From the publishers of the classic, highly popular National Geographic Guide to the National Parks of the United States, this full-colour guide is packed with information about the major scenic parks of the West - including the Rockies, the Pacific Northwest and Northern California - with excursions to many of lesser known parks, preserves, forests, and other areas. With its authoritative guidance, background descriptions, and tips on how best to visit and what not to miss, this visually stunning guide to the national parks of the West promises a park trip of a lifetime. Centered on the major parks - Yellowstone, Rocky Mountain, Yosemite, Olympic, Waterton-Glacier, Crater Lake, and many more - the guide also includes excursions to nearby national wildlife refuges, recreation areas, wilderness preserves, and forests. Each park is presented with an overview, plus specific guidance on what to see and do given the time you have, where to camp and stay, and when best to go. Special features include guided driving tours (Glacier's magnificent Going to the Sun Road, for example) and hikes (the Umpqua Dunes Trail in Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area); and in-depth essays on natural history (how bald eagles choose a place to roost), historical figures (John Muir), plus a multitude of suggestions on activities (whale-watching off California's north coast). Detailed visitor information further enhances your park visits.