Redwoods and ferns in Redwood National Park, California

Redwood National Park, along the northern coast of California, is often grouped together with the state parks in the area and referred to collectively as Redwood National and State Parks. Many of the resources highlighted on the National Park Services site include reference to nearby state parks, including Jededish Smith Redwoods State Park and Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park. One of the few national parks that allows biking on back road logging trails, Redwood National Park offers many options for all types of visitors.

Famous for: Tall redwood trees, the world’s tallest trees.

Admission: Redwood National Park is free to visit!

Visitors will enjoy: Set out on one of the many hikes through the Tall Trees Grove. Enderts Beach off the Coastal Trail, takes visitors down to the tidepools and include interpretive signs to help identify plants and trees.

Easy site seeing: During the summer, visit one of the 5 visitor stations in the park and enjoy a ranger-led program or evening campfire. Or, take one of the paved or unpaved scenic drives through the park.

Best campground in the park: Both developed and backcountry campgrounds are available within the park. Gold Bluffs Beach Campground is the most interesting option, offering easy access to the beach, as well as hiking and biking trails nearby. Reservations are not accepted for this campground, it is first-come, first-served.

Best months to visit for weather: The coastal areas of Northern California experiences thick fog much of the year. With these wet conditions, be sure to wear layers and bring a rain jacket. Summer is an ideal time to visit, when temperatures warm up.

Best months to visit to avoid crowds: Late fall or early spring are the best times to avoid crowds in Redwood National Park.

Nearest major cities: Crescent City is the nearest city with an airport, near the border with Oregon.

Visit the National Park Services website for more information about Redwood National Park.

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Photo courtesy of National Park Service photo gallery.

A Joshua Tree at sunrise in Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park, lies between the Mojave and Colorado Deserts in southeast California. In the spring, beautiful wildflowers are everywhere in this dramatic park, and throughout the rest of the year, desert views, hiking trails and historic ranch houses provide visitors a peek into the history of the area. Many folks day-trip from nearby Los Angeles to hike and rock climb in Joshua Tree. Read More »

Mt. Iliamna in Lake Clark National Park, Alaska

Lake Clark National Park in Alaska is just southwest of Anchorage and accessible via small aircraft or boat from Kenai Peninsula. Definitely off the beaten path, Lake Clark is worth a visit for adventure travel, wilderness backpacking, hunting and fishing.

Famous for: Four active volcanoes, including Mt. Augustine, which last erupted in 2006. All these volcanoes are part of the larger Pacific “Ring of Fire” with 70 active volcanoes.

Admission: No fees for this national park!

Visitors will enjoy: In addition to birdwatching and wildlife viewing, visitors to Lake Clark National Park also enjoy a number of water activities including kayaking, canoeing and fishing.

Where to stay while visiting: Many lodges are available in the area, and because no restaurants or concessions are available in the park, they are also the best way to feed yourself while visiting (unless you plan to bring your own food! Bear-safe containers are definitely recommended).

Best campground in the park: No reservations are required to camp in Lake Clark National Park. However, Lake Clark is considered wilderness and camping is only recommended for seasoned travelers. When in doubt, consider joining a guided tour of the backcountry.

Best months to visit for weather: June to September, but because the weather can change so quickly, visitors should be prepared for sun, rain and storms, even in the middle of the summer!

Nearest major cities: Iliamna and Port Alsworth are the nearest towns

Visit the National Park Services website for more information on Lake Clark National Park.

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Photo courtesy of USGS Photo and National Park Service.

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Stone Arch Bridge

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