The Northwest's 15 Amazing National Parks

Did you know that there are 15 different national parks located in the Northwest US? That's over 25 percent of the national parks for the entire United States. Magnificent mountains, incredible bodies of water, diverse forests, and unusual geological features are among the significant features found in these Northwest parks. These extraordinary landscapes are great places to enjoy outdoor recreation, to learn about nature and history, or to savor a scenic driving tour.

Alaska is home to more national parks than any other state in the nation. Denali National Park is the most famous, appearing on almost everyone's travel wishlist. Alaska's other national parks are wonderful playgrounds for anyone looking to experience wilderness at its most pristine.

Denali National Park and Preserve
Surrounded by colorful taiga and winding rivers, Denali is the tallest mountain peak in the United States and is part of the strikingly scenic Alaska Range. 

Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve
This vast Northern wilderness park preserves over 7.5 million acres of arctic ecosystem and offers no visitor facilities.

Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
The quiet waters and abundant glaciers of Glacier Bay National Park are a popular cruise ship destination.

Katmai National Park and Preserve
Bears, salmon, and volcanoes are the major attraction in this wildlife-rich nature preserve.

Kenai Fjords National Park
The picturesque scenery and marine life in this Seward-area national park can be enjoyed by boat.

Kobuk Valley National Park
This remote northern park is known for its vast caribou herds and unique sand dunes.

Lake Clark National Park and Preserve
Accessible by boat or aircraft, this multi-ecosystem park attracts wilderness explorers and sportsman.

Wrangell - St. Elias National Park and Preserve
At over 13 million acres, this Southeast Alaska national park is the largest in the US system.

Washington is blessed with some of the nation's most extraordinary landscapes. Olympic National Park is treasured for its diverse and unique ecosystems and Mount Rainier National Park is well known for its majestic beauty. Newer to the national park system is North Cascades National Park, which offers stunning lake and mountain scenery.

Mount Rainier National Park
You will find old growth forests, summer wildflowers, and lovely waterfalls, all focused around massive Mount Rainier.

North Cascades National Park
One of the nation's younger national parks, the North Cascades complex has craggy peaks and gorgeous lakes, along with lots of hiking and camping options.

Olympic National Park
Unique and varied ecosystems, including temperate rain forest and wild beaches, make Olympic National Park worth visiting again and again.

The state of Oregon is home to just one national park, and it's one of the most spectacular.

Crater Lake National Park
Famous for its deep blue caldera lake, this Oregon national park offers scenic drives and fantastic outdoor recreation.

Montana is a major vacation destination for many reasons, with its famous national parks high on the list. Both Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park provide memorable experiences that include abundant wildlife, outdoor recreation, glorious scenery, and interesting history.

Glacier National Park
Vast landscapes that range from snow-capped peaks to glassy lakes, Glacier is popular for its combination of scenery and outdoor recreation.

Yellowstone National Park
The nation's original and ever-popular national park, Yellowstone can be accessed year-round through Gardiner, Montana.

For sheer natural splendor, you can't beat the landscapes of Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park.

Yellowstone National Park
Dynamic and colorful thermal features, fabulous facilities, and abundant wildlife are the highlights at Yellowstone National Park.

Grand Teton National Park
Craggy scenic peaks, valley scenery, and abundant hospitality draw visitors to Grand Teton National Park year after year.

Yellowstone National Park
Most folks don't realize that there's a slim section of Yellowstone National Park within the state of Idaho.