Adventure Guide
The Pacific Northwest
Rain forests, glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls and a wild coastline, all within a few hours of each other. Here's where to go in Washington and Oregon.
Start exploring4
national parks in WA & OR
Seattle & Portland
main airports to fly into
July–Sept
best for mountain trails
Layers
weather changes fast
Top places to go
The must-see spots for your first (or tenth) Pacific Northwest trip.
Washington · Rain forest & coast
Olympic National Park
Three parks in one: the mossy Hoh Rain Forest, wild beaches like Rialto with sea stacks and tide pools, and alpine views from Hurricane Ridge.
+ Add to my tripWashington · Mountains
Mount Rainier
Wildflower meadows and glacier views at Paradise. The Skyline Trail is one of the best day hikes in the country.
+ Add to my tripWashington · Alpine
North Cascades
Jagged peaks and the unreal turquoise water of Diablo Lake. Drive the North Cascades Highway (open roughly late spring to fall).
+ Add to my tripOregon & Washington · Waterfalls
Columbia River Gorge
Waterfall after waterfall, including famous Multnomah Falls, all within an hour of Portland.
+ Add to my tripOregon · Coast
Oregon Coast
Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock, lighthouses, sand dunes and coastal towns along scenic Highway 101.
+ Add to my tripOregon · Volcano
Crater Lake
The deepest lake in the U.S., in a collapsed volcano, with water so blue it looks fake. Rim Drive opens in summer.
+ Add to my tripMore ways to adventure
On the water, on two wheels, or soaking in a hot spring.
Wildlife
Whale watching
Head to the San Juan Islands to look for orcas and humpbacks, especially in summer.
+ Add to my tripPaddle
Kayaking & paddling
Calm bays, alpine lakes and island-hopping routes. Paddle Puget Sound or a glacier-fed lake.
+ Add to my tripCamp
Camping
From beach camping to forest sites under giant trees, the PNW is made for sleeping outside. Book popular campgrounds early.
+ Add to my tripExplore
Volcano country
Mount St. Helens, Mount Hood and the Cascade volcanoes offer hiking, lava tubes and huge views.
+ Add to my tripRide
Mountain biking
Bellingham, Hood River, Bend and Oakridge are mountain bike hot spots with trails for every level.
+ Add to my tripRelax
Hot springs
Soak after a long hike. There are developed resorts and rustic springs in the mountains of Oregon and Washington.
+ Add to my tripPlan your trip
- When to go: July through September is the driest time and when high mountain trails are usually snow-free. Fall and spring are great for waterfalls and fewer crowds.
- Expect rain: Pack a rain jacket any time of year, especially on the coast and in the rain forest.
- Check road openings: Mountain roads like Hurricane Ridge, the North Cascades Highway and Crater Lake's Rim Drive can close for snow.
- Book early: Popular campgrounds and lodges in national parks fill up months ahead for summer.
- Passes & permits: An America the Beautiful pass covers national park entry. Some parks and popular trails need timed reservations in peak season, so check before you go.
Book your PNW adventure
Our favorite ways to stay and play in the Pacific Northwest.
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