6 Most Underrated National Parks on the West Coast (That Are Just as Stunning as the Famous Ones)

Everyone knows about Yosemite, Olympic, and Redwood National Parks, but those iconic spots are packed with tourists year-round. If you want jaw-dropping scenery without the endless traffic, overpriced lodging, and parking battles, it’s time to check out these underrated West Coast national parks.

These parks offer just as much adventure, epic landscapes, and bucket-list-worthy views—with way fewer crowds.

1. Lassen Volcanic National Park (California) – Mini Yellowstone, No Tourists

• Why It’s Amazing: This park has bubbling hot springs, steaming fumaroles, alpine lakes, and even an active volcano.
• What You’ll Find:
  • Bumpass Hell – A colorful geothermal area that looks like a smaller version of Yellowstone.
  • Lassen Peak – A short but tough hike to the top of an active volcano.
  • Manzanita Lake – A peaceful spot for kayaking with insane views.
• Why It’s Underrated: It’s just a few hours from Lake Tahoe, but most people skip it for more famous California parks.

💡 Pro Tip: Visit in late summer—snow lingers in the high country well into June.

2. North Cascades National Park (Washington) – The Most Overlooked Park in the U.S.

• Why It’s Amazing: With glacier-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, and zero entrance fees, this might be the most underrated national park in America.
• What You’ll Find:
  • Diablo Lake – Unreal turquoise water thanks to glacial melt.
  • Cascade Pass – One of the best hikes in the PNW, surrounded by glaciers.
  • Stehekin Valley – A remote, boat-in-only town deep in the wilderness.
• Why It’s Underrated: People flock to Mount Rainier and Olympic, leaving North Cascades nearly empty.

💡 Pro Tip: The best time to visit is July–September—snow lingers late in the season.

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3. Pinnacles National Park (California) – Hidden Rock Formations & Condors

• Why It’s Amazing: A stunning landscape of jagged rock spires, caves, and rare California condors soaring overhead.
• What You’ll Find:
  • High Peaks Trail – A challenging hike with epic views over the rocky formations.
  • Bear Gulch Cave – A dark, narrow cave hike with waterfalls inside.
  • Wildlife spotting – Home to one of the last wild California condor populations.
• Why It’s Underrated: Most people drive right past it on their way to Big Sur or Yosemite.

💡 Pro Tip: Go in the spring or fall—summer temps soar past 100°F.

4. Channel Islands National Park (California) – California’s Galápagos

• Why It’s Amazing: These five wild islands off the California coast are packed with secluded beaches, sea caves, and some of the best kayaking in the country.
• What You’ll Find:
  • Santa Cruz Island – The biggest island, with epic hikes and sea caves.
  • Anacapa Island – Famous for its dramatic cliffs and lighthouse.
  • Incredible wildlife – Seals, sea lions, dolphins, and even the tiny Channel Islands fox.
• Why It’s Underrated: Most California tourists stick to the mainland and never make the short boat trip out.

💡 Pro Tip: No cars, no restaurants, and no hotels—come prepared to camp or day-trip.

5. Craters of the Moon National Monument (Idaho) – The Strangest Landscape on the West Coast

• Why It’s Amazing: This place looks like another planet, with miles of black lava fields, volcanic caves, and eerie landscapes.
• What You’ll Find:
  • Lava tubes – Explore underground caves formed by ancient lava flows.
  • Devil’s Orchard – A hike through twisted rock formations.
  • Inferno Cone – A short but steep climb to a panoramic view of the park’s alien-like terrain.
• Why It’s Underrated: Most visitors drive through Idaho without realizing this hidden gem exists.

💡 Pro Tip: Visit at sunset—the park looks even more otherworldly in the fading light.

6. Redwood National & State Parks (California) – More Than Just Big Trees

• Why It’s Amazing: Everyone knows Redwood trees are massive, but these parks also have wild beaches, scenic drives, and hidden hiking trails.
• What You’ll Find:
  • Fern Canyon – A moss-covered canyon so stunning it was used as a filming location for Jurassic Park.
  • Prairie Creek – A less crowded spot to see the tallest trees in the world.
  • Gold Bluffs Beach – A gorgeous, foggy beach with wild elk roaming nearby.
• Why It’s Underrated: Most people only drive through, missing the best hikes and hidden spots.

💡 Pro Tip: Camp inside the park—it’s one of the best ways to experience the redwoods.

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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