Let’s Explore the Pacific Northwest!

As you may have realized, droves of people are on the hunt for exhilarating experiences after working up an appetite for memory-making over the past few years. That’s right – ‘tis the season for dusting off those epic bucket lists.

While groups of influencers may be flocking to private islands and luxurious resorts in first-class seats, there are plenty of things to devour in your very own backyard.

What is there to do in the Pacific Northwest, for those of you that may need to take a quick drive or flight? Well…

Imagine tiptoeing into another world. Within the Pacific Northwest, you’ll find fairy-tale views comparable to scenes from the Wrinkle Before Time and evergreen scents fresher than outdoorsy Yankee Candles. This region is also home to some of the most dramatic landscapes including lush forests, towering rock formations, emerald-hued water, and rainbow-filled waterfalls.

We’re delighted to share with you a list of escapades that will even make your well-traveled acquaintances super jealous. While there are thousands of Pacific Northwest getaways to get giddy over, we hand-selected options that are bucket-list-worthy and easy to complete for most travelers to save you time.

Whether you want to try out Pacific Northwest Cuisine, engage in adrenaline-rush activities, or venture off to a relaxing escape…. we have you covered. We’ve even listed a few splurge-worthy experiences for those that want to go big.

Bring on the adventure. Bring on the presence. Bring on the memories.

What Areas Are Included in the “Pacific Northwest” Anyway?

There are a ton of different opinions on this (we’ll spare you the details); however, for this list, we have included Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. Enjoy!

Things to Do in Washington

$: Completely free experiences

• Channel your inner Edward Cullen and walk through the luscious green Hoh Rainforest.
  • Make sure to wear a contrasting color, like red, for a classic Insta shot.
• Take a stroll around Bellevue’s Downtown Park to witness what dreams are made out of.
  • Pack a picnic and view flocks of ducks totally in their element.
• Grab your winter gear and visit the Bavarian-themed town of Leavenworth.
  • Bolster your holiday spirit as you tiptoe through the Icicle Creek listening to nostalgic jams, hot chocolate in hand.

$: Affordable experiences

• Pick up a stunning spring bouquet to brighten someone’s day from Pike Place Market in Seattle ($10 – $25)
  • Get lost in the soul of the emerald city as you watch vendors pass salmon through the air.
• Take a whimsical ferry ride to Whidbey or Bainbridge Island ($4.25 per ticket)
  • Make sure to research farm-to-table restaurants and wineries you want to visit as you watch sailboats drifting in the Puget Sound.
• Conquer the Paradise Loop trail in Mount Rainier National Park. ($15 for a pass)
  • You’ll see the majestic Mount Rainier, a crystal blue lake, and an array of colorful wildflowers.
• Camp overnight at La Push as you breathe in the brisk air from the Pacific Ocean. ($15 for a permit)
  • Plan for an unforgettable night filled with driftwood, gigantic rocks, and sea salt as you fall asleep gazing at the stars.
• Embrace the chilly Cascadian mist at Snoqualmie Falls ($5 for parking)
• Ride through the rolling hills within Northwest’s wine country in Walla Walla ($20 for the entrance fee)
• Visit Skagit Valley in the springtime where you’ll catch views of blooming tulips and daffodils. (Typically, $20 for access but keep in mind it’s free from the road!)
  • You’ll want to frolic in the fields, just like Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz.
• Watch powerful falls crash down near you at Palouse Falls ($10 for parking)
• Wander throughout the Cape Flattery Trail in Neah Bay ($10 for pass)
• Take a seat on a Puget Sound Express tour and watch whales in Port Townsend. ($85)

 $: Splurge experiences

• Decide for yourself what the buzz is all about from Din Tai Fung. ($35 per person)
  • Main courses include homemade dumplings and the best spicy noodles you’ve ever had.
• Dine at the majestic and extravagant Willows Inn on Lummi Island for an unforgettable farm-to-table extravaganza ($225 per person)

Things to Do in Oregon

$: Completely free experiences

• Grab a café and get lost in Powell’s Book Store in Portland which has over 68,000 square feet of books.
  • Helpful Hint: You’ll want to clarify your budget BEFORE entering.
• Head to Hood River’s waterfront park, a leading destination for outdoorsy activities and kiteboarders galore.
• Create your wellness retreat and experience Float On SUP Yoga where you can focus on your chakras among osprey, bald eagles, and egrets.
• Visit the Columbia River Gorge and chase Multnomah Falls, the largest waterfall in Oregon!

$: Affordable experiences

• Enjoy southwest vibes and go hiking in Smith Rock State Park in Bend ($5 for a pass).
• Find out first-hand why Smith Rock is one of the 7 Wonders of Oregon.
• Grab your sweatpants and create your mouth-watering food tour in Portland. Don’t forget to add Blue Star Donuts, Salt & Straw, Pine State Biscuits, ¿Por Qué No? and the Tin Shed Garden Cafe.
• Pack your Pendleton Blanket and head to Crater Lake National Park. ($25 for a pass). This cobalt-blue masterpiece happens to be one of the USA’s deepest and clearest lakes.
• Engage in the Rogue Valley Food Trail to experience farmers’ markets, festivals, and orchards.

$: Splurge experiences

• Book a trip for two at Tu Tu’ Tun Lodge, which is situated right next to a babbling Rogue River. ($300 per night).
• Experience first-hand why Butte’s Brasada Ranch was named “Best Resort in the PNW” by Conde Nast Traveler ($319 per night).
• Allow Cannon Beach to rejuvenate your soul with herds of wild bunnies, fresh ice cream, and moody beach vibes. Snag a room at the Hallmark Resort near Haystack Rock for a true moment of tranquility as you enjoy the rugged coastline. ($300 per night).

Things to Do in Idaho

$: Completely free experiences

• Learn the meaning behind “purple gold” means and go huckleberry Picking at Priest Lake.
• Travel across the route of the Hiawatha which is also coined the “crown jewel” of mountain bike adventures.
• Gaze at a sunset at Fall Creek Falls situated next to the Sawtooth Mountains.
• Take a stroll within the Boise River Greenbelt pathway and catch views of the active parks nearby.
• Bring your kids or pets to Bruneau Dunes State Park where all will have fun riding down dunes.
• Explore Sawtooth National Recreation Area known for its beautiful alpine lake and summer vibes.

$: Affordable experiences

• Catch miles of glistening lake views at Coeur d’Alene.
  • Enjoy the town’s unparalleled classic food scene such as Hudson’s Hamburgers; they use the same recipe dating back to 1907!
• Visit Shoshone Falls, also coined as the “Niagara Falls” of the Pacific Northwest.
• Drive across the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway, situated right next to the Kirkham Hot Springs ($5 parking fee)
• Soak in the Lava Hot Springs off of the Portneuf River and experience the mineral-rich water. ($5 parking fee)

$: Splurge experiences

• Indulge in a horse-drawn sleigh and picturesque mountain views at Sun Valley Resort ($350 per night)
• Reserve the Huckleberry cabin at Teton Springs Lodge & Spa and prepare for cozy accommodations ($643 per night)

And there you have it! We hope you enjoy these epic bucket list experiences. We would love to know in the comments which one you’ve decided to pursue next and/or if you have suggestions on experiences that we missed!