San Juan Islands: This archipelago welcomes you with whale watching, kayaking, and charming towns like Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. It has a relaxed, island pace.
Mount Rainier National Park: An iconic active volcano and the highest peak in the Cascades, with stunning subalpine meadows, glaciers, and many trails.
These destinations are easily reachable from Portland for a day trip or an extended stay.
A dramatic river canyon with numerous waterfalls, including Multnomah Falls (Oregon's tallest), Latourell Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. It features many trails and viewpoints.
A rugged coastline known for iconic Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach, charming coastal towns, and fresh seafood. Tillamook welcomes the famous Tillamook Creamery.
The Pacific Northwest has many opportunities to experience nature, from vast national parks to hidden waterfalls.
This site, about a 1.5-2 hour drive from Portland, shows the location of the 1980 eruption. Visitor centers offer insights into geology.
Located north of Seattle, this popular park has a dramatic bridge, beautiful beaches, and forest trails. It is known for its strong tidal currents.
Near Salem, this park is famous for its "Trail of Ten Falls." This scenic loop displays multiple waterfalls, some of which you can walk behind.
While a longer day trip from Seattle, or better for an overnight stay, this park features rugged mountains, glaciers, and turquoise lakes. It is called the "American Alps."
Located near Yachats, this area has an elevated viewpoint showing sweeping views of 80 miles of coastline.
Beyond the major cities, the Pacific Northwest includes smaller towns and historical sites that bring unique cultural insights.
A historic port city located at the mouth of the Columbia River. It has a rich maritime history, Victorian architecture, and the Astoria Column with panoramic views.
A Bavarian-themed village nestled in the Cascade Mountains, known for its festivals, shops, and access to outdoor recreation.
Known for its tulip fields in spring (late March/April). Beyond the tulips, it is an agricultural area with charming rural communities and farm stands.
Located in the Columbia River Gorge, this valley is known for its fruit orchards, u-pick farms, breweries, and hard cideries.
The Grotto in Portland is a peaceful spiritual retreat and a beautiful setting for quiet contemplation.
The National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother in Portland.
A tranquil Catholic shrine and botanical garden.
Offers a spiritual retreat and a setting for quiet reflection.
For those with more time, the Pacific Northwest brings excellent opportunities for multi-day extensions, combining destinations or exploring nearby regions.
A charming city on Vancouver Island with British colonial architecture, the renowned Butchart Gardens, and whale watching.
A high desert city known for its outdoor recreation (skiing, mountain biking, hiking) and a thriving craft brewery scene.
Combine Crater Lake National Park with the cultural experience of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland.
1-2 nights recommended from Seattle via ferry.
2-3 nights recommended from Portland for outdoor activities.
2-3 nights for Crater Lake and Ashland.
