The Pacific Northwest is a dream destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering breathtaking mountain ranges, dense forests, coastal cliffs, and pristine lakes. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or photography opportunities, the national parks in this region provide awe-inspiring scenery and diverse ecosystems.
From volcanic landscapes and glacier-fed lakes to rainforests and rugged coastlines, these 10 best national parks in the Pacific Northwest should be on your must-visit list for 2025. This guide covers top attractions, activities, entrance fees, best travel seasons, and expert tips to help you plan the perfect trip.
1. Olympic National Park – The Ultimate Nature Experience
Olympic National Park in Washington is one of the most geographically diverse parks in the U.S., featuring snow-capped mountains, lush rainforests, and scenic beaches.
- Size: 922,650 acres
- Top Attractions: Hurricane Ridge, Hoh Rainforest, Ruby Beach, Sol Duc Falls, Lake Crescent
- Activities: Hiking, camping, tide pooling, kayaking, hot springs, wildlife viewing
- Wildlife: Roosevelt elk, black bears, bald eagles, sea otters, mountain goats
- Best Time to Visit: June – September for dry weather; winter for skiing at Hurricane Ridge
- Entrance Fee: $30 per vehicle (valid for 7 days)
Must-Do Experience:
Explore the Hoh Rainforest and walk among towering moss-covered trees in one of the few temperate rainforests left on Earth.
Traveler Tip:
Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and take advantage of the best lighting for photography.
2. Mount Rainier National Park – The Iconic Volcano
Towering at 14,411 feet, Mount Rainier is one of the most recognizable mountains in the U.S. The park offers stunning wildflower meadows, glaciers, waterfalls, and epic hikes.
- Size: 369,000 acres
- Top Attractions: Paradise, Sunrise, Wonderland Trail, Reflection Lakes
- Activities: Hiking, climbing, skiing, photography, snowshoeing
- Wildlife: Black bears, deer, foxes, owls, marmots
- Best Time to Visit: July – September for wildflowers; winter for snow activities
- Entrance Fee: $30 per vehicle (valid for 7 days)
Must-Do Experience:
Drive to Sunrise, the highest point accessible by car, for breathtaking views of Mount Rainier.
Traveler Tip:
July is peak wildflower season, so bring your camera!
3. North Cascades National Park – The American Alps
Known as the “American Alps,” North Cascades National Park is one of the wildest and least crowded parks in the U.S., featuring jagged peaks, turquoise lakes, and over 300 glaciers.
- Size: 504,654 acres
- Top Attractions: Diablo Lake, Ross Lake, Cascade Pass, Sahale Arm
- Activities: Backpacking, kayaking, fishing, mountaineering
- Wildlife: Grizzly bears, mountain goats, wolverines, bald eagles
- Best Time to Visit: June – September
- Entrance Fee: Free!
Must-Do Experience:
Visit Diablo Lake Overlook for a stunning view of the turquoise waters against the mountains.
Traveler Tip:
No cell service in most areas, so bring offline maps and extra supplies.
4. Crater Lake National Park – The Deepest Lake in the U.S.
Formed by a collapsed volcano, Crater Lake is the deepest and clearest lake in the U.S., famous for its brilliant blue water and incredible viewpoints.
- Size: 183,224 acres
- Top Attractions: Wizard Island, Rim Drive, Cleetwood Cove Trail, Watchman Peak
- Activities: Boat tours, hiking, stargazing, camping
- Wildlife: Black bears, deer, eagles, coyotes
- Best Time to Visit: July – September
- Entrance Fee: $30 per vehicle (valid for 7 days)
Must-Do Experience:
Take a boat tour to Wizard Island and hike to the top for a panoramic view of the entire lake.
Traveler Tip:
Even in summer, it gets cold at night, so bring warm layers.
5. Redwood National and State Parks – The Land of Giants
This park protects the tallest trees on Earth, some reaching over 350 feet high, along with beautiful coastal scenery and fern-filled canyons.
- Size: 138,999 acres
- Top Attractions: Tall Trees Grove, Fern Canyon, Prairie Creek, Gold Bluffs Beach
- Activities: Hiking, scenic drives, camping, wildlife spotting
- Wildlife: Roosevelt elk, sea lions, black bears, banana slugs
- Best Time to Visit: May – October
- Entrance Fee: Free!
Must-Do Experience:
Walk through Fern Canyon, a lush green canyon featured in Jurassic Park 2.
Traveler Tip:
Drive the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway for one of the most scenic road trips in the Pacific Northwest.
6. Glacier National Park – A Hiker’s Paradise
Known as the “Crown of the Continent,” Glacier National Park is home to towering peaks, glacier-fed lakes, and over 700 miles of hiking trails.
- Size: 1,000,000 acres
- Top Attractions: Going-to-the-Sun Road, Lake McDonald, Many Glacier, Grinnell Glacier, Hidden Lake
- Activities: Hiking, scenic drives, wildlife spotting, camping, photography, boating
- Wildlife: Grizzly bears, moose, mountain goats, wolves, bald eagles
- Best Time to Visit: July – September
- Entrance Fee: $35 per vehicle (valid for 7 days)
Must-Do Experience:
Drive Going-to-the-Sun Road, one of the most scenic drives in the world, offering stunning mountain views and waterfalls.
Traveler Tip:
Reservation required for Going-to-the-Sun Road in peak season—book in advance!
Read Also: The Perfect 3-Day Olympic National Park Itinerary: Must-See Spots & Travel Tips
7. Banff National Park – Canada’s Most Iconic Park
Banff is famous for its turquoise lakes, towering peaks, and endless adventure opportunities.
- Size: 2,564,841 acres
- Top Attractions: Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Icefields Parkway, Peyto Lake
- Activities: Hiking, canoeing, skiing, hot springs, wildlife photography
- Wildlife: Elk, bighorn sheep, black bears, wolves
- Best Time to Visit: June – September
- Entrance Fee: $10 CAD per person per day
Must-Do Experience:
Visit Lake Louise at sunrise for the most breathtaking views before crowds arrive.
Traveler Tip:
Use the park shuttle to access Moraine Lake, as parking is very limited.
8. Jasper National Park – A Wildlife Haven
Jasper is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, known for wildlife, scenic landscapes, and stargazing.
- Size: 2,774,500 acres
- Top Attractions: Maligne Lake, Athabasca Falls, Columbia Icefield, Sunwapta Falls
- Activities: Hiking, camping, canoeing, wildlife viewing, photography
- Wildlife: Grizzly bears, caribou, wolves, moose, mountain lions
- Best Time to Visit: June – September
- Entrance Fee: $10 CAD per person per day
Must-Do Experience:
Paddle across Maligne Lake and visit Spirit Island, one of the most photographed spots in Canada.
Traveler Tip:
Visit during Jasper’s Dark Sky Festival in October for an incredible stargazing experience.
9. Yoho National Park – A Hidden Gem
A less crowded alternative to Banff with majestic waterfalls and dramatic mountain views.
- Size: 321,571 acres
- Top Attractions: Emerald Lake, Takakkaw Falls, Burgess Shale Fossils
- Activities: Hiking, canoeing, photography, camping, fossil tours
- Wildlife: Black bears, moose, wolverines, golden eagles
- Best Time to Visit: June – September
- Entrance Fee: $10 CAD per person per day
Must-Do Experience:
Hike to Takakkaw Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in Canada, surrounded by towering cliffs.
Traveler Tip:
Rent a canoe at Emerald Lake for a peaceful experience on turquoise waters.
10. Mount Revelstoke National Park – A Scenic Drive Wonderland
This park offers stunning rainforests, alpine meadows, and scenic viewpoints, making it a perfect stop for road trippers and nature lovers.
- Size: 62,503 acres
- Top Attractions: Meadows in the Sky Parkway, Giant Cedars Boardwalk, Skunk Cabbage Trail
- Activities: Hiking, scenic drives, photography, wildlife spotting
- Wildlife: Black bears, deer, mountain goats, hoary marmots
- Best Time to Visit: July – September
- Entrance Fee: $10 CAD per person per day
Must-Do Experience:
Drive the Meadows in the Sky Parkway, a winding road leading to stunning panoramic views at the summit.
Traveler Tip:
Take the Giant Cedars Boardwalk Trail for an easy but breathtaking walk among towering ancient trees.
Read Also: World Travel Insurance UK: The Ultimate Guide for 2025
Conclusion
The Pacific Northwest National Parks are full of natural beauty. You can see tall mountains, quiet lakes, big forests, and amazing wildlife. These parks are great for hiking, camping, or just enjoying nature. Many visitors come each year to explore these wonderful places. These parks also help protect animals, plants, and important history. It is important to visit responsibly so they stay beautiful for the future. Before you go, check park websites for weather updates, road conditions, and rules. Whether you want a peaceful walk or an exciting adventure, the Pacific Northwest has something special for you in 2025.
FAQs
1. What is the best time to visit Pacific Northwest National Parks?
The best time to visit is from June to September when the weather is warm, and most trails and roads are open.
2. Do I need a permit to visit these parks?
Most parks require an entrance fee, and some areas need permits for camping and special activities. Check the park websites for details.
3. Can I see wildlife in these parks?
Yes! You can see animals like bears, elk, eagles, mountain goats, and more. Always keep a safe distance from wildlife.
4. Are these parks good for families?
Yes! Many parks have easy trails, picnic areas, and fun activities for kids and families.
5. What should I bring when visiting?
Bring comfortable shoes, water, snacks, a map, and warm clothes. Some areas have little to no cell service, so be prepared.