The Most Overrated National Parks on the West Coast (Don’t Hate Me!)

Let’s be real—calling any West Coast national park “overrated” feels wrong. These are some of the most jaw-dropping places on the planet. But since Instagram makes it look like you’ll have them all to yourself (spoiler: you won’t), let’s poke a little fun. These parks are 100% worth visiting, but here’s why they might not live up to the fantasy version you’ve seen online.

Table of Contents

Yosemite National Park, California
Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
Olympic National Park, Washington
Joshua Tree National Park, California
Redwood National and State Parks, California
Very Overrated…
MORE ON THE WEST COAST:

Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite Valley with a river running through and Nina standing in front.

Overrated? Pfft. Just a couple of boring granite rocks and a tiny waterfall or two. Half Dome? Snoozefest. El Cap? Meh, I’ve seen bigger walls at the local climbing gym. But in reality: Yosemite is insane. Just know you’ll be enjoying it with bumper-to-bumper traffic, jam-packed trails, and campground reservations that vanish the second they open.

Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

View of island from the Watchman Peak Lookout on the Crater Lake Rim Drive

It’s literally a giant hole filled with water. Congrats, Oregon. Sure, it’s the bluest, clearest lake you’ll ever see, but that’s… it. You can’t even swim in most of it! Still, it’s jaw-dropping—just don’t expect more than a handful of hikes or activities before you’ve “seen it all.”

Olympic National Park, Washington

Nina and the summit of Mount Storm King in Olympic National Park, Lake Crescent is below.

Rainforest, mountains, AND rugged coastline? Honestly, make up your mind, Olympic. Pick a vibe. It’s giving overachiever energy. The truth? It’s one of the most unique parks in the country, but the constant driving between each “zone” can turn your dream trip into a road trip marathon.

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Joshua Tree National Park, California

“Joshua Tree” by Heidi & Matt is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

Oh wow, another pile of rocks and some funky-looking trees. Totally worth flying across the country for, right? Okay, yes—it’s magical at sunset and the stargazing is unbeatable. But the crowds, lack of shade, and oven-like summer temps make it less dreamy when you’re actually there.

Redwood National and State Parks, California

Nina walking along a trail in Redwood National Park with huge redwoods to her left.

So… they’re tall. Really tall. Congrats, trees. Instagram makes it seem like every trail is a mystical forest walk, but the reality is a scattered system of parks where you’ll spend more time in your car than under the canopy. Still, walking among the redwoods will make you feel like a tiny speck in the best way possible.

Very Overrated…

Of course, we are being sarcastic because these parks are absolutely INCREIDIBLE! And definitely worth visiting. It’s just not a spot you’ll get to yourself, nor will you come out without a bit of drama trying to make it through.