7 Must-Visit National Parks on the USA’s West Coast for Unforgettable School Trips

Embark on an unforgettable educational trip to the national parks along the USA's West Coast, where spectacular sights and wonderful wildlife create a mesmerizing mosaic of natural wonders. From California's southern coastline to the pristine wilderness of Oregon, Washington, and Alaska in the north, these parks offer endless opportunities for school trips to connect with nature, breathe deep, and embrace the great outdoors.

Denali National Park, AlaskaDenali National Park is the crown jewel of Alaskan wilderness and a must-visit on any national parks school trip. Spanning over six million acres, this park offers a rare glimpse into untamed nature, where rivers rumble, alpine tundra stretches for miles, and snow-capped peaks—including North America's tallest mountain—dominate the landscape. With just one road winding through the park, students can explore less-traveled hiking and biking trails while spotting Denali's "Big Five": moose, caribou, wolves, grizzly bears, and Dall sheep. This is an ideal destination for educational trips that focus on biology, ecology, and geology.

Yosemite National Park, CaliforniaYosemite National Park is a natural paradise that every school trip to national parks should include. Just four hours from San Francisco, Yosemite’s breathtaking vistas—featuring mirrored lakes, towering granite peaks, and plunging waterfalls—offer a perfect backdrop for students to explore the wonders of the natural world. In Mariposa Grove, they can walk among some of the oldest and largest trees on Earth, including the 3,000-year-old Grizzly Giant. Yosemite's rich wildlife, from black bears to bighorn sheep, provides ample learning opportunities for young explorers.

Olympic National Park, WashingtonA must-see on any educational trip to the Pacific Northwest, Olympic National Park protects one of the largest stretches of pristine wilderness in the United States. Spanning nearly a million acres, the park’s diverse landscapes include glacier-capped mountains, alpine lakes, and over 110 kilometers of coastline, ideal for hands-on learning about marine ecosystems. The temperate rainforests and the park's primeval landscapes offer students a chance to study some of the country's most unique ecosystems and wildlife, including Roosevelt elk, black bears, and grey whales.

Crater Lake National Park, OregonPerfect for school trips focused on geology and environmental science, Crater Lake National Park is home to the deepest lake in the USA, formed 7,700 years ago after a volcanic eruption. The lake’s crystal-clear waters and the striking volcanic cinder cone of Wizard Island are natural wonders that captivate students and teachers alike. The historic Rim Drive offers educational stops with breathtaking views, while boat tours on the lake provide deeper insights into the park’s geological history and indigenous culture.

Death Valley National Park, CaliforniaDeath Valley National Park offers an otherworldly experience, perfect for adventurous school trips. Spanning eastern California into Nevada, this park is the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the USA. Despite its extreme conditions, Death Valley is teeming with life, from desert-adapted animals like jackrabbits and coyotes to fields of wildflowers that bloom after rain. Designated as an International Dark Sky Park, it also offers incredible stargazing opportunities, making it an excellent location for educational trips focusing on astronomy and earth sciences.

Mount Rainier National Park, WashingtonMount Rainier National Park, an icon of the Pacific Northwest, is a treasure trove for educational trips. This young volcano, rising 4,392 meters, is surrounded by old-growth forests, subalpine meadows, and glacier-carved valleys that bloom with wildflowers in summer. The park’s diverse wildlife, including black bears, bobcats, and the rare Cascade red fox, provides endless opportunities for students to learn about wildlife conservation and ecology. With opportunities for snow sports, mountain climbing, and hiking, Mount Rainier is perfect for school trips that combine physical education with environmental studies.

Scenic Byways, CaliforniaCalifornia's Scenic Byways are ideal for educational road trips, offering a mix of cultural, natural, historical, and recreational attractions. These routes, celebrated for their breathtaking landscapes, take students through mountain ranges, ancient redwood forests, and desert landscapes. Traveling by car or RV, students can explore the diverse ecosystems of the Golden State, from the pine-clad peaks of the Shasta Cascade region to the dunes of the Mojave Desert. Each byway presents unique learning opportunities, making them perfect for school trips focused on history, geography, and environmental science.

Appleseed ExpeditionsWith over 25 years of experience, Appleseed Expeditions specializes in creating tailor-made itineraries for educational trips, school trips to national parks, and other adventure-filled travel experiences across the USA. Contact us at info@appleseedexpeditions.com for more information.