The Pacific Northwest is a section in North America which extends from the sea to the continental divide, comprising all of Oregon, Washington and Idaho as well as adjoining fractions of Montana, Alaska, Yukon Territory and California. The region’s biggest cities are Portland, Oregon; Seattle, Washington. Forming a corridor where most of the people of the Pacific Northwest are concentrated, this area is sometimes regarded as a megalopolis.
Explore: Idaho • Oregon • Washington
- Idaho: Known for its rugged landscapes, outdoor recreation opportunities, and scenic destinations like Sun Valley, Craters of the Moon, and the Sawtooth Mountains.
- Oregon: Famous for its diverse natural beauty, including the stunning coastline, lush forests, and volcanic landscapes, as well as vibrant cities like Portland and Eugene.
- Washington: Renowned for its iconic landmarks like Mount Rainier, the Space Needle in Seattle, and the breathtaking scenery of the Olympic Peninsula and Cascade Mountains.
Oregon presents a most diverse landscape, with dense forests, wide prairies, arid scrubland, deserts and a picturesque coastline. Most of the countryside, from mountain peaks to beaches, is unspoiled; thus the state has been dubbed ‘God’s country’. Particularly known for its pine forests that cover more than half of the area, Oregon also boasts numerous natural attractions and over 6,000 lakes. This makes it a real pleasure for nature freaks, though its value as a tourist spot is fairly marred by a plethora of rainy days.
Portland is the biggest city in Oregon but offers visitors little stimulation except for its multitude of roses and the locally brewed beer. Boasting 28 breweries—more than Cologne, Germany—it is promoted with the rather accurate nicknames of ‘Beertown’, ‘Brewtopia’ and ‘Beervana’.
A beverage of quite a different nature is preferred by the Seattleites in Washington, who have acquired a reputation for severe coffee consumption given Starbucks was established in Seattle. This scenically set young metropolis presents a fine performing arts and grunge music scene and has been repeatedly voted as one of the country’s most liveable cities, despite a large number of homeless persons who tend to occupy the streets when the commuters and shoppers have left.
Seattle’s major landmark is the Space Needle, the unmistakable 1960s tower that pops up in various Hollywood productions. Bordering Canada, Washington State features three national parks, one of the highlights being the 4,400 meter volcano peak at Mount Rainier.
For incomprehensible reasons, the Pacific Northwest has constantly had an exceptionally high concentration of eccentrics and rebels. The region used to be inhabited by strange characters such as chainsaw artists and backwoods hermits. Some long-time residents say it’s still as weird as ever, you only have to know where to look.
Where to Go
Highlights
- Mount Rainier National Park: (Washington) - Home to the iconic Mount Rainier, offering stunning alpine scenery, wildflower meadows, and extensive hiking trails.
- Crater Lake National Park: (Oregon) - Features the deepest lake in the U.S., renowned for its clear blue waters and dramatic volcanic caldera.
- Olympic National Park: (Washington) - Known for its diverse ecosystems, from temperate rainforests to rugged coastline and alpine peaks.
- Columbia River Gorge: (Oregon/Washington) - A scenic river canyon famous for its waterfalls, windsurfing, and breathtaking views.
- Seattle’s Pike Place Market: (Washington) - A historic market offering fresh seafood, local produce, and unique shops in the heart of Seattle.
- Portland’s International Rose Test Garden - (Oregon): Showcases thousands of rose varieties and offers stunning views of the city and Mount Hood.
- San Juan Islands: (Washington) - An archipelago known for its orca whale watching, kayaking, and charming island towns.
- Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument - (Washington): Explore the site of the 1980 volcanic eruption with visitor centers, hiking trails, and dramatic landscapes.
- Cannon Beach: (Oregon) - Famous for its iconic Haystack Rock, scenic coastline, and quaint seaside town atmosphere.
- Leavenworth: (Washington) - A Bavarian-themed village nestled in the Cascade Mountains, offering festivals, outdoor activities, and unique shops.
Top Cities
- Seattle: (Washington) - Known for its iconic Space Needle, vibrant Pike Place Market, and thriving tech and music scenes.
- Portland: (Oregon) - Famous for its eclectic culture, craft breweries, and beautiful parks, including the International Rose Test Garden.
- Vancouver: (British Columbia) - A bustling coastal city offering a mix of urban sophistication, diverse cultural attractions, and stunning natural scenery.
- Spokane: (Washington) - Features beautiful Riverfront Park, historic architecture, and access to numerous outdoor activities in the surrounding area.
- Eugene: (Oregon) - Home to the University of Oregon, known for its artsy vibe, outdoor recreation, and the annual Oregon Country Fair.
- Tacoma: (Washington) - Offers a rich cultural scene with museums like the Museum of Glass, as well as a revitalized waterfront and nearby Mount Rainier.
- Bend: (Oregon) - A hub for outdoor enthusiasts, offering easy access to skiing, hiking, and craft breweries amidst the stunning landscape of central Oregon.
- Bellevue: (Washington) - A modern city with upscale shopping, beautiful parks, and a growing tech industry, located just east of Seattle.
- Salem: (Oregon) - The state capital, known for its historic sites, beautiful gardens, and proximity to the Willamette Valley wine region.
National Parks
- Mount Rainier National Park: (Washington) - Home to the towering Mount Rainier, offering breathtaking alpine scenery, wildflower meadows, and extensive hiking trails.
- Crater Lake National Park: (Oregon) - Features the deepest lake in the U.S., renowned for its crystal-clear blue waters and dramatic volcanic caldera.
- Olympic National Park: (Washington) - Known for its diverse ecosystems, including temperate rainforests, rugged coastline, and alpine peaks.
- North Cascades National Park: (Washington) - Offers stunning mountain scenery, glacier-clad peaks, and an abundance of outdoor activities such as hiking and climbing.
- Redwood National and State Parks: (California) - Home to the world’s tallest trees, offering serene forest walks, scenic drives, and coastal views.
- Lassen Volcanic National Park: (California) - Features active geothermal areas, volcanic landscapes, and pristine mountain lakes.
- John Day Fossil Beds National Monument: (Oregon) - Known for its well-preserved fossil record, colorful badlands, and scenic drives.
- Lewis and Clark National Historical Park: (Oregon/Washington) - Commemorates the Lewis and Clark Expedition with historic sites, coastal landscapes, and interpretive trails.
- Oregon Caves National Monument]]: (Oregon) - Offers guided tours through marble caves, surrounded by a lush forested landscape.
Things to Do
Cultural Experiences
- Pike Place Market (Seattle, Washington): A historic market offering fresh seafood, local produce, and unique shops in the heart of Seattle.
- International Rose Test Garden (Portland, Oregon): Showcases thousands of rose varieties and offers stunning views of the city and Mount Hood.
- Museum of Glass (Tacoma, Washington): Features contemporary glass art and live glassblowing demonstrations.
- Portland Art Museum (Portland, Oregon): One of the oldest art museums in the country, featuring a diverse collection of art from around the world.
- Bavarian Village of Leavenworth (Washington): A Bavarian-themed village with festivals, outdoor activities, and unique shops.
Natural Experiences
- Mount Rainier National Park (Washington): Explore the breathtaking alpine scenery, wildflower meadows, and extensive hiking trails around Mount Rainier.
- Crater Lake National Park (Oregon): Visit the deepest lake in the U.S., renowned for its crystal-clear blue waters and dramatic volcanic caldera.
- Olympic National Park (Washington): Discover diverse ecosystems, including temperate rainforests, rugged coastline, and alpine peaks.
- San Juan Islands (Washington): Enjoy orca whale watching, kayaking, and exploring charming island towns.
- Columbia River Gorge (Oregon/Washington): Experience a scenic river canyon famous for its waterfalls, windsurfing, and breathtaking views.
Urban Experiences
- Space Needle (Seattle, Washington): Visit Seattle’s iconic landmark offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains.
- Powell’s City of Books (Portland, Oregon): Explore the world’s largest independent bookstore, covering an entire city block.
- Fremont Troll (Seattle, Washington): Discover the quirky public art installation under the Aurora Bridge in the Fremont neighborhood.
- Old Town Chinatown (Portland, Oregon): Experience the historic district with its unique shops, eateries, and cultural landmarks.
Unique Experiences
- Treehouse Point (Issaquah, Washington): Stay in a unique treehouse retreat nestled in the forest, offering a tranquil escape.
- Hoh Rainforest (Olympic National Park, Washington): Walk through one of the largest temperate rainforests in the U.S., known for its lush, moss-covered trees.
- Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument (Washington): Explore the site of the 1980 volcanic eruption with visitor centers, hiking trails, and dramatic landscapes.