Must-Visit National Parks in Oregon and Washington
The National Parks in Oregon and Washington are a prime destination for anyone who loves the great outdoors. This is where towering mountains, lush forests, rugged coastlines, and pristine lakes come together in one of the most awe-inspiring regions of the United States. With so many trails to explore, peaks to summit, serene lodges to stay at, and natural wonders to discover, the adventures are endless.
There’s no time to waste, the only thing missing is you!
GETTING THERE
The National Parks in Oregon and Washington are nestled in remote mountain regions of the Pacific Northwest, often requiring lengthy travel times. These parks are spread across considerable distances, adding to their sense of seclusion and appeal. Reaching Washington’s National Parks is relatively straightforward, with Sea-Tac International Airport (SEA) serving as the primary gateway. From there, driving times range from just a couple of hours to several, depending on your destination.
In Oregon, Portland serves as the main travel hub, while Bend’s smaller airport provides convenient access to Crater Lake National Park and the Three Sisters Wilderness. Though the journey to these parks may take several hours, the breathtaking adventures that await make every effort worthwhile.
Rainier National Park, WA
The National Parks in Oregon and Washington offer endless opportunities for exploration. If visiting Washington, one definite stop has to be Mt. Rainier National Park. It is an iconic symbol of Washington state, so much so that after landing in Sea-Tac, you won’t be able to take your eyes off of it. Rising to an impressive 14,411 feet above sea level, Mount Rainier is the largest active stratovolcano in the Cascade Mountain Range.
One of the most famous areas in the park is Paradise, an alpine meadow on Rainier’s southern slopes. Paradise is unique because you can drive directly into the heart of the mountain’s dramatic landscape. The area offers world-class day hikes, including the Skyline Trail, which runs alongside a massive glacier and leads to Panorama Point, offering breathtaking views of the mountain and surrounding valleys and peaks.
For those seeking a greater challenge, the trail continues onto the Muir Snowfield, eventually reaching Camp Muir, the iconic basecamp for climbers preparing to summit the mountain. Paradise also has a luxurious lodge, a ranger station, and a museum that delves into the history of the park and its surrounding region.
On any given day, you might see climbers preparing to summit Rainier, adding a sense of adventure to the already inspiring scenery. While you’re in the area, a nearby must-see is Reflection Lake, a picturesque lake where the still waters create a mirror-like reflection of the towering mountain above.
Beyond the smaller day hikes available, the park also offers some incredible backpacking opportunities. The most famous is the Wonderland Trail, a 93-mile loop that encircles the mountain and is my favorite hike in the state. Completing this trail usually takes seven to ten days and requires careful planning, so definitely do your research and apply early for a permit. Another favorite is the Spray Park Loop, which I like to call the “mini-Wonderland.” This 16-mile loop offers a condensed version of the varied terrain you’d encounter on the Wonderland Trail, making it a fantastic two or three day backpacking adventure.
Mount Rainier National Park is a treasure for anyone who loves mountain landscapes. Whether you’re hiking its legendary trails, exploring the meadows of Paradise, or simply admiring its sheer presence from afar, Rainier offers an unforgettable experience. It’s a place where nature’s power and beauty are on full display, and it’s a must-visit destination for any outdoor enthusiast.
Best of OlympiC and Rainier Tour
Olympic National Park, WA
Olympic National Park is a vast and remote gem located on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula and is a definite must see when visiting the National Parks of Oregon and Washington. The park’s size and diversity make it an extraordinary destination, but getting there takes time.
Driving around the park is best done as a multi-day trip, and the Highway 101 loop that circles the peninsula is the ideal route to explore its diverse landscapes and ecosystems. Along the way you’ll have opportunities to stop at the many park entrances to enjoy a day hike and immerse yourself in the park’s unique beauty.
One of the most memorable places to visit in the park is Hurricane Ridge, where you can experience the magnificence of the Olympic Mountains and glimpse Mt. Olympus, the highest peak in the park at 7,980 feet. The Hoh Rainforest is another memorable stop where you can walk through the magical Hall of Mosses surrounded by dense, moss-covered trees.
Olympic National Park is unique because it encompasses nearly the entire mountain range as well as a significant portion of the coastline. With its many varied ecosystems from mountains, to rainforest, to coastline, Olympic almost feels like three parks in one. Each area offers something spectacular, from towering peaks to lush forests and dramatic ocean views.
Olympic National Park is a backpacker’s paradise, offering an extensive network of trails, mountain passes, and hidden valleys that could take years to fully explore. If you’re planning a backpacking trip to the Olympics, make sure to check out the Enchanted Valley. This lush river valley cuts deep into the mountains, offering dramatic views, abundant wildlife, and peaceful campsites along rivers and in the valley meadows.
My personal favorite backpacking trip in the park however, is the Seven Lakes Basin loop. This incredible hike takes you high into the mountains, passing dozens of pristine lakes and ponds before reaching the high point. From there, you’ll traverse a ridgeline with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, including the majestic Mt. Olympus.
North Cascades National Park, WA
The North Cascades National Park, often called the “American Alps,” is a breathtaking expanse of rugged peaks, glacial valleys, and pristine wilderness in northern Washington. Known for its dramatic landscapes and remote charm, it’s a haven for adventurers seeking solitude and awe-inspiring natural beauty. With over 300 glaciers, countless alpine lakes, and one of the most diverse ecosystems in the United States, the park is an unforgettable gem when visiting the National Parks in Oregon and Washington.
Among its many treasures, Sahale Glacier stands out as a quintessential North Cascades hike. This trail is a challenging yet rewarding journey into the alpine, offering jaw-dropping views of jagged peaks, lush meadows, and the icy blue glacier itself. Starting from Cascade Pass, the ascent to Sahale Glacier is steep but worth every step. At the top, you’re rewarded with a sweeping panorama of endless ridges and valleys. On clear days, it feels as if you’re standing on the roof of the world, surrounded by the grandeur of the Cascades.
READ: Guide to Sahale Glacier Camp
Another highlight of the park is Ross Lake, a sprawling reservoir framed by steep forested slopes and dramatic peaks. The lake stretches into Canada, offering endless opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. Dotted along its shoreline are remote campsites accessible only by water or hiking, making Ross Lake an adventurer’s dream. Paddling along its crystal-clear waters is an unforgettable way to immerse yourself in the wilderness.
At the northern edge of Lake Chelan, the remote town of Stehekin is a unique treasure of the park. Accessible only by hiking or the Lady of the Lake ferry, this tiny community is a serene escape from the modern world. The ferry ride itself is a scenic adventure, winding through the 50-mile-long Lake Chelan, with towering mountains rising on either side.
Once in Stehekin, visitors can explore charming local attractions like the Stehekin Pastry Company, the historic Buckner Orchard, and nearby waterfalls like Rainbow Falls. The town serves as a gateway to endless trails, including the Pacific Crest Trail, which passes through this remote corner of the Cascades. Unlike more crowded parks, the North Cascades offers a sense of true wilderness and is an unforgettable place that will call you back to its untouched beauty time and time again.
Crater Lake National Park, OR
Crater Lake National Park, located in southern Oregon, is easily one of the most iconic National Parks in Oregon and Washington. The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) passes through Crater Lake National Park, drawing hikers from across the country to marvel at the lake’s magnificence. The park’s centerpiece is Crater Lake itself, a dazzling blue lake that fills the caldera of ancient Mount Mazama, which erupted catastrophically around 7,700 years ago.
This eruption reshaped the landscape, leaving behind the deep basin we see today. At nearly 2,000 feet, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States and one of the deepest in the world. Its unmatched clarity and vivid blue color create a truly mesmerizing sight. Though the volcano is considered dormant, Wizard Island, a volcanic cinder cone rising from the lake’s surface, stands as a reminder of its potential for activity.
The park is compact and can largely be experienced in a single day, but its beauty will leave an impression that lasts a lifetime. The Rim Village visitor center provides a perfect starting point, offering exhibits on the park’s geology and history. Nearby the visitor center is Crater Lake Lodge, an historic gem with stunning views of the lake.
For those eager to explore, there are two standout trails that should not be missed. The Garfield Peak Trail, a moderately challenging hike, offers some of the most breathtaking panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The trail is especially rewarding at sunrise or sunset, when the light glitters across the water.
For a closer encounter with the lake itself, the Cleetwood Cove Trail is the only way to reach the shoreline. This steep trail descends to the water’s edge, where you can take a refreshing swim or hop on a boat tour. These tours provide an incredible opportunity to explore Wizard Island up close, with options to hike the island’s trails or simply enjoy the serene beauty from the boat.
Jumping into Crater Lake from the rocks at the bottom of Cleetwood Cove Trail is an unforgettable experience. The lake, fed entirely by rain and snowmelt, remains incredibly cold year-round, with summer surface temperatures barely climbing above 60°F. It’s one of those unique adventures that’s as fun as it is refreshing.
For those planning an overnight stay, Diamond Lake is a fantastic lodging option located about ten minutes from the park entrance. With cozy cabins, a picturesque lake for boating and fishing, a restaurant, bar, and horseback riding during the summer months, it offers far more activities than you’ll find within the park itself. It’s an excellent basecamp for your Crater Lake adventure. Bend, Oregon, approximately 3 hours drive away, is another potential launching point for your Crater Lake trip.
Crater Lake’s unique geology, serene atmosphere, and accessible layout make it a must-visit for any nature lover. Whether hiking the rim, exploring Wizard Island by boat, or braving a jump into the icy blue waters, the experience is truly unforgettable.
Beyond National Parks
The National Parks in Oregon and Washington have so much to offer and explore, but if you are looking for even more adventure, there are several other areas worth mentioning that don’t hold official national park status. Since these wilderness areas aren’t national parks, they are usually far less busy and can offer you more solitude while still giving you access to unforgettable adventures and beauty that the National Parks in Oregon and Washington have to offer.
Goat Rocks Wilderness, WA
The Goat Rocks Wilderness, nestled in Washington’s Cascade Mountain Range, is a stunning remnant of an ancient stratovolcano that erupted four million years ago and went extinct two million years ago. Surrounded by active giants—Mount Adams, Mount Saint Helens, and Mount Rainier—it offers some of the most incredible panoramic views of the Cascades. With its rugged peaks, lush valleys, and dense forests, this wilderness is a haven for adventurers seeking solitude and natural beauty.
At the base of Goat Rocks lies the mountain town of Packwood. Once a refuge for loggers and miners, it’s now a charming gateway to the wilderness. Trails like the five-mile hike to Packwood Lake make the area accessible for beginners, with serene campsites and glacier-fed waters. For a drive-up destination, Walupt Lake offers kayaking, paddleboarding, and campgrounds along its shores.
However, the real gem of the region is the Knife’s Edge traverse. This dramatic ridgeline hike, part of the Pacific Crest Trail, provides unforgettable views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding wilderness. Passing by Old Snowy, one of Goat Rocks’ highest peaks, the Knife’s Edge is a bucket-list adventure. Goat Rocks Wilderness offers solitude to those who seek it. It’s not a national park but still offers the views and adventures you’d find if it were.
Mount Hood National Forest, OR
Although it is not one of the National Parks in Oregon and Washington, Mount Hood National Forest is one of Oregon’s crown jewels, a sprawling wilderness surrounding the iconic Mount Hood. Standing at 11,240 feet, Mount Hood is the tallest peak in Oregon and offers year-round recreation for outdoor enthusiasts.
Located just a couple of hours from Portland, the journey to Mount Hood is an adventure in itself. Driving along the Columbia River Gorge is breathtaking, with dramatic cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush greenery framing the route into the mountains. Along the way, a stop at Eagle Creek is a must. This trail is one of the most popular in the region, with a series of waterfalls and lush canyon views that make it a Pacific Northwest treasure. For those who want a more immersive experience, backpacking to the top of the creek and spending the night surrounded by the sounds of rushing water is an unforgettable adventure.
As you approach Mount Hood, the landscape transforms into a picturesque blend of alpine meadows, dense forests, and glacial streams. The Timberline Lodge, an historic retreat nestled on the southern slopes of the mountain, serves as a hub for exploration. The lodge is a cozy resting spot and is also famous for its role in The Shining, serving as the exterior of the Overlook Hotel.
During the winter months, the Timberline Lodge transforms into a skier’s paradise. The Timberline Ski Area offers some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the state, with slopes catering to all skill levels. In the summer, the lodge becomes a gateway to some of the region’s most stunning hikes. The Timberline Trail, a 40-mile loop that encircles Mount Hood, is a favorite among avid hikers. This challenging trek takes you through diverse landscapes, from alpine ridges to wildflower-filled meadows, with jaw-dropping views of glaciers and cascading waterfalls.
For those looking for shorter hikes, there are plenty of options near the lodge. Trails like Paradise Park and Mirror Lake offer easier access to Mount Hood’s beauty without requiring an overnight commitment. Mirror Lake, in particular, is a great spot for families, with a relatively short trail leading to a serene lake reflecting the mountain’s towering peak.
Three Sisters Wilderness, OR
The Three Sisters Wilderness is a stunning expanse of volcanic terrain, dominated by the three towering volcanic peaks that define the landscape. One of the peaks is a striking red color, making it a standout among the region’s otherwise rugged, snow-capped mountains. Hiking through this area feels like walking through an ancient, fiery landscape, with parts of the terrain resembling a vast lava field. It’s a challenging but incredibly unique experience, where jagged rocks and hardened lava create an otherworldly atmosphere.
A highlight in this wilderness area is the Obsidian Falls, where you can wonder at the dark, glassy volcanic rock that’s left behind after centuries of lava flow.
Beyond the volcanic scenery, the Three Sisters Wilderness is also home to the Cascade Lakes, a collection of hundreds of crystal-clear lakes nestled in alpine forests and wildflower meadows. The camping and backpacking here are unbeatable, offering serene spots near the lakes where you can unwind and enjoy the peace of nature. However, timing is key—if you visit during peak bug season, those ideal lakes can become unbearably swarmed with bugs.
The nearby town of Bend, Oregon is a fantastic hub for those looking to explore the Three Sisters Wilderness and the Cascade Lakes. Known for its vibrant culture, craft breweries, and outdoor activities, Bend has quickly become a go-to destination for adventure enthusiasts. After a day of hiking, you can relax in one of the city’s many cozy cafes or explore the local art scene. With a blend of nature and urban charm, Bend is the perfect gateway to the incredible adventures awaiting in the Three Sisters Wilderness.
The National Parks in Oregon and Washington offer some of the most pristine and awe-inspiring landscapes in the United States. From the towering heights of Mount Rainier and the rich ecosystems of Olympic National Park to the deep blue waters of Crater Lake, these parks are true treasures of the Pacific Northwest. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of nature, these parks provide experiences that will leave you in awe.
And while the region boasts many official national parks, don’t overlook the lesser-known gems in Oregon and Washington, like Goat Rocks Wilderness, Mount Hood National Forest, and Three Sisters Wilderness, that are just waiting to be explored.
So, grab your hiking boots and camera, and embark on a journey through the stunning National Parks in Oregon and Washington—where the magnificence of nature is never more than a few steps away.
