Pacific Northwest Overview
The beautiful and rugged region of the Pacific Northwest is a lesser-discovered treasure waiting to be explored. Comprising of Oregon and Washington State, the region offers a fantastic combination of interesting cities, national parks, a stunning coastline, wineries and jaw-dropping natural beauty featuring deep canyons, crystal clear lakes and mighty rivers.
Take your time journeying through either one of the states or perhaps combine them for a true Pacific Northwest holiday. Portland is the gateway to Oregon. Start by exploring this interesting city before heading south to the wine country and onto the beautiful coast. Great towns dot this beautiful coastal byway where you can enjoy the quirky highlights of this state and rugged views. Then make your way onto Grants Pass known for the Caves National Monument and also, Rogue River. Afterwards proceed to the breath-taking Crater National Park and then onto Bend in Central Oregon where there is a great downtown and outdoor pursuits.
Sophisticated Seattle is the gateway to the beautiful and rugged Washington State and the magnificent National Parks of Olympic, Mount St Helens and Mount Rainier. It’s afantastic destination for shorter fly drive holidays with three main loops appealing to the discerning traveller, all of which extend out from the vibrant city of Seattle. The most popular is the Olympic National Park Loop showcasing the beautiful scenery of this area. Another popular drive is around the wine region and rolling hills, yet Washington’s scenery can also be similar to that of Nevada and Utah with its high sierra desert landscapes.
We offer all types of holidays in the Pacific Northwest, which can be tailor-made to suit your interests, timeframe and budget. Whether your interest is in exploring the national parks and stunning coastline on an independent self-drive, or marvelling at the scenery on an escorted tour, we can help you experience the Pacific Northwest in a way that suits you.
Pacific Northwest Highlights
Crater Lake National Park
With a landscape like nowhere else, Crater Lake National Park lies in the Cascade Mountains in southwestern Oregon. Intensely blue and unusually deep (1,935 feet), the lake is almost exactly circular. It is the water-filled caldera of an extinct volcano, Mount Mazama, and lava cliffs rise to heights of up to 2,000 feet around the lake.
The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area follows the course of the Columbia River as it cuts through the Cascade Mountain Range. Formed by the river, the gorge is known for its spectacular views and numerous waterfalls, including Multnomah Falls – the second highest waterfall in the country.
Canon Beach
A popular tourist resort, Cannon Beach is located in northwest Oregon. The beach offers a wide stretch of sand and spectacular views of jagged coastal rocks. The largest of these is known as Hay Stack Rock, thought to be one of the largest monoliths in the world. Nearby Seaside is another popular resort town, close to beaches and surf breaks. Astoria lies 20 miles north of Cannon Beach, at the mouth of the Columbia River. The town is historically important as the location of Lewis & Clark National Historic Park.
North Cascades National Park
The North Cascades are one of the most unspoiled tracts of country in the United States. Anglers, walkers, and nature lovers are all well catered for in the national park, which shares a border with British Columbia, Canada. A drive through the park on WA 20 is rewarded with some fantastic views.
Olympic National Park
From ocean beaches to mountaintops, Olympic National Park overflows with incomparable scenery. The park covers most of the Olympic Peninsula.
San Juan Islands
Dotting Puget Sound, various islands range from small rural getaways to thriving artistic hubs. The San Juan Islands are the best known of Washington’s many islands, with the four largest being readily accessible by ferry. Each has a mix of galleries, seafood restaurants, and parks, including San Juan Island National Historic Park where British and American troops became embroiled in the Pig War border dispute. Puget Sound is also orca whale territory, and visitors may see the elegant mammals while on a ferry, from shore, or during a whale watching tour.
Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier (14,410 feet) is one of a geologically recent chain of volcanoes in the Cascade Mountains. Also known as Mount Tacoma, the volcanic massif is often shrouded in cloud for days on end. But on clear days, it’s a landmark visible from many miles away, including from Seattle and Olympia.
Best Time to Visit The Pacific Northwest
The coastal regions of the Pacific Northwest are best explored during the summer months between May and September when temperatures are warm and rainfall is lower.