National Parks of the Northwest

National Parks in the Northwest

Explore national parks in the American Northwest with Road Scholar. National parks in the Northwest are known for their pristine beauty, including deep green forests, lush waterfalls, and picturesque coastlines. Our collection of Northwest national park tours will bring you to some of the Northwest’s most iconic destinations, from Glacier National Park’s snow-capped mountains to Yellowstone’s calming meadows. No matter the trip you choose, you will learn from our expert naturalists and scientists, who will help you discover the beauty and history of these preserved landscapes. 

Highlights of Northwest National Park Tours

The American Northwest is filled with some of the world’s most famous national parks. At Road Scholar, we offer a range of national park tours, including trips to national parks in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Take a look at the highlights of some of the best national park vacations in the Northwest below:

• Crater Lake National Park: Located in Oregon, Crater Lake National Park is a tried-and-true Northwest tour, as it’s the deepest lake in the United States in the caldera of Mount Mazama, a peak in the Cascade range. Top attractions include Toketee Falls, Rim Drive, and Pinnacles Overlook Hike.

• North Cascades National Park: In nearby Washington, North Cascades National Park is located in the northern part of the state and is known for its rugged peaks, glaciers, and diverse ecosystems. Our national park Northwest tours to this park bring you to the Washington Pass Overlook, Sterling Munro Trail, and Diablo Lake Vista Point.

• Redwood National Park: The northern coast of California is known for its redwoods, some of the largest trees to grace this planet. Top highlights include the Avenue of Giants, Stout Grove, and Fern Canyon.

• Mount Rainier National Park: Another popular national park in the Pacific Northwest is Mount Rainier, which boasts stunning views at locations like Myrtle Falls, Reflection Lake, and Narada Falls.

• Olympic National Park: One of the top national parks in the Northwest is Olympic, which is known for its rugged coastline, lush greenery, and rich history. Top destinations include the Hoh Rain Forest, Hurricane Ridge, and Lake Crescent.

• Glacier Bay National Park: In Southeastern Alaska, you will find Glacier Bay National Park, which has famous attractions like Bartlett Cove, the intertidal zone, and the Forest Loop Trail.

• Glacier National Park: Marvel at the mountainous terrain of Glacier National Park forged by glaciers over centuries. Must-see areas include the Going-to-the-Sun Road, Many Glacier, and Logan Pass.

• Yellowstone National Park: As one of the most popular national parks, Yellowstone has much to see and discover. Some of the top attractions in our Northwest senior tour to Yellowstone include stops at Old Faithful Geyser, Lamar Valley, and the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

• Grand Teton National Park: A gem of Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park is a fan-favorite, known for top sightseeing points like Jenny Lake, Signal Mountain, Inspiration Point, and Hidden Falls.

• Denali National Park: In the interior of Alaska, you will find Denali National Park, home to North America’s highest peak, Mount Denali (formerly known as Mount McKinley). Explore areas like the Horseshoe Lake Trail, Wonder Lake, and Mount Healy Overlook Trail.

• Kenai Fjords National Park: In south-central Alaska is Kenai Fjords National Park, known for its stunning fjords, glaciers, and coastal landscapes. Top spots include Exit Glacier, Pedersen Glacier, and Fox Island.

These are just some of the most popular attractions of each Northwest national park tour. At Road Scholar, our expert guides will help you discover more of each park’s highlights, serving up a deeper understanding of each unique history, biodiversity, and landscape.

Tips for Visiting Northwest National Parks

There are numerous Northwest national parks to visit, each with unique ecosystems and environments to consider. It’s always best to be prepared to ensure your national park vacation in the Northwest goes smoothly. Take a look at these national park travel tips to get the most out of your next adventure:

• Bring extra storage for garbage to protect wildlife.
• Pack additional layers to stay protected from unexpected weather changes.
• Bring plenty of snacks and food to stay hydrated and energized throughout your trip.
• Talk with park rangers and bring a map of the park to get a better understanding of where to explore.

These are just some of the national park travel tips to keep in mind when exploring these preserved areas. Always do your research beforehand to get a better understanding of what to pack for the specific national park you’re visiting.

Activities in National Parks in the Northwest

National parks in the Northwest serve as extraordinary outdoor playgrounds for people of all abilities with varying interests. When browsing our Northwest tours, you can filter based on your desired activity level, whether you’re interested in strenuous hikes or more relaxing activities. Some of the top experiences in our national parks Northwest tours include:

• Hiking: All of the national parks in the Pacific Northwest feature extensive trail systems catering to all skill levels, with diverse ecosystems from rainforests to alpine peaks.
• Wildlife viewing: No matter which Northwest tour you choose, you’re sure to spot unique wildlife, whether it’s bison and grizzly bears in Yellowstone or marmots and mountain goats in Mount Rainier.
• Photography: Whether you’re an expert photographer or simply use your mobile device, national parks in the Northwest are excellent areas for capturing awe-inspiring photos of the Pacific coastline, vibrant wildflowers, and more.

At Road Scholar, we have an expansive collection of experiential travel programs that can bring you to some of the world’s most beautiful locations. With exciting activities in all of our tours, whether Northwest senior tours or national park tours in the Northeast, you’re sure to find a program that brings excitement and joy.

Book Your Northwest National Park Trip With Road Scholar

At Road Scholar, we have a wide range of national park vacation packages for the American Northwest. Whether you’re looking for group national park tours to Yellowstone or a solo adventure to Grand Teton, we have a great selection of national park vacations.

No matter the learning adventure you choose, you will explore with a diverse cohort and return with lifelong friends and memories. In addition to national parks to visit in the Northwest, we also have adventures in Southwest national parks, such as Zion and the Grand Canyon. If you’re ready for the adventure of a lifetime, book with Road Scholar today.