Pacific Northwest Road Trip -- California, Oregon, and Washington National Parks!

The Pacific Northwest is a wonderland of towering forests, snow-capped mountains, and rugged coastlines. For national park lovers, this region is an absolute dream, featuring six stunning parks across three states. Whether you’re drawn to ancient redwoods, active volcanoes, or alpine meadows, this Pacific Northwest road trip has something for everyone!

If you have about three weeks to spare, this is a trip of a lifetime. However, if you’re short on time, you can split it into two separate journeys — one focusing on Northern California and Oregon and the other covering Washington State’s spectacular landscapes.

Either way, you’re in for an adventure filled with jaw-dropping scenery, epic hikes, and unforgettable experiences!

Listen to the Full Podcast Episode:

Podcast Episode Overview

Have you ever been road-tripping through the Pacific Northwest?

This is definitely one of our favorite sections of the country! In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are sharing everything we love about taking this road trip and the incredible national parks you can see along the way.

This route spans three states and six national parks, so it is definitely one you need to set aside some time for. Join us as we share our best tips for making this road trip unforgettable!

Join us as we cover:

Where to start with this road trip
What we love about Lassen Volcanic National Park
Our preferred route to take
Why Avenue of the Giants is a must-see
Our favorite ways to see the Redwoods
Why you should stop at the Trees of Mystery
Our favorite stop in Crescent City
What you need to see at Crater Lake
The Oregon Coast
Best places to stop for food
The most likely place for you to see a Sasquatch
The Twilight tour you can take in Forks
Why we love Olympic National Park
The best trails in Mount Rainier National Park
The best time of year to make this trip
Why North Cascades is such an interesting park
Where to go at the end of your trip

This episode provides a great starting place for structuring your own trip through the Pacific Northwest. We can’t wait for you to get out and explore!

Start in Salt Lake City and Head to Lassen Volcanic National Park

This road trip starts in Salt Lake City, Utah, but if you’re flying in, major airports like San Francisco, Sacramento, Portland, or Seattle work well as starting points.

From Salt Lake, we head west, passing through the vast and dusty landscapes of Northern Nevada. If you’re driving this route, crank up Johnny Cash’s I’ve Been Everywhere as you roll through Winnemucca and onward to California!

Your first stop is Lassen Volcanic National Park, an underrated gem marking the southern tip of the Cascade Range. The park is packed with geothermal features, crystal-clear lakes, and a towering volcano. Lassen Peak last erupted a little over a century ago, and today, visitors can explore its bubbling mud pots, steaming vents, and lava-formed landscapes.

Bumpass Hell is the park’s most famous geothermal area, where you can walk along a boardwalk past steaming pools and bubbling mud. Manzanita Lake offers some of the best views of Lassen Peak and is perfect for kayaking or just relaxing by the water.

For those looking for a challenge, hiking to the top of Lassen Peak is a must!

Check out our free Lassen Volcanic resources here!

Redwood National Park and Avenue of the Giants

Leaving Lassen behind, your route winds through curvy mountain roads to the Pacific Coast, entering the land of the giants. Avenue of the Giants is a breathtaking scenic drive through towering ancient trees. The Rockefeller Forest is a great place to take a quiet hike among some of the tallest and oldest redwoods in the world. The Immortal Tree, which has survived fires, floods, and even loggers’ saws, is another must-see!

Further north, Redwood National Park offers even more incredible sights. The Lady Bird Johnson Grove is a peaceful spot for a walk among towering redwoods. Fern Canyon, made famous by Jurassic Park: The Lost World, surrounds you with lush greenery and waterfalls cascading down canyon walls.

Check out our free Redwood resources here!

Crater Lake National Park

Crossing into Oregon, the journey reaches one of the most striking natural wonders in the United States. Crater Lake, formed by a collapsed volcano, is famous for its vivid blue color and crystal-clear waters.

The drive around the rim offers stunning panoramic views from multiple overlooks, each giving a different perspective of the lake. Cleetwood Cove Trail is the only way to reach the water’s edge, and taking a boat tour to Wizard Island is an unforgettable experience.

For a spectacular view from above, the hike to Watchman Peak is a great option.

Check out our free Crater Lake resources here!

The Oregon Coast

From Crater Lake, your Pacific Northwest road trip cuts over to the stunning Oregon Coast, a must-see for anyone road-tripping through this region!

Heceta Head Lighthouse provides panoramic ocean views, while Tillamook Creamery is the perfect place to stop for some delicious cheese and ice cream. Cannon Beach, home to the famous Haystack Rock, is a fantastic spot to catch the sunset.

Continuing north, the route reaches Astoria, a charming town where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. Fort Clatsop is a fascinating historical stop, marking the winter encampment of the Lewis and Clark expedition. The seafood in Astoria is also top-notch, with South Bay Wild Fish House serving up some of the best seafood in the region.

Olympic National Park

Crossing into Washington State, Olympic National Park showcases a diverse mix of rainforests, coastlines, and mountains.

The Hoh Rainforest is a magical place where moss drapes from towering trees, creating an otherworldly landscape. Rialto Beach offers dramatic coastal scenery, with sea stacks and tidepools to explore at low tide. Hurricane Ridge provides stunning alpine views and high-elevation hiking trails. Lake Crescent is a glacial lake with crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming and kayaking!

Nearby, Sol Duc Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the park, accessible via an easy hike through lush rainforest. For those who want extra time to explore, Port Angeles is a great place to set up a home base while visiting the park and the Olympic Peninsula.

All the details on the best places to visit are in our Olympic National Park itineraries or our free resources!

Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier National Park, the towering, glaciated peak that dominates the skyline, is one of Washington’s most breathtaking sights. This national park is a paradise for hikers and wildflower lovers, but it requires careful timing. Late July is the best time of year to visit to avoid lingering snow or wildfire smoke.

The Skyline Trail is the park’s most famous hike, starting from Paradise and winding through meadows of wildflowers. The Burroughs Mountain Trail offers an incredible close-up view of Mount Rainier, while Myrtle Falls provides one of the most picturesque waterfall views in the park. Reflection Lakes is another must-visit spot, especially in the early morning when the water is still, and provides a perfect mirror image of the mountain.

Check out our free Mount Rainier resources here!

North Cascades National Park

The final stop on your Pacific Northwest road trip is North Cascades National Park, known for its jagged peaks, turquoise lakes, and epic hiking trails!

Diablo Lake Overlook is one of the most famous stops, showcasing the lake’s shockingly blue waters. Cascade Pass Trail is a breathtaking hike leading deep into the heart of the mountains. For a true alpine experience, the Maple Pass Loop offers a challenging but rewarding trek with 360-degree views of the North Cascades.

Exiting the park through the eastern gateway town of Winthrop, the journey winds down, leaving travelers with memories of some of the most stunning landscapes in the country. If you have extra time, exploring more of the Cascade Range, including Mount Baker, or heading towards the San Juan Islands, is well worth it.

Check out our free North Cascades resources here!

Planning Your Trip!

If you’re inspired to take this Pacific Northwest National Park road trip, be sure to check out our free resources on each park. From itinerary planning to hiking recommendations, we’ve got you covered!

Links mentioned in this episode:

Are you hoping to visit all of the national parks? Sign up for your FREE NATIONAL PARKS CHECKLIST so you can easily see where you’ve been and where you still need to go!

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Pacific Northwest Road Trip — California, Oregon, and Washington National Parks!