11 Best National Parks in West Coast USA – Beautiful Things To Do

National Parks in West Coast USA are home to some of the most iconic national parks. These parks have diverse landscapes, from towering redwood forests to rugged coastlines and volcanic craters.

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National Parks in West Coast USA – West Coast National Parks Road trip

Read this blog on West Coast USA National Parks, which covers the most scenic national parks on the West Coast, explaining why they are worth visiting, how to reach them, entrances to take, hikes, must-do activities, mid-budget hotel stays inside the parks, and useful tips.

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Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite is renowned for its massive granite cliffs, such as El Capitan and Half Dome, breathtaking waterfalls, and ancient giant sequoias. The park’s diverse ecosystems and landscapes make it a paradise for hikers, photographers, and nature lovers.

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How to Reach: From San Francisco (around 3.5 hours, 167 miles), take I-580 East to I-205, then merge onto I-5 North and follow CA-120 East into the park.

Entrances: The Arch Rock Entrance on Highway 140, leading to Yosemite Valley, is the most commonly used.

Scenic Route: The Tioga Road (CA-120) is picturesque, and you can enjoy jaw-dropping views, particularly in summer and fall.

Things to Do:

• Yosemite Valley: The main hub for most visitors. Visit iconic sites like Yosemite Falls, Bridalveil Falls, and the Merced River.
• Glacier Point: One of the best panoramic viewpoints in Yosemite.
• El Capitan Meadow: Great spot for observing climbers on the iconic cliff.

Hikes:

• Mist Trail to Vernal and Nevada Falls: A moderately strenuous 6.3-mile round-trip hike with stunning waterfall views.
• Four-Mile Trail: This trail leads to Glacier Point, offering spectacular views of Yosemite Valley and Half Dome.

Tours & Activities: Book a Yosemite Valley Floor Tour with expert guides to comprehensively review the park’s highlights.

Where to Stay: Yosemite Valley Lodge (mid-budget, rooms with views of Yosemite Falls).

Valuable Tips: Arrive early to avoid parking issues and visit Glacier Point at sunset for incredible views.

Redwood National and State Parks, California

Redwood National Park is home to the tallest trees on Earth, and the Redwood National and State Parks are UNESCO World Heritage Sites that give an awe-inspiring natural experience.

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How to Reach: From San Francisco, the drive is approximately 5 hours (310 miles) via US-101 North.

Entrances: The southern entrance via Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway is the best way to access the major attractions.

Scenic Route: The Avenue of the Giants (a 31-mile scenic byway) offers incredible views of towering redwoods.

Things to Do:

• Fern Canyon: A must-see, lush canyon where scenes from Jurassic Park 2 were filmed.
• Lady Bird Johnson Grove: A serene and easy 1.5-mile loop through ancient redwoods.

Hikes:

• Tall Trees Grove Trail: A moderate 3.5-mile hike that leads to a grove of some of the tallest trees on Earth.
• Boy Scout Tree Trail: A 5.5-mile round-trip hike through dense redwoods to a picturesque waterfall.

Tours & Activities: Guided kayaking tours in the Smith River or wildlife tours to spot Roosevelt Elk.

Where to Stay: Redwood National Park Campgrounds or Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park cabins.

Useful Tips: Get a free permit for the Tall Trees Grove at the visitor center before hiking.

Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the U.S., famous for its striking blue color and clarity. The remnants of an ancient volcanic eruption form its unique beauty.

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How to Reach: It’s about a 4-hour (250-mile) drive from Portland via I-5 South and OR-62.

Entrances: The South Entrance is the most used, open year-round via OR-62.

Scenic Route: Drive the Rim Drive, a 33-mile scenic loop around the caldera offering magnificent lake views.

Things to Do:

• Wizard Island Boat Tour: Take a boat to the island formed by a cinder cone within Crater Lake.
• Rim Village: Offers excellent viewpoints and interpretive displays.

Hikes:

• Garfield Peak Trail: A moderately strenuous 3.6-mile hike offering panoramic views of the lake and surrounding peaks.
• Watchman Peak Trail: An easy 1.6-mile hike with incredible sunset views over Crater Lake.

Tours & Activities: Book the Crater Lake Trolley Tour for a guided tour around the rim.

Where to Stay: Crater Lake Lodge (mid-budget, located inside the park with lake-view rooms).

Useful Tips: Crater Lake receives a lot of snow, so visit between late June and October for the best trail access.

Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

Mount Rainier is an iconic active stratovolcano and one of the tallest mountains in the contiguous U.S. The park is famed for its wildflower meadows, ancient forests, and glacial vistas.

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How to Reach: About 2 hours (90 miles) from Seattle via I-5 South and WA-7 South.

Entrances: The Nisqually Entrance near Ashford is open year-round, leading to the park’s main attractions.

Scenic Route: The Sunrise Road is famous for stunning views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding meadows.

Things to Do:

• Paradise: Visit this subalpine meadow known for vibrant wildflower blooms in the summer.
• Longmire Museum: Offers a great introduction to the park’s history and geology.

Hikes:

• Skyline Trail Loop: A 5.5-mile moderately strenuous trail offering breathtaking views of Mount Rainier, glaciers, and wildflowers.
• Grove of the Patriarchs Trail: An easy 1.5-mile hike through an old-growth forest of giant trees.

Tours & Activities: Snowshoe tours in winter or guided mountaineering expeditions for advanced adventurers.

Where to Stay: Paradise Inn (mid-budget, located near the Paradise area with mountain views).

Valuable Tips: Visit in July or August for wildflower blooms and clear views of Mount Rainier.

Olympic National Park, Washington

Olympic National Park is incredibly diverse, with lush rainforests, alpine peaks, and rugged Pacific coastline—all in one park.

How to Reach: It’s about a two-hour drive (90 miles) via WA-104 and US-101 from Seattle.

Entrances: The Hurricane Ridge Entrance near Port Angeles is the most popular for mountain scenery.

Scenic Route: The Hoh River Road takes you into the heart of the park’s temperate rainforests.

Things to Do:

• Hoh Rain Forest: One of the few temperate rainforests in the U.S., featuring moss-draped trees and ferns.
• Rialto Beach: A scenic beach with sea stacks and dramatic coastal scenery.

Hikes:

• Hurricane Hill Trail: A 3.2-mile round-trip hike with panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains.
• Sol Duc Falls Trail: An easy 1.6-mile trail leading to a beautiful three-pronged waterfall.

Tours & Activities: Guided sea kayaking or tide-pooling tours along the coast.

Where to Stay: Lake Crescent Lodge (mid-budget, located near the lake with waterfront views).

Helpful Tips: Be prepared for rain, especially when visiting the park’s coastal and rainforest areas.

Lassen Volcanic National Park, California

Lassen Volcanic National Park is known for its geothermal features, similar to Yellowstone’s. It has many beautiful alpine lakes, steaming fumaroles, and volcanic peaks, including Lassen Peak, the largest plug dome volcano in the world.

How to Reach: It’s about a 1.5-hour drive (50 miles) via CA-44 East from Redding, California.

Entrances: The Manzanita Lake Entrance on the northwest side is the most popular, with easy access to campgrounds and the visitor center.

Scenic Route: Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway passes through the park and offers stunning views of volcanic landscapes.

Things to Do:

• Bumpass Hell: One of the park’s most active hydrothermal areas, with a 3-mile round-trip trail leading to boiling mud pots and fumaroles.
• Lassen Peak: For those seeking a challenge, the Lassen Peak Trail is a 5-mile round trip that rewards hikers with panoramic views from the summit.

Hikes:

• King’s Creek Falls Trail: A moderate 3-mile hike that leads to a stunning waterfall.
• Cinder Cone Trail: A challenging 4-mile hike that takes you to the top of a volcanic cinder cone.

Tours & Activities: Explore the geothermal features on a Ranger-Led Geology Tour or join a stargazing program in this Dark Sky Park.

Where to Stay: Drakesbad Guest Ranch (mid-budget, rustic lodge located within the park).

Useful Tips: Be aware that many trails remain snow-covered until mid-summer, so check the park’s website for trail conditions.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, California

These twin parks are famous for their massive sequoia trees, including General Sherman, the largest tree on Earth by volume. The parks also feature rugged mountains, deep canyons, and remote wilderness, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

How to Reach: From Fresno, it’s about a 1.5-hour drive (60 miles) to the Big Stump Entrance (Kings Canyon) or Ash Mountain Entrance (Sequoia).

Entrances: The Ash Mountain Entrance near Three Rivers is best for accessing Sequoia National Park, while the Big Stump Entrance is ideal for Kings Canyon.

Scenic Route: The Generals Highway connects both parks and offers breathtaking views of towering sequoias and mountain vistas.

Things to Do:

• Giant Forest: Home to the General Sherman Tree and the Congress Trail, this area features the largest concentration of sequoia trees.
• Moro Rock: A granite dome offering panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada mountains after a short but steep climb.

Hikes:

• Big Trees Trail: An easy 1.3-mile loop that offers an up-close look at some of the park’s massive sequoias.
• Mist Falls Trail: A strenuous 9-mile round trip hike in Kings Canyon, featuring a scenic waterfall at the end.

Tours & Activities: Join a Ranger-Led Cave Tour at Crystal Cave or book a horseback riding tour through the parks.

Where to Stay: Wuksachi Lodge (mid-budget in Sequoia National Park).

Valuable Tips: Parking can be limited in summer, especially near the Giant Forest. Arrive early to secure a spot.

Channel Islands National Park, California

Channel Islands National Park is known as the “Galápagos of North America. ” It is home to diverse marine life, rugged coastlines, and pristine beaches. The park’s isolation has helped protect the islands’ unique ecosystems, and therefore a perfect place for wildlife lovers and adventurers.

How to Reach: The Channel Islands can only be reached by boat or plane. Take a boat trip from Ventura with Island Packers Cruises (the trip to the closest island, Santa Cruz, takes about 1 hour).

Entrances: No formal entrances—boat docks act as the entry point to each island.

Scenic Route: The boat ride to the islands offers stunning coastal views and wildlife sightings, including dolphins and whales.

Things to Do:

• Kayaking in Sea Caves: Santa Cruz Island is famous for its sea caves, which you can explore by kayak.
• Snorkeling and Diving: The clear waters around the islands provide excellent opportunities to see marine life.

Hikes:

• Potato Harbor Trail (Santa Cruz Island): A moderate 5-mile hike with spectacular coastal views.
• Cavern Point Loop (Santa Cruz Island): A shorter 2-mile hike along the cliffs with views of the Pacific Ocean.

Tours & Activities: Book a guided kayak tour of the sea caves or join a wildlife-watching tour to spot seals and sea lions.

Where to Stay: No hotels are available on the islands, but camping is available. For mid-budget lodging, stay in Ventura at the Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach.

Valuable Tips: Bring plenty of water and supplies, as no services are on the islands. Also, check the weather forecast, as conditions can change quickly.

Joshua Tree National Park, California

Joshua Tree National Park is famous for its unique Joshua trees and rugged rock formations. It is also a desert wonderland with stunning night skies, surreal landscapes, and world-class rock climbing opportunities.

How to Reach: It’s about a two-hour drive (130 miles) via I-10 East from Los Angeles.

Entrances: The West Entrance near Joshua Tree town is the most popular, providing easy access to key attractions like Hidden Valley.

Scenic Route: Take the Geology Tour Road, an 18-mile unpaved road that passes through some of the park’s most impressive landscapes.

Things to Do:

• Cholla Cactus Garden: A striking landscape filled with thousands of cholla cacti.
• Skull Rock: A rock formation resembling a skull and a popular photography spot.

Hikes:

• Hidden Valley Trail: A 1-mile easy loop that takes you through a scenic valley surrounded by massive rock formations.
• Ryan Mountain Trail: A 3-mile round-trip hike that provides 360-degree views of the park.

Tours & Activities: Take a stargazing tour to experience Joshua Tree’s famous dark skies or join a guided rock climbing lesson.

Where to Stay: Joshua Tree Inn (mid-budget near the park entrance).

Valuable Tips: Joshua Tree can get extremely hot in summer—visit in fall or winter for the most pleasant weather. Bring plenty of water, as the desert environment is arid.

Death Valley National Park, California/Nevada

Death Valley is one of the hottest and driest places on Earth, yet it offers stunning desert landscapes, including salt flats, dunes, and colorful rock formations. Its extreme environment provides a surreal and unforgettable experience.

How to Reach: It’s about a two-hour drive (120 miles) via NV-160 West from Las Vegas.

Entrances: The Furnace Creek Entrance is the most commonly used, offering access to the park’s visitor center and major attractions.

Scenic Route: Drive along Artist’s Drive, a scenic loop through multi-colored hills formed by volcanic activity.

Things to Do:

• Badwater Basin: The lowest point in North America, offering a stunning view of salt flats stretching into the distance.
• Zabriskie Point: A dramatic viewpoint over eroded badlands, especially beautiful at sunrise.

Hikes:

• Golden Canyon and Gower Gulch Loop: A moderate 4-mile hike through colorful canyons.
• Mosaic Canyon Trail: A short 2-mile hike through narrow canyons with polished marble walls.

Tours & Activities: Join a 4×4 guided tour to explore the rugged backcountry or take a stargazing tour to experience Death Valley’s Dark Sky status.

Where to Stay: The Ranch at Death Valley (mid-budget, located within the park).

Valuable Tips: Visit in the cooler months (November to March), as temperatures can soar above 120°F in summer. Always carry extra water and avoid hiking during the hottest day.

Pinnacles National Park, California – West Coast National Parks

Pinnacles National Park is known for its dramatic rock spires, talus caves, and vibrant wildflower displays in spring. It’s a lesser-known gem perfect for rock climbers and hikers looking for solitude.

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How to Reach: It’s about a two-hour drive (120 miles) via US-101 South and CA-25 South from San Francisco.

Entrances: The East Entrance near Hollister is the best for accessing the park’s trails and caves.

Scenic Route: The Pinnacles Scenic Loop offers towering rock formations and views of rolling hills.

Things to Do:

• Bear Gulch Cave: A talus cave home to a colony of bats, open seasonally for exploration.
• High Peaks: Climb the top for stunning views over the park’s rocky spires.

Hikes:

• Condor Gulch Trail: A moderate 2-mile trail offering excellent chances to spot California condors.
• Balconies Cave Trail: A 2.4-mile loop through another talus cave along towering rock walls.

Tours & Activities: Book a ranger-led cave tour or join a bird-watching tour to see the park’s resident condors.

Where to Stay: Inn at the Pinnacles (mid-budget, just outside the park).

Useful Tips: The park can get hot in summer, so visit in spring or fall for more pleasant weather and to see the wildflower blooms.

Helpful Tips – National Parks on the West Coast

• Plan Ahead: Some parks, like Yosemite, require reservations during peak seasons, so book accommodations and tours in advance.
• Pack Layers: Temperatures vary significantly, especially in high-altitude parks like Mount Rainier and Crater Lake.
• Park Fees: Most parks charge entrance fees; consider purchasing an America the Beautiful Pass for unlimited access to all U.S. national parks.
• Timing: Visit in the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) to avoid crowds and enjoy milder weather.

  

• Wildlife Safety: Always maintain a safe distance from wildlife and never feed animals. Carry bear spray when hiking or camping in parks with bears.

By exploring these national parks, you’ll experience some of the most majestic natural wonders of the West Coast. All of them have unique landscapes and experiences that are well worth the visit.

This West Coast National Parks Road trip is world-famous for its incredible landscapes, from volcanic peaks and vast deserts to unique islands and towering sequoias.

I hope you enjoyed reading about detailed travel guide to the National Parks in West Coast USA and will soon plan a West Coast National Parks Road Trip in the USA.

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