 Pacific
The Pacific region's 31 parks are studies in contrasts and extremes. Only 100 miles separate the lowest point in the United States (Death Valley) from the highest point in the lower 48 (Mount Whitney in Sequoia National Park). Its stark desert environments contain as much mystery and beauty as its underwater kelp forests and coral reefs. Known best for its natural resource parks, the Pacific is also rich in historic resources.
Featured Parks in the Region
- American Samoa is home to pristine coral reefs, tropical rainforests, and white sand beaches.
- Channel Islands National Park, comprised of five of the eight California Channel Islands, is rich in natural, historical, and cultural resources.
- Death Valley National Park, the hottest spot in North America, is largely below sea level. Its breathtaking desert scenery is a back-drop to some of the harshest living conditions on earth.
- Golden Gate National Recreation Area includes the Presidio, a living representation of U.S. military history from the Civil War up to the present.
- Haleakala is located on the mountain tops of Maui and is home to many rare and endangered species.
- Hawaii Volcanoes has borne witness to spectacular evolutionary and volcanic processes. The park ranges from sea level to the peak of the most massive volcano on earth.
- Joshua Tree National Park is a unique desert ecosystem, home to a variety of specialized wildlife.
- Mojave National Preserve boasts one of the most diverse desert environments on earth.
- Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks boasts the General Sherman Tree (a giant sequoia), the world’s largest organism.
- Redwoods National Park protects the world’s tallest tree, the coast redwood.
- Yosemite is famed for its spectacular waterfalls and massive monoliths that have inspired artists and photographers the world over.
See a list of national parks in the Pacific Region >>
National Parks Special: Bringing the Parks to the People
 This 23 minute documentary tells the story of how the Golden Gate National Recreation Area was initiated to protect some of the most valuable real estate in the country, valuable once for its development potential, but now valuable as a refuge for rare and endangered species and as a popular recreation area for Bay Area residents and millions of visitors a year.
Watch the Video >
California Clean Air and Climate Program
 NPCA's Pacific Region's Clean Air and Climate Campaign focuses on outreach, education, legislation and advocacy. Field offices all over the state are working with the parks, public, decision makers and schools on programs aimed at reducing air pollution and the effects of climate change on California's national parks. Read More >
For Kids!
 Future Stewards for the National Parks: Clean Air and Climate Change Activity Booklet, for children in the 4th through 8th grade levels, helps teach children about air quality, park education in relation to climate change, and good environmental values. National Park Journal,for children in kindergarten through sixth grade, is a creative tool to teach children about the national parks, conservation practices, and safety tips when visiting the parks. Download the booklets >
Threats
- The air pollution in the Pacific region is not limited to Los Angeles, but is having a serious impact on our national parks.
- Development and water usage threaten the fragile ecosystems of Joshua Tree, Death Valley, and Mojave.
- Traffic congestion plagues Pacific regional national parks during peak visitation.
- Damage to the region's coral reefs is occurring at an alarming rate.
- Chronic underfunding is having a profound impact on the parks.
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