Northern California is home to several of America’s most celebrated national parks. Fall is the perfect time to pay a visit: the parks are free of crowds and the cooler weather makes for incredible photos and scenic hikes.  

Lassen Volcanic National Park 

Overview: Yellowstone isn’t the only national park with hydrothermal features. Lassen Volcanic National Park is also home to mudpots, steam vents, and hot springs that look breathtaking in autumn.  

Things to do: 

• Stop by the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center to grab a map or plan your visit with park rangers. The Lassen Association bookstore is beside the visitor center and offers guidebooks, local art, and souvenirs.   
• Lassen is a great spot for winter recreational fun. Snowfall typically begins in October and lasts through mid-summer. Explore the Manzanita Lake Snowshoe Loop or hit the slopes at McGowan Cross-Country Ski Area. (Be warned that heavy snowfall may close down roads, so keep an eye on travel and weather alerts.)
• Bumpass Hell (yes, really) and the Terminal Geyser Trail are two of the park’s most famous hydrothermal areas. These natural wonders look beautiful surrounded by snow. Be sure to practice good safety and don’t go off-trail. 
• The crisp air and clear night skies at Lassen are ideal for stargazing. Before you go, check this astronomer’s forecast that predicts which nights will have low cloud cover.  

Where to stay:

• Surrounding the park are plenty of warm and welcoming Airbnb options that cater to families and solo travelers alike. This rustic countryhome is only eight minutes from the park and a favorite among visitors.
• Best Western Rose Quartz Innis a top-rated hotel in Chester, a quaint town just a short drive away from park grounds. Rates go down as the months get colder, but customer service is fantastic year-round.

Yosemite National Park  

Attracting over four million visitors each year, Yosemite is a national treasure. Unlike other national parks, it stays dry and temperate through mid-November. Exploring the park’s diverse range of hiking spots during off-season makes for a stress-free vacation. 

Things to do: 

• Make a quick stop at Yosemite Museum, the first museum in the national park system.  Yosemite museum was constructed using indigenous materials and exhibits artwork inspired by nature.  
• The weather becomes more unpredictable by mid-fall; in rain or sleet, hop on a guided bus tour to experience the splendors of the park. YARTS (Yosemite Public Transport System) is a great option to travel to park grounds if you don’t want to chain your tires.  
• Cook’s Meadow Loop and the Merced River offer some of the best photo ops for fall foliage.
• Whether you take pictures as a hobby or you’re a pro, you won’t regret signing up for Brittany Colton’s hands-on photography class, Ansel Adams’ Legacy and Your Digital Camera. On Mondays and Wednesdays, learn how to take photos of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls in Adams’ iconic style. 

Where to stay:

• If you want to save a few bucks, there are plenty of budget lodging options located near YARTS stops.
• Vacation like a queen (literally!) at the Ahwanhee, which hosted Queen Elizabeth II and the Obamas. Ahwanhee guests can enjoy ranger-led nature walks and the Vinters’ Holidays wine tasting gala dinner in November.

Redwood National and State Parks  

Overview: Spanning thousands of acres, Redwood National and State Parks display stunning foliage from September to November. These ancient trees grow in a unique cluster pattern and support a variety of wildlife, from elk to the black-tailed deer. 

Things to do: 

• Drive along the Avenue of the Giants to explore the largest concentration of redwoods at Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Humboldt contains over 250 campgrounds and the Homestead and Big Tree Loop Trails, a flat, picturesque walk hidden away from traffic on Highway 101.  
• Discover why the redwoods are considered natural wonders by driving through one. Chandelier Tree is one of the park’s most famous driving spots and accommodates trucks and vans. 
• The James Irvine and Miners’ Ridge loop extends over 11 miles and offers incredible hiking spots, including Gold’s Bluff Beach and Fern Canyon.  
• Hiking with small children can be a challenge. The Lady Bird Johnson Grove is a flat but scenic trail that caters to families, first timers, and pets. Learn more about the park’s history at educational stops along the way.

Where to stay: 

• For easy access to Chandelier Tree and the Humboldt Redwoods area, the Historic Benbow Inn transports its guest back in time with all the comforts of the modern age.
• Go on a retreat at this minimalistic studio in Arcata, a small town on the northern California coastline. The studio’s natural lighting and views of the redwoods will are perfect for artists and writers searching for a serene workspace.