Pacific Northwest vacations are the very definition of outdoor adventure.
Here I go again, giving myself another impossible task. The outdoor adventures are never-ending in the PNW. And so I struggle with putting together this list of the best outdoor activities in Oregon in Washington, because amazing adventures are literally everywhere, covering every square mile.
Exploring the diverse ecosystems of the Pacific Northwest is one of the best adventure vacations to be had on Earth. This is where your best nature vacation awaits. So whether you’re looking for a couple’s adventure vacation, a satisfying solo adventure getaway, or simply an outdoor weekend getaway, there so much to see and do here in the Pacific Northwest.
For each of these outdoor destinations, I have included links to my other articles for more in-depth information on each. Be sure to check out what interests you and start planning your next adventure in the Pacific Northwest.
The North Cascades
This is the best backcountry exploring you can experience in Washington State. For you film and TV buffs, think Twilight and Twin Peaks. Nicknamed the “American Alps,” North Cascades National Park is one of the most underrated and less-visited national parks in the lower 48. Scenic drives and magnificent overlooks only scratch the surface of the thickly covered treescapes stretching as far as the eye will take you. Be sure to hit at least 2-3 hikes in this immensely gorgeous area to truly get a sense of it. You will be humbled.
The Columbia River Gorge
“The Gorge” as we locals affectionally call it, is America’s largest National Scenic Area. I challenge you (seriously, I do) to find another area with so many stunning vistas. The almighty Columbia River unfurls as you travel along Interstate 84 from eastern Oregon into Portland. Along the way, there are numerable stops with tons of incredible hiking. Multnomah Falls is the crowd favorite, but you’d be remiss to ignore the other spectacular falls just a few miles apart from each other. Bring your sense of adventure, because the Gorge is ripe for exploring. Watersports’ fans will appreciate the amazing fishing, sailing, SUP, boating, kayaking, and jet skiing opportunities on the Columbia.
The San Juan Islands
An inspiration for the senses, half of the fun is taking the Washington State ferries to get to these gorgeous islands, found smack dab in the heart of Puget Sound. While there are only a handful of islands that are habitable and even fewer that are set up to receive tourists, the San Juans is actually an archipelago of 172 islands, some of which are only visible during low tide. The three major ones are San Juan, Orcas, and Lopez Island. The area is perhaps most famous for the resident pods of Orca whales. Three pods of whales live here and feed primarily on salmon. Other marine mammals found here are harbor seals, sea lions, river otters, minke whales, Dall’s porpoise, as well as a host of cetaceans and crustaceans. So as you can imagine, whale tours are a big thing here.
Oregon Coast Adventures
Spanning 363 miles and following the rugged Oregon coast, the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway (Highway 101) is the road to take. From Washington to California (and vice versa) explore amazing beaches, breathtaking lookouts of the Pacific Ocean, and charming seaside towns with incredible seafood and other delectables. Got a month to kill? Perfect, because you’ll need that much time to get to know it all. Those with less calendar space can read my posts on shortening your journey by sticking to the Northern, Central, or Southern Oregon coast itineraries.
Inspiring sea stacks, shifting sand dunes, scenic lighthouses, blazing sunsets, and whale watching opportunities abound all up and down the coastline. Here, the heady aroma of seawater is forever present, and the next great hike is just around the bend. The scenery of the drive along the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway alone is worth the trip.
Bend, Oregon
What was not long ago a fledgling, landlocked mill town is now a world-class destination and a jumping off point for outdoor enthusiasts. Today it is equal parts a ski bunnies dream, a mecca for the craft beer scene, and a spa, shopping, and dining destination in the form of picturesque downtown Bend. The city is tucked neatly at the apex of the Deschutes National Forest, the Cascade Mountain Range, and high desert country. The Three Sisters Mountains (Faith, Hope, and Charity) and Mt. Bachelor offer amazing skiing opportunities, and the Deschutes River is one of the world’s best spots for whitewater rafting.
Mount Rainier
The highest point in the Pacific Northwest at 14,410 feet, you can well imagine that Mount Rainier is the shining star of the Cascade Mountain Range. It is a glacier-capped, active volcano that from a clear day can be seen hundreds of miles away. Old-growth forests, hundreds of miles of hiking trails, ski opportunities galore in the winter, and loads of wildflowers in the spring make this a must-do-destination when in Washington State.
And not to scare you off, but because of its active volcano status, with its high probability of eruption in the near future, it is also one of the most dangerous. But hey, don’t let that stop you. Those geologists know what they’re doing, and trust me, they will give out plenty of notice should an eruption be eminent. Mount Rainier became a National Park in 1899, making it the 4th national park to be established. In fact, my next blog post is all about this amazing park.
