3 Great Places to Visit in Each Pacific Northwest State

Are you taking a trip to the Pacific Northwest? Whether you’re going to Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, or Washington, you’ll find a lot to do! From beautiful national parks, to great, bustling cities, there is something for everyone in the PNW. Here are the three top things to do in each of the Pacific Northwest states.

Alaska

Fun Facts:

• There are about three million lakes in Alaska
• Alaska has more coastlines than all of the US combined
• Lake Iliamna in Alaska is about the size of Connecticut
• Alaska is 547 times bigger than Rhode Island, the smallest state in the US

1. Denali National Park and Preserve

As America’s third largest national park, the Denali National Park and Preserve has over six million acres of beautiful lands and wildlife. In its 9,500 square miles, you’ll fnd rivers, mountains, lakes, and trails. With mountain climbing, boating, kayaking and canoeing, and hiking, it is no wonder why Denali is voted the sixth best national park. To learn more about it, visit https://www.nps.gov/dena/index.htm.

2. Anchorage

With lakes, mountains, rivers, fjords, and relatively warm weather, Anchorage is a must-see city in Alaska. As Alaska’s biggest city, it is booming with great restaurants and attractions. Nature-lovers will definitely want to stay; Anchorage is surrounded by the beautiful Chugach State Park. With a population of about 300 thousand, Anchorage has a perfect balance of people and nature. To learn more, visit https://www.anchorage.net/.

3. Juneau

Juneau, Alaska is a popular tourist destination for many people who visit Alaska. Wedged between the water and the snow-capped Mount Roberts, Juneau is full of breathtaking views. Besides the mountains and oceans, you’ll find rivers, lakes, and even glaciers. Whether you want to explore the city, take a long hike, go mountain climbing, or look at wildflowers, Juneau is the place for you! If you wish to learn more, visit https://www.traveljuneau.com/.

Idaho

Fun Facts:

• Idaho grows about a third of America’s potatoes
• It is called the Gem State
• Idaho has the seventh lowest population density of the states in the US

1. Boise

Boise is the capital city of Idaho. With restaurants, historic sites, recreational areas, and plenty of museums, you can stay entertained for a while in Boise. You’ll find plenty of activities there, including boating, hiking, skiing, or just opportunities for exercising and enjoying the day. Whether you’re on a business trip, just passing through, or staying for awhile, Boise has something for everyone. To learn more, visit https://www.cityofboise.org/.

2. Sun Valley

Sun Valley is a popular resort town in Idaho. If you are looking for recreation in Idaho, then Sun Valley is the place to be. The resort is perfect for anyone looking to ski, snowboard, ice skate, hike, mountain bike, golf, shop, dine, or enjoy the week. Next to Bald Mountain and Dollar Mountain, there is plenty to explore all year round. If you wish to look up more, visit https://www.sunvalley.com/ or https://www.visitsunvalley.com/.

3. Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve

Do you want to visit a great national monument? Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve is a park like no other. With lava fields, caves, hot and dark volcanic soil, and other geological creations, Craters of the Moon is a very unique monument that everyone will remember for years to come. It may be strange that there is something so crazy in the middle of Idaho, but it is a true wonder that many people cherrish. To learn more, visit https://www.nps.gov/crmo/index.htm.

Oregon

Fun Facts:

• Home to the deepest lake in the US – Crater Lake
• More ghost towns than in any other state
• Has the most bicyclists than any other state
• No sales tax

1. Crater Lake National Park

Crater Lake is a volcanic caldera that formed a long time ago when Mount Mazama fell shortly after its eruption, and was then filled with rain water. Since 1902, it has been a spectacular national park. Known for its clear blue waters, and being the deepest lake in the US, you will be amazed with this 21 square miles of beautiful water. Whether you want to take a drive on a Rim Drive, go for a swim off of the Cleetwood Cove Trail, or enjoy a bike ride or hike, Crater Lake will make a great stop for you. Learn more at https://www.nps.gov/crla/index.htm.

2. Portland

As the largest city in Oregon, Portland is full of culture, activities, and exciting opportunities. Whether you want to eat at its many restaurants, exercise on its many trails, or take a day trip to Mount Hood or Crater Lake, Portland is a great place to stay and explore. With a good quality of life and high education rates and income, Portland is considered the seventh best city to live in, so you should have a great time! Learn more at https://www.travelportland.com/.

3. Multnomah Falls

About thirty miles from Portland, you’ll find the Multnomah Falls in the Columbia River Gorge. With two beautiful flowing falls, the upper and the lower, they are a sight to behold. Together, the falls are 620 feet tall. Though it isn’t much more than falls, trails, and bridges, it is truly wonderful to see. If you wish to learn some more, visit https://www.oregon.com/attractions/multnomah_falls.

Washington

Fun Facts:

• Only state to be named after a president
• Leading apple producer in the US
• Washington State was originally called Columbia

1. Seattle

Seattle is the capital city of Washington. With tons of diverse parks, shops, restaurants, and waterways, Seattle is a bustling city that is very fun to visit. Whether you’re going to the space needle, visiting the first Starbucks, going boating and fishing, or just visiting on a business trip, Seattle can accommodate you and your interests. Seattle, also known as the Emerald City, is voted the second coolest city in America, so make sure you have the coolest trip while you’re there! Learn more for your trip at https://visitseattle.org/.

2. Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is probably the most beautiful national park in the US. It is full of 1,442 square miles of diverse habitats and exciting recreational activities. With oceans, beaches, tidepools, islands, rain forests, forests, swamps, snow-capped mountains, trails, and scenic drives, Olympic National Park will never grow old for anyone. Olympic National Park even boasts rivers, streams, lakes, glaciers, whales, and many unique animals! It is a truly unique park that you should consider on your PNW trip. Plan your trip at https://www.nps.gov/olym/index.htm.

3. Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier National Park consists of 369 square miles of meadows, mountains, forests, rivers, and glaciers. In the park, you’ll have opportunities to ski, bike, hike, run, raft, or climb. Mt. Rainier, which is a volcanic mountain, has plenty of interesting geological features for those interested. Dedicated to the third most prominent mountain in the US, Mount Rainier National Park is a unique place in Washington that you can’t miss. Learn more at https://www.nps.gov/mora/index.htm.

If you are looking for some travel guides for the PNW, here are three great ones:

• DK Eyewitness Pacific Northwest Travel Guide
• Lonely Planet Pacific Northwest’s Best Trips Travel Guide
• Fodor’s Pacific Northwest Travel Guide

Haave a great trip to the Pacific Northwest. If you liked this article, be sure to check out more on planandorganize.com. We have a wide range of articles, so you’ll find many interesting topics to read about!

Sources:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g28923-Activities-Alaska.html

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g28933-Activities-Idaho.html

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g28958-Activities-Oregon.html

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g28968-Activities-Washington.html