Pacific Northwest Travel
In the infamous words of Dorothy from the ‘Wizard of Oz,’ there’s no place like home.
And that is a sentiment that I feel deeply in my core.
I’m a Pacific Northwest girl through and through. The region (and the state of Oregon in particular) is a large part of my identity. I’ve traveled to over 100 countries on six different continents. I’ve lived abroad for significant chunks of my life and fallen in love with each place I’ve called home. These other places have shaped me, watched me grow, and even transformed me.
But the Pacific Northwest always calls me back.
So while I gallivant around the globe and leave my heart in far-flung locales, I’ll make sure I don’t skip over the magic that lies in the far upper left corner of the U.S. I’ll wander off the beaten path and find untrodden trails. I’ll use my local knowledge to introduce you to the region’s undiscovered corners and hidden gems.
And who knows? In doing so, I might even convince you of the Pacific Northwest’s magic, too.
WHY VISIT THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST?
There are a million and one reasons to travel to the Pacific Northwest, especially for lovers of the outdoors. The region is blessed with some of the most diverse and varied landscapes in the country—from old-growth forests, to towering mountain ranges, to wild coastline, to barren desert.
Here’s why you should consider including the Upper Left, USA in your travel plans.
The Pacific Northwest Contains Dense Verdant Forest…
The Pacific Northwest is known for the relentless rains that paint its forests with a million emerald shades. These lovely evergreen forests host a bewildering array of hiking trails and recreational opportunities.
…and a Spectacular Coastline…
The Pacific Northwest is probably most associated with forests and rain, but there’s plenty of beautiful ocean, too. The area actually contains some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in the world. Just don’t try to swim in the water without a wetsuit!
…and Towering Mountains…
The Cascade Mountains provide some of the Pacific Northwest’s most beautiful scenery. Mount Rainier and Mount Hood are the region’s most celebrated peaks. But beyond, a plethora of alpine paradises await—from the cavernous crater of Mount Saint Helens, to the rugged wilderness of North Cascades National Park, and from the remote granite peaks of the Wallowas, to the sprawling lava lands of the Newberry Crater Volcanic Monument.
…and Vast, Lonely Desert…
Most people might not picture desert when they think of the Pacific Northwest, but the region has vast swaths of barren land worth exploring. Particular highlights include the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, the Alvord Desert, and the Oregon Outback.
…and Vibrant, Cosmopolitan Cities!
Portland and Seattle are among two of the country’s most vibrant metropolitan areas. Both cities pride themselves in their quirky charm and colorful storied neighborhoods. Both have tantalizing cuisine, a handful of historical attractions, and a plethora of outdoor escapes.
WHEN TO VISIT THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST
Though the Pacific Northwest is a year-round travel destination, June through September are generally the best months to visit.
Summer in the Pacific Northwest is nothing short of magical. The weather tends to be balmy, breezy and dry.
On the west side of the Cascade Mountains, relentless rainfall can put a literal damper on travel plans during winter months, and wind along the coastline can often be severe.
I do admit, however, that on nice winter days, the outdoor attractions in the Pacific Northwest can be particularly beautiful due to lack of crowds.
UNFORGETTABLE PLACES TO VISIT IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST
Since the Pacific Northwest contains no shortage of beautiful sites, narrowing its beauty down to ten top places is no easy task. The region would takes months—if not years—to fully explore.
Yet, with that being said, I understand most travelers must whittle their itineraries down to a handful of sites in order to fit specific time and budget constraints.
So without further ado, here is my list of top places to visit in the Pacific Northwest (excluding cities) in no particular order:
1. The Columbia River Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge spans much of the border between Oregon and Washington. The scenic corridor contains many different areas of interest—including waterfalls, wildflower-covered mountains, and picturesque riverside towns.
Though gorge boasts numerous attractions in both Oregon and Washington, its southern banks contain all but a few of the area’s most noteworthy destinations (it is worth crossing the border for stops at Beacon Rock and Dog Mountain).
The stretch of road between Troutdale and The Dalles boasts the gorge’s best waterfalls, its most renowned scenic viewpoints, and its most charming population centers.
2. The Oregon Coast
The Oregon Coast is a spectacular stretch scenic area that stretches the entire height of Oregon. Highway 101 extends along the entire length of the seashore—showcasing jaw-dropping views of pristine beaches, iconic rock formations, sweeping sand dunes, and lonely lighthouses.
The entire coastline can be divided roughly into three sections. On the northern coast, popular destinations include Cannon Beach, Tilllamook, and Astoria. It is the most heavily trafficked part of the Oregon Coast due to its proximity to Portland.
The central coast stretches from Lincoln City to Coos Bay. The area is defined by pounding surf, iconic lighthouses, and tide pools hosting a diverse array of marine life. Beloved attractions on the central coast include the sand dunes at Honeyman Beach, the tide pools at Seal Rock, and the Heceta Head Lighthouse.
The southern Oregon coast is perhaps the most spectacular stretch of the entire Highway 101. Its most iconic area—Samuel H Boardman State Scenic Corridor—is home to secluded beaches, picturesque rock arches, secret coves, and wildflower-speckled dunes.
3. Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake National Park is a geologically fascinating place to visit. Positioned beautifully within the caldera of Mount Mazama, the shimmering blue lake is among the deepest and clearest in the world.
4. Olympic National Park
Washington’s Olympic National Park has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its biodiversity. Within the confines of the park, travelers can encounter secluded beaches, towering mountain peaks, and moss-covered rainforest.
The Tolkeinesque rainforest area is perhaps the most iconic of Olympic National Park. Its soggy moss-covered trees are a million different shades of green.
But the other areas of Olympic National Park are no less incredible. From sweeping sandy beaches with offshore sea stacks, to wildflower-strewn alpine meadows, the national park is packs a host of different ecosystems within its boundaries.
5. The Central Oregon Cascades
The Central Oregon Cascades are a wonderland for lovers of nature. Defined by the Three Sisters Mountains and a host of other towering peaks, they offer opportunities for skiing, hiking, mountain biking, boating, and relaxing.
In summer months, a chain of lakes along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway provide ample opportunity for kayakers and paddle boarders to cool off in the shadow of the area’s towering peaks.
In winter months, the slopes of Mount Bachelor transform into a snow-blanketed mecca for winter sports enthusiasts from around the world.
6. North Cascades National Park
North Cascades National Park is an untamed wilderness of craggy mountain peaks that lies about two and a half hours northeast of Seattle. It is a hiker’s paradise, with jewel-like lakes, evergreen forests, and spectacular panoramas.
7. Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier is the tallest peak in the Pacific Northwest. Soaring more than 14,000 ft in the air, its peak is clearly visible from Seattle and beyond.
Mount Rainier National Park offers visitors ample opportunity for hiking and photographing. It is one of the most popular places to visit in Washington State. And for good reason.
Mount Rainier has four main entrances: Nisqually, White River, Carbon River, and Stevens Canyon. Each provides access to stunning wildflower-laced meadows, thundering waterfalls, and viewpoints that show off the USA’s fifth tallest peak.
8. The Alvord Desert and Steens Mountain Wilderness
At first glance, southeastern Oregon appears to be a land of nothingness. Its vast expanse stretches for mile upon mile, interrupted only by the occasional passing car. It is a place that redefines the word ‘remote.’
But—concealed within its brush-covered hillsides, are geothermal treasures, striking alpine lakes, glacier-cut gorges, and spectacular desert.
The Steens Mountain Wilderness may be seldom visited, but its relative obscurity only makes it all the more magical. Boasting vast expanses of desert, marshlands and alpine meadows, the wilderness area is a wonderland for lovers of wildlife, solitude, and spectacular views.
9. The Mount Hood Wilderness
Mount Hood is to Oregon what Mount Rainier is to Washington. Though Mount Hood stands 3,000 ft shorter than its northerly neighbor, its iconic symmetrical peak is well-loved throughout Oregon and beyond. The Mount Hood Wilderness boasts glistening lakes, emerald forest, and one of the longest ski seasons in the country.
10. The Puget Sound
Between the Olympic Peninsula and the I5 corridor, hundreds of islands speckle the waters of Washington’s Puget Sound. The islands offer ample opportunity for biking, exploring, and soaking in island life. Some—like Vashon, Bainbridge and Widbey—are popular day trip escapes from Seattle.
Others are remote, isolated and offer the feeling of being stuck in time.
The San Juan Islands National Monument lies in the northern Puget Sound. Its four islands—Orcas, Lopez, Shaw, and San Juan—are peaceful refuges that dot the area’s cobalt waters.
Orcas is the jewel of the San Juans, while San Juan Island is its most populous. Lopez Island is a biker’s paradise that features idyllic farmland and quiet streets.
11. The Wallowa Mountains
The Wallowa Mountains hardly receive any of the credit they deserve. They soar above the landscape of northeast Oregon and conceal jewel-like lakes, raging waterfalls, and lonely trails.
The Wallowas are among the top backpacking destinations in the Pacific Northwest. A handful of hikes depart from the trailhead near Wallowa Lake. Each provides access to alpine wonders, jewel-like lakes, and granite mountainsides.
Due to their remote location, the Wallowas remain off the beaten path compared to the Pacific Northwest’s other mountainous areas.
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The Pacific Northwest is fast gaining recognition as one of the world’s premier playgrounds for outdoor enthusiasts.
Yet, even as increased notoriety has solidified the Pacific Northwest’s position on many tourist radars, the region still contains countless areas to explore, away from civilization.
