Exploring Our National Parks: West Coast

Exploring the Great Outdoors

National Parks Budget Friendly Roadtrip

From the rugged Olympic coastline to the misty forests of Redwood forest. The West Coast of the United States is home to some of the most stunning national parks in the country. Let's look at affordable road trips nationwide and continue exploring our national parks and staying a Motel 6 along the way.

1. Mount Rainier National Park – Washington

Located in the Cascade Range of the state of Washington, the park encompasses Mount Rainier, the highest mountain in the contiguous United States, and surrounding areas. The park is home to various ecosystems, including alpine meadows, forests, and glaciers, and is a popular destination for hiking, camping, and fishing.

Here are some additional facts about Mount Rainier National Park:

The park was established in 1899.
It is the fifth most visited national park in the United States.
The park is home to over 250 glaciers.
The highest point in the park is Mount Rainier, which is 14,410 feet tall.
The park is home to over 700 species of plants and animals, including black bears, mountain goats, and marmots.

Mount Rainier National Park is a beautiful and diverse park that offers something for everyone. If you're looking for an outdoor adventure, be sure to add Mount Rainier to your list! Stay at one of the nearby Motel 6 locations.

2. Crater Lake National Park - Oregon

Located in southern Oregon, the park is home to Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the United States and the ninth deepest lake in the world. The lake was formed 7,700 years ago when Mount Mazama, a volcano, collapsed in on itself. The lake is fed by rain and snow, and the blue color is due to the reflection of the sky and the lack of sediment in the water.

The park has other volcanic features, including Wizard Island, a cone that rises over 1,000 feet above the lake, and the Phantom Ship, a small island resembling a sailing ship. There are also a number of hiking trails in the park, which offer stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.

Here are some of the things you can do in Crater Lake National Park:

Hike to the rim of the crater and take in the panoramic views of the lake.
Visit the Wizard Island boat dock and take a boat tour of the lake.
Go hiking on one of the park's many trails.
Visit the park's visitor center and learn about the park's history and geology.
Go camping in the park's backcountry.
Go stargazing at one of the park's dark sky viewing areas.

If you're looking for an unforgettable outdoor experience, be sure to add Crater Lake to your list! Crater Lake National Park is a beautiful and unique place that offers something for everyone. Stay in nearby Medford at one of our Motel 6 locations.

3. Redwood National Park – California

Located on the northernmost coast of California and protects nearly half of the world's remaining old-growth coast redwood forests. The trees in the park can grow to be over 375 feet tall and live for over 2,000 years. The park also protects vast prairies, oak woodlands, wild rivers, and 40 miles of rugged coastline.

Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, biking, camping, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. The park is home to a wide variety of animals, including Roosevelt elk, black bears, deer, whales, and seals.

Here are some other things you can do in the park:

Hike through the towering redwood forests.
Visit the Klamath River, one of the most pristine rivers in the world.
Explore the Prairie Creek Redwoods State Natural Reserve, home to some of the most beautiful redwood groves in the park.
Go whale watching off the coast of the park.
Visit the park's visitor centers, which offer exhibits and information about the park's history and ecology.

The park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the spring or fall when the weather is mild. However, the park is also beautiful in winter, when the redwoods are covered in snow. If you are looking for a place to experience the beauty of the natural world, this park is the perfect place for you. Plus, there are lots of Motel 6 locations nearby.

4. Zion National Park – Nevada

Located in Southwestern Utah near the town of Springdale. Zion is a must-visit for anyone interested in hiking, with trails ranging from easy to challenging. Visitors can also find towering sandstone cliffs, colorful canyons, and diverse plant and animal life. The park also offers camping, fishing, and horseback riding.

Here are some of the things that make Zion National Park so special:

The National Park is home to over 1,000 plant species, and 291 species of birds have been identified in the park.
The are a variety of opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, camping, fishing, horseback riding, and canyoneering.
Zion has a rich history and culture. The Paiute people inhabited the park for centuries before it was established as a national park in 1919.

With its stunning scenery, diverse plant and animal life, and opportunities for outdoor recreation, Zion National Park is a popular destination. The park is open year-round and averages over four million visitors each year.

5. Grand Canyon National Park – Arizona

Located in northern Arizona, The Grand Canyon is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Its vast size, distinctive layered bands of colorful rock, and immense natural beauty make it one of the most popular tourist destinations.

The canyon was formed over millions of years by the Colorado River carving its way through the rock. It is home to various plants and animals, including many species found nowhere else in the world.

Visitors can hike, bike, or take a mule ride along the canyon's rim. They can take a boat trip down the Colorado River, go rafting on the whitewater rapids, or sit and take in the breathtaking views at one of the viewing stations.

Here are some additional facts about the Grand Canyon National Park:

The canyon is 277 miles long, up to 18 miles wide, and one mile deep.
The Colorado River is the second-largest river in the United States.
The Grand Canyon is home to over 1,500 plant species and over 400 species of animals.
There are many different ways to get to the Grand Canyon, including by car, bus, train, or plane.

The Grand Canyon is an awe-inspiring place that should be on everyone's bucket list. It is a place of beauty, wonder, and history that will leave a lasting impression on anyone who visits.

6. Yellowstone National Park – Wyoming

Yellowstone National Park is located in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho and is one of the oldest national parks in the United States. It is home to a variety of geothermal features, including geysers, hot springs, mud pots, and fumaroles. These geothermal features result from the park sitting on top of a super volcano, which is still active today. In addition to its geothermal features, Yellowstone is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including bison, elk, grizzly bears, wolves, and bighorn sheep. The park is a popular destination for hikers, campers, and photographers.

Here are some of the most popular things to do in Yellowstone National Park:

Visit Old Faithful, the most famous geyser in the park.
Hike to the Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest hot spring in the park.
Go rafting or kayaking on the Yellowstone River.
Visit the Lamar Valley to see bison, elk, and wolves.
Take a scenic drive on the Grand Loop Road.
Visit the Mammoth Hot Springs, a series of travertine terraces.

Yellowstone National Park is a truly unique and special place. It is a place where you can experience the power of nature and the beauty of the American wilderness and a place you definitely want to experience. Stay at a nearby Motel 6.

These are just a few of the many great national parks in the Western US. If you're looking for an afforadble road trip this is the best way to experience some of the country's most beautiful and diverse scenery, check out at least one of these amazing parks. They offer a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of the American West.