I Visited Every U.S. National Park. My Favorite Might Surprise You.
Exploring the vast expanse of the United States through its national parks is a journey unlike any other. Each park, with its own unique landscapes and ecosystems, offers a different experience, making it impossible to say which is the “best.” Yet, after traversing all 63 of these incredible sites, I visited every U.S. National Park. My favorite might surprise you.
A Journey Across the Nation’s Natural Wonders
From the towering peaks of Denali in Alaska to the arid deserts of Death Valley in California, the diversity of the U.S. national parks system is astounding. Each park is a testament to the nation’s commitment to preserving its most precious natural treasures. Along this journey, I encountered the otherworldly rock formations of Arches National Park, the lush rainforests of Olympic National Park, and the awe-inspiring depths of the Grand Canyon. Every park held its own charm, its own story, but one, in particular, left an indelible mark on my heart.
The Usual Suspects
When people ask about my favorite national park, they often expect me to name the iconic ones. Yellowstone, with its geothermal wonders and abundant wildlife, or Yosemite, famed for its majestic granite cliffs and waterfalls, are common guesses. Others might think of Glacier National Park, with its pristine lakes and rugged mountains, or the untouched beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains. Each of these parks is undeniably spectacular, and each deserves its place in the pantheon of the world’s greatest natural wonders.
But as I reflect on my journey, it’s not one of these well-known giants that stands out the most to me. Instead, it’s a place that often flies under the radar, a hidden gem that embodies the quiet beauty and serene solitude that many seek in nature.
The Unassuming Charm of Lassen Volcanic National Park
Tucked away in Northern California, Lassen Volcanic National Park is not as frequently discussed as its more famous counterparts. Yet, I visited every U.S. National Park. My favorite might surprise you. Lassen, with its ethereal landscapes and relatively sparse crowds, offered me an experience of unparalleled tranquility and connection with the earth.
Lassen Volcanic National Park is a place where geothermal activity meets alpine splendor. The park is home to all four types of volcanoes—shield, cinder cone, composite, and plug dome—which is a rarity anywhere in the world. Its most prominent feature, Lassen Peak, is an active plug dome volcano that last erupted in 1915, leaving behind a landscape that tells a dramatic story of fire and ice.
A Symphony of Natural Wonders
What makes Lassen truly remarkable is its diverse range of natural features packed into a relatively small area. You can hike through steaming fumaroles, where sulfurous gases escape from the earth, creating a surreal and almost otherworldly environment. Bumpass Hell, the park’s most famous hydrothermal area, is a bubbling, hissing, and boiling landscape that rivals Yellowstone’s more famous geothermal sites, but with far fewer visitors.
Just a short drive away, you can find yourself in lush, dense forests that give way to crystal-clear alpine lakes. Lake Helen, with its vivid blue waters, reflects the surrounding snow-capped peaks, creating a scene that feels almost too perfect to be real. The contrast between the geothermal chaos and the serene beauty of these lakes is striking, and it’s this juxtaposition that left me in awe.
Solitude and Reflection
One of the most compelling aspects of Lassen Volcanic National Park is its ability to provide solitude. Unlike some of the more popular parks, where the sheer number of visitors can sometimes detract from the experience, Lassen offers ample opportunities to find peace and quiet. On several occasions, I found myself completely alone on a trail, surrounded by nothing but the sounds of nature—rustling leaves, distant bird calls, and the occasional bubbling of a nearby hot spring.
It was during these moments of solitude that I felt most connected to the park. Standing alone on a ridge, overlooking a valley shaped by ancient volcanic eruptions, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude. Lassen’s isolation allowed for reflection, something that can be hard to find in the hustle and bustle of more crowded parks.
A Park for All Seasons
Lassen Volcanic National Park is also a place that transforms with the seasons. In the winter, it becomes a snow-covered wonderland, perfect for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The park’s snowy landscapes are pristine and untouched, offering a stark contrast to the vibrant greens and blues of the summer months. In autumn, the forests explode with color as the leaves change, adding a new dimension to the park’s already stunning scenery.
I had the privilege of visiting Lassen during different seasons, and each time I was struck by how the park’s character seemed to shift with the changing weather. Whether it was the crisp, cool air of autumn or the warmth of a summer afternoon by the lake, Lassen always had something new to offer.
A Surprising Favorite
So, I visited every U.S. National Park. My favorite might surprise you. While the grandeur of places like Yellowstone and Yosemite is undeniable, there’s something about the understated beauty of Lassen Volcanic National Park that captured my heart. It’s a park that doesn’t demand attention but quietly impresses with its diverse landscapes, rich history, and the sense of peace it offers to those who take the time to explore it.
Lassen reminds us that sometimes the most rewarding experiences come from the places we least expect. It’s a park that encourages you to slow down, take a breath, and appreciate the simple, yet profound, beauty of the natural world. Whether you’re standing at the edge of a steaming fumarole or gazing out over a serene alpine lake, Lassen Volcanic National Park offers a kind of magic that’s hard to find anywhere else.
Conclusion
In the end, I visited every U.S. National Park. My favorite might surprise you. Lassen Volcanic National Park, with its unique blend of geothermal wonders, alpine beauty, and tranquil solitude, stands out as the place that resonated most deeply with me. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most extraordinary experiences come from the places we least expect—a hidden gem nestled in the wilds of Northern California, waiting to be discovered.