The West Coast of the US is full of wonder. There’s no question why this is one of the top road trip destinations for Americans this summer. But the truth is, there’s so much more to the west coast than just the stunning coastline, brilliant rock formations, and potential whale sightings. The West Coast is home to some of the most unique forests and woodlands in the country, with tons of diversity stretching from Central California all the way up to the Olympic Peninsula in Washington.
(I’m defining these as woodlands to get rid of any confusion with National Forests, which are often just referred to as Forests by campers.)
These are the top three woodlands to explore on your next road trip up (or down) the West Coast!
See the tallest trees in the world at Redwoods National Park in California
Sequoia National Park, CA
Let’s start this journey in Central California, in the Western Sierras. Sequoia National Park is home to the world’s largest trees, including the General Sherman Tree, which is thought to be one of the oldest trees in the world. These trees are known for their wide trunk diameters and towering heights. The National Park is home to stunning wildlife such as black bears and marmots, and on a trip through the General’s Highway, you’ll be introduced to huge trees, hidden waterfalls, and beautiful views to hike to.
Sequoia National Park is connected to its sister park, Kings Canyon via the Sequoia National Forest, so you’ll have plenty of time to see this forest of massive trees between the two parks.
Explore the largest trees in the world at Sequoia National Park in California
Redwoods National Park, CA
High up in Northern California, located along the coastline, is Redwoods National and State Parks. Contrary to what most people think, Sequoia is not home to the world’s tallest trees. Instead, that secret spot is the Redwoods. These trees are skinnier than Sequoias, but don’t let that fool you! The Big Tree, one of the top attractions in the park is 23.7 feet in diameter (and 286 feet tall!).
Redwoods National and State Parks is just that—a mix of National and State Park land, which means there’s plenty to do for any traveler, no matter how long you want to spend there. You’ll likely see some elk in the woods and meadows and some seals in the ocean during your trip.
For a full guide to Redwoods National Park, click the button below!
Redwoods National Park is a hiker’s heaven
Hoh Rainforest, Olympic National Park, WA
Olympic National Park is a unique one all on its own, but did you know it’s also home to the only temperate rainforest in the US that you can drive your car into? The Hoh Rainforest is one of the most biodiverse places in the country, and it is made distinct by the fact that the forest itself creates its own weather system.
While Olympic is known for its unique set of landscapes, the Hoh Rainforest truly stands out as one of the most distinct. It is home to multiple species of moss, banana slugs, and larger animals like bears. It is one of the only places in the country where you can experience a landscape as unique as this one.
For a full guide to Olympic National Park, click the button below!
Explore the only temperate rainforest you can drive to in Olympic National Park, WA
Trees are something that really define the West Coast, almost as much as the ocean does. With so many unique species of trees along these states, you truly can’t go wrong with a road trip to any of these destinations. You’ll be guaranteed to not only see Sequoias and Redwoods, but also Ponderosas, Spruces, and more. So keep your head high and your views higher—I’ll see you in the trees!
Interested in living on the road full time but don’t know where to start? Check out my ebook: A Beginner’s Guide To Living As A Nomad by clicking on the button below!