14 Day West Coast National Park Road Trip Itinerary
Embarking on a 14-day West Coast national park road trip is one of the most unforgettable ways to experience the natural beauty of the United States. From the towering redwoods of Northern California to the glacier-carved peaks of Washington, this two-week journey combines some of the most iconic landscapes in North America, deserts, forests, volcanoes, and rugged coastline all in one epic drive.
This itinerary begins in Southern California and travels north through Oregon and Washington, giving you a mix of sun-baked canyons, alpine wilderness, and misty coastal trails. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, hiking through ancient groves, or watching sunsets over the Pacific, this route offers the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.
Parks Included on the Trip
- Joshua Tree National Park (California)
- Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (California)
- Yosemite National Park (California)
- Redwood National and State Parks (California)
- Crater Lake National Park (Oregon)
- Mount Rainier National Park (Washington)
- Olympic National Park (Washington)
Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1–2: Joshua Tree National Park, California
Start your road trip in Southern California with the surreal desert landscapes of Joshua Tree National Park. Explore the merging of two desert ecosystems, the Mojave and Colorado,es filled with spiky Joshua trees, massive granite boulders, and glowing sunsets.
Things to do:
- Hike the Hidden Valley Trail for classic desert scenery
- Watch the sunset at Keys View
- Explore the rock formations at Skull Rock
- Stargaze at one of the park’s designated dark sky sites
Hidden Gem: Check out the Cholla Cactus Garden at sunrise for incredible light and a peaceful start to the journey.
Day 3–4: Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Drive north to the Sierra Nevada range, where the world’s largest trees dominate the landscape. Sequoia and Kings Canyon are often less crowded than Yosemite but equally breathtaking.
Things to do:
- Visit the General Sherman Tree, the largest tree on Earth
- Drive through the Tunnel Log and photograph this iconic spot
- Hike the Moro Rock Trail for sweeping mountain views
- Explore Grant Grove Village in Kings Canyon
Hidden Gem: Stop at Crescent Meadow, a quiet spot John Muir once called “the gem of the Sierra.”
Day 5–6: Yosemite National Park
Next, head to Yosemite National Park, one of the most famous parks in the U.S. From towering granite cliffs to rushing waterfalls, this park offers an endless list of scenic wonders.
Things to do:
- Hike to Vernal and Nevada Falls via the Mist Trail
- View Half Dome and El Capitan from Yosemite Valley
- Catch sunrise at Glacier Point
- Explore Tuolumne Meadows if you visit in summer
Hidden Gem: Visit Artist Point for a less crowded but equally stunning view of Yosemite Valley.
Day 7–8: Redwood National and State Parks
Travel up California’s northern coast to the mystical Redwood National and State Parks, home to the tallest trees on Earth. The coastal fog, ferns, and quiet forest trails make this section of the trip feel otherworldly.
Things to do:
- Drive the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway
- Walk the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail
- Explore the Fern Canyon trail (featured in Jurassic Park 2)
- Visit the coastal town of Trinidad nearby
Hidden Gem: Detour to Prairie Creek Elk Meadow, a great chance to spot wild Roosevelt elk grazing among the redwoods.
Day 9–10: Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
Cross into Oregon to see the deepest lake in the United States, formed from a collapsed volcano. Crater Lake National Park is known for its intense blue color and panoramic rim views.
Things to do:
- Drive the Rim Drive Loop (open in summer)
- Take the Cleetwood Cove Trail down to the lake for a swim or boat tour
- Hike Garfield Peak for one of the best viewpoints
- Visit Watchman Overlook at sunset
Hidden Gem: Stay after dark for some of the best stargazing in Oregon — the lack of light pollution makes it spectacular.
Day 11–12: Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
Continue north into Washington State to explore the glacial wonderland of Mount Rainier National Park. This active volcano is surrounded by wildflower meadows, waterfalls, and alpine trails.
Things to do:
- Hike the Skyline Trail at Paradise for close-up views of Mount Rainier
- Visit Narada Falls and Christine Falls
- Drive to Sunrise Visitor Center for panoramic mountain views
- Explore the Grove of the Patriarchs Trail
Hidden Gem: Stop at Tipsoo Lake, a small alpine lake that perfectly mirrors Mount Rainier at sunrise.
Day 13–14: Olympic National Park, Washington
End your journey in the incredibly diverse Olympic National Park, where mountains, rainforest, and coastline all meet in one park.
Things to do:
- Walk the Hoh Rain Forest Trail among moss-covered trees
- Watch the sunset at Rialto Beach or Ruby Beach
- Visit Hurricane Ridge for mountain views
- Explore Sol Duc Hot Springs for a relaxing soak
Hidden Gem: Discover Shi Shi Beach, one of the most secluded stretches of coastline in Washington, with sea stacks and tide pools.
Best Times to Go
The ideal time for a West Coast national park road trip is late spring through early fall (May–October).
- Spring (May–June): Waterfalls at their peak and fewer crowds.
- Summer (July–August): Best weather for high-altitude hikes and open mountain passes.
- Fall (September–October): Crisp air, colorful foliage, and quieter parks.
Winter months can bring snow closures in Yosemite, Crater Lake, and Mount Rainier, though southern parks like Joshua Tree remain accessible.
Packing List
- National Parks Annual Pass (America the Beautiful Pass)
- Layers for varying climates (desert heat to alpine chill)
- Hiking boots or trail shoes
- Lightweight rain jacket and thermal wear
- Reusable water bottle and hydration pack
- Portable cooler and snacks
- Camera and extra batteries
- Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
- Binoculars for wildlife spotting
- Camping gear (if you plan to camp)
Where to Stay
| Destination | Check Hotels |
|---|---|
| Joshua Tree National Park | Check Hotels |
| Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks | Check Hotels |
| Yosemite National Park | Check Hotels |
| Redwood National and State Parks | Check Hotels |
| Crater Lake National Park | Check Hotels |
| Mount Rainier National Park | Check Hotels |
| Olympic National Park | Check Hotels |
Final Thoughts
A 14-day West Coast national park road trip delivers the ultimate blend of desert adventures, towering forests, volcanic lakes, and rugged Pacific coastlines. It’s a journey that captures the very best of America’s wild and diverse landscapes, and one you’ll remember for a lifetime.
Whether you camp under the stars or stay in cozy lodges along the way, this route invites you to slow down, breathe in the mountain air, and experience the soul of the American West, one national park at a time.
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