Pacific Northwest Travel Guide

Goldengate Bridge in Fog

Seattle Skyline

Yosemite Valley

Crater Lake

Beervana, Portland, Oregon

Northside of Mount Hood

Willamette River, Portland Skyline

Frank Gehry Designed EMP

A Localvores dream

Commercial Street Vancouver BC

Tokatee Falls

Pinot Grapes

Sitting in an almost forgotten corner of globe, the Pacific Northwest has had the fortune of being hidden from the rest of the world for much of its history. One of the last areas of North America to be explored by European voyagers, the region has remained insulated since the steady flow of Oregon Trail settlers, only occasionally noticed by those on the other side of the mountains. The end result has created a culture proud of their home; from the rugged coastline to the volcanic mountain ranges, this diverse landscape seems to be endless in its bounty.

There was an important distinction wagons had to make after setting out from Independence, Missouri: whether to aim for fortune in California or the promise of a new "Eden" so plentiful it supported more advanced Native American culture than any hunter-gatherer people in the world. Those that made it past the Cascades found a mild climate suited to cultivating a plethora of niche crops which continues to drive a strong local food culture. Nearly every city and town has a farmer's market showcasing the prizes of the surrounding countryside and each season brings new treasures to numerous to list. From fine dining to the food cart, each meal is reason to celebration with enough craft beer, wine or spirits to match.

Each season also brings new opportunity to explore the outdoors, and Northwesterners are ready to hit the trail, river or mountain every chance they can. With publicly protected land sitting just a short drive from every city, it's easy to wander off during the day and be back in time for an evening show. Our cities consider nature a public rite and urban forests are often walking distance from downtown. Whether you are biking, hiking, climbing, rafting or skiing, you're always close enough for adventure and far enough from the crowds.

But if you long to get lost in the city, an abundance of cultural activities and civic festivals is at hand. New bands are constantly emerging from the thriving local music scenes and art walks remain the best excuse to revel with budding artists in the galleries and on the streets. Urban bike culture is strong up and down the Northwest Coast and a network of bike boulevards and friendly drivers make riding two wheels one of the best ways to see the sights. But if walking is more your style, efficient public transportation systems helps fill in the gaps while visiting museums, independent theaters, parks and gardens, markets and brewpubs.