Pacific Northwest Bucket List: The Best Places To Go
Why the Pacific Northwest Belongs On Your Short List
Coffee culture, mossy forests, glassy lakes, and rugged coastlines make the Pacific Northwest a dream for explorers. From whale watching and waterfall hikes to wine tasting and hot springs, here are the region’s essential destinations and what to do in each.
Washington
Seattle
Framed by Puget Sound and the Cascades, Seattle pairs natural beauty with big-city energy.
Must-do’s:
• Browse Pike Place Market for produce, crafts, the famous fish toss, and a look at the original Starbucks.
• Ride to the top of the Space Needle for sweeping city and mountain views or enjoy the scene from Seattle Center.
• See intricate installations at Chihuly Garden and Glass.
• Photograph the skyline and Mount Rainier from Kerry Park, especially at sunset.
• Head out on a whale watching cruise to look for orcas and other marine life.
Olympic Peninsula
A mosaic of temperate rainforest, wild beaches, and mountain ridgelines awaits.
Must-do’s:
• Drive to Hurricane Ridge for trails, wildlife viewing, and winter sports when in season.
• Relax by the clear waters of Lake Crescent, ideal for paddling or picnics beneath old growth trees.
• Walk among mossy giants in the Hoh Rain Forest.
• Explore Ruby Beach for sea stacks, tide pools, and driftwood-strewn shores.
• Soak in Sol Duc Hot Springs after a day of hiking.
• Experience the coastal scenery around Moclips, where sandy strands meet rocky outcrops.
Mount Rainier National Park
Wildflowers, waterfalls, and glacier views deliver classic Northwest drama.
Must-do’s:
• Wander meadows and trails in Paradise, the park’s beloved high country.
• Take the short path to Myrtle Falls for a postcard view of the mountain.
• Stop for a photo at Christine Falls and its arched stone bridge.
• Stroll along Reflection Lakes to capture mirror-like mountain scenes.
• Visit Narada Falls, accessible by car, where mist and rainbows appear on sunny days.
Lake Chelan
A sunny, clear-water escape in the heart of Washington wine country.
Must-do’s:
• Rent a boat or paddle board to explore the lake’s broad coves.
• Taste local vintages throughout the Lake Chelan Valley.
• Hike Chelan Butte for panoramic vistas.
• Fish for trout and bass in the lake’s deep blue waters.
• Sail to Stehekin, a roadless village, for hiking and baked treats.
Oregon
Portland
Bridges, bikes, and an easygoing culinary scene set the tone in this river city.
Must-do’s:
• Hike the shaded paths of Forest Park, one of the nation’s largest urban forests.
• Sample rotating flavors at Blue Star Donuts.
• Pedal the Eastbank Esplanade beside the Willamette River.
• Feast at food cart pods showcasing global cuisines.
• Tour Pittock Mansion for views and history.
• Get lost among stacks at Powell’s City of Books.
Oregon Coast
Try the Oregon Coast for a road trip filled with sea stacks, lighthouse lookouts, and beach towns. All 362 miles of shoreline are public, which means endless access.
Must-do’s:
• Cannon Beach for Haystack Rock and a stroll through boutiques and cafés.
• Astoria for the Astoria Column and the Columbia River Maritime Museum.
• Yachats and Cape Perpetua for tide pools and cliff-top trails.
• Florence for sand dunes, horseback rides, and sandboarding.
• Bandon for Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint and a charming harborfront.
Columbia River Gorge
Waterfalls, orchards, and wind-carved cliffs straddle the Oregon and Washington border just east of Portland.
Must-do’s:
• Visit Multnomah Falls, a 620-foot cascade with accessible viewpoints.
• Drive the Historic Columbia River Highway for overlooks and trailheads.
• Hike Beacon Rock in Washington for sweeping river vistas.
• Sip along the Hood River Fruit Loop and pick seasonal produce.
• See the cliffs from the water on a Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler cruise.
Bend
High desert sun, volcanic landscapes, and mountain adventures make Bend a year-round favorite.
Must-do’s:
• Hike to 97-foot Tumalo Falls, minutes from town.
• Kayak, paddle, or float the Deschutes River through the city.
• Ski or ride at Mount Bachelor, known for reliable snow.
• Shop and dine in the Old Mill District along the river.
• Explore Smith Rock State Park’s dramatic canyons and trails.
• Walk the Lava River Cave for a peek into Central Oregon’s geologic past.
Idaho
Sun Valley
A sunny alpine base with a storied ski legacy and relaxed small-town vibe.
Must-do’s:
• Stroll Ketchum’s galleries and boutiques, with nods to Ernest Hemingway.
• Ski Bald Mountain’s varied terrain when the snow flies.
• Hike to Pioneer Cabin for big views and historic hut lore.
• Soak in nearby hot springs in the Sawtooth country.
• Fly fish the Big Wood River for trout.
McCall
A lakefront retreat on Payette Lake with four-season fun.
Must-do’s:
• Wander Ponderosa State Park’s miles of shoreline trails.
• Ski in winter or mountain bike in summer at Brundage Mountain.
• Unwind at Burgdorf Hot Springs in a forested setting.
• Bike the North Valley Rail Trail through meadows and woods.
• Paddle the clear waters of Payette Lake.
Coeur d’Alene
A lively lake town known for its waterfront, walkable downtown, and forested hills.
Must-do’s:
• Day trip to Farragut State Park for hiking, camping, and access to Lake Pend Oreille.
• Ride the 24-mile North Idaho Centennial Trail to the Washington border.
• Cruise or boat on Lake Coeur d’Alene to hidden bays and beaches.
• Stroll Sherman Avenue for galleries, shops, and restaurants.
• Hike Tubbs Hill for close-to-town lake views.
British Columbia
Big White Mountain
High in the Okanagan Valley, Big White offers light, dry “champagne” powder in winter and wildflower meadows in summer.
Must-do’s:
• Explore the storybook Big White Village.
• Ride Lara’s Gondola to Happy Valley and snowshoe quiet trails.
• Zoom down the lanes at the Tube Park.
• Walk Falcon Ridge during peak wildflower season.
• Hike to Rhonda Lake for alpine scenery and wildlife spotting.
Whistler
North America’s largest ski resort pairs expansive terrain with an energetic alpine village.
Must-do’s:
• Ride the record-setting PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola between Whistler and Blackcomb.
• Hike the High Note Trail for views of Black Tusk and Cheakamus Lake.
• Recover at Scandinave Spa with outdoor thermal pools.
• Join a guided bear viewing tour in season.
• Cross-country ski or snowshoe at Whistler Olympic Park.
Kamloops and Lac le Jeune
A contrast of sun-baked valleys and cool high-elevation lakes creates a two-part escape.
Must-do’s:
• Experience Kamloops’ semi-arid hills, then cool off at 4,200-foot Lac le Jeune.
• Taste Thompson Valley wines at local vineyards.
• Circle Lac le Jeune on the Gus Johnson Trail, about five miles through forest and meadow.
• Paddle the calm lake, protected by a 12 mph speed limit.
• Golf extended-season courses thanks to Kamloops’ climate.
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