Have you ever wondered which state has the most national parks? The answer is California, with a whopping 9 National Parks.
Inside this post, you will find a little information on three of the lesser-known parks and why you should visit them.
Chances are you’ve likely already visited Yosemite, Pinnacles, and Joshua Tree. Or at the very least know their names. The same for Redwood, Sequoia and Kings Canyon.
But what about these three lesser-known gems California has been hiding?
Channel Islands National Park
It’s not surprising this park hasn’t been on your radar, considering it’s a bit of a distance from the mainland. It’s made up of five remote islands (San Miguel, Santa Rose, Santa Cruz, Anacapa, and Santa Barbara) off to the southern coast. And in order to get there, you have to take a plane or boat ride.
So, it’s kind of an adventure before you get to your adventure. But, you will enjoy every bit of the scenery on your way there. Much of the national park is underwater which means there is much kayaking, whale watching, and sea caving fun to be had.
Death Valley National Park
Another underrated national park in California is Death Valley. Yeah, you’ve heard of it. But still, there aren’t as many visitors compared to the other parks. Perhaps because of the name.
How did it get its name, anyway? Well, close to 200 years ago, a group of explorers got lost there and only one of them died. But certain their whole group would die also, they named the area “Death Valley.”
Don’t let the name put you off though. Yes, it’s the hottest and driest of all the national parks, but there is quite a bit of life inside the park including the wildflowers that bloom there every spring.
In most areas though, you do get a feeling of being completely alone out there. But that’s what visitors like the most. That – and also how diverse the landscape is. It’s a great spot for unique photographs with all of its colorful rocks, sand dunes, canyons, and hills to explore.
Lassen Volcanic National Park
If hiking is your thing, how cool would it be to say you hiked this volcano on the northeastern side of California? Don’t worry, nothing has erupted here since the 1920s. And for that reason, it isn’t considered an active volcano.
Things do bubble up from the ground from time to time like sulfur boiling pots. But, there are bridges and walkways to carry you safely around them.
