National Park Road Trip Guide: West Coast Edition
Check out these national parks along the American West Coast.
From the rugged mountains in the Pacific Northwest all the way down to the desert sand dunes of Southern California, the West Coast may be home to the most diverse group of national parks in the country. Because we're here to make getting outside easier, we picked some of our favorite adventures from these parks to get the ball rolling.
We also threw in a few pit stops along the way from our favorite cities. If you like local craft beer and consider yourself a foodie, you'll be glad you made the detour. Start planning now!
North Cascades National Park
Hike Thornton Lakes and Trappers Peak
Photo: Scott Kranz
Olympic National Park
Hike to Olympic Hot Springs
Photo: Matt Williams
Hike to Klahhane Ridge (Switchback Route)
Photo: Stephen Bellrichard
Hike to Elk Mountain from Obstruction Point
Photo: Seth Whelden
Backpack to Lake Angeles
Photo: Nick Lake
Hike Mount Storm King
Photo: Jason Horstman
Pit Stop: Seattle, Washington
Photo: Scott Kranz
Mount Rainier National Park
Hike to Panorama Point
Photo: Michael Matti
Hike Pinnacle Peak
Photo: Sean Van Dommelen
Camp at Snow Lake
Photo: Michael Matti
Hike to Fremont Fire Lookout
Photo: Mitch Pittman
Pit Stop: Portland, Oregon
Photo: Alan Maxcy
Crater Lake National Park
Explore Crater Lake
Photo: Eric Johnson
Take a Boat Tour and Hike to the Top of Wizard Island
Photo: Jess Curren
Bike around Crater Lake
Photo: Colton Jacobs
Hike Mount Scott
Photo: Amy Lin
Redwood National and State Park
Backpack Redwood National and State Park
Photo: Austin Trigg
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Photograph Lassen Peak
Photo: Beth Young
Pit Stop: San Francisco, California
Photo: Josiah Roe
Yosemite National Park
Top 10 Adventures in Yosemite Valley
Photo: Tiffany Nguyen
Backpack Sunrise Lakes to Clouds Rest
Photo: Nathaniel Polta
Camp at Glacier Point
Photo: Sarah Vaughn
Hike to Taft Point
Photo: Joel Bear
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Hike Crescent Meadow
Photo: Dane
Backpack to Mount Silliman
Photo: Debra Alison
Hike the Congress Trail
Photo: Will Cebron
Backpack the Rae Lakes Loop
Photo: Kevin Kaminski
Death Valley National Park
Photograph Death Valley’s Wildflower Bloom
Photo: Michael Wigle
Explore Zabriskie Point
Photo: Tiffany Nguyen
Camp at Wildrose Campground
Photo: Cameron Gardner
Hike the Badlands Loop
Photo: Shannon Kalahan
Channel Islands National Park
Hiking and Kayaing on Santa Cruz Island
Photo: Tiffany Nguyen
Pit Stop: Laguna Beach, California
Photo: Josiah Roe
Find your next amazing lodgings across America with KOA!
Cover photo: Beth Young
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Do you love the outdoors?
Yep, us too. That's why we send you the best local adventures, stories, and expert advice, right to your inbox.
