park's roads, trails, and facilities are usually fully open, and swimming in the lake is possible at designated swimming areas (though it will be cold)! May and June are months of transition in the park, as winter slowly gives way to summer. The park is an ideal destination for a long weekend trip: 2-3 days is the perfect amount of time to see its highlights. However, if you are in a rush or just passing through, one day driving around the lake on Rim Drive and stopping at various lookout points to take in its magnificence will suffice.
Crater Lake National Park
National Parks in Washington
21. Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier National Park in Washington is one of the state’s highlights. The best of the park can be seen in 3-4 days, but you can spot some of the park’s top sightsin just one day if you are pressed for time. Parts of the park are open year-round, and parts are closed during the winter. The area known as Paradise has many of the best summer hikes, and in the winter is transformed into a winter wonderland. People flock to Paradise to snowshoe and sled the hills. Areas such as Chinook Pass and Sunrise will not be accessible during the winter due to heavy snow.
The best time of year to visit Mount Rainier is summer. There will be snow on the mountain and glaciers, but the valleys will be beautiful! You can see gorgeous wildflower displays everywhere you turn during late summer. When wild berries are in bloom, you’ll likely share your hike with the resident black bears who are foraging for berries.
If you like hiking, Skyline Loop is the best hike to see the park. There are also over 150 Waterfalls at Mount Rainier to see. You can drive through historic Longmire, and then up to the Paradise Visitor Center for a good introduction to the park. You can also drive to Sunrise which is the highest point in the park. Be sure and stop at Reflection Lake for an epic view of Mount Rainier and its reflection in the lake! —Contributed by Chantelle from Flannels or Flipflops
Mount Rainier National Park
22. North Cascades National Park
North Cascades is a park that you can never really get sick of. Just driving through will take you as little as one day, but you should plan to spend 3-4 days if you want to explore and see the highlights. You’ll need to prepare for this park - it is extremely rugged and natural. There is no cell service throughout most of the park, and no services are offered. North Cascades is one of the snowiest places on earth and is inaccessible for much of the year. Every year will be slightly different, but a good estimation is from Mid October-May the road to the park will likely be closed. Even when the road is open, there may be heavy snow on the hikes, so come prepared.
Be sure to stop at Diablo Lake Overlook to see the turquoise-colored water, and at Washington Pass to see the valley and towering mountains. Driving across Diablo Dam is also a great thing to do in the park. The best hikes are Cascade Pass and Maple Pass Loop so be sure and make time for these! —Contributed by Chantelle from Flannels or Flipflops
North Cascades National Park
Olympic National Park in Washington is one of the top 10 most-visited national parks in the United States. Here, visitors get to experience the diverse landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, across snowy mountains, alpine lakes, lush rainforest, and sea stack coastline. While you can squeeze the park into one very long day, it’s best to allot 2-3 days for your Olympic National Park itinerary because there is so much to explore. The park is a 3.5 hour drive from Seattle, and the attractions are spread throughout its nearly 1 million acres.
Don’t miss the Hurricane Ridge area, where you can hike Hurricane Hill to spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Make sure to also stop at Lake Crescent, where you can hike to Mt. Storm King for a grand view of this glacial lake. Another popular attraction is the Hoh Rainforest, where you can walk among moss-covered Sitka spruces and Western hemlocks as they tower hundreds of feet overhead. For the grand finale, visit either Rialto Beach or Second Beach for a stunning sunset.
The best time to visit is in the months of June, July, August, September, when you have the highest chance of avoiding overcast skies and rain. However, even then, come prepared with your rain gear, as the Pacific Northwest weather is infamous for being fickle. —Contributed by Xin from Xinventure
Have you visited any of these National Parks in the west before? Leave a comment below and let me know what you thought. And if you found this post helpful, pin it for later! This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. I donate 10% of all proceeds made from this blog to charity. Find out more about the charity I am supporting here.