National Parks in Washington
17 NPS units in Washington — complete visitor guides with fees, hours, hiking, camping, and seasonal tips.
Visiting National Parks in Washington
Washington is home to 17 units managed by the National Park Service, ranging from 3 full national parks to historic sites, monuments, and recreation areas. Whether you're planning a weekend road trip or a multi-week adventure, Washington's national parks offer some of the most spectacular scenery in the United States.
Before your visit, make sure to check current entrance fees, operating hours, and any active alerts — all updated daily on each park's page. The America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80) covers entrance to all NPS units and is highly recommended if you plan to visit multiple parks in Washington.
National Parks in Washington
Mount Rainier
Ascending to 14,410 feet above sea level, Mount Rainier stands as an icon in the Washington landscape. An active volcano,…
Full visitor guide →
North Cascades
Less than three hours from Seattle, an alpine landscape beckons. Discover communities of life adapted to moisture in the west…
Full visitor guide →
Olympic
With its incredible range of precipitation and elevation, diversity is the hallmark of Olympic National Park. Encompassing nearly a million…
Full visitor guide →Other NPS Units in Washington
Ebey's Landing
National Historical Reserve
This stunning landscape on the Salish Sea, with its rich farmland and…
Fort Vancouver
National Historic Site
Located on the north bank of the Columbia River, in sight of…
Ice Age Floods
National Geologic Trail
At the end of the last Ice Age, 18,000 to 15,000 years…
Klondike Gold Rush - Seattle Unit
National Historical Park
Seattle flourished during and after the Klondike Gold Rush. Merchants supplied people…
Lake Roosevelt
National Recreation Area
The ancient geologic landscape of the upper Columbia River cradles Lake Roosevelt…
Lewis & Clark
National Historic Trail
The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail winds nearly 4,900 miles through…
Lewis and Clark
National Historical Park
Explore the timeless rainforests and majestic coastal vistas. Discover the rich heritage…
Manhattan Project
National Historical Park
The Manhattan Project is one of the most transformative events of the…
Minidoka
National Historic Site
During World War II, over 120,000 people of Japanese ancestry were forcibly…
Nez Perce
National Historical Park
Since time immemorial, the valleys, prairies, mountains, and plateaus of the inland…
Oregon
National Historic Trail
Imagine yourself an emigrant headed for Oregon: would promises of lush farmlands…
San Juan Island
National Historical Park
San Juan Island is well known for its splendid vistas, saltwater shores,…
Whitman Mission
National Historic Site
One moment can change the fate of many nations. After thousands of…
Wing Luke Museum
Affiliated Area
More than a museum, the Wing is an experience. A chance to…
Planning Your Washington National Park Trip
- →Best time to visit: Shoulder seasons (May and September) offer the best combination of good weather, open facilities, and manageable crowds across Washington's parks.
- →America the Beautiful Pass: At $80/year, this annual pass covers entrance to all 17+ NPS units in Washington and all other NPS units nationwide.
- →Book early: Lodging and campsite reservations at popular parks fill up months in advance. Plan and book as early as possible, especially for summer visits.
- →Check alerts: Road closures, fire restrictions, and seasonal closures can affect your plans. Check each park's page for current alerts before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many national parks are in Washington?
Washington has 3 designated national parks and 17 total NPS-managed units, including monuments, recreation areas, and historic sites.
What is the best national park to visit in Washington?
The best park depends on your interests. Mount Rainier is one of the most popular options. Browse the parks above to find the one that matches your travel style.
Do I need a pass to visit national parks in Washington?
Most NPS units in Washington charge an entrance fee. The America the Beautiful Annual Pass ($80) covers entrance to all of them and is great value if you plan to visit more than 2-3 parks.
About the Author
James R. Mitchell
Founder & Lead Writer — National Park Data
James has visited all 63 designated US national parks and has been writing about outdoor travel for over 12 years. He spent 8 years as a wilderness guide in the Rocky Mountains before founding National Park Data to help visitors plan better, safer, and more enjoyable park trips.