25 Things to Do in the Pacific Northwest (Hiking, Coffee, Whale Watching and More)

Ready for an adventure in the Pacific Northwest? This stunning corner of the U.S. is packed with everything from towering mountains to quirky cities.

Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a food lover, or a culture vulture, the Pacific Northwest has got you covered. Let’s dive into 25 must-do activities that’ll give you a real taste of what this incredible region has to offer.

Explore Olympic National Park

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Olympic National Park is like nature’s variety pack. From misty rainforests to wild beaches, it’s got it all.

Take a stroll through the Hoh Rainforest and feel like you’ve stepped into a fairy tale.

Visit Pike Place Market in Seattle

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Pike Place Market is Seattle’s buzzing hub of all things fresh and local. Watch the fish-throwing display, sample tasty treats, and soak up the lively atmosphere.

Don’t forget to grab a coffee from the original Starbucks while you’re there.

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Hike in the Columbia River Gorge

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The Columbia River Gorge is a hiker’s paradise, offering trails that lead to stunning waterfalls and sweeping vistas. Multnomah Falls, with its 611-foot cascade, is the crown jewel of this natural wonderland.

Explore Portland’s Food Cart Scene

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Portland’s food carts are a culinary adventure on wheels. From Korean fusion to gourmet grilled cheese, these little carts pack big flavors. Come hungry and leave happy.

Whale Watching in the San Juan Islands

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The San Juan Islands are prime whale-watching territory. Hop on a boat and keep your eyes open for orcas, humpbacks, and gray whales.

It’s like a real-life nature documentary.

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Ski or Snowboard at Mount Hood

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Mount Hood is a snow lover’s paradise, even in the middle of summer. Hit the slopes for some world-class skiing or snowboarding, and enjoy views that’ll make you forget all about those wipeouts.

Visit Crater Lake National Park

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Crater Lake, with its intense blue waters, is a sight that has to be seen to be believed. Take a boat tour to Wizard Island or drive around the rim for views that will leave you speechless.

Explore the Oregon Coast

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The Oregon Coast is 363 miles of pure magic. Rugged cliffs, expansive beaches, and charming towns await.

Don’t miss Cannon Beach, where the iconic Haystack Rock stands tall.

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Tour the Boeing Factory in Everett

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The Boeing Factory tour is a chance to see how they put together those massive flying machines. It’s so big, you’ll feel like you’ve shrunk.

Airplane geeks, this one’s for you.

Visit Powell’s City of Books in Portland

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Powell’s City of Books is a booklover’s dream come true. Occupying an entire city block, this bookstore is a maze of new and used books where you could easily spend hours getting happily lost.

Explore Mount Rainier National Park

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Mount Rainier is the crown jewel of Washington’s landscape. Hike through fields of wildflowers, past glaciers, and up to viewpoints that’ll make your heart skip a beat.

Just remember to pack layers.

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Attend the Portland Rose Festival

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The Portland Rose Festival is a bloom-filled extravaganza that celebrates the city’s love affair with roses. From parades to fireworks to the stunning International Rose Test Garden, it’s a floral spectacle not to be missed.

Visit the Space Needle in Seattle

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The Space Needle is Seattle’s retro-futuristic exclamation point. Zoom up to the top for views that’ll make you feel like you’re on top of the world. The rotating glass floor is not for the faint of heart!

Explore the San Juan Islands by Ferry

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Island hopping in the San Juan Islands is like a choose-your-own-adventure book. Each island has its own flavor – from artsy to outdoorsy. Plus, the ferry rides between them are half the fun.

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Visit Tillamook Creamery

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Tillamook Creamery is where cheese dreams come true. Watch cheddar being made, sample squeaky cheese curds, and indulge in ice cream that’ll make you forget all about your diet. 

Hike in North Cascades National Park

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North Cascades National Park is a rugged wilderness that’ll take your breath away. With its jagged peaks, countless glaciers, and pristine alpine lakes, it’s a hiker’s and photographer’s dream come true.

Visit the Museum of Pop Culture in Seattle

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The Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) is where music, sci-fi, and pop culture collide. From Hendrix to Harry Potter, it’s a nostalgia trip with a modern twist.

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Explore the Oregon Caves National Monument

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The Oregon Caves offer a fascinating underground adventure. Above ground, old-growth forests provide a stark contrast to the subterranean world below.

Attend the Seattle International Film Festival

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The Seattle International Film Festival is a must for film lovers. Film buffs can binge on movies from around the world, rubbing elbows with directors and stars. 

Visit the Chihuly Garden and Glass in Seattle

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The Chihuly Garden and Glass is a kaleidoscope of color and form. Dale Chihuly’s stunning glass sculptures create a magical environment that’s sure to spark your imagination.

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Explore Washington’s Wine Country

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Washington’s wine country is a treat for the senses. Tour vineyards, sample world-class wines, and drink in the beautiful rolling landscapes of the Walla Walla and Yakima valleys.

Visit the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry

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The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is where nerds of all ages unite. With a real submarine, planetarium, and enough hands-on exhibits, it’s a place where curiosity runs wild. 

Hike the Pacific Crest Trail

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The Pacific Crest Trail is the mother of all hikes, stretching from Mexico to Canada. While thru-hiking takes months, day-trippers can sample sections for a taste of the wilderness. 

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Attend the Wooden Boat Festival in Port Townsend

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The Wooden Boat Festival in Port Townsend is where nautical dreams set sail. Admire hand-crafted vessels, learn knot-tying (finally!), and soak in enough maritime culture.

Visit Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument

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Mount St. Helens is nature’s reminder that the Earth has a temper. Witness the aftermath of the 1980 eruption and the incredible recovery that followed.

Climbing to the crater rim is like walking on the moon, minus the zero gravity – and with a lot more heavy breathing.

The Pacific Northwest Awaits 

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From misty mountains to quirky cities, this corner of the world is packed with more wonders than you can shake a rain stick at. So grab your hiking boots and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime – the Pacific Northwest is waiting!

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