PNW National Parks: All 19 Parks in the Pacific Northwest

The Pacific Northwest National Parks are truly superb and worth putting on your bucket list! From the coastal PNW national parks of Washington state to the unusual geological features of Yellowstone we’ll cover the top parks of the pacific including: Northern California, Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, and Wyoming.

1. Olympic National Park (Washington)

• Driving Distance from Portland: Approximately 4.5 to 5 hours
• Dog-Friendly: Dogs are allowed in certain areas of the park but must be leashed.
• Camping and RV Parking: Multiple campgrounds available within the park, offering various amenities and settings. RV parking available in designated areas.
• Main Attractions: Diverse ecosystems including rainforests, mountains, and coastal beaches, wildlife viewing, hiking trails, and hot springs.

Visitors flock to Olympic National Park of, all the PNW National parks, for its breathtaking scenery and endless outdoor recreation opportunities. Hikers can wander through enchanting old-growth forests along the Hoh Rainforest trails, venture to the summit of Mount Ellinor for panoramic views, or stroll along the windswept shores of Ruby Beach.

Wildlife enthusiasts delight in the chance to spot elusive creatures such as Roosevelt elk, black bears, and mountain goats in their natural habitat. Meanwhile, photographers are drawn to the park’s ever-changing light and dramatic landscapes, capturing moments of serene beauty that linger in memory long after leaving. Whether seeking solace in nature or embarking on a thrilling adventure, Olympic National Park offers an unforgettable experience for all who venture into its wilderness.

2. Mount Rainier National Park (Washington)

• Driving Distance from Portland: Approximately 2.5 to 3 hours
• Dog-Friendly: Dogs are allowed on some trails but must be kept on a leash.
• Camping and RV Parking: Campgrounds available for tents and RVs, with limited RV parking available. Reservations recommended for campsites.
• Main Attractions: Majestic Mount Rainier, scenic drives, hiking trails, wildflower meadows, and waterfalls.

Mount Rainier National Park, an iconic emblem of the Pacific Northwest, captivates visitors with its towering peak, which stands as the highest point in the Cascade Range. The majestic Mount Rainier, an active stratovolcano cloaked in glaciers, dominates the landscape, offering a stunning backdrop for a variety of outdoor adventures. Visitors flock to the park for its picturesque hiking trails that wind through lush forests, alpine meadows adorned with vibrant wildflowers, and rugged terrain dotted with cascading waterfalls.

The park’s wildlife includes black bears, mountain goats, and marmots, offering wildlife enthusiasts ample opportunities for observation and photography. Additionally, the park boasts scenic drives, such as the renowned Paradise and Sunrise Roads, which offer breathtaking vistas of the surrounding peaks and valleys, making Mount Rainier National Park a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

3. North Cascades National Park (Washington)

• Driving Distance from Portland: Approximately 5 to 6 hours
• Dog-Friendly: Dogs are allowed in developed areas and on some trails but must be on a leash.
• Camping and RV Parking: Campgrounds available, offering tent and RV camping options. Limited RV parking available at select campgrounds.
• Main Attractions: Jagged peaks, glaciers, alpine lakes, hiking trails, and opportunities for camping and wildlife viewing.

North Cascades National Park, often referred to as the “American Alps,” entices visitors with its rugged beauty and dramatic landscapes. Nestled in the heart of the Cascade Range, the park is renowned for its jagged peaks, vast glaciers, and pristine alpine lakes, creating a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Visitors to the park can explore a network of scenic hiking trails that wind through old-growth forests, alpine meadows bursting with wildflowers, and high mountain passes offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.

Here, visitors can find black bears, mountain goats, and bald eagles and ample opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography. With its remote wilderness and abundant recreational opportunities, North Cascades National Park beckons adventurers seeking solitude and serenity amidst nature’s grandeur.

4. San Juan Islands National Historical Park (Washington)

• Driving Distance from Portland: Approximately 4.5 to 5 hours (plus ferry time)
• Dog-Friendly: Dogs are allowed in certain areas but must be leashed.
• Camping and RV Parking: Limited camping available on some islands, with designated areas for tents and small RVs. No RV hookups available.
• Main Attractions: Scenic islands, historic sites, whale watching, wildlife viewing, hiking trails, and kayaking opportunities.

San Juan Islands National Historical Park, located in the picturesque archipelago of the Salish Sea, offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Accessible via ferry from Anacortes, Washington, the park comprises several islands, each with its own charm and character. Visitors can explore rugged coastlines, pristine beaches, and lush forests while discovering the rich cultural heritage of the region, including Native American history and early European exploration. The park is home to several historical sites, including English Camp and American Camp, which played pivotal roles in the Pig War conflict between the United States and Britain in the mid-19th century.

San Juan supports a variety of marine and terrestrial species, including orcas, seals, bald eagles, and deer. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a range of recreational activities, including hiking, kayaking, whale watching, and beachcombing, making San Juan Islands National Historical Park a must-visit destination for those seeking adventure and exploration in the Pacific Northwest.

5. Lewis and Clark National Historical Park (Oregon and Washington)

• Driving Distance from Portland: Approximately 2 to 3 hours (for Fort Clatsop Visitor Center)
• Dog-Friendly: Dogs are allowed in certain areas but must be leashed.
• Camping and RV Parking: Limited camping options available near the park, with nearby RV parks offering full hookups and amenities.
• Main Attractions: Historical sites related to the Lewis and Clark Expedition, including Fort Clatsop, scenic trails, and interpretive centers offering insights into the expedition’s journey.

Lewis and Clark National Historical Park, spanning both Oregon and Washington, commemorates the historic journey of the Corps of Discovery led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark in the early 19th century. The park features a variety of sites significant to the expedition, including Fort Clatsop, where the explorers spent the winter of 1805-1806. Visitors can explore a replica of the fort, interact with knowledgeable park rangers, and learn about the challenges faced by the expedition during their stay.

Additionally, the park offers scenic hiking trails, including the Fort to Sea Trail, which follows the route taken by the explorers to reach the Pacific Ocean. Interpretive centers such as the Fort Clatsop Visitor Center provide further insights into the expedition’s encounters with Native American tribes, natural history, and the legacy of Lewis and Clark’s exploration. With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and educational opportunities, Lewis and Clark National Historical Park offers a unique glimpse into the pioneering spirit of America’s westward expansion.

6. John Day Fossil Beds National Monument (Oregon)

• Driving Distance from Portland: Approximately 3.5 to 4 hours
• Dog-Friendly: Dogs are allowed on leash in developed areas but not on trails.
• Camping and RV Parking: No camping available within the monument, but nearby campgrounds offer tent and RV camping options. Limited RV parking available.
• Main Attractions: Spectacular fossil beds, colorful rock formations, scenic drives, and interpretive centers showcasing ancient fossils and geological history.

John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, located in eastern Oregon, is renowned for its exceptional fossil record spanning millions of years of Earth’s history. The monument consists of three units: the Painted Hills, Sheep Rock, and Clarno, each offering unique geological formations and fossilized remains. Visitors can explore the colorful layers of sedimentary rock at the Painted Hills unit, where vibrant hues of red, yellow, and gold create a stunning backdrop against the rugged landscape. The Sheep Rock unit features the Thomas Condon Paleontology Center, where exhibits and interactive displays provide insights into the region’s rich fossil heritage.

Additionally, hiking trails such as the Blue Basin Overlook Trail offer opportunities to witness ancient fossils embedded within the rock formations. At the Clarno unit, visitors can marvel at towering rock formations and remnants of ancient forests preserved in the fossil record. With its breathtaking landscapes and unparalleled fossil discoveries, John Day Fossil Beds National Monument offers a captivating journey through deep time and the evolution of life on Earth.

7. Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve

• Driving Distance from Portland: Approximately 5 to 6 hours
• Dog-Friendly: Dogs are allowed on certain trails but must be kept on a leash.
• Camping and RV Parking: Campground available within the monument, offering tent and RV sites. Limited RV parking available at the visitor center.
• Main Attractions: Underground marble caves, ranger-guided cave tours, hiking trails, and scenic landscapes.

Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve, nestled in the rugged Siskiyou Mountains of southern Oregon, offers visitors a fascinating underground adventure into a marble cave system. The monument is renowned for its intricate marble formations, stalactites, and stalagmites, formed over thousands of years through the process of dissolution and deposition. Guided cave tours lead visitors through narrow passageways and spacious chambers, revealing the subterranean wonders hidden beneath the surface.

Above ground, the monument’s pristine old-growth forests provide opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring the diverse ecosystems of the surrounding mountains. Interpretive programs and exhibits at the visitor center offer insights into the area’s geological significance, cultural history, and conservation efforts.

8. Crater Lake National Park (Oregon)

• Driving Distance from Portland: Approximately 4.5 to 5 hours
• Dog-Friendly: Dogs are allowed in developed areas and on some trails but must be kept on a leash.
• Two campgrounds available within the park, offering tent and RV sites. Limited RV parking available at overlooks and visitor centers.
• Main Attractions: Stunning Crater Lake, scenic Rim Drive, hiking trails, boat tours, and photography opportunities.

Crater Lake National Park, located in southern Oregon, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and the mesmerizing deep blue waters of Crater Lake, which fills a caldera created by the collapse of Mount Mazama thousands of years ago. Visitors come from far and wide to marvel at this pristine lake, the deepest in the United States, which reflects the surrounding cliffs and forests with breathtaking clarity.

Scenic Rim Drive offers panoramic views of the lake from various overlooks, while hiking trails such as the Garfield Peak Trail and Cleetwood Cove Trail provide opportunities to explore the park’s diverse landscapes up close. During the summer months, boat tours take visitors to Wizard Island, a cinder cone that rises from the lake’s surface, offering a unique perspective of Crater Lake’s geological wonders.

9. Lassen Volcanic National Park (Northern California)

• Driving Distance from Portland: Approximately 8 to 9 hours
• Dog-Friendly: Dogs are allowed on leash in developed areas but not on trails.
• Camping and RV Parking: Campgrounds available within the park, offering tent and RV camping options. Limited RV parking available at some trailheads and visitor centers.
• Main Attractions: Volcanic landscapes, boiling springs, hydrothermal areas, hiking trails, and scenic drives.

The park is home to numerous volcanoes, including the prominent Lassen Peak, which last erupted in 1915, leaving behind a stark and rugged terrain. Visitors can embark on scenic drives along the park’s winding roads, stopping at overlooks to admire panoramic views of volcanic peaks, boiling springs, and colorful hydrothermal areas.

10. Redwood National and State Parks (Northern California)

• Driving Distance from Portland: Approximately 9 to 10 hours
• Dog-Friendly: Dogs are allowed on leash in designated areas but not on trails.
• Camping and RV Parking: Campgrounds available within the park and surrounding areas, offering tent and RV camping options. Some campgrounds offer RV hookups and amenities.
• Main Attractions: Towering redwood trees, scenic drives, hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and coastal landscapes.

The Redwood National and State Parks are renowned for their towering coast of redwood trees which are some of the tallest and oldest living organisms on Earth. Visitors to the parks can marvel at these majestic giants, which can reach heights of over 300 feet and live for thousands of years. The parks offer a variety of scenic drives, hiking trails, and interpretive programs, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the serene beauty of ancient redwood forests.

11. Point Reyes National Seashore (Northern California)

• Driving Distance from Portland: Approximately 10 to 11 hours
• Dog-Friendly: Dogs are allowed in certain areas but must be leashed and are restricted from some trails and beaches.
• Camping and RV Parking: Limited camping options available within the park, with designated campgrounds offering tent and RV sites. No RV hookups available.
• Main Attractions: Stunning coastline, scenic hiking trails, historic lighthouse, wildlife viewing, and beachcombing opportunities.

Beyond the lighthouse, Point Reyes National Seashore boasts over 150 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy strolls to challenging treks through forests, meadows, and along pristine beaches. Popular trails include the Tomales Point Trail, which offers stunning views of Tomales Bay and the chance to encounter tule elk grazing in their natural habitat, and the Earthquake Trail, where visitors can learn about the geologic forces that shape the region. Wildlife enthusiasts will delight in the park’s rich biodiversity, which includes elephant seals, harbor seals, and a variety of bird species.

12. Glacier National Park (Montana)

• Driving Distance from Portland: Approximately 9 to 10 hours
• Dog-Friendly: Dogs are allowed in developed areas, along roads, and in campgrounds but are not permitted on trails.
• Camping and RV Parking: Several campgrounds available within the park, offering tent and RV camping options. Limited RV parking available at some visitor centers and trailheads.
• Main Attractions: Glaciated peaks, pristine lakes, hiking trails, scenic drives along Going-to-the-Sun Road, and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities.

Glacier National Park, located in Montana, is renowned for its stunning landscape of rugged mountains, pristine lakes, and sprawling glaciers. One of its most iconic features is the Going-to-the-Sun Road, a scenic highway that traverses the park and offers breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, deep valleys, and cascading waterfalls. Visitors can embark on hikes ranging from leisurely walks to challenging treks, exploring pristine forests, alpine meadows, and glacial valleys along the way.

The park is home to an array of wildlife, including grizzly bears, mountain goats, elk, and bighorn sheep, providing ample opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography. For those seeking adventure, Glacier offers opportunities for camping, backpacking, boating, and fishing in its pristine wilderness areas.

13. Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming)

• Distance from Portland: Approximately 10 to 11 hours
• Dog-Friendly: Dogs are allowed in certain areas but must be leashed and are restricted from some trails.
• Camping and RV Parking: Campgrounds available within the park, offering tent and RV camping options. Some campgrounds offer RV hookups and amenities.
• Main Attractions: Majestic Teton Range, Jackson Hole, wildlife viewing, hiking trails, and scenic drives.

Grand Teton National Park, nestled in northwestern Wyoming, boasts some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the United States. The park’s towering peaks, including the iconic Grand Teton, rise dramatically from the Jackson Hole Valley, creating a stunning backdrop for outdoor adventures. Visitors flock to Grand Teton to hike its pristine trails, paddle its crystal-clear lakes, and marvel at its abundant wildlife, including moose, elk, and grizzly bears. The park’s Snake River offers world-class fly fishing and scenic float trips, while its rugged backcountry beckons backpackers and mountaineers to explore its remote wilderness areas.

14. Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, Montana, Idaho)

• Distance from Portland: Approximately 10 to 11 hours
• Dog-Friendly: Dogs are allowed in certain areas but must be leashed and are restricted from some trails.
• Camping and RV Parking: Multiple campgrounds available within the park, offering tent and RV camping options. Limited RV parking available at some campgrounds and visitor centers.
• Main Attractions: Geothermal features such as Old Faithful and Mammoth Hot Springs, diverse wildlife including bison and grizzly bears, scenic drives, and hiking trails.

Yellowstone National Park, located primarily in Wyoming but also extending into Montana and Idaho, is one of the most iconic and beloved national parks in the world. Renowned for its mesmerizing geothermal features, including the famous Old Faithful geyser, Yellowstone attracts millions of visitors each year. Beyond its geysers and hot springs, the park encompasses a diverse range of landscapes, from lush forests and alpine meadows to majestic waterfalls and pristine lakes. Wildlife enthusiasts flock to Yellowstone in hopes of spotting iconic species such as bison, grizzly bears, wolves, and elk roaming freely in their natural habitats.

Visitors to Yellowstone can explore over 900 miles of hiking trails, offering opportunities to discover hidden gems and breathtaking vistas around every corner. The park also offers a variety of activities such as camping, fishing, wildlife watching, and ranger-led programs that provide educational insights into the park’s geology, ecology, and history. With its awe-inspiring natural wonders and abundant recreational opportunities, Yellowstone National Park remains a bucket-list destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts from around the globe.

15. Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument (Idaho)

• Driving Distance from Portland: Approximately 7 to 8 hours
• Dog-Friendly: Dogs are allowed on leash in developed areas but not on trails.
• Camping and RV Parking: No camping available within the monument, but nearby campgrounds offer tent and RV camping options. Limited RV parking available at the visitor center.
• Main Attractions: Fossil deposits, interpretive programs, and scenic landscapes showcasing ancient history.

This monument preserves an exceptional collection of fossils dating back to the Pliocene epoch, approximately 3 million years ago. Visitors to Hagerman Fossil Beds can explore the fossil-rich deposits that have yielded numerous discoveries, including the remains of ancient mammals like the Hagerman horse and saber-toothed cat. The monument’s interpretive center provides informative exhibits and displays, allowing visitors to learn about the region’s rich paleontological heritage and the fascinating creatures that once roamed the area.

16. Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve (Idaho)

• Driving Distance from Portland: Approximately 7 to 8 hours
• Dog-Friendly: Dogs are allowed on leash in developed areas but not on trails.
• Camping and RV Parking: Offers both camping and RV parking options.
• Camping and RV Parking: Campgrounds available within the monument, offering tent and RV camping options. Limited RV parking available at some trailheads and visitor centers.
• Main Attractions: Unique volcanic landscapes, lava flows, cinder cones, caves, and scenic hiking trails showcasing the area’s geological history.

Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve in southern Idaho offers visitors a unique lunar-like landscape formed by volcanic eruptions. Its vast lava fields, cinder cones, and lava tubes provide a fascinating glimpse into the region’s geological history.

Visitors come to witness the raw power of volcanic activity, explore underground lava tubes, and marvel at the resilience of life in this harsh environment. Whether hiking through rugged terrain or learning about the area’s cultural significance, Craters of the Moon promises an unforgettable experience amidst its otherworldly beauty.

17. Denali National Park Region (Alaska)

• Distance from Portland: Air travel is typically required.
• Dog-Friendly: Dogs are allowed in developed areas but not on trails.
• Camping and RV Parking: Campgrounds available within the park, offering tent and RV camping options. Limited RV parking available at some trailheads and visitor centers.
• Main Attractions: Tallest peak in North America (Denali), wildlife viewing including grizzly bears and caribou, scenic bus tours, and opportunities for hiking and backpacking.

Denali National Park, located in Alaska’s interior, is renowned for its towering peaks, vast wilderness, and abundant wildlife, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike. At the heart of the park stands Denali, North America’s tallest peak, towering at 20,310 feet above sea level, offering breathtaking vistas and challenging climbs for experienced mountaineers.

18. Katmai National Park & Preserve (Alaska)

• Distance from Portland: Accessible via air travel from major cities.
• Dog-Friendly: Dogs are allowed in developed areas but not on trails.
• Camping and RV Parking: Limited camping options available within the park, with designated backcountry campsites accessible by permit. No RV parking available within the park.
• Main Attractions: Spectacular landscapes, including the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes and Brooks Falls, renowned for bear viewing and salmon fishing, as well as wilderness hiking and camping opportunities.

Katmai National Park & Preserve, situated in southern Alaska, is renowned for its stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, and unique geothermal features, making it an exciting outdoor adventure. The park is home to one of the largest populations of brown bears in the world, offering visitors unparalleled opportunities to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, particularly at the iconic Brooks Falls, where bears gather to feast on salmon during the summer months.

19. Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve (Alaska)

• Distance from Portland: Accessible via air travel from major cities.
• Dog-Friendly: Dogs are allowed in developed areas but not on trails.
• Camping and RV Parking: Limited camping options available within the park, with designated campsites accessible by permit. No RV parking available within the park.
• Main Attractions: Majestic glaciers, fjords, wildlife viewing including whales and seals, kayaking, and boat tours amidst breathtaking natural scenery.

Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, located in southeastern Alaska, is renowned for its stunning icy landscapes, towering glaciers, and incredible wildlife watching opportunities. The park encompasses a vast wilderness area, including glaciers, fjords, and dense forests, providing visitors with a diverse array of outdoor activities and breathtaking scenery.

One of the main attractions of Glacier Bay National Park is its spectacular glaciers, which carve their way through the rugged landscape, creating dramatic ice formations and calving into the bay with thunderous splendor. Visitors can experience the awe-inspiring sight of these massive glaciers up close by taking a boat tour or kayak excursion through the bay, offering unparalleled views of the towering ice walls and the opportunity to witness calving events.

End of the Road

Now that you have an overview of all the PNW National Parks, you should be better able to pick a couple to hit this year! If you need some new hiking gear or fancy camera equipment, check out our shop. Happy hiking!