35 Best West Coast National Parks You Need to Visit

America’s National Parks are a source of pride and joy for citizens all across the country. From the Rocky Mountains of Colorado to the sun-drenched beaches of California, our National Parks offer something for everyone. If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, or simply want to enjoy some beautiful natural scenery, then be sure to check out at least one of these West Coast National Parks. 

In addition to National Parks, the National Park Service also oversees numerous other protected sites such as National Historic Trails, National Historic Sites, National Historic Parks, and National Monuments. All of the National Park sites together add up to 433, only 63 have the National Park designation.

This article is going to focus on West Coast National Parks. I’m including parks that are in the 13 westernmost states in the US. I’ll list the parks by state (click on the state to jump to those parks):

Map of Western National Parks

1. Redwood National and State Parks, California

Redwood National and State Parks are composed of several state and national parks located in the US state of California. Together, they protect almost half of all remaining “coastal redwood old-growth forests”, and they total at least 139,000 acres. These trees are very tall and one of the biggest tree species by height, with Sequoias being largest by volume. 

In addition to the redwood forests, the park protects grassland prairies, oak woodlands, wild riverways, and nearly 40 miles of beautiful coastline. It’s been one of our favorite spots to visit on our west coast road trip.

Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, boating, fishing, camping, horseback riding, and picnicking in the parks. Some of the most famous hikes include Fern Canyon, Tall Trees Grove, and Lady Bird Johnson Grove. With so much to offer, it’s no wonder that the Redwood National and State Parks attract over 400,000 visitors each year.

2. Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. Located in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, the park spans about 760,000 acres and is home to a variety of landscapes, including forests, meadows, rivers, and waterfalls. It’s well known for its granite rock formations, including the famous Half Dome and El Capitan.

Yosemite is also home to many wildlife species, including black bears, coyotes, and red-tailed hawks. Visitors to the park can enjoy various activities, such as hiking, camping, and rafting. Yosemite is one of the most popular West Coast national parks, so if possible the best time to visit is in the shoulder season.

3. Joshua Tree National Park, California

Joshua Tree National Park is located in southeastern California. The park is named for the Joshua trees that are native to the area. The park covers more than 790,000 acres and includes two deserts: the Mojave Desert and the Colorado Desert. 

Joshua Tree National Park is a popular destination for hiking, camping, rock climbing, and stargazing. The park also has several interesting geological features, like its massive rock formations, including famous spots like Skull Rock, Arch Rock, and Intersection Rock, which attract climbers and photographers from around the world. These unique granite formations, shaped by millions of years of erosion, create an otherworldly landscape perfect for rock climbing, bouldering, and scenic exploration.

4. Point Reyes National Seashore, California

Point Reyes National Seashore is one of the most popular national preserves in California, although technically it’s a national seashore, not a national park. It is located on the Point Reyes Peninsula, just north of San Francisco.

The park was established in 1962 to protect the peninsula’s unique environment, which includes coastline, beaches, dunes, marshes, and grasslands. Visitors to the park can enjoy camping, hiking, fishing, and kayaking. 

There are also several ranger-led programs and activities, such as nature walks and talks, and Junior Ranger programs. Point Reyes National Seashore is a beautiful place to enjoy the outdoors and learn about the natural world. There’s also a famous Cypress tree tunnel that many visitors love to see.

5. Death Valley National Park, California/Nevada

Death Valley National Park is a sprawling reserve located in the Mojave Desert of California and Nevada. The park is home to some of the hottest temperatures on earth, and one of the driest places in North America, receiving less than 2 inches of rainfall annually. Despite its hostile environment, Death Valley is surprisingly diverse, with plant and animal life that has adapted to the extreme conditions. 

The park also contains a number of unique geological features, including salt flats, sand dunes, and canyons carved by water long ago. It is also a designated Dark Sky Park, making it one of the best places for stargazing in the U.S. Death Valley National Park is a must-see destination for anyone interested in the natural history of the American West.

6. Lassen Volcanic National Park, California

Lassen Volcanic National Park is home to one of the largest plug dome volcanoes in the world, Lassen Peak. The park is located in northeastern California and covers an area of 160+ square miles. The volcano last erupted in 1914 and is currently dormant. The park also includes the 17th-century Cinder Cone, a popular volcanic cone hike, and various geothermal vents and pools.

Lassen Volcanic National Park is a popular destination for hiking, camping, and sightseeing. There are over 150 miles of trails in the park, including the summit trail to the top of Lassen Peak. The peak is 10,457 feet tall and offers spectacular views of the surrounding area. There are also a few waterfall hikes in the park including Mill Creek Falls, the highest waterfall in the park with a drop of 75 feet.

Campgrounds are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and reservations are recommended during peak season. Popular activities in the park include hiking, camping, picnicking, fishing, and wildlife watching.

7. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, California

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are located in the southern Sierra Nevada mountains in California. The two parks are adjacent to each other and are often visited together. Both parks are home to a variety of plant and animal life, as well as many geological features.

Sequoia National Park is best known for its giant sequoia trees, which are the largest living things on Earth. General Sherman Tree, located in Giant Forest, is the largest tree in the world by volume.

Kings Canyon National Park is known for its deep glacially carved valley, which is one of the deepest canyons in North America, even deeper than the Grand Canyon in some places. The park is home to rugged granite peaks, alpine meadows, and giant sequoia groves, including the famous General Grant Tree, the second-largest tree in the world. While Mount Whitney, the tallest peak in the contiguous United States, sits just outside the park’s boundary,

8. Channel Islands National Park, California

Channel Islands National Park covers about 250,000 acres, Channel Islands National Park is located off the coast of California and includes five of the eight Channel Islands. The islands are home to a variety of unique plants and animals, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. 

Together, the islands provide a habitat for over 2,000 species of plants and animals. Visitors to the park can enjoy camping, hiking, kayaking, whale watching, and much more. Channel Islands National Park is a truly unique place and well worth a visit, but visiting does take some planning.

You’ll need to book a boat transfer to the islands, although you can visit the Channel Islands Visitor’s Center on the mainland in Ventura, California. It’s interesting to note that Catalina Island is one of the eight Channel Islands, but is not included in the national park.

9. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

Crater Lake National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state and the only national park in Oregon. The park is home to Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the United States. The lake is located in a caldera (technically not a crater) that was formed when a volcano erupted more than 7,000 years ago. 

Today, the crater is filled with water that is so blue it looks like a painting. Visitors to the park can take boat tours of the lake, hike through the forests, and visit the historic lodge that was built in 1915. Whether you’re looking for a place to relax or an adventure, Crater Lake National Park is sure to please.

10. Olympic National Park, Washington

Olympic National Park is located in the northwestern corner of the state of Washington and is one of my favorite places in the US. There are plenty of things to do and it’s fairly easy to get from Seattle to Olympic National Park. Check out my 3-day Olympic National Park itinerary.

The park encompasses nearly a million acres of land, including mountains, rainforests, and coastline. Mount Olympus, the tallest mountain in the park, towers over the landscape at over 7,980 feet and is home to one of the largest one of the largest glacier systems in the contiguous U.S. The Hoh Rainforest and Quinault Rainforest are among the wettest places in the U.S., receiving over 12 feet of rainfall annually

The coastline of Olympic National Park is equally varied, with rocky cliffs, sandy beaches, and tide pools all waiting to be explored. In short, Olympic National Park is one of the most scenic and diverse national parks in the United States.

11. Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

Mount Rainier National Park is located about 2.5 hours away from Seattle. The park was established on March 2, 1899, as the fifth national park in the country. Mount Rainier is the centerpiece of the park and is the most prominent mountain in the Cascade Range. It’s known as Mount Taquoma, or Tahoma, by the original native tribes in the region.

The mountain is an active stratovolcano and is considered one of the most dangerous volcanoes in North America. The park also contains abundant old-growth forests and subalpine meadows which are popular with hikers and campers. 

In addition, the park is home to wildlife including black bears, cougars, elk, and deer. Mt. Rainier National Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and receives over two million visitors each year.

12. North Cascades National Park, Washington

North Cascades National Park is located in the northwest corner of Washington state, in the heart of the Cascade Mountain range. With more than 300 glaciers and 400 miles of hiking trails, the park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Most visitors take in the famous view at the Diablo Lake Vista Point.

The park is also home to an abundance of wildlife, including black bears, mountain goats, marmots, wolverines, and gray wolves. In addition to its natural beauty, North Cascades National Park has a rich history. Native Americans have lived in the area for thousands of years, and the park was once home to one of the largest copper mines in the US. 

Today, the park is a cherished spot for locals and visitors alike, offering a chance to experience some of the best that nature has to offer. North Cascades National Park also has NO entry fee, a rarity for national parks. Many visitors love to road trip around the park, and I’ve really enjoyed the Lake Chelan ferry to Stehekin.

13. Glacier National Park, Montana

Glacier National Park is located in northwestern Montana, and it is well known for its majestic mountains, large glaciers, and abundant wildlife. The park covers an area of 1,583 square miles, and it includes two mountain ranges: the Lewis Range and the Livingston Range.

Glacier National Park is home to about than 25 named glaciers, but many of the park’s glaciers have significantly retreated due to climate change, and some could disappear within decades. The park also contains more than 700 lakes, and it is a popular destination for hiking, camping, fishing, and other outdoor activities. In addition to its natural beauty, Glacier National Park also has a rich history with old hotels and chalets, like Many Glacier Hotel and Lake McDonald Lodge from the Great Northern Railway time.

Check out my post on how we spent our time in Glacier National Park. One of the most popular things to do in the park is to drive the Going to the Sun Road between West and East Glacier, however, it’s only open during the summer season and reservations are required.

14. Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming/Montana/Idaho

Yellowstone National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. The park, which spans Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including bison, elk, grizzly bears, and wolves. Visitors can also enjoy beautiful scenery, hiking trails, geysers, and hot springs.

Yellowstone is also one of the world’s most active volcanoes, but the USGS monitors Yellowstone closely and data suggests no signs of an imminent eruption. The last major caldera-forming eruption was over 630,000 years ago, and the current activity mainly consists of small earthquakes and hydrothermal changes.

Yellowstone is a place of unique beauty and scientific interest, and it is definitely worth a visit. Read about our Yellowstone tour with Adventures by Disney.

15. Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

Grand Teton National Park is a 310,000 acre preserve located in northwest Wyoming. The park is home to an abundance of wildlife, including elk, bison, bighorn sheep, and grizzly bears. In addition to its plentiful animal life, the park also features towering mountain peaks, pristine lakes, and rushing rivers.  

Visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, and horseback riding. Whether you’re looking for an adventurous vacation or a relaxing escape from the city, Grand Teton National Park is sure to offer something for everyone.

16. Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

Theodore Roosevelt National Park is located in the Badlands of North Dakota. The park consists of three units: the North Unit, the South Unit, and the Elkhorn Ranch Unit. Theodore Roosevelt first visited the Badlands in 1883, and he was so taken with the landscape that he subsequently established a ranch there. The park was established in 1947 to preserve Roosevelt’s legacy but became a National Park in 1978. 

Today, visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, horseback riding, and wildlife watching in the park. Bison, elk, deer, pronghorn, and wild horses are just some of the animals that can be seen in the park. In addition, there are more than 180 species of birds that call Theodore Roosevelt National Park home. Read this post: Theodore Roosevelt National Park to discover why this national park is worth a visit!

17. Badlands National Park, South Dakota

Badlands National Park is located in South Dakota and consists of almost 244,000 acres of mixed-grass prairie, badlands, and Lakota Sioux history. The area now known as the park was first inhabited by Indigenous people over 11,000 years ago. 

The Lakota Sioux made their home in the area for centuries before they were forcibly removed by the United States government in the late 1800s. In 1939, the area was designated as a national monument, and in 1978 it became a national park. 

Today, Badlands National Park is a popular tourist destination, with visitors coming from all over the world to see its unique landscape and wildlife. The park is also home to a variety of plant and animal species, including bison, pronghorn antelope, and black-footed ferrets.

18. Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota

Wind Cave National Park is a United States national park 10 miles north of the town of Hot Springs in western South Dakota. Established in 1903 by President Theodore Roosevelt, it was the seventh national park and the first caves to be designated as a national park. 

The park covers 33,900 acres and is home to one of the world’s longest caves, Wind Cave. Guided tours of the cave are available to book in person; you cannot go into the cave on your own. Above ground, visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, and horseback riding. The park also offers opportunities for wildlife watching, including bison, elk, prairie dogs, pronghorn antelope, and white-tailed deer.

19. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Rocky Mountain National Park is a U.S. National Park that features the Rocky Mountains. The park is located in north-central Colorado, near the town of Estes Park. It has diverse wildlife including elk, deer, bighorn sheep, and bears. There are also more than 150 lakes, and the park has four distinct ecosystems: montane, subalpine, alpine tundra, and riparian. 

Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, bird watching, and horseback riding. In the winter months, the park is popular for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Rocky Mountain National Park is a beautiful place to explore all year round.

20. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is located in the southern Colorado Rockies, about four hours from Denver. The park is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America, which rise up to 750 feet high. Visitors can explore the dunes by hiking, sledding, or even sandboarding. 

The park also features a variety of other landscapes, including forests, wetlands, and grasslands. Wildlife is abundant in the park, and visitors may see Elk, mule deer, black bears, and mountain lions. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is a great place to explore the natural wonders of Colorado, especially on a San Luis Valley road trip.

21. Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

Mesa Verde National Park is located in Montezuma County, Colorado, nearish Durango. The park protects some of the best-preserved Ancestral Puebloan archaeological sites in the United States. Mesa Verde (Spanish for “green table”) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

The park was established in 1906 by President Theodore Roosevelt and is home to more than 4,000 archaeological sites, including 600 cliff dwellings. These dwellings were built by the Ancestral Puebloans between the 6th and 12th centuries. The Mesa Verde Cliff Dwellings are some of the most notable and best-preserved sites in the park. Visitors can explore these dwellings and learn about the daily life of the people who lived there. The Mesa Verde Visitor Center is a great place to start your visit and learn more about the park’s history and culture.

22. Great Basin National Park, Nevada

Great Basin National Park is located in eastern Nevada, near the border with Utah. The park is unique for its ancient bristlecone pine forests, home to some of the oldest living trees on Earth, and for Lehman Caves, a stunning marble cave system with rare shield formations.

The park is also known for its dramatic elevation changes, from high desert valleys to Wheeler Peak (13,063 feet), one of the tallest mountains in Nevada, offering breathtaking alpine scenery and some of the darkest night skies in the U.S.

Visitors enjoy hiking, camping, birdwatching, and stargazing. The park is one of the best stargazing locations in the U.S., designated as an International Dark Sky Park. The park offers ranger-led cave tours, astronomy programs, and guided hikes throughout the year.

23. Arches National Park, Utah

Arches National Park is located in Utah, about 4 hours from Salt Lake City. The park is known for its red rock formations, which have been sculpted by millennia of erosion. Visitors can explore the park through a variety of activities, including hiking, camping, and rock climbing. 

There are also a number of ranger-led programs available, which provide insights into the park’s geology and history. Whether you’re looking for an adventure or simply a place to relax and enjoy the scenery, Arches National Park is an ideal destination.

24. Zion National Park, Utah

Zion National Park is one of the top 10 most visited national parks in the United States and covers over 146,597 acres. The park is known for its stunning red rocks, as well as its array of hiking trails, canyoneering adventures, and scenic drives. Zion is also a Dark Sky Park, making it an ideal place for stargazing.

Visitors will want to bring binoculars when they visit Zion as it’s home to over 290 species of birds, as well as a variety of reptiles and amphibians. Zion is open year-round, and winter in Zion offers a chance to enjoy the scenery with sunshine and lower crowds, although it does snow in Zion.

25. Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the Big 5 national parks in Utah. It is known for its unique landscape, which is full of colorful rock formations. Bryce Canyon is not actually a canyon but a series of natural amphitheaters carved into the Paunsaugunt Plateau. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including mule deer and Utah prairie dogs. 

Visitors can explore the park by hiking, camping, or horseback riding. Bryce Canyon National Park is a must-see destination for anyone interested in geology or natural history. Bryce Canyon’s rock formations are primarily composed of limestone, siltstone, and mudstone, dating back to the Claron Formation (50-60 million years old).

26. Canyonlands National Park, Utah

Canyonlands National Park is one of the less visited Big 5 parks of Utah. The park is home to a variety of landscapes, including canyons, rivers, and desert terrain. The park is divided into four districts: the Island in the Sky, the Needles, the Maze, and the Rivers. Each district has its own character.

Visitors can explore the park through a variety of activities, such as hiking, camping, scenic drives, backpacking, and rafting. Canyonlands is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, coyotes, and rabbits. The park is open year-round, and its hours vary depending on the season.

27. Capitol Reef National Park, Utah

Capitol Reef National Park is a stunning geological area located in southern Utah. The park is home to a variety of landscapes, including canyons, valleys, and mountains, primarily made up of the Waterpocket Fold, a nearly 100-mile-long wrinkle in the Earth’s crust. Some of the popular attractions in the park are Capitol Gorge, which features a narrow canyon with towering cliffs, and Hickman Bridge and Cathedral Valley hikes. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, and wildlife watching in the park. 

In addition, the park is home to a variety of historical sites, such as the Gifford House in the Fruita Rural Historic District. Whether you’re looking for an adventure or a chance to relax, Capitol Reef National Park is sure to offer something for everyone.

28. Carlsbad Caverns National Park, New Mexico

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a national park in the Guadalupe Mountains of southeastern New Mexico. The primary feature of the park is Carlsbad Cavern, a large cave system with more than 119 caves. The park also includes the Chihuahuan Desert and various hiking trails. Carlsbad Caverns National Park was established as a national park on May 14, 1930. 

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a popular destination for spelunkers and touring groups. The caves are open for public tours (ranger-guided and self-guided) with hours depending on the season and special events.

29. White Sands National Park, New Mexico

White Sands National Park was declared a national monument in 1933 by President Herbert Hoover and gained status as a national park in 2019. The park is home to the world’s largest gypsum dune field, which spans about 275 square miles (176,000 acres), and the individual dunes typically range from 30 to 60 feet high.

Visitors love to drive the eight-mile Dunes Drive which takes them into the center of the gypsum dune as well as offers stops for hiking and wayside exhibits. Cycling the Dunes Drive is also extremely popular and allows visitors a unique immersive experience with nature. And of course, most visitors can’t pass up the chance to try sledding down the giant snow-like gypsum dunes.

30. Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona

Petrified Forest National Park is located in northeastern Arizona, close to the border with New Mexico. The park covers an area of around 221,390 acres and is home to a wide variety of plants and animals. The most famous feature of the park is the petrified wood, which formed over 225 million years ago during the Late Triassic Period.

Today, the petrified wood is a popular tourist attraction, and visitors can see it up close by hiking on one of the park’s many trails. In addition to the petrified wood, the park also contains a number of Native American archaeological sites.

These sites provide valuable insight into the history and culture of the area’s original inhabitants. Petrified Forest National Park is a beautiful and fascinating place, and is well worth a visit. You can plan an epic Southwest National Park road trip to visit 11 different parks!

31. Saguaro National Park, Arizona

Saguaro National Park is a beautiful and unique place, located in the Sonoran Desert of southern Arizona near Tucson. The park is home to the largest cacti in the United States, the mighty saguaro. These massive plants can grow up to 50 feet tall and live for 150-175 years. In addition to its towering cacti, the park is also home to a variety of other desert plants and animals. 

Visitors can take advantage of the many hiking trails, viewing areas, and ranger-led programs available year-round. Saguaro National Park does get extremely hot in the summer, so it’s best to visit in fall, winter, or spring.

32. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. The park, which is located in Arizona, receives four to six million visitors each year, and is one of the top three National Parks in the US. The Grand Canyon is also one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World. 

The canyon, which is over a mile deep and stretches 10-18 miles wide, was formed over millions of years by the Colorado River. Today, the Grand Canyon is a popular destination for hiking, camping, and rafting. Visitors can also take helicopter tours or ride the historic Grand Canyon Railway. 

Whether you’re looking for adventure or simply want to enjoy the scenic beauty of the canyon, Grand Canyon National Park is sure to exceed your expectations.

33. Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska

Denali National Park covers 6 million acres of wild land in the heart of Alaska’s interior. It’s bisected by a single 92-mile road that takes travelers across the varying landscapes of lowland forests to snowy mountains. The main feature of Denali National Park is North America’s tallest peak, Denali, coming in at 20,310 feet tall.

The mountain was known as Mount McKinley, its name was officially changed back to Denali in 2015 to honor its Indigenous Athabaskan name. The recent US administration has ordered it to be called Mount McKinley again, while the national park retains the name Denali.

Most visitors come to the park in the summer, when the single road is clear and open to visitors on tour buses. Private cars can access the first 15 miles of this road during the summer, with a good view of Denali around mile nine. However, only about 30% of visitors actually see the mountain due to constant cloud cover.

Most visitors come to Denali to see the rugged beauty of the Alaskan wilderness as well as hoping to glimpse some of the famed Alaskan wildlife such as grizzly and black bears, wolves, and moose. Visiting Denali is one of the most popular things to do in Alaska.

34. Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Alaska

Glacier Bay National Park is quite special as it is also a living laboratory, a marine park, and a world heritage site. The park stretches over 3.3 million acres and has beautiful mountains, glaciers, temperate rainforests, rugged coastlines, and deep fjords. Glacier Bay is located west of Juneau, Alaska, and can only be reached by boat or plane. Most visitors arrive at the park via the Inside Passage on an Alaska Cruise.

Cruisers typically associate Glacier Bay with the view of the famous Margerie Glacier at the northwestern end of the bay. Its abrupt edge allows cruise ships and tour boats to get up close to the glacier and witness ice calving, which is when parts of ice break away from the glacier into the water.

Glacier Bay is truly a gem of Western national parks and is worth trying to see at least once. Especially since we don’t know how much longer we’ll be able to view these glaciers.

35. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is located on the Big Island of Hawai’i and is home to two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. The park is also an International Biosphere Reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering a unique insight into volcanic geothermal activity.

There are day hikes in the park that allow visitors to get an up-close view of the terrain. One of the most popular activities for the park is to drive along the Crater Rim and Chain of Craters, although recent volcanic activity can cause closures. Many visitors will get a very early start in order to make it up to Mauna Kea in time for sunrise. You can also visit at night to see the lava glow.

In addition to viewing the geology of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, visitors can also learn about how the First Native Hawaiians viewed the volcanoes as sacred land.

National Park FAQs

How to Pack for Visiting a National Park

When packing for a trip to a national park, it is important to pack items that will be useful for the activities you plan on doing.

Hiking

When you plan on doing any hiking, be sure to pack sturdy shoes, a map of the area, and plenty of water. If you are hiking in a remote area, it is also a good idea to pack a first-aid kit and a compass. The NPS service recommends packing 10 essential items when hiking.

Camping

If you plan on camping, be sure to pack a tent, sleeping bag, camp stove, and any other supplies you need to be completely self-supported. Practice packing and setting up everything you need before you leave so that you are prepared when you get to your campsite. Be sure to know any rules for wildlife protection and burning for your visit.

Wildlife Watching

If you want to spend time observing the wildlife in a national park, be sure to bring a camera. You might also want to pack a field guide so that you can identify the different animals you see. I 100% recommend that you bring binoculars so that you can see what’s going on around you. Bring a pair for every person in your group!

Top Beaches to See on the West Coast National Parks

There are many beautiful beaches to see while in West Coast National Parks, with a variety of sandy beaches as well as the rocky coastline. Here are some of the top beaches to visit:

Olympic National Park (Rialto Beach)

Located in Washington, this beach is a great place to see tide pools and sea stacks. Rialto Beach is also a popular spot for whale watching.

Point Reyes National Seashore (Drakes Beach)

Drakes Beach is located in California and is known for its dramatic cliffs, crashing waves, and wildlife. 

Redwood National and State Parks (Fern Canyon)

Fern Canyon is located in California and is known for its lush vegetation and tranquil setting. This beach is a great place to relax and take in the natural beauty of the area.

Channel Islands National Park (Scorpion Beach)

Scorpion Beach is located in Channel Islands National Park off the coast of California and is known for its views and exploring opportunities. 

Cabrillo National Monument (Cabrillo Beach)

Located in California, Cabrillo Beach is a great place to see tide pools and sea stacks. Cabrillo Beach is also a popular spot for whale watching.

These 35 West Coast National Parks are worth checking out. You won’t believe how many different places you can visit that are completely natural! Mountains, beaches, volcanoes, glaciers, and everything in between can be seen right here in the United States of America! 

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