Top Ten: Pacific North West

The Pacific Northwest, takes in the states of Washington and Oregon, and is known for its diverse natural beauty, thriving cultural scene, and lots of outdoor activities. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a food and wine connoisseur, or an art lover, the Pacific Northwest offers a great range of experiences.

Here are our top ten sites to visit and experience

1. Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site encompassing temperate rainforests, mountain peaks, and a rugged coastline. Unusually visitors can explore diverse ecosystems, including the iconic Hoh Rainforest, snow-capped mountains, and pristine beaches all within the same park.

Nature enthusiasts, hikers, wildlife photographers, and outdoor adventurers have long been captivated by the diversity of landscapes and activities available within the park.

Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of spring or fall to avoid the peak summer crowds and have a better chance of spotting wildlife.

The park is open year-round, but certain areas may have seasonal closures. Some activities, such as guided nature walks, require advance reservations. Plan for at least a full day to explore the main highlights of the park.

2. Willamette Valley

The beautiful and tranquil Willamette Valley is Oregon’s premier wine region, renowned for its world-class pinot noirs and picturesque vineyards. Wine enthusiasts can enjoy tours and tastings at numerous wineries.

Consider visiting in the early fall during harvest season for a more immersive and interactive experience, including grape stomping events and winery tours. Most wineries are open daily for tastings, with more limited hours in the winter months.

3. The San Juan Islands

The San Juan Islands are an archipelago in Washington State, known for their rural Pacific Northwest landscapes, abundant wildlife (especially orcas), and outdoor recreation, accessible via Washington State Ferries to the main islands of San Juan, Orcas, Lopez, and Shaw. They offer a mix of natural beauty, from forests and beaches to rocky headlands, with attractions like Moran State Park and Lime Kiln Point State Park, and a rich history including the “Pig War” with Britain.

Key Islands

• San Juan Island: Home to Friday Harbor and the historic Roche Harbor resort.
• Orcas Island: Features the horseshoe-shaped island with Moran State Park and Mt. Constitution.
• Lopez Island: Known for its bikeable roads and pastoral scenery.
• Shaw Island: Accessible by ferry but with limited amenities.

Activities & Attractions

• Whale Watching: Considered one of the best places in the world to see whales in the wild, particularly orcas.
• Hiking & Biking: Extensive trails and roads on the islands.
• Parks: Moran State Park (Orcas Island) and Lime Kiln Point State Park (San Juan Island) are major highlights.
• History: Explore the history of the Coast Salish people and the Pig War.
• Arts & Culture: Artisan markets, local shops, and festivals.

Getting There

• Ferry: Washington State Ferries run from Anacortes to the four main islands (San Juan, Orcas, Lopez, Shaw).
• Air: Small airports serve the islands, with connections from Seattle (SEA) or Bellingham.

The San Juan Islands offer a rare opportunity to witness majestic orcas, humpback whales in their natural habitat. Guided boat tours allow visitors to explore the pristine waters of the Salish Sea.

Whale watching tours operate seasonally from spring to fall, with the highest chances of sightings in the summer months. Book tours in advance, especially during peak tourist season, and consider multi-day stays to allow for multiple tour opportunities if the weather is uncooperative.

4. Seattle: Pike Place Market

Seattle is Washington’s largest city, known for its tech industry (Amazon, Microsoft), coffee culture, and natural beauty, with landmarks like the Space Needle and Pike Place Market. It’s situated on Puget Sound, surrounded by water, mountains, and forests, offering outdoor activities, but it also has a high cost of living, particularly for housing. The city is home to major sports teams like the Seahawks and Mariners.

Pike Place Market stands in a public market overlooking the Elliott Bay waterfront. It is a quintessential Seattle experience, featuring an eclectic mix of local vendors, craftsmen, and artists, as well as an abundance of fresh seafood, artisanal goods, and specialty food outlets.

Visit early in the day to avoid the largest crowds and enjoy a more leisurely experience.The market is open year-round, with varying hours for different stalls and businesses. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends, and parking can be limited, so consider public transportation options. Allocate at least a half-day to explore the market thoroughly.

5. Mount Rainier

As an iconic symbol among the famous Avenue of Volcanoes of the Pacific Northwest, Mount Rainier offers outdoor enthusiasts a paradise for hiking, climbing, and exploring pristine alpine wilderness. Trek through wildflower-filled meadows in summer, snowshoe or ski in winter, and admire breathtaking views of the glaciated peak.

Consider joining a guided climb or hike for safety and local expertise. Visit Paradise Visitor Center for stunning views and educational exhibits.

Mount Rainier’s weather can be unpredictable; be prepared for sudden changes and check current conditions before heading out. Summer offers the best hiking opportunities, while winter is ideal for snow sports.

6. Columbia River Gorge

The Columbia River Gorge is a river canyon carved through the Cascade Mountains, offering stunning vistas, and waterfalls. Hike to iconic waterfalls like Multnomah Falls, windsurf on the river’s strong currents, and explore scenic viewpoints along the Historic Columbia River Highway.

Visit in spring for vibrant wildflower displays and in autumn for colorful foliage. Consider exploring the lesser-known trails and viewpoints for a more peaceful experience.

The Columbia River Gorge experiences mild, rainy winters and dry, warm summers. Be prepared for changing weather conditions and check trail conditions before hiking.

7. Mount St. Helens

Mount St. Helens is an iconic volcano in the Pacific Northwest, known for its catastrophic eruption in 1980 and subsequent regeneration. Explore the Johnston Ridge Observatory for insight into the volcano’s history, hike trails offering views of the crater, and witness the ongoing process of ecological recovery.

Join a guided tour for in-depth information about the eruption and the area’s recovery. Consider visiting Ape Cave, a lava tube formed by ancient volcanic activity.

Mount St. Helens experiences variable weather conditions, with snow possible at higher elevations year-round. Check road and trail conditions before visiting, especially in winter.

8. North Cascades National Park

North Cascades National Park is a rugged wilderness of jagged peaks, glaciers, and pristine alpine lakes, offering opportunities for outdoor adventure and solitude. Hike through old-growth forests, backpack along scenic trails, and marvel at stunning mountain vistas.

Consider taking a scenic drive along the North Cascades Highway for views of the mountains and valleys. Explore the Ross Lake National Recreation Area for water-based activities like kayaking and canoeing.

9. Portland

Portland, Oregon, is the state’s largest city, located in the Pacific Northwest at the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers, known for its vibrant culture, outdoor access, and unique neighborhoods.

It’s recognized for its craft beer, coffee, food carts, and independent businesses, green spaces and public transit.

The city of 650,000 is situated near the Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood, and its wider metro area is home to over 2.5 million people. Known for its “Keep Portland Weird” vibe, with a thriving food scene (food carts, craft breweries), independent shops, and a strong emphasis on sustainability and outdoor recreation.

Attractions: Powell’s City of Books, Tom McCall Waterfront Park, the Oregon Zoo, and numerous parks and gardens.

Economy: Strengths in technology, manufacturing, and outdoor/athletic industries (home to Nike and Columbia Sportswear). By

10. Boeing Factory:

The fortunes & growth of the Boeing company are inextricably linked to the growth of Seattle from a relatively small conurbation to a major city.

The Boeing Company, a small airplane manufacturer founded in 1910, grew into the foremost manufacturer of heavy bombers flown by the US Army Air Force, the B17 & B29. Because of Boeing & the Bremerton shipyards, the Puget Sound region became a highly defended area. Military bases brought thousands of new residents & the boom in aircraft manufacturing attracted tens of thousands of new workers.

At the Boeing Factory you can visit the world’s largest building-by-volume in Everett at the Boeing flight line, where the Boeing Company produces the 747, 767 and 777 commercial airplanes.More information here at:​www.boeing.com/companyoffices/aboutus/tours/index.html

At the nearby Museum of Flight, there is presentation of the whole history of flight from Da Vinci to the Wright Bros to the NASA space program. Twenty airplanes are suspended from the glass ceiling. Planes include Air Force One and newly acquired Concorde. The restored 1909 Red Barn (where Boeing began) has exhibits. There is a Hands-on area where you can sit in a pilot’s seat & guide the plane down to safety.

Destination: Pacific North West