Entrance to National Parks is Free this Weekend. Here’s a Guide to Our Favorites in Northern California.

The National Park Service allows free entrance into all National Parks for five days every year. The next free admission day is coming up this week – Friday, August 4th in celebration of the Great American Outdoors Day.

The fee-free days provide a great opportunity to visit a new place or an old favorite, especially one of the national parks that normally charge an entrance fee. The entrance fee waiver for fee-free days does not cover amenities or user fees.

Here are the remaining free days at National Parks this year:

• Aug. 4: Great American Outdoors Day
• Sept. 23: National Public Lands Day
• Nov. 11: Veterans Day

So, with this great promotion of America’s national park system, where should you spend your Great American Outdoors Day? Here are some of our favorite National Parks in Northern California:

Redwoods National Park

Northern California locals know the Redwood National Forest as one of the great beauties on this planet. The tallest trees on the planet create a sort of dome around the trails in the park, producing an unparalleled experience of feeling at one with nature.

The Redwood National Park in Humboldt can provide some of the most memorable hikes to its visitors. There aren’t many places in the world where you can hike for miles with natural shade. The forest is full of great hiking trails, from easy to strenuous. Here are 13 Breathtaking Hikes in the Redwoods National Park

Lassen Volcanic National Park

One of the best places to visit in Northern California is Lassen Volcanic National Park, with amazing hikes, picturesque lakes and fascinating hydrothermal activity. In one of the world’s most underrated parks, can summit a peak, enjoy the lakes and streams, learn about the four different types of volcanoes in the park, find a waterfall or go on a camping adventure.

Since it’s winter in Lassen, your activities are somewhat limited, but you can still get around with some snowshoes. You can find some of our favorite winter activities here. Here are 13 Snowshoe Hikes in Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Yosemite National Park

The iconic beauty of Yosemite National Park is world-renown and for a good reason. The park is chock-full of massive rock formations, giant waterfalls, iconic rivers and vista views that can take your breath away. Our favorite destinations to see in Yosemite? The waterfalls. Get a Tour of 10 Stunning Waterfalls in Yosemite National Park

Lava Beds National Monument

Lava Beds National Monument is a land of turmoil, both geological and historical. Over the last half-million years, volcanic eruptions on the Medicine Lake shield volcano have created a rugged landscape dotted with diverse volcanic features. More than 700 caves, Native American rock art sites, historic battlefields and campsites, and a high desert wilderness experience await you. Here are 5 Awesome Adventures in Lava Beds National Monument.

Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

Whiskeytown Lake’s beautiful crystal-clear waters, surrounded by mountain peaks, are perhaps the most prominent feature of the park. However, water-based recreation is only a small part of what the park has to offer. The 39,000 acres surrounding the lake hold four waterfalls, pristine mountain creeks, 70 miles of trails, and opportunities to explore the history of the California Gold Rush. Here’s a Guide to Enjoying Whiskeytown National Recreation Area.

Have fun on your free day in the Northern California National Parks!