The Pacific Northwest is a wonderland of diverse landscapes, from rugged coastlines and ancient rainforests to snow-capped mountains and crystal-clear lakes. This spectacular region offers some of America’s most breathtaking scenery and unforgettable experiences for road trippers.
Here is a list of 20 must-visit destinations that showcase the very best of this magnificent corner of the country.
Hurricane Ridge, Olympic National Park, Washington
Perched high in Olympic National Park, Hurricane Ridge offers some of the most spectacular mountain vistas in the Pacific Northwest. The panoramic views of snow-dusted peaks, alpine meadows, and the distant Strait of Juan de Fuca make the winding drive worth every turn.
Wildflowers blanket the hillsides in summer, while winter transforms the area into a paradise for snowshoers and cross-country skiers.
Hoh Rain Forest, Olympic National Park, Washington
Step into a verdant wonderland where moss-draped trees create an emerald canopy overhead and ferns carpet the forest floor. The Hoh Rain Forest receives up to 14 feet of rain annually, creating one of the finest examples of temperate rainforest in the United States.
The Hall of Mosses Trail offers an accessible taste of this magical ecosystem that feels straight out of a fairy tale.
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Ruby Beach, Washington
The wild beauty of Ruby Beach captivates visitors with its dramatic sea stacks, tide pools, and driftwood-strewn shores. Named for the reddish sand that sometimes appears, this iconic Washington Coast destination offers perfect sunset views.
The combination of crashing waves, misty horizons, and the symphony of seabirds creates an energizing and peaceful atmosphere.
Lake Crescent, Washington
The startlingly blue waters of Lake Crescent reflect the surrounding mountains in this glacier-carved lake on the Olympic Peninsula. The exceptional clarity of the water allows visibility down to depths of 60 feet.
Nearby Marymere Falls offers a perfect complement with its 90-foot cascade through old-growth forest, making this area a refreshing stop on any road trip.
Pike Place Market, Seattle, Washington
This historic market buzzes with energy as fishmongers toss fresh catches, artisans display handcrafted items, and the original Starbucks draws coffee enthusiasts. Founded in 1907, Pike Place Market remains the soul of Seattle, offering a sensory feast of fresh produce, flowers, and local specialties spread across nine acres overlooking Elliott Bay.
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Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
The majestic 14,410-foot Mount Rainier dominates the landscape as the tallest peak in the Cascade Range. In summer, meadows burst with wildflowers, while fall brings a palette of russet and gold to the hillsides.
The Paradise and Sunrise areas offer accessible hiking trails with breathtaking views, making this national park a must-visit regardless of season.
Columbia River Gorge, Oregon/Washington
Carved by ancient floods, this dramatic river canyon forms the boundary between Oregon and Washington. The 80-mile stretch features dozens of waterfalls, including the iconic 620-foot Multnomah Falls.
The Historic Columbia River Highway offers access to panoramic viewpoints, while windsurfers dot the river below, taking advantage of the perfect conditions created by the gorge’s unique geography.
Cannon Beach, Oregon
The massive 235-foot Haystack Rock rises from the shoreline at Cannon Beach, creating one of Oregon’s most recognizable coastal scenes. This charming town blends artsy shops and cozy cafes with natural beauty.
The expansive sandy beach invites long walks while tide pools reveal colorful sea stars, anemones, and other fascinating marine creatures.
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Portland Japanese Garden, Oregon
Considered one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside Japan, this tranquil 12-acre sanctuary sits above Portland in Washington Park. Five distinct garden styles feature meticulously pruned trees, peaceful koi ponds, and graceful bridges.
The garden masterfully creates a sense of serenity and balance, offering a perfect respite from the road.
Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
The intense sapphire blue of Crater Lake mesmerizes visitors to America’s deepest lake. Formed within the caldera of an ancient volcano that collapsed nearly 8,000 years ago, the lake’s extraordinary clarity and color create an almost surreal landscape.
The 33-mile Rim Drive offers numerous viewpoints from different angles to fully appreciate this natural wonder.
Smith Rock State Park, Oregon
The towering volcanic tuff and basalt cliffs of Smith Rock draw rock climbers from around the world to central Oregon. Even non-climbers appreciate the dramatic beauty of these golden rock formations rising 600 feet above the winding Crooked River.
Hiking trails provide spectacular views of the high desert landscape and the snowcapped Cascade peaks in the distance.
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Astoria, Oregon
Where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean, Astoria is a historic port city with Victorian-era homes climbing the hillsides. The 125-foot Astoria Column offers panoramic views of the surrounding waters, bridges, and forests.
With its rich maritime heritage, thriving arts scene, and fresh seafood, this atmospheric town serves as a perfect coastal stop.
Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, Washington
The catastrophic 1980 eruption transformed Mount St. Helens and the surrounding landscape, creating a laboratory of volcanic aftermath and ecological recovery. The Johnston Ridge Observatory provides dramatic views into the crater, while the blast zone displays remarkable regrowth and adaptation.
This stark yet beautiful area offers a profound lesson in nature’s power and resilience.
North Cascades National Park, Washington
Often called the “American Alps,” the jagged, snow-capped peaks of the North Cascades create one of the country’s most dramatic mountain landscapes. The vibrant turquoise waters of Diablo Lake contrast spectacularly with the surrounding greenery and white-tipped mountains.
With over 300 glaciers, this wilderness paradise remains surprisingly uncrowded compared to other national parks.
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Bend, Oregon
Nestled between the Cascade Mountains and a high desert plateau, Bend offers the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and urban amenities. The Deschutes River flows through town, providing opportunities for kayaking and paddleboarding, while nearby mountains offer year-round recreation.
After exploring, visitors can enjoy the town’s exceptional craft breweries and farm-to-table restaurants.
Olympic Coast, Washington
The pristine beaches of Washington’s Olympic coast stretch for over 70 miles and are accessible only on foot. Driftwood logs the size of houses scatter the shoreline, while tide pools reveal a colorful underwater world.
The remote nature of this coastline allows visitors to experience the raw power and beauty of the Pacific Ocean in near solitude.
Willamette Valley, Oregon
Rolling hills covered with vineyards characterize this fertile valley south of Portland. As one of America’s premier wine regions, particularly known for Pinot Noir, it offers scenic drives past over 500 wineries.
Between tastings, visitors can explore charming small towns, farmers markets, and pastoral landscapes that showcase Oregon’s agricultural bounty.
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Leavenworth, Washington
This Bavarian-style village in the Cascade Mountains transports visitors to Alpine Europe with its distinctive architecture, German restaurants, and festive atmosphere. Surrounded by mountains and set along the Wenatchee River, Leavenworth combines outdoor recreation with cultural charm.
The town is especially magical during its famous Christmas lighting festival and Oktoberfest celebrations.
San Juan Islands, Washington
This archipelago in the Salish Sea offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and small-town charm. Visitors can spot orcas from shore, kayak peaceful bays, or explore forests and farmlands by bicycle.
Each island has its character, from bustling Friday Harbor on San Juan Island to the artistic community on Orcas Island.
Mount Hood, Oregon
Standing majestically at 11,249 feet, Mount Hood is Oregon’s highest peak and a year-round recreation destination. Summer brings hikers to alpine meadows bursting with wildflowers, while winter draws skiers to the slopes.
The historic Timberline Lodge, built in the 1930s, offers rustic elegance and spectacular views from its perch at 6,000 feet.
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Experiencing Pacific Northwest Magic
The Pacific Northwest captivates travelers with landscapes that range from mist-shrouded rainforests to alpine peaks, offering experiences that connect visitors to the region’s extraordinary natural heritage.
Whether you’re gazing into the impossibly blue waters of Crater Lake or watching sunset paint the sea stacks along the Olympic coast, these 20 stops represent what makes a Pacific Northwest road trip so unforgettable.
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