Pacific Northwest holidays

Whether you’re planning a holiday to Washington or Oregon, or you plan to visit both these coastal states in one trip, we’d recommend setting aside some time to explore a city or two.
In Washington, the largest city is Seattle, where you’ll find heaps of things to do. You can catch 360-degree views from the top of the Space Needle, see incredible architecture at the Museum of Pop Culture, grab a bite from the famous Pike Place Market, or go for a picnic in Kerry Park.

As for Oregon, Portland is our city of choice for sightseeing. Spend some time indoors, exploring the brilliant galleries and museums. Or, hop between the many parks and tranquil gardens.

When it comes to Pacific North West holidays, outdoor adventure is where it’s at. And, in Washington, you’re inundated with options.
To experience that quintessential ‘coastal wilderness’, make your way to Olympic National Park – located along the Olympic Peninsula. Soak up the majestic forest and mountain scenery, or visit in winter to go snow-shoeing around Hurricane Ridge.

If you’re a fan of photography, a trip to Mount St Helens is a must. And, if you’ve never seen an active stratovolcano before, fair warning, it’s pretty impressive. Go hiking or rock-climbing around the surrounding park, or book onto a helicopter tour for an unforgettable adventure.

If natural beauty is what you look for in a holiday destination, Oregon will be right up your street. Similarly to Washington, there’s plenty to explore here.
Surrounded by towering cliffs, with a cone-shaped island in the centre, Crater Lake is a sight to behold. Camping, hiking and mountain-biking are all popular activities here. Or, you can take a boat out across the lake, the deepest you’ll find across the whole of America.

Alternatively, if you’re more of a thrill-seeker, Smith Rock State Park is the place to go. The ultimate playground for fans of rock-climbing, it’s packed with sharp spires and basalt cliffs, separated by vast canyons.

If you ask us, a summer road trip around the Pacific North West is hard to beat. During this time, you’ll see the landscape at its very best – and the weather will be pretty great, too. Over in Washington, summer afternoons can peak above 30°C and, down in Oregon, it’s a few degrees warmer still.

Spring and autumn also have their benefits, with great flight and hotel deals being a major pull. But, there tends to be a fair bit of rainfall at this time, which you might want to keep in mind. And, as for winter, this is also a great option. The snow-topped scenery is a real treat, and there are plenty of fun and festive activities you can join in with.