The Pacific Northwest of the USA is an incredible place to explore, whether it be for hiking, a luxurious resort or great beer. Between the National Parks and the beaches, the rain forest and the Columbia Gorge, what’s not to love? The PNW as we call it, includes Washington, Oregon, Idaho and (I think) British Columbia.
If you’re looking for information to plan a trip to Olympic National Park or if you think a brisk beach trip is a great idea, we’ve got you covered. Looking for mountain goats on Mount Rainier? We can help with that too!
And don’t forget Oregon and the Columbia River Gorge. Endless waterfalls, wine country and even more National Park sites make Oregon a treat to explore. Check out our road trip plans all around the Pacific Northwest for great travel ideas.
Travel to Alaska takes some planning, so we’ve put together our best tips for packing, making an itinerary and being prepared for all sorts of weather. From when to visit Alaska to that sweet spot between seasons, see everything you need to know for a visit to AK.
This 7 day Alaska itinerary is perfect for seeing epic wildlife, national parks and enjoying some of the most beautiful hikes around. From Anchorage to the Kenai Peninsula and Denali National Park, this Alaska road trip will show you amazing sights and experiences.
The Talkeetna Wilderness Lodge is a great home base for enjoying the town of Talkeetna, exploring Denali State Park and having an adventure in the Alaska wild. See what the lodge is like and what things to do you’ll find in the Talkeetna area of Alaska.
Visiting Juneau from a cruise ship or on your own is a great way to experience Southeast Alaska. Take a look at all the great things to do downtown and around Juneau to immerse yourself in nature and the Native Alaskan culture.
The Seward Windsong Lodge is THE place to stay for experiencing Kenai Fjords National Park and the best of Seward, Alaska. From comfortable Alaskan rooms to really good dining at the lodge, it’s a top pick for where to stay in Seward.
The wildlife in Kenai Fjords National Park is precisely why people make the journey to Alaska. From humpback whales and sea otters to moose and porcupines, these are the best tips for what wildlife to watch for and how to get the best photos during your visit to the Kenai Peninsula.
Visiting Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska should be on everyone’s wildlife adventure bucket list. From amazing humpback whales and orcas to watching glaciers calve off into the fjords, it’s incredible. Guide to boat tours, hiking and planning Kenai Fjords NP.
The UnCruise Wilderness Legacy is an amazing way to do an family Alaska cruise. Engaging kids in nature and taking in astounding wildlife and views, this small ship cruise on the Inside Passage to Glacier Bay National Park is unique and unforgettable.
Olympic National Park is one of the most beautiful places in Washington State and a little tricky to visit. Our guide to hiking, beaches and where to stay at Olympic NP will help you plan a unique, memorable visit to this gem of a place.
Bellingham and Whatcom County have tons of great places to kayak. From Lake Whatcom to Birch Bay, the Northern Puget Sound is a beautiful summer kayaking destination.
Kayaking in the Tri Cities of Washington’s wine country is a mix of epic cliffs and rolling farm country. Top spots to kayak on the Columbia and Snake Rivers in Kennewick, Pasco and Richland, Washington.
Hiking at Mount Rainier National Park is a great summer activity. These are the best hikes with kids or for a reasonable challenge. From Paradise to Sunrise, Ohanapecosh to Lake Mowich, great hiking trails for any skill level.
Best family friendly Willamette Valley wineries near Portland are easy to get to. Map of wineries and top picks for wine tasting when you’re with kids in Oregon’s premier wine region.
The best things to do in Victoria BC with kids includes everything from really cool (and strange) museums to scavenger hunts around the city. Boat rides, Chinatown and Butchart Gardens await in Victoria BC.
With such a diverse landscape, there are so many mini-road trips you can do around Washington State. We’ve picked our favorite scenic drives that can be done in a day to see some of the best sights in Washington.
Cape Disappointment State Park in Ilwaco is NOT a disappointment at all! An awesome destination for hiking, biking and lighthouses, Cape Disappointment is great to visit in summer or storm season. Check out things to do and where to stay here!
Oregon’s Painted Hills are a unique natural wonder. See how to get there, when to visit, where to stay, and hiking trails at John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. Most incredible National Park in Oregon.
Hiking at Hurricane Ridge is one of the best day trips to the Olympic Peninsula. We’ve rated the trails rated from easiest to most difficult and included tips for visiting Hurricane Ridge any time of year.
The best things to do in Leavenworth, Washington are Bavarian, outdoorsy and uniquely Pacific Northwest. Find out more about the fun lodges and camping options, unique tourist activities, and great food that make it a year round vacation destination.
Cross country skiing in Leavenworth is a great way to explore the snowy backcountry in winter. Find out where to ski, where to rent skiing gear and what to expect on the ski trails of Leavenworth, Washington.
Bavarian Leavenworth is a great Pacific Northwest getaway. Here are 15 fun Bavarian things to do in Leavenworth that will take you back to alpine Europe without ever leaving Washington State.
A Portland weekend getaway is easy to plan with tons of things to do in summer or on a rainy day. Wine country, city parks and gardens, museums and for for a great trip to Portland, Oregon.
There are more than 100 lighthouses in the USA. These picks are beautiful, easy to visit and make for picturesque road trip adventures, from the Florida Keys to the Oregon Coast.
Staying fit while traveling has always been important to us. We make sure that wherever we go we stay active and when available, we take advantage of hotel fitness centers …
Cape Flattery on the Olympic Peninsula is a bucket list place to visit in Washington State. Hiking, wildlife, epic views and even a lighthouse make this a great weekend trip from Seattle.
Having grown up in the Pacific Northwest, I’ve always been familiar with the history of the area and some key figures in its settlement, including Lewis and Clark, the famous …
Visiting Hells Canyon, the deepest river gorge in the United States is an adventure. From jet boats to hiking, camping to staying in wine country, complete guide to exploring Hells Canyon ID / WA / OR.
Port Ludlow on the Olympic Peninsula is a gorgeous weekend getaway from Seattle. An easy stop on a road trip around the Olympic Peninsula, amazing food and outdoor activities wait in Port Ludlow.
We have had our first Kampgrounds of America (KOA) camping experience and are thrilled to share it with you. Before this trip we didn’t really know what to expect at …
A Washington / Oregon road trip is the dream of travelers around the world. From mountains to beaches, cities to small towns, this itinerary down the coast is easy and features National Parks, wine country, waterfalls and the best cheese.