Best National Park Road Trips: Complete West Coast Itinerary
The Ultimate West Coast National Park Road Trip Guide
From the sun-kissed cliffs of California to the misty rainforests of Washington, the West Coast boasts some of America’s most iconic national parks. This 2,500-mile journey covers 3 states, 10 parks, and countless memories. Buckle up!
California: Desert Wonders to Alpine Peaks
1. Joshua Tree National Park
- Why Visit: Otherworldly rock formations and starry night skies.
- Don’t Miss: Hidden Valley Trail (1-mile loop) at sunrise.
- Pro Tip: Stay at AutoCamp Joshua Tree for glamping near park gates.
2. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
- Iconic Spot: General Sherman Tree – Earth’s largest living organism.
- Adventure Alert: Hike Mist Falls Trail (8-mile round trip).
3. Yosemite National Park
- Must-Do: Tunnel View sunrise + Half Dome day hike (permit required).
- Local Secret: Swim at Tenaya Lake (less crowded than Yosemite Valley).
Oregon: Volcanic Landscapes and Coastal Magic
4. Crater Lake National Park
- Highlight: Wizard Island boat tour (July-Sept only).
- Photography Tip: Capture the "Old Man of the Lake" floating log.
5. Oregon Coast Detour
- Bonus Stop: Cannon Beach’s Haystack Rock (1.5hr detour from Portland).
Washington: Glaciers and Rainforests
6. Mount Rainier National Park
- Summer Favorite: Paradise Meadows wildflower hikes.
- Winter Alternative: Snowshoeing routes at Longmire.
7. Olympic National Park
- 3 Ecosystems in 1 Day:
- Hoh Rainforest Hall of Mosses Trail
- Ruby Beach tide pools
- Hurricane Ridge alpine views
8. North Cascades National Park
- Hidden Gem: Diablo Lake Overlook (turquoise glacial waters).
- Expert Hike: Maple Pass Loop (7.2 miles, moderate difficulty).
Road Trip Essentials
Planning Tools
- Book campsites via Recreation.gov
- Check road conditions: Caltrans / WSDOT
Packing List
- National Park Pass ($80 annual pass)
- Bear spray (for PNW hikes)
- Portable battery pack
Eco-Friendly Tips
- Use reusable water bottles with national park refill stations
- Follow Leave No Trace principles
Seasonal Considerations
| Region | Best Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| California Deserts | Oct-Apr | Avoid summer 100°F+ temps |
| Sierra Nevada | June-Sept | Tioga Pass (Yosemite) closes Nov-May |
| PNW Parks | July-Oct | Fewer rain days, fall foliage in North Cascades |
Alternative Routes
Coastal Option: Swap inland parks for Highway 101 stops:
- Redwood National Park (CA)
- Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
Time-Saver: Focus on "Big 5" – Joshua Tree, Yosemite, Crater Lake, Rainier, Olympic.
Final Tips
- Avoid Crowds: Arrive before 8 AM at popular parks
- Wildlife Safety: Store food properly in bear country
- Local Eats:
- California: Fish tacos in San Diego
- Oregon: Marionberry pie
- Washington: Salmon burgers
Ready to hit the road? Share your favorite park memories with #WestCoastParks!
→