The Pacific Northwest of the United States is the perfect opposite of Southern California. Along the long Pacific Ocean coastline, from Oregon in the south to the Bering Strait at the tip of Alaska, there is much to see and do on the cooler and foggier side of the tourist map. Seattle, in the state of Washington, is the main city in the area, where the grunge culture was born and is still associated with a cold image and a unique culture in America. Its neighbor, Vancouver, across the Canadian border, is considered one of the top living cities in the world, along with Portland to the south. Above the cities are the stunning peaks of the Cascade Range, topped by the magnificent Mount Rainier with its very popular national park. Crater Lake National Park is also a unique natural feature in the southern part of Oregon. To the north – Alaska is a unique territory and a rare destination for cruises among glaciers and particularly wild natural expanses.

Guides and Information for Traveling in the Pacific Northwest USA

Everything About Planning a Trip to the Pacific Northwest USA

How long is needed for a Pacific Northwest trip?

For visiting the major cities – Portland, Seattle, and Vancouver, you need at least two days per city. For trips to the national parks of Crater Lake, Mount Rainier, Mount Olympus, and more, you also need a day or two per park. The Alaska cruise lasts between one to two weeks, depending on the route, including a visit to the magnificent Denali National Park.

What must be seen and done in the Pacific Northwest?

Seattle – The wonderful grunge city

Portland – High culture and stunning nature in the area

Vancouver – The peak of Canadian quality

Mount Rainier National Park – Stunning mountain scenery

Crater Lake National Park – Wild nature on cliffs above the caldera (volcanic crater)

Alaska – Whales and bears alongside glaciers

When is it advisable to visit the Pacific Northwest?

The Pacific Northwest USA is a harsh region weather-wise, and it is advisable to visit only in the summer. From the fall to late spring, from Portland northward, the weather is cold and foggy, with many rainy days. During this period, Alaska is almost inaccessible. In the summer, you can see the spectacular peaks, and it can even be warm here and there.

How to plan a trip route in the Pacific Northwest?

The travel routes in the Pacific Northwest USA are based on a linear line near the Pacific Ocean coast, on Highway 5 or on Highway 1 along the coast. The route is from Crater Lake in the south, through Portland to Seattle and Vancouver. To reach Alaska, it is recommended to go by cruise ship on various routes.