National Parks are Free on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Here’s Where You Should Go in NorCal.
On Martin Luther King Jr. Day you can celebrate by visiting any of the National Parks in Northern California for the affordable cost of – Free.99! That’s right, access to all National Parks are free on Monday, January 20th, a joyous occasion and fruitful celebration of the great outdoor utopias that surround Northern California.
This is the first of five free days for the national park’s throughout the year. Here is the entire schedule:
- January 20: Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
- April 18: First day of National Park Week
- August 25: National Park Service Birthday
- September 26: National Public Lands Day
- November 11: Veterans Day
So, with this great promotion of America’s national park system, where should you spend your Martin Luther King Jr.? Here are of our favorite National Parks in Northern California:
Redwood National and State Parks
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. Below are 13 hikes for all skill and conditioning levels.
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. While the snow walls are tall in Lassen this time of year, the weather forecast looks bright for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
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.
Take An Underground Visit to Lava Beds National Monument
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area
*Note: Whiskeytown currently has limited access due to Carr Fire repairs
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.
