Northern California up through Washington state marks one of the most beautiful areas in the country: the Pacific Northwest. If you’ve ever searched through the #PNWonderland tag on Insta, you’ll know what I’m talking about. (Listen, some people thirst follow models… I thirst scroll through geotags -- no judgement either way! ;) )
This area is full of stunning parks, and while they’re spread out, this list is designed so that you can hit up as many as you like! Stay in one the whole time, jump around to see your favorites, or go all in and visit each park on the list!
No matter which ones you see, the best time of year to visit is summer or late fall, when it’s warmer and the rains are less frequent (but let’s be real: it’s the PNW, so there’s always going to be a chance of rain).
You’ll want to budget at least two weeks if you plan on visiting every park, but personally, I would recommend three so that you can really take your time. To put things in perspective: I’ve spent an entire week hiking the Redwoods alone, as well as a week exploring Oregon Caves/Crater Lake, and another at Olympic. Sooo without further adieu: let’s take a look at the parks! Sue-meg State Park, California
At about one square mile, Sue-meg is definitely one of the smallest parks in the Pacific Northwest, but that doesn’t mean it should be overlooked!
Situated at the very edge of the Pacific Ocean in northern California, Sue-meg has it all, from thrilling clifftop vistas and beachside trails, to redwood forests and points of historic interest, like the recreated Yurok village, Sumeg, built using traditional materials in the traditional style of a permanent village. While the park’s acreage is small, there are still plenty of hikes to take: a few of my favorite are Wedding Rock (so short you can barely call it a hike, but scramble up the trail for the best ocean views in the park), Ceremonial Rock Trail, and of course, the Rim Trail. The day use fee is $8, so I would suggest hitting up as many hikes as you can while you’re here to make the most of your money. Redwood National and State Parks, California
I lived just south of the Redwood park system for two years (which I’ve only brought up about fifty times on this blog), so maybe I’m biased when I say it’s one of the best parks in the PNW. I’m gonna say it anyways: the Redwoods are a must-see. There, done.
The Redwood National & State Parks is actually a hodgepodge of several different parks: Redwood National Park, Prairie Creek State Park, Jedediah Smith State Park, and Del Norte State Park, all cooperating together. These parks are spread out along the coast, with both highland and lowland areas. The lowlands have the biggest trees; up high in the mountains, there are still redwoods, but they’re not the massive ones you’re likely envisioning -- the highlands are well worth a look, particularly in the case of the lovely Lady Bird Johnson Grove hike, but not where you want to spend most of your time.
I’ve stayed in every developed campground the park has to offer, save for Gold Bluffs Beach, and they’re all very nice, with showers, restrooms, fire pits, and the ever-important food lockers (we are in bear country, after all)! You can reserve a tent site or cabin in advance -- which is handy for planning, but means sites tend to be sold out in advance.
Stop by one of the visitor centers for park maps, info on ranger-led events, and advice on where to go first, but there are a few hikes I always try to squeeze in when I visit. Big Tree (probably the shortest hike in the park, at 200 feet) and Founders Grove are two of the best introductory trails, while Fern Canyon and Trillium Falls are best for unique water-related views.
When you get tired of hiking, follow the Coastal Drive, part of old Highway 101 and featuring stunning coastal overlooks, or Howland Hill Road, which features some of the best roadside views of the massive redwoods, including access to Stout Grove, which is one of the best groves in the park. A little outside the parks system is the famous Avenue of the Giants, one of the best drives in the state. Finally, don’t forget to check out the beaches -- Gold Bluffs Beach is my favorite inside the parks for its massive piles of driftwood, and I always stop there on the way to Fern Canyon. I’ve never been, but I’ve heard good things about Enderts Beach, too, and if you’re willing to travel outside of the parks, Moonstone Beach near Trinidad is one of the best beaches in the area. Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve, Oregon
Also known as the Marble Halls of Oregon, Oregon Caves make a great stop on your trail up the Pacific Northwest. There are several ranger-led cave tours which are offered seasonally, beginning in early spring, and ranging in length and skill level. I took the 90 minute Discovery Tour and thought it was wonderful, but there’s also a kids and family tour and a more strenuous off-trail tour.
When you’re done exploring the caves, don’t forget to check out the surface level, too! There are several hikes in the area, which offer a great opportunity to appreciate the differences between northern California and Oregon’s forests. There is a small campground in the area if you’d like to stay overnight, with 17 first come, first served sites. Personally, I found Oregon Caves to be a perfect half-day expedition before continuing on my journeys. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
Crater Lake is one of those places you have to visit at least once in your lifetime. It’s the deepest lake in the United States, and was formed almost 8,000 years ago "when a violent eruption triggered the collapse of a tall peak," and filled with rainwater and snowmelt. It’s also, you know, incredibly beautiful, with its deep blue water, surrounding forests and meadows, and the year-round patches of snow. Being from California, any amount of snow is something to get excited over -- particularly when it means snowball fights in the middle of summer.
The park is still partly snowed in during May and June, with roads, trails and facilities generally not fully open until July through September.
In terms of lodging, options in the park include Crater Lake Lodge (opens May 15) and the Cabins at Mazama Village (opens May 22). For campers, there are two options, which you can compare here. Mazama Campground opens June 12 (or earlier, depending on snow conditions), and Lost Creek Campground usually opens in early July, shortly after the East Rim Drive opens. Of the two campgrounds, only sites at Mazama can be reserved ahead of time.
While you’re here, driving the rim trail is a delightful way to take in the lake, as well as hiking, of course. It’s hard (impossible?) to pick a bad hike, but if I had to pick a favorite, it would probably have to be the Castle Crest trail, where wildflowers bloom in midsummer, and you can walk through the meadow along the babbling brook. Watchman Peak and Discovery Point are also great for views of Wizard Island. And while I’ve never done it, taking a boat tour of the lake is definitely on my to-do list for the next time I visit!
Siuslaw National Forest, Oregon
At 630,000 acres, Siuslaw National Forest isn’t trivial. It stretches from the ocean to the mountains, covers acres upon acres of forests, and boasts no less than thirty lakes. It can be hard to narrow that down, but the Forest Service has a few recommendations, including two of my favorite spots in the region: Cape Perpetua Scenic Area and Drift Creek Falls.
Cape Perpetua Scenic Area is the highest viewpoint accessible by car on the Oregon coast. Encompassing 2700 acres, you can see up to 37 miles out to sea on a good day, and explore the beauty of where the temperate rainforest meets the sea. There are plenty of trails to choose from, and lots of tidepools and churns to explore, but my favorites were Devil’s Churn, as well as Thor’s Well and Cook’s Chasm along Captain Cook Trail. Drift Creek Falls is a three mile round trip hike that takes you deep down into the forest and over a suspension bridge to witness a beautiful 75 foot waterfall cascading into a basalt gorge. Ever see pictures of Svartifoss in Iceland? Think that, but way more accessible (at least for those of us who live on the West Coast). The hike itself is very popular -- I went in December, during the pouring down rain when the trail was more mud than anything, and I still ran into about twenty to thirty hikers. Even then, the hike was definitely worth it for all the beautiful views. For RVers and campers, Cape Perpetua has its own seasonal campground, open early March through September. Siuslaw National Forest has nearly forty developed campgrounds overall, so pick one closest to where you plan to spend most of your time, and get exploring! Mt Rainier National Park, Washington
Standing 14,410 feet above sea level, Mt Rainier is a Washington state icon. This active volcano is the most heavily glaciated peak in the continental US, and is as known for its wildflowers as it is for its climbing opportunities.
There are over 260 miles of maintained trails in the park, but anything that allows you to see the area’s water features or beautiful springtime wildflower blooms is good in my book. One of my personal favorites was Comet & Christine Falls trail (4.3 mi), which features several breathtaking waterfalls. There are four campgrounds in the park, three of which are developed. They are open from late May at the earliest through September. Olympic National Park, Washington
Over a million acres and 70 miles of coastline make up Washington’s stunning Olympic National Park, which features everything from rainforests to mountain peaks. Due to its extensive river, lakes and coastal systems, boating and fishing is very popular here, but the main draw is the beautiful hikes.
You can take your pick of valley trails, coastal routes, or mountain hikes, but the Hoh Rainforest and Hurricane Ridge were two of my favorite areas, if you’re looking for a place to start.
The Hall of Mosses trail in Hoh is an easy 1 mile hike and a great place to start. (Hoh is also near Forks, which you’ve heard of if you, too, had a Twilight Phase).
There are several campgrounds in the park, so pick one closest to where you want to spend most of your time. Only Kalaloch, Sol Duc, and Mora accept reservations in the summer, and all the others are first come, first served, so keep that in mind.
The Pacific Northwest is an incredible part of the United States, one which I firmly believe every traveler should have the opportunity to experience at least once in their lifetime.
Have you been to any of these parks? Were there any I left out that you feel really should have been included? Share your advice in the comments below! See more adventures!Like this post? Why not share it?
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Hi, there! Call me Kris. I’m a world traveler, author and artist working to showcase the world's beauty and inspire you to find your confidence to see the world!
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