5 Best West Coast National Parks

This blog is about the 5 best West Coast national parks.

As someone who was born and raised in New York City, nature and national parks were not always my thing (surprisingly). I moved to Portland, Oregon in the fall of 2020 and explored a lot of beautiful national parks, and now I love going to them!

I’m back on the East Coast now, and while there are some great National Parks here, the West Coast has my heart. As a travel lover I’ve always loved leaving the country, but the USA has a lot of out-of-this-world places to explore and I’m here to highlight them!

Here are 5 of the best West Coast national parks (in my opinion)! 

Arches National Park, Utah

The Arches National Park in Utah is unreal! It doesn’t even feel like you’re in the same country. I highly recommend visiting the arches if you’re ever driving through Utah. The best time to visit the Arches National Park is April through May or September through October, due to the hot temperature. During those times, it can be around 80F degrees or less.

I visited in the summer, at the end of June and luckily it was not too hot, but it can get up to over 100 F degrees. If you decide to go in the summer, make sure to bring water!! 

How many days do you need at Arches?

Spending 1-2 days at Arches National Park is ideal.  We only spent one day there and still felt like we saw enough of the park’s highlights. It’s enough time for a leisurely exploration of the main attractions and some of the shorter trails, ensuring you don’t miss out on the park’s iconic landmarks. 

If you’re an avid hiker or photographer, you might consider extending your stay to two days to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty and capture the stunning landscapes at different times of the day.

Can you get into Arches for Free?

Arches National Park typically requires an entrance fee, which helps fund maintenance and conservation efforts within the park. 

However, there are a few occasions when you can enter the park for free:

• National Park Week: Usually in April, the National Park Service offers free admission to all national parks, including Arches, for a day or two.
• National Public Lands Day: This annual event in September provides free entry to national parks.
• Veterans Day: In honor of Veterans Day in November, admission fees are waived for all visitors to national parks.

What Activities Can You Do in the Arches? 

There are a ton of activities to do in the Arches!

Here are some popular ones:

• Backpacking
• Biking
• Camping
• Hiking
• Horseback Riding
• Photography
• Rock Climbing

To see the full list of activities to do in the Arches, click here. When we went, we mostly did short hikes, drove through the park on different scenic roads, and took photos! 

Olympic National Park, Washington

Olympic National Park was incredible! It’s on Washington’s peninsula in the Pacific Northwest. The park is huge and we didn’t get to see everything, but we stayed in the Hoh Rain Forest. We drove up on a weekend in April and it was amazing. The best time to visit is in the spring (April to June)! Perfect for less crowds and wildlife-watching.

We weren’t lucky to see any wildlife at the time, but the rainforest was incredible and had so much to see that we didn’t mind. 

How many days do you need at Olympic National Park?

With its diverse ecosystems and stunning landscapes, Olympic National Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers! However, determining the ideal length of your stay can be a challenge. 

Here’s a quick guide to help you plan your trip:

• If you’re pressed for time, you can still experience the park’s beauty in 1-2 days. Choose a specific area to explore, such as the breathtaking views at Hurricane Ridge or the lush Hoh Rain Forest. While you won’t see everything, you’ll get a taste of what the park has to offer.
• With 3- 4 days, you can delve deeper into the park’s wonders. Spend a day wandering through the rainforest, another day exploring the rugged coastline, and a day hiking in the mountains. This way, you’ll get a more comprehensive experience of the park’s diverse environments.

No matter how long you stay, Olympic National Park is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories. Just remember to plan ahead and prioritize the areas you want to explore most and book your camping in advance! 

Can you get into the Olympic National Park for Free?

You’ll need to pay a fee between $15 – $30 to enter the park.

What Activities Can You Do in the Olympic National Park? 

There are so many activities you can do in Olympic National Park! Since I was there for only the weekend we were able to do camping, day hikes, and photography. 

Here are some popular ones:

• Boating
• Fishing
• Tidepooling
• Backpacking
• Wildlife Viewing
• Ranger Led Programs
• Night Sky Programs

To see the full list click here.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho

Yellowstone might be my favorite national park that I’ve ever visited! It’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen.  I saw so many different kinds of wildlife along with hot springs, geysers, and canyons. The best times to visit are late April to May or September through early October, when there are less crowds and better weather. 

How many days do you need at Yellowstone National Park?

Yellowstone National Park, a wonderland of geothermal features, wildlife, and natural beauty, requires careful planning to make the most of your visit. We came in from the Wyoming side and spent three days there in the summer. We were lucky that it was not as crowded as we expected. I highly recommend no less than 3 days for your visit. 

Here’s a breakdown of how many days you might need to explore this iconic park:

• With 3-4 days, you can delve deeper into the park’s attractions. Add a day to explore the wildlife-rich Lamar Valley and another to visit the geothermal areas like Mammoth Hot Springs. This will allow you to see more of the park’s diverse landscapes and ecosystems.

• For a comprehensive visit, plan to spend at least five days (or more) in Yellowstone. This gives you time to venture into less crowded areas, enjoy longer hikes, and really immerse yourself in the park’s natural beauty. You’ll also have a better chance of spotting a wide variety of wildlife, from bison to grizzly bears!

No matter how long you stay, Yellowstone National Park is sure to leave a lasting impression. Just remember to plan ahead, especially during peak seasons, to ensure you can make the most of your time in this incredible natural wonderland.

I would love to go back and definitely recommend it to any one who asks which national parks they should visit! 

Can you get into the Yellowstone National Park for Free?

Yellowstone National Park is $20 – $35 for a seven-day stay. You can also purchase a Yellowstone Annual pass for $70 for a 12-month stay. 

What Activities Can You Do in the Yellowstone National Park?

Yellowstone is open to the public year-round, making the options for activities endless!

Here are some popular activities:

• Ride a snowmobile or snow coach
• Ski or snowshoe
• Hike a trail
• Watch wildlife
• Take photographs 
• Ride a horse
• Camp in the campground or backcountry
• Join a guided tour

To see more activities click here. 

Glacier National Park, Montana

Glacier National Park is located in Montana’s Rocky Mountains and is home to more than a dozen glaciers. The park is full of stunning glacier-carved peaks and valleys. It was truly a breath taking place, and there was so much to see and do there!

The main thing I would recommend is to bring bear spray, because you’ll be in bear country and you are likely to run into bears when you’re there. Luckily, I didn’t, but I was definitely nervous about that! 

The best time to visit is late June through mid-September. We went in late June and it was perfect weather, and we got to drive the Going to the Sun Road! 

How many days do you need at Glacier National Park?

Glacier National Park, known for its stunning mountain landscapes and amazing wilderness, is a must-visit destination. 

Determining the ideal duration for your visit can help you make the most of your trip:

• With limited time (1-2 days), focus on the park’s highlights. Drive the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road, which offers breathtaking views and access to popular spots like Logan Pass. Spend a day hiking to one of the accessible glaciers or exploring the shores of Lake McDonald. This quick visit will give you a taste of the park’s beauty.

• A few extra days (3 – 4 days) allow you to explore more of the park’s diverse landscapes. Dedicate a day to the Many Glacier area, known for its abundant wildlife and stunning hikes. Another day could be spent in the Two Medicine region, where you can enjoy quieter trails and beautiful scenery. This timeframe lets you experience a broader range of what Glacier has to offer.

• For a thorough experience, consider spending five or more days in the park. This allows you to venture into the backcountry, embark on longer hikes, and visit remote areas like the North Fork. With more time, you can immerse yourself in the park’s natural wonders, relax in its tranquility, and increase your chances of wildlife sightings.

Regardless of the length of your stay, Glacier National Park’s awe-inspiring landscapes and diverse ecosystems are sure to make your visit memorable. Plan ahead to ensure you can make the most of your time in this breathtaking national treasure.

Can you get into Glacier National Park for Free?

Glacier National Park is $20 – $35 for a seven-day stay. You can also purchase a Glacier Annual pass for $70 for a 12-month stay. 

What Activities Can You Do in the Glacier National Park?

When we went, we focused on camping, hiking, and enjoying the glaciers and wildlife.

Here are some popular activities to do at Glacier National Park: 

• Hiking trails
• Backpacking
• Cycling 
• Camping
• Watching Wildlife 
• Photography 

For more activities click here.

Joshua Tree National Park, California

Joshua Tree National Park will always have a special place in my heart! I spent my 25th birthday there and had the BEST time! We drove from Portland, Oregon all the way to Joshua Tree National Park in January and loved every second of it!

The park is open year-round. The best time to visit is March to May, or October to November. As someone who went in January (and is used to colder weather), it was still a great time to go and it wasn’t too cold compared to the Pacific Northwest.  

How many days do you need at Joshua Tree National Park?

We stayed for four days at an Airbnb near the park and it was perfect!

If you’re just visiting the park, then 2 days is enough time to explore, but I would highly recommend staying nearby because there are many great local shops and restaurants by Joshua Tree National Park and it’s a great vacation spot away from the city. 

Deciding on the ideal duration for your visit to Joshua Tree National Park depends on your interests and how you plan to explore the area. 

Here’s a more detailed look:

• If you’re primarily interested in exploring the park itself – two days is perfect! This allows you to visit the main attractions, such as the Cholla Cactus Garden, Barker Dam, and Hidden Valley, and enjoy some short hikes. The park’s unique landscape of boulders and Joshua trees is perfect for photography and nature walks.

• We stayed for four days at an Airbnb, which was perfect for a more relaxed pace. With extra time, you can delve deeper into the park, tackling longer hikes like the Ryan Mountain Trail or the Lost Palms Oasis Trail. This also gives you the opportunity to experience the park during different times of the day, from the cool mornings to the stunning sunsets.

Staying near Joshua Tree National Park opens up a whole new dimension to your trip! The surrounding area has charming local shops, art galleries, and unique dining experiences. 

You can immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture, browse through eclectic boutiques, and enjoy the local foods and bars. It’s a great way to make your trip more complete, giving you a mix of outdoor fun and a chance to learn about the local culture.

While two days are enough to explore the highlights of Joshua Tree National Park, extending your stay to four days or more allows for a deeper connection with the natural beauty of the park and the opportunity to discover the local community. It’s an ideal escape from the hustle of city life, offering a serene and enriching experience.

Can you get into the Joshua Tree National Park for Free?

Joshua Tree National Park is $15 – $35 for a seven-day stay. You can also purchase a Joshua Tree Annual pass for $55 for a 12-month stay. 

What Activities Can You Do in the Joshua Tree National Park?

Activities to do in Joshua Tree

• Hiking
• Camping
• Rock Climbing 
• Stargazing
• Ranger Programs
• Wilderness Backpacking
• Horseback Riding

To see all the activities to do in Joshua Tree, click here.

Embracing the Beauty of the West Coast

There are so many different national parks to visit on the West Coast. I definitely encourage you to explore these five and bask in the natural wonders! Have you visited any of these national parks before? Let me know in the comments, I would love to hear about your experience!

Enjoyed this blog? Check out my other blogs here:  

• 4 Best Spring Activities in New York City
• 5 Things To Know Before Studying Abroad
• 6 Bet Cheap Places To Travel in April in Europe
• 8 Cheap Spring Activities in Brooklyn