9 Best Places to See Wildlife on the West Coast (That Aren’t Overcrowded National Parks)

Everyone knows about Yellowstone and Yosemite—but if you want to see bears, whales, elk, and more—without the crowds, there are plenty of underrated spots where wildlife thrives.

These are the best places on the West Coast to experience nature, without getting stuck in traffic or fighting for a photo.

1. Point Reyes National Seashore (California) – Tule Elk & Elephant Seals

• Why It’s Amazing:
  • One of the best places in California to see tule elk in the wild.
  • Massive elephant seals lounging on the beach at Chimney Rock.
  • Dramatic coastal views, quiet beaches, and wild rolling hills.
• Best Time to Go:
  • Fall for the tule elk rut (mating season)—you’ll see males fighting for dominance.
  • Winter for peak elephant seal season.

💡 Pro Tip: Drive out to Tomales Point Trail for a stunning hike through elk territory.

2. San Juan Islands (Washington) – The Best Place to See Orcas

• Why It’s Amazing:
  • One of the best places in the world to see wild orcas.
  • Bald eagles, sea lions, and porpoises are everywhere.
  • Beautiful island landscapes with way fewer crowds than mainland Washington.
• Best Time to Go:
  • May–September for the best chance to see orcas hunting for salmon.

💡 Pro Tip: Lime Kiln Point State Park is the best place for seeing orcas from land.

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3. Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge (California/Oregon) – Birdwatching Paradise

• Why It’s Amazing:
  • Home to over a million birds during migration season.
  • Bald eagles, sandhill cranes, white pelicans, and hawks everywhere.
  • No crowds, just peaceful wetlands and wildlife.
• Best Time to Go:
  • Winter (December–February) for huge flocks of bald eagles.
  • Spring and fall for peak bird migration season.

💡 Pro Tip: Bring binoculars—this is one of the best birding spots in the country.

4. Redwoods National & State Parks (California) – Roosevelt Elk & Giant Trees

• Why It’s Amazing:
  • See Roosevelt elk up close, especially in Prairie Creek Redwoods.
  • Massive redwood trees + quiet forest trails = pure magic.
  • Way less crowded than Yosemite or Sequoia.
• Best Time to Go:
  • Fall for the elk rut (mating season).
  • Year-round for quiet trails and epic scenery.

💡 Pro Tip: Drive the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway—you’ll almost always see elk along the road.

5. Elkhorn Slough (California) – The Best Spot for Sea Otters

• Why It’s Amazing:
  • A peaceful estuary where sea otters float, play, and nap in the water.
  • Also home to harbor seals, pelicans, and leopard sharks.
  • Way less crowded than Monterey Bay.
• Best Time to Go:
  • Morning hours for calm water and active otters.
  • Spring and summer for baby otters!

💡 Pro Tip: Rent a kayak in Moss Landing for the best up-close views.

6. Malheur National Wildlife Refuge (Oregon) – Remote, Wild, and Full of Life

• Why It’s Amazing:
  • Over 320 species of birds, plus coyotes, deer, and pronghorn antelope.
  • Incredible spring wildflowers make this high desert oasis feel surreal.
  • Zero crowds—just you and the wildlife.
• Best Time to Go:
  • April–June for the best birdwatching and wildflowers.

💡 Pro Tip: Bring a camera—the reflections of the sky and wetlands make for unreal photos.

7. Cape Arago & Simpson Reef (Oregon) – A Secret Spot for Marine Life

• Why It’s Amazing:
  • Thousands of sea lions and seals haul out on the rocks year-round.
  • Whale watching is incredible in winter and spring.
  • Far fewer people than nearby tourist spots like Cannon Beach.
• Best Time to Go:
  • Winter–Spring for gray whale migration.
  • Year-round for sea lion and seal sightings.

💡 Pro Tip: Bring binoculars—you’ll hear the sea lions before you see them!

8. Hart Mountain Antelope Refuge (Oregon) – Wild Pronghorn & Hot Springs

• Why It’s Amazing:
  • One of the best places in the U.S. to see pronghorn antelope.
  • Super remote, meaning zero crowds and epic stargazing.
  • Bonus: Free natural hot springs to soak in after a day of exploring.
• Best Time to Go:
  • Spring–Early Summer for the best chance to see large herds of pronghorn.

💡 Pro Tip: Drive slow—pronghorn are fast, but they love to run across the road.

9. Columbia River Gorge (Oregon/Washington) – Eagles, Ospreys, and Big-Horned Sheep

• Why It’s Amazing:
  • Watch bald eagles and ospreys hunting along the river.
  • Big-horned sheep roam the cliffs near The Dalles.
  • Fewer people than Oregon’s national parks, but just as scenic.
• Best Time to Go:
  • Winter-Spring for the best eagle sightings.

💡 Pro Tip: Stop by Rowena Crest Viewpoint for insane views and wildlife spotting.

MORE ON THE WEST COAST:

READ MORE: The Best of Oregon

READ MORE: The Best of Washington

READ MORE: The Best of California

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