The Northwest Pacific is like the largest nature album of nature, filled with imposing mountains, misty forests and charming cities. From the urban energy of Seattle to blue waters impossible to Crater Lake, this region offers adventures that will make your Instagram subscribers seriously jealous. Whether you chaach waterfalls or you are looking for perfect coffee, the PNW offers experiences you are talking about for years.
1. Seattle, Washington – The adventure gateway
Coffee culture meets advanced technology in this dynamic city where the space needle pierces the sky. The Pike Place market buzzes with energy because the sellers throw fish and the inhabitants hunt the coolest seafood.
Ferry walks to Bainbridge Island offer breathtaking views of the sparkling waters of Puget Sound. The city’s culinary scene goes from catering trucks serving Korean tacos with sophisticated restaurants with winning chefs from James Beard.
Rain or shine, the Seattle districts each tell their own story, from artistic fremont to the Capitol Hill trend.
2. Olympic National Park, Washington – Three ecosystems in one
Imagine for a walk in a fairytale forest where the foam rivals each branch like green velvet curtains. The HOH tropical forest feels magic with its imposing trees and its carpet of ferns creating an emerald cathedral.
Ruby Beach presents dramatic sea batteries that rise from the Pacific while the waves crash into the downgraging rives in driftwood. The Hurricane Ridge offers an Alpine view which extends for kilometers through snowy peaks.
This park contains tropical forests, beaches and mountains in an incredible destination that looks like three different worlds.
3. Mount Rainier National Park, Washington – The Crown Jewel
Standing 14,411 feet high, Mont Rainier dominates the horizon like a giant wearing a snow crown all year round. Summer transforms paradise into what its name suggests exactly – endless meadows painted with wild flowers in all imaginable colors.
The hiking trails go through the forests of old forces where the old Douglas First turns above the head. Winter gives up everything in the virgin snow, creating a country of wonders perfect for racket and cross -country skiing.
The massive presence of the mountain can be identified from Seattle in clear weather, reminding everyone of the incredible power of nature.
4. Portland, Oregon – Keep it weird
Food carts line the streets like a delicious outdoor shopping center where you can take everything, from Korean barbecue to vegan donuts. Powell’s city of books extends over a whole block of city, creating a labyrinth where book lovers get lost happily for hours.
The Japanese garden offers peaceful moments among the perfectly maintained landscapes and the Koi ponds. The craft breweries seem to occupy on every street corner, which goes to Portland its reputation as Beer City USA.
Street art, original stores and friendly inhabitants means that this city feels like a creative playground for adults.
5. Columbia River Gorge – Cascade high
MultNomah Falls plunges 620 feet in two spectacular levels, which makes it the most photographed natural wonder in Oregon. The historic Columbia River Highway winds in front of dozens of waterfalls, each more beautiful than the previous one.
Latourrell Falls has unique hexagonal basalt columns behind its water curtain. Crown Point offers a panoramic view of the Columbia river which cuts through dramatic cliffs.
Spring brings wild flowers while fall painted the throat in shiny oranges and reds, which makes any season perfect to explore this natural corridor.
6. Crater national park, Oregon – Blue Masterpie of Nature
Almost 2,000 feet deep, Lake Crater holds water so blue that it looks like someone of liquid sapphires overturned in a volcanic bowl. The lake formed when Mount Mazama collapsed 7,700 years ago, creating this geological wonder.
Rim Drive goes around the caldera on 33 miles, offering breathtaking views of each turn. Wizard island rises from the center of the lake as a miniature volcano, accessible by boat trips during the summer months.
Snow can persist until July, but clear days reveal views that will be permanently engraved in your memory.
7. Cannon Beach, Oregon – Coastal icon
The Rocher de la Back de hay is 235 feet from the sandy shore as the chess of a giant, creating the most recognizable landmark of the Côte de l’Oregon. The bass tide reveals pools of tidal tidges teeming with sea anemones, starfish and hermit crabs.
The wide sandy beach extends for kilometers, perfect for long walks while the waves crash and the seagulls dance above the head. Art galleries and comfortable cafes line the charming streets in the city center.
Sunset paints the sky in shiny colors that are reflected on the wet sand, creating a natural mirror that doubles beauty.
8. San Juan islands, Washington – Island Paradise
The ferry rolls through the waters carried on the island often includes surprise whales which observe the surface of the orcas near the boat. Friday Harbor welcomes visitors with restaurants by the water serving fresh seafood and local wines.
The kayak between the islands reveals coves and hidden beaches accessible only by water. Lavender farms on the island of Lopez perfument in the air with purple flowers during the summer months.
Each island has its own personality – from Artsy Orcas Island to Lopez agricultural island – by making an adventure of the island to discover a charm of the Pacific in the small town.
9. North American Cascades National Park
Denélées pierces the sky like the own arrows of the Cathedral of Nature, winning this nickname park of “American Alps”. The turquoise waters of Lake Diablo looks almost tropical, created by the glacial flour which gives water its magnificent color.
More than 300 glaciers sculpt the landscape, more than any other US national park outside Alaska. Hiking trails go through old growth forests to Alpine meadows where mountain goats are grazing.
Less crowds mean more solitude to take advantage of cascades in cascade, virgin lakes and some of the most dramatic mountain landscapes in North America.
10. Victoria, British Columbia – British charm meets the beauty of the Pacific
The Butchart gardens are transformed 55 acres into a floral wonderland where roses climb trellis and fountains dance among perfectly maintained displays. The Empress hotel serves traditional afternoon tea with port views that embody the elegance of the old world.
Inner Harbor acts with street artists, horse cars and floating trolleys for panoramic flights. The double floor buses offer visits to the districts where British architecture meets the Gardens of the West Coast.
A short Washington ferry route transports you to a city that looks like a charming mixture of England and the Northwest Pacific.