The Pacific Northwest

Pacific Northwest Travel tips and Destination guides:

Best Times to Visit
What to Expect
Washington State
Portland, Oregon

Best Hiking in the PNW
Hiking Tips for Beginners
Rose Gardens
Volcanoes

Hiking Gear and Attire
Rainy Weather
Mount Hood
The Pearl District

The best time to visit the PNW is summer time. Nine out of the twelve months are cold and grey, so summer is ideal for warmer, sunny weather that make it perfect for hiking, coastal road trips and observing all the natural beauty.

Fall brings stunning warm tones, fewer crowds and excellent wine tasting opportunities in Washington and Oregon.

The Pacific Northwest (PNW) is know for its lush landscapes, vibrant cities, and unpredictable weather – so always pack layers!

But don’t let that stop you from enjoy the day outside.

The region is eco-conscious, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, outdoor recreation, locally sourced food and the greenest of trees.

Featured on the Blog

A Day at Portlands International Test Garden

The Best Hiking & Exploring in the Pacific Northwest

Hiking to See Five Cascading Volcanoes in Washington

Things to See

The PNW is a dream destination for outdoor lovers, city explorers and most importantly… coffee enthusiasts. With green lush forests full of epic hiking trails, to quirky city culture, this region offers the perfect mix of excitement and curiosity.

Portland is the city that thrives on individuality, and nowhere is that more evident than in its thriving local statement “Keep Portland Weird”.

Full of interesting international food carts and the famous Voodoo Doughnut’s wild flavors, Portland is the ultimate MUST for foodies. Every corner has a new restaurant to try with endless options to choose from. This place is a paradise for food lovers.

The Pearl District is a hotspot for trendy boutiques, more restaurants and some of the best coffee shops in the country, making this place the perfect place to spend an entire day wandering and indulging.

Beyond the city, the Pacific Northwest offers some of the best hiking in the country. The Columbia River Gorge, just a short drive from Portland, is packed with incredible trails.

If you’re up for the challenge, the Enchantments in the North Cascades provides a stunning landscape during the summer time. With pristine lakes with towering peaks in the distance, this place is one of the most sought-after backpacking destinations in the country.

1. Hiking Tips

Always carry a waterproof jacket and wear durable hiking boots. The terrain can be muddy in some areas depending on the time of year you go, or very rocky. Slipping or falling are common injuries. Keep a small sack pack with you to include water, & food.

2. Packing Tips

The Pacific Northwest is mostly a damp, cold and rainy place. Even if traveling in the summer time, it’s best to pack layers of clothing with an included waterproof rain jacket, and boots.

Accommodations: The PNW offers various housing such as cabins & lodges, boutique hotels & Inns, Rental homes, beachfront resorts and “glamping” yurts.

But the most common accommodation for this destination would be to stay in a cabin or lodge. For nature lovers and excitement seekers, cabins are by far one of the most classic ways to enjoy this part of the Earth.

Travel Costs: The major airports include Seattle (SEA), Portland (PDX) and Vancouver (YVR).

If traveling from the west coast up north to PNW, you can expect round trip plane tickets to be about $150-300. Midwest/East coast to be $250-500. International costs for airfare would be closer to $600-$1,200.

Prices are higher in the summer time.

Transportation: Car rentals can be anywhere from $50-100 a day, but public transportation is very common. Day passes for the bus is about $5-8.

Although, my favorite way to travel around the city was by public scooters.

Currency: The official currency of the U.S.A is the dollar (US).

Many U.S. shops, restaurants, and hotels accept credit cards, especially in larger cities.

It’s a good idea to carry cash for smaller towns, local markets, or tips for service staff.