I Went to 7 of the Most Viral TikTok Destinations in the Western U.S.—Here’s My Honest Take

TikTok has taken the world by storm. With nearly 2 billion global users, it has become a platform that can turn a hidden gem into a tourist hotspot overnight. Throughout the U.S., many scenic destinations have moved to the top of travelers' bucket lists thanks to videos featuring picturesque scenery, trending music, and moments that evoke strong feelings of surprise, adventure, wonder, and even FOMO (fear of missing out).

Many viral TikTok destinations are located in the western U.S., and I've spent time at seven of them. While there were things I loved about each one, some of these spots just didn't live up to their hype. In fact, I believe some of these top spots could be left off adventure-seekers' bucket lists, replaced by lesser-known alternatives. Let’s see if you agree.  

1. Route of the Hiawatha, Lookout Pass in Northern Idaho

• My Favorite Thing About This Destination: The unique tunnels and trestle bridges provide scenery so beautiful that it seems almost unreal.
• Why it Went Viral on TikTok: The visuals throughout this entire trail are exceptional, and make it easy for content creators to evoke feelings of missing out.
• Is it Bucket-list-worthy? Yes! This is easily one of my favorite day-trip destinations in northern Idaho.

The Route of the Hiawatha is a 15-mile, one-way trail that follows a former Northern Pacific Railroad grade through the Bitterroot Mountains in northern Idaho and Montana. While the scenes with forests of fir, cedar, and pine in the remote mountains are certainly breathtaking, this trail is best known for its impressive 10 tunnels (the Taft Tunnel is 1.66 miles) and seven sky-high trestle bridges. Last summer, my family tackled the entire trail, and I can honestly say, this was an experience I will never forget. The ride wasn’t that difficult (even my 6-year-old daughter tackled it with ease), and there is nothing quite like riding through the dark, long tunnels and through dense forests where all you hear are the sounds of rustling leaves, birds singing in the trees, and dirt crunching under your bike tires. Plus, the views you witness as you ride hundreds of feet above towering trees and the canyon floor are difficult to compare.

2. Redfish Lake, near Stanley, Idaho

• My Favorite Thing About This Destination: The towering mountain peaks surrounding the lake and the lake's clear water are captivating.
• Why it Went Viral on TikTok: The beauty of this area is certainly a factor, but the lake's remote location makes it easy for content creators to portray the destination as a hidden gem.
• Is it Bucket-list-worthy? Redfish Lake is one of my favorite summer destinations in Idaho, and I love to recommend it to readers. Unfortunately, due to its increasing popularity, it’s becoming quite busy. If you prefer quieter days outdoors, you may want to search for lesser-known lakes or hike to one of the remote lakes in the Sawtooth Mountains.

Once I finally made it to Redfish Lake, I immediately understood the hype around this alpine lake. Not far from the small town of Stanley in central Idaho, this crystal-clear lake sits beneath the rugged Sawtooth Mountains, a scene that instantly stopped me in my tracks. During my family's visit, we spent several hours fishing, swimming, and paddleboarding near the shore. The water here is chilly, but its beauty tempts you to hop right in. Plus, if playing in the water isn’t your favorite thing to do, there are more than 350 miles of hiking trails in the area, numerous campgrounds, and the Redfish Lake Lodge to visit. It's an outdoor lover's paradise.

3. Arches National Park, Utah

• My Favorite Thing About This Destination: I love the trails to lesser-known natural arches like Tapestry Arch, and the fiery sunsets above the red rocks are magical.
• Why it Went Viral on TikTok: National parks are easy to promote and gain traction on TikTok, especially when you have such picturesque and otherworldly views like those found in Arches NP.
• Is it Bucket-list-worthy? This Utah park is worth visiting at least once, in the off-season. During its busy season, Arches can become extremely crowded and hot, making a trip miserable. I actually prefer both Capitol Reef and Canyonlands National Parks for their small crowds and unique gems (like the orchards in Capitol Reef).

I feel like Utah is a TikToker’s paradise. Dozens of places throughout the state have lost their status as a hidden gem due to social media, and it isn’t uncommon to see an influencer or two during an outing. The town of Moab and Arches National Park are excellent examples. With more than 2,000 arches, striking red rocks, and a desert landscape, this is an extraordinary place to explore—and capture video. The trails within the national park are short and lead to breathtaking views. The sunsets here are gorgeous, and even in Moab and the surrounding area, you’ll find even more hiking trails, natural arches, resorts, and heart-racing adventures perfect for snapping photos and capturing video. Arches National Park, Moab, and the surrounding area are certainly places you won’t find anywhere else in the U.S.—this region of Utah is one of a kind.

4. Lower Calf Creek Falls, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah

• My Favorite Thing About This Destination: This remote destination features an easy-to-follow trail, petroglyphs along rock walls, and a breathtaking waterfall finish.
• Why it Went Viral on TikTok: There are many things content creators can highlight on this waterfall hike in Utah, including sandy terrain, petroglyph sightings, desert views, and wildflowers. Not to mention the gorgeous waterfall and natural pool at the end of your journey.
• Is it Bucket-list-worthy? Yes and no. If you can time your visit just right, this waterfall hike checks off all the boxes. However, if you plan to explore during the summer months, on weekends, or on holidays, expect a crowd. If you wish to skip the crowds and don’t care about a waterfall finish, consider exploring the nearby Dry Fork Narrows or Willis Creek Narrows. Both are beginner-friendly slot canyons that make you feel like a true adventurer.

Growing up in southern Utah, I made the trek to Lower Calf Creek Falls at least once a year. I love this area, and in my opinion, Lower Calf Creek Falls is one of the most scenic waterfalls in Utah. Tumbling more than 120 feet into a sandy natural pool, every angle of this waterfall is beautiful. Plus, to reach these falls, you will need to tackle a moderately challenging yet beautiful hiking trail, complete with petroglyph sightings along cliff walls. And, just when you think this destination doesn't get any better, to reach the trailhead, you must travel on Scenic Byway 12, one of the most beautiful drives in Utah. While I love this entire experience, it’s no longer a quiet day outdoors like it used to be. Rather, it’s quite busy, parking can be hard to find, and it’s not uncommon to come across trash and garbage left by others along the way.

5. Space Needle, Seattle

• My Favorite Thing About This Destination: The rotating glass floor is a unique experience, and I love the perspective of the Seattle skyline from 605 feet in the air.
• Why it Went Viral on TikTok: The views from the top of the Space Needle easily evoke wanderlust in TikTok users, but the Space Needle’s big viral moment was in 2025, when a misleading video showed a crack in the rotating glass floor.
• Is it Bucket-list-worthy? The Space Needle is a destination where I believe one visit is enough. While I did enjoy the overall experience and the postcard-worthy views, I believe other Seattle destinations, like Discovery Park, offer can't-miss scenery but without shoulder-to-shoulder crowds.

The Space Needle is one of the most iconic landmarks in Seattle, and one of the most easily recognizable structures on the city’s skyline. It was built for the 1962 World’s Fair and is considered quite extraordinary from an engineering standpoint—this structure can withstand 200 miles per hour winds and a 9.1-magnitude earthquake. However, these aren’t really the facts that made the Space Needle viral on TikTok. Rather, it is the experience you’ll have when you reach the top. Seattle's Space Needle is home to The Loupe, a glass floor that rotates 360 degrees, offering one-of-a-kind panoramic views of Seattle, Puget Sound, Mount Rainier, and the Olympic Mountains. I enjoyed my experience in the Space Needle, but I shared it with dozens of others. With so much to do and see in Seattle, I don't think the Space Needle will be on my itinerary during my next visit.

6. Multnomah Falls, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon

• My Favorite Thing About This Destination: The accessibility of this waterfall makes it easy for anyone to visit—no long hikes required.
• Why it Went Viral on TikTok: This two-tiered waterfall is one of the most recognizable waterfalls in the U.S., making it easy for TikTok creators to tag their videos (#multnomahfalls, #pnw, #waterfalls) and get it seen.
• Is it Bucket-list-worthy? Yes, but expect crowds. If visiting during the summer months, a timed entry reservation is also required. If you want to avoid the crowds, there are more than 90 waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge, so you can easily choose a lesser-known cascade to chase in the area.

Multnomah Falls is the most well-known waterfall in the Beaver State, and at an impressive 620 feet, it is also the tallest waterfall in Oregon. When I visited these falls and walked to the historic Benson Bridge, I found the entire area to be romantic and dramatic, with lush greenery, mist from the falls, the roar of the water, and views of both the falls and the gorgeous Columbia River Gorge. However, I’m not the only one who feels this way; these are just a few of the reasons this waterfall is all over TikTok. Multnomah Falls is a dreamy destination and provides breathtaking content without the need for much editing.

7. Redwood National and State Parks, Northern California

• My Favorite Thing About This Destination: The variety of things to see and do here is extensive. It's also a destination where you can go slow and enjoy a peaceful day outdoors.
• Why it Went Viral on TikTok: Many viral TikTok videos showcasing Redwood National and State Parks make it appear to be the perfect place to escape the crowds and surround yourself with natural beauty. Many videos also make this area look like a fantasy world, with giant trees and impressive wildlife.
• Is it Bucket-list-worthy? Yes! Redwoods National and State Park has so much to offer visitors—a day trip simply isn’t enough time here. Plus, due to its remote location, large size, and various landscapes, it’s easy to find your own quiet corner of the park.

I will admit that I was not prepared for my visit to Redwood National and State Parks. Home to the world’s tallest trees, gorgeous rivers, and even quiet California coasts, I could visit these parks dozens of times and never be bored. There are waterfalls, a fern canyon, elk herds, man-made roadside attractions, and towering forests that make you realize the power of Mother Nature. And yes, these NorCal destinations draw in thousands of visitors each year, but they are also so large that you can find places of quiet, various terrain, numerous activities, and so much more, without feeling swarmed by others.

Now it is your turn. What viral TikTok destinations in the U.S. have you visited? Do you think it deserved the hype?