last edited Dec 11, 2019
What to See in the Pacific Northwest
Location Map of Pacific Northwest
Pacific Northwest
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UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Of the twenty or so American sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, the region has two:
Olympic National Park (1981)
Close to Seattle, the area is famous for its forests, mountainous landscapes, and coastline where seals and whales can be spotted. It also offers trekking opportunities.
Close to Seattle, the area is famous for its forests, mountainous landscapes, and coastline where seals and whales can be spotted. It also offers trekking opportunities.
Yellowstone National Park (1978)
The world's oldest national park (1872), spanning three states (Idaho, Montana, and primarily Wyoming). It’s famous for its stunning landscapes, geysers, and wildlife (bears, wolves, elk, bison). You can hike or horseback ride here, as well as fish.
The world's oldest national park (1872), spanning three states (Idaho, Montana, and primarily Wyoming). It’s famous for its stunning landscapes, geysers, and wildlife (bears, wolves, elk, bison). You can hike or horseback ride here, as well as fish.
Idaho
Cities and Cultural Heritage
Boise
It's the capital and largest urban area of Idaho. Located at the foot of the Rockies, it offers a range of outdoor activities in the surrounding area (hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, skiing, etc.).
It's the capital and largest urban area of Idaho. Located at the foot of the Rockies, it offers a range of outdoor activities in the surrounding area (hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, skiing, etc.).
Coeur d'Alene
A city in the northern part of the state, set in an environment perfect for outdoor sports and nature activities.
A city in the northern part of the state, set in an environment perfect for outdoor sports and nature activities.
Custer County
Several ghost towns like Bonanza and Custer can be discovered in this rural county in central Idaho, which experienced its heyday during the Gold Rush in the late 19th century.
Several ghost towns like Bonanza and Custer can be discovered in this rural county in central Idaho, which experienced its heyday during the Gold Rush in the late 19th century.
Sandpoint
This large lakeside and forested town attracts many visitors for its environment and skiing.
This large lakeside and forested town attracts many visitors for its environment and skiing.
Sun Valley
This is the major winter sports resort in Idaho, which has around twenty. Hiking and rafting are also possible in the surrounding area.
This is the major winter sports resort in Idaho, which has around twenty. Hiking and rafting are also possible in the surrounding area.
Natural Heritage
Shoshone Falls
Spectacular falls along the Snake River. Locally nicknamed the "Niagara Falls of the West.".
Spectacular falls along the Snake River. Locally nicknamed the "Niagara Falls of the West.".
Hells Canyon
Spanning both Oregon and Idaho, this very deep canyon, around fifteen kilometers long, is renowned for its landscapes and white-water rafting.
Spanning both Oregon and Idaho, this very deep canyon, around fifteen kilometers long, is renowned for its landscapes and white-water rafting.
Yellowstone National Park
The world's oldest national park (1872), spanning three states (Idaho, Montana, and primarily Wyoming). It’s famous for its stunning landscapes, geysers, and wildlife (bears, wolves, elk, bison). You can hike or horseback ride here, as well as fish.
The world's oldest national park (1872), spanning three states (Idaho, Montana, and primarily Wyoming). It’s famous for its stunning landscapes, geysers, and wildlife (bears, wolves, elk, bison). You can hike or horseback ride here, as well as fish.
Oregon Trail
This is the historic route of the American Westward Expansion, leading 19th-century pioneers from Missouri to the shores of the Pacific.
This is the historic route of the American Westward Expansion, leading 19th-century pioneers from Missouri to the shores of the Pacific.
City of Rocks National Reserve
The site offers a semi-desert landscape with massive, impressive rocks perfect for climbing and trekking. The place is also known as the "Silent City of Rocks".
The site offers a semi-desert landscape with massive, impressive rocks perfect for climbing and trekking. The place is also known as the "Silent City of Rocks".
Craters of the Moon National Reserve
Located in a plains area in the central part of the state, this is a vast, desolate lava field with a few caves (actually "lava tubes").
Located in a plains area in the central part of the state, this is a vast, desolate lava field with a few caves (actually "lava tubes").
Sawtooth Range
This is a mountain range in central Idaho where you can hike, mountain bike, canoe, raft, climb, and fish.
This is a mountain range in central Idaho where you can hike, mountain bike, canoe, raft, climb, and fish.
Oregon
Cities and Cultural Heritage
Bend
The city's appeal lies in its location, which allows for a wide range of outdoor activities in the surrounding area, such as trekking, mountain biking, rafting, and more.
The city's appeal lies in its location, which allows for a wide range of outdoor activities in the surrounding area, such as trekking, mountain biking, rafting, and more.
Lewis and Clark National Historical Park
A collection of small sites of historical significance, notably retracing the journey of explorers Lewis and Clark through the region in the early 19th century.
A collection of small sites of historical significance, notably retracing the journey of explorers Lewis and Clark through the region in the early 19th century.
Portland
It is the largest city in Oregon; one in two state residents lives in its metropolitan area, which isn’t necessarily the most tourist-focused.
It is the largest city in Oregon; one in two state residents lives in its metropolitan area, which isn’t necessarily the most tourist-focused.
Natural Heritage
Cascade Range
This long mountain range parallel to the Pacific features volcanoes, glaciers, lakes, and peaks inhabited by bears, elk, and other wildlife. It offers hiking, skiing, canoeing, and climbing.
This long mountain range parallel to the Pacific features volcanoes, glaciers, lakes, and peaks inhabited by bears, elk, and other wildlife. It offers hiking, skiing, canoeing, and climbing.
Columbia Gorge
A 130-kilometre canyon along the Columbia River, forming the border between Oregon and Washington State. Stunning landscapes to explore via a scenic route or hiking trails.
A 130-kilometre canyon along the Columbia River, forming the border between Oregon and Washington State. Stunning landscapes to explore via a scenic route or hiking trails.
Hells Canyon
Spanning both Oregon and Idaho, this very deep canyon, around fifteen kilometers long, is renowned for its landscapes and white-water rafting.
Spanning both Oregon and Idaho, this very deep canyon, around fifteen kilometers long, is renowned for its landscapes and white-water rafting.
John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
A site with stunning, ever-changing landscapes that is home to countless fossils.
A site with stunning, ever-changing landscapes that is home to countless fossils.
Mount Hood
This volcano, the highest peak in Oregon and home to the famous hotel from the film *The Shining*, offers great opportunities for mountaineering, hiking, skiing, and summer camping.
This volcano, the highest peak in Oregon and home to the famous hotel from the film *The Shining*, offers great opportunities for mountaineering, hiking, skiing, and summer camping.
Oregon Caves National Monument
A series of caves in southwestern Oregon, very popular with families.
A series of caves in southwestern Oregon, very popular with families.
Oregon Coast
Despite deforestation, the coast offers a succession of beautiful landscapes over roughly 300 to 400 kilometres. It attracts visitors more for its scenery, lighthouses, and activities than for swimming. A road, US Highway 101, runs along it continuously.
Despite deforestation, the coast offers a succession of beautiful landscapes over roughly 300 to 400 kilometres. It attracts visitors more for its scenery, lighthouses, and activities than for swimming. A road, US Highway 101, runs along it continuously.
Crater Lake National Park
The state's only national park. It's a volcanic lake, very popular, which you can explore by boat if you wish. You can also hike, fish, and even dive here.
The state's only national park. It's a volcanic lake, very popular, which you can explore by boat if you wish. You can also hike, fish, and even dive here.
Oregon Trail
This is the historic route of the American Westward Expansion, leading 19th-century pioneers from Missouri to the shores of the Pacific.
This is the historic route of the American Westward Expansion, leading 19th-century pioneers from Missouri to the shores of the Pacific.
Washington (state)
Cities and Cultural Heritage
Grand Coulee Dam
This is a massive dam on the Columbia River. Over time, it has become a tourist attraction with its summer sound and light shows.
This is a massive dam on the Columbia River. Over time, it has become a tourist attraction with its summer sound and light shows.
San Juan Islands
These few hundred islands and islets bordering Canada are known for fishing, kayaking, diving, hiking, and cycling.
These few hundred islands and islets bordering Canada are known for fishing, kayaking, diving, hiking, and cycling.
Puget Sound
This inlet stretching as far as Seattle and beyond is prized for its islands, landscapes, whales, and outdoor activities.
This inlet stretching as far as Seattle and beyond is prized for its islands, landscapes, whales, and outdoor activities.
Seattle
The largest urban area in the American Northwest, with parks, museums, beautiful architecture, all set in a natural environment.
The largest urban area in the American Northwest, with parks, museums, beautiful architecture, all set in a natural environment.
Spokane
The major city in eastern Washington State with plenty of outdoor activities in the surrounding area.
The major city in eastern Washington State with plenty of outdoor activities in the surrounding area.
Natural Heritage
Columbia Gorge
A 130-kilometre canyon along the Columbia River, forming the border between Oregon and Washington State. Stunning landscapes to explore via a scenic route or hiking trails.
A 130-kilometre canyon along the Columbia River, forming the border between Oregon and Washington State. Stunning landscapes to explore via a scenic route or hiking trails.
Mount Rainier National Park
The site is famous for being home to the volcano of the same name, which can also be climbed. This highly visited park also offers numerous opportunities for hiking, cycling, or skiing in beautiful landscapes.
The site is famous for being home to the volcano of the same name, which can also be climbed. This highly visited park also offers numerous opportunities for hiking, cycling, or skiing in beautiful landscapes.
North Cascades National Park
A stunning park of volcanoes, glaciers, lakes, and mountains where bears, elk, and other species live. Hiking, skiing, canoeing, and climbing are all possible here.
A stunning park of volcanoes, glaciers, lakes, and mountains where bears, elk, and other species live. Hiking, skiing, canoeing, and climbing are all possible here.
Olympic National Park
Close to Seattle, the area is famous for its forests, mountainous landscapes, and coastline where seals and whales can be spotted. It also offers trekking opportunities.
Close to Seattle, the area is famous for its forests, mountainous landscapes, and coastline where seals and whales can be spotted. It also offers trekking opportunities.
Must-see & highly recommended
Cascade Range
★★★★ This long mountain range parallel to the Pacific features volcanoes, glaciers, lakes, and peaks inhabited by bears, elk, and other…
Oregon Coast
★★★★ Despite deforestation, the coast offers a succession of beautiful landscapes over roughly 300 to 400 kilometres. It attracts visitors more…
Yellowstone National Park
★★★★ The world's oldest national park (1872), spanning three states (Idaho, Montana, and primarily Wyoming). It’s famous for its stunning…
Olympic National Park
★★★★ Close to Seattle, the area is famous for its forests, mountainous landscapes, and coastline where seals and whales can be spotted. It also…
Recommended
Crater Lake National Park
★★★ The state's only national park. It's a volcanic lake, very popular, which you can explore by boat if you wish. You can also hike, fish, and…
North Cascades National Park
★★★ A stunning park of volcanoes, glaciers, lakes, and mountains where bears, elk, and other species live. Hiking, skiing, canoeing, and…
Mount Rainier National Park
★★★ The site is famous for being home to the volcano of the same name, which can also be climbed. This highly visited park also offers numerous…
Puget Sound
★★★ This inlet stretching as far as Seattle and beyond is prized for its islands, landscapes, whales, and outdoor activities.
Worth a look / Other
Shoshone Falls
★★ Spectacular falls along the Snake River. Locally nicknamed the "Niagara Falls of the West."
Custer County
★★ Several ghost towns like Bonanza and Custer can be discovered in this rural county in central Idaho, which experienced its heyday during…
Willamette National Forest
★★ A vast forest where you can hike and canoe on Waldo Lake.
Columbia Gorge
★★ A 130-kilometre canyon along the Columbia River, forming the border between Oregon and Washington State. Stunning landscapes to explore via…
Hells Canyon
★★ Spanning both Oregon and Idaho, this very deep canyon, around fifteen kilometers long, is renowned for its landscapes and white-water…
San Juan Islands
★★ These few hundred islands and islets bordering Canada are known for fishing, kayaking, diving, hiking, and cycling.
John Day Fossil Beds National Monument
★★ A site with stunning, ever-changing landscapes that is home to countless fossils.
Craters of the Moon National Reserve
★★ Located in a plains area in the central part of the state, this is a vast, desolate lava field with a few caves (actually "lava tubes").
City of Rocks National Reserve
★★ The site offers a semi-desert landscape with massive, impressive rocks perfect for climbing and trekking. The place is also known as the…
Sawtooth Range
★★ This is a mountain range in central Idaho where you can hike, mountain bike, canoe, raft, climb, and fish.
Seattle
★★ The largest urban area in the American Northwest, with parks, museums, beautiful architecture, all set in a natural environment.
Grand Coulee Dam
★ This is a massive dam on the Columbia River. Over time, it has become a tourist attraction with its summer sound and light shows.
Bend
★ The city's appeal lies in its location, which allows for a wide range of outdoor activities in the surrounding area, such as trekking…
Boise
★ It's the capital and largest urban area of Idaho. Located at the foot of the Rockies, it offers a range of outdoor activities in the…
Coeur d'Alene
★ A city in the northern part of the state, set in an environment perfect for outdoor sports and nature activities.
Lewis and Clark National Historical Park
★ A collection of small sites of historical significance, notably retracing the journey of explorers Lewis and Clark through the region in…
Mount Hood
★ This volcano, the highest peak in Oregon and home to the famous hotel from the film *The Shining*, offers great opportunities for…
Mount St Helens
★ You can climb this volcano, which erupted in 1980.
Ocean Shores
★ The main seaside resort on the Pacific coast of Washington.
Olympia
★ The small city nestled at the foot of Puget Sound is the state capital.
Oregon Caves National Monument
★ A series of caves in southwestern Oregon, very popular with families.
Oregon Trail
★ This is the historic route of the American Westward Expansion, leading 19th-century pioneers from Missouri to the shores of the Pacific.
Portland (Oregon)
★ It is the largest city in Oregon; one in two state residents lives in its metropolitan area, which isn’t necessarily the most…
Yakima River
★ A river popular for canoeing and rafting.
Sandpoint
★ This large lakeside and forested town attracts many visitors for its environment and skiing.
Spokane
★ The major city in eastern Washington State with plenty of outdoor activities in the surrounding area.
Sun Valley
★ This is the major winter sports resort in Idaho, which has around twenty. Hiking and rafting are also possible in the surrounding area.
Tacoma
★ The state's third-largest city is also a port town with several museums.