The Pacific Northwest is best known for its beautiful coastline, green hinterland, rainy weather and spectacular mountains.
There are hundreds of cities worth listing here. Some are:
Seattle
Portland
Ashland
spokane
The states make up the Pacific Northwest
Washington and
Oregon
Sometimes northern California, northern Idaho, and southeast Alaska
are also included.
The Pacific Northwest is home to a series of volcanoes, including the
iconic snow-capped Mount Rainier, which rises in western Washington and
symbolizes the natural beauty of the region. The Pacific Northwest is
also home to the Olympic Mountains on the spectacular Olympic Peninsula
and the Cascade Range, which stretches from Washington to Oregon and
even into northern California. Mount Hood is Oregon's best-known volcano
and is easily seen across both states. Between Mount Rainier and Mount
Hood is the infamous Mount St. Helens. Further south, there are no
volcanoes in the Cascade Range. In southern Oregon, Crater Lake is the
site of the massive explosion of Mount Mazama 7,700 years ago.
The Pacific Northwest is a region of great diversity, not only with
dramatic mountains, but also rugged coastlines, unique sand dunes,
sparkling streams, huge rivers, wide deserts, and picturesque forested
islands. Columbia Gorge Scenic Drive and its waterfalls follow the
mighty Columbia River, the natural border between Oregon and Washington.
Puget Sound is a large, complex waterway created by the latest glacial
cycle, which ended 14,000 years ago.
Unlike much of the country, the region's prehistory is rich and
evident. Areas such as Suquamish still actively practice Native American
traditions, and Northwest Native American art is a common theme in
contemporary urban public artwork. The city of Seattle is named after
Chief Seattle, and many other natural and built structures are named
after native peoples of the region.
Areas such as the Ebay's
Landing National Historic Reserve preserve vast areas much as they did
when the first European settlers came to the area, and the Lewis and
Clark National Historic Site along the Lewis and Clark National Historic
Trail preserves the area for future explorers.
Seattle's Smith Tower reigned for many years as the tallest building west of the Mississippi River, although it is now eclipsed by Seattle's modern skyscrapers. But interesting architecture can also be found in rural areas, like the 11 historic lighthouses that dot the Oregon coast. Michael Graves' Portland Building in downtown Portland is on the National Register of Historic Places for its prominence in postmodernist history. Frank Gehry's EMP/SFM Building is a highlight of Seattle's contemporary architecture.
While most of the well-known museums, such as the Seattle Art Museum and the Portland Art Museum, tend to be located in larger cities, quality museums are scattered throughout the region. Even small towns sometimes have their own regional art and history museums that offer a glimpse into local art, history, and culture.
The mountain ranges that divide the state also promote cultural
divisions within the region. Two-thirds of the population lives west of
the Cascades, where environmentalism and other progressive views
dominate, while political thought in the east is more conservative.
Oregon was the first state to allow initiative and referendum, the
first to enact a beverage container deposit law (also known as the
bottle bill), the first state to legalize physician-assisted suicide,
one of the first states to legalize medical marijuana, and the first
state to hold all elections by mail It was the first state to do so.
Portland was the first city of its size to elect a gay mayor. Washington
was the first state to legalize marijuana, while Seattle was the first
major U.S. city to have a female mayor and one of the first states to
legalize same-sex marriage.
The Pacific Northwest has a
reputation for technological innovation and is known for its airplane
and computer product factories. Some of the large and well-known
companies that call the Northwest home include: Costco, Eddie Bauer,
Expedia, Amazon, Nordstrom, Starbucks, Tully's Coffee, Boeing,
Microsoft, Intel, and Nike.
The Pacific Northwest is an outdoor destination with an amazing array
of places to experience nature. Although best known for its national
parks, there are hundreds of state and regional parks that offer a wide
range of recreational opportunities, from rock climbing to sea kayaking.
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission alone has 40 marine
parks in Puget Sound that together provide more than 8,500 feet of
public mooring space, the largest state-managed mooring system. There
are lots of fun activities to do. It also has great honey.
Beachcombing. Beachcombing is very popular on the Pacific Coast, but its
size and the vast expanses of land between towns make it easy to find
your own isolated spot to explore. Shells and driftwood are considered
part of the natural environment and should not be removed. Be gentle
with marine life, keep your distance from nesting birds, seals, and
other shore animals, and always return anything removed from the
shoreline.
Take a Boat The Pacific Northwest is one of the most
popular places in the U.S. for cruising by small boat. Breathtaking
views of snow-capped mountain ranges mingle with lush forests and clear
bays and streams, creating a humble cacophony of natural sights for
boaters in the region. Carved out by ancient glaciers, areas like the
Puget Sound offer intricate and intricate waterways and endless
opportunities for exploration. Harbor seals, otters, sea lions, bald
eagles, and white herons are common sights, and seeing killer whales and
gray whales is not a dream.
Fishing. From trout fly fishing in remote
mountain streams to shell digging along the coast, fishing is popular
throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Hiking and wilderness backpacking.
Very popular throughout the region, especially in the Cascades and
Olympic Mountains. The Pacific Crest Trail is a 4,260-km
border-to-border trail that runs through Oregon, Washington, and
California. Other hiking/backpacking opportunities are almost
everywhere, from coastal trails to paths through old-growth temperate
rainforests, from desert highlands to high-elevation overlooks.
Mountain Biking. Mountain biking opportunities are almost everywhere in
the Pacific Northwest. From leisurely rides through wine country to
extreme mountain trails designed specifically for the sport, Pacific
Northwest mountain bikers respect the landscape by staying on trails
that are clearly marked for bicycles only.
Rock Climbing The North
Cascades are especially famous for some of the most rugged alpine
climbing in the lower 48 states, but there are popular areas throughout
the region for all skill levels, including Smith Rock in Central Oregon.
Sea Kayaking Sea kayaking is a sport that originated in the Pacific
Northwest. The region has thousands of miles of intricate coastline to
explore, including the San Juan Islands and the Cascadia Marine Trail in
Puget Sound. Suitable for day or multi-day trips, the Cascadia Marine
Trail offers more than 50 public and private campgrounds or campsites
accessible from shoreline trailheads. The National Park Service has
selected the Kitsap Peninsula Water Trail as its "Trail of the Month"
for December 2012. Click here for a PDF of the Water Trail Map.
Scuba
Diving The cold waters of the Pacific Northwest require a bit more
equipment and training than other warmer waters, but the experience is
worth it. The region is home to some of the best diving in the world,
and many of the dive sites are completely covered with colorful sea life
that is beyond description. Not surprisingly, renowned underwater
explorer Jacques Cousteau named Puget Sound his second favorite dive
area in the world.
Skiing. The Pacific Northwest offers year-round
skiing and many near urban areas, including Mt. Hood near Portland, home
to the largest night ski area in the U.S., Mt. Bachelor ski area near
Bend, Oregon, and Mt. Baker, Washington, where you can ski the glaciers
in July. There are many snow ski resorts near urban areas, such as Mt.
Most ski areas offer alpine and Nordic skiing, as well as snowboarding.
Surfing. Surfing is popular along the coast and is seasonal in Admiralty
Inlet. Surfers have created another Northwest tradition of strapping
surfboards into backpacks and hauling the boards and surfers to the
waves. The Clean Water Classic is the largest pro/am surf competition in
the Pacific Northwest and is held annually in Westport, Washington.
Whale Watching Spring and fall are excellent times to observe gray
whale migration. Orca whales are often seen in the San Juan Islands and
other areas of Puget Sound. Many specialized tours are available, or you
can check online for updates on various whale-watching groups.
Whitewater Sports. Whitewater sports are available on many rivers,
especially the Snake River.
Many people associate the Pacific Northwest with a lush region with copious amounts of rain in the winter and wonderful sunshine in the summer. However, the Northwest's climate is largely defined by its impressive natural features. Most importantly, not only are the mountains a convenient watershed, but each region of the state produces a different climate, from the Pacific coast to the valleys and beyond the mountains to the desert regions. Travelers who visit more than one region during their stay will notice the stark differences between the regions, and it is worth noting that traveling throughout the region allows one to experience a truly diverse range of climates. The Pacific Northwest is the largest tropical rainforest and Puget Sound is the second largest estuary in the United States. Outdoor enthusiasts will never be bored.
Pacific Northwest accents are considered very similar to the common
American standard accent (native to the Midwest) that was popularized by
radio, television, and movies in the 20th century. People in this region
generally have little problem understanding English with different
accents. Because the Pacific Northwest attracts visitors from all over
the world, it is common to hear many foreign languages spoken in public
places in major tourist destinations.
Portland and Seattle have
large "international districts" where many Asian languages are spoken.
For example, Washington is the 13th most populous state, but has the 4th
largest Asian population by comparison. Spanish is spoken by a majority
in several small areas of eastern Washington and Oregon. Seattle's zip
code 98118, centered in the Columbia City area of south Seattle, is
considered by the U.S. Census Bureau to be the most ethnically diverse
zip code in the country, with 59 different languages in regular use.
Chinook Jargon was the established pidgin or trade language among
the region's indigenous peoples. After contact with Europeans, French,
English, and Cree words entered the language, and "eventually Chinook
became the lingua franca of as many as 250,000 people along the Pacific
slope from Alaska to Oregon." Chinook Jargon reached its peak in the
19th century, but was still commonly used in resource and wilderness
areas well into the 20th century, especially among Native Americans and
Canadian First Nations, but also in resource and wilderness areas.
Chinook Jargon remained in use in Seattle until the eve of World War II,
making Seattle the last city where the language was widely used. Today,
Chinook influence is found primarily in place names and region-specific
slang. Some of these terms are difficult to pronounce and often create a
gap between tourists and local residents.
Examples of common
Chinook words
Potlatch - Chinook jargon for a ceremony involving a
meal and the exchange of gifts among a particular tribe; more recently,
it has also referred to potluck dinners and the giving of personal items
to friends.
Tillicum - means "people/people", "family" or "people".
Tyee - leader, chief, boss. Also called "Big Tyee" meaning "boss" or
celebrity.
The Pacific Northwest is a foodie's dream. Talented chefs and
entrepreneurs have capitalized on the Northwest's fabulous seafood,
abundance of local produce, award-winning wines, and well-developed
brewing traditions to establish a regional cuisine that is superior to
anything else in the United States. From the hundreds of food trucks
creatively competing for niche markets in Portland, where
experimentation is expected, to the top-notch restaurants tucked away in
almost every neighborhood, the people of the Pacific Northwest have high
expectations for their food.
The Pacific Northwest is famous for
its salmon, but a wide variety of other seafood is also available.
Seafood is often only available for short periods of time due to
seasonal migrations, so watch for seasonal specials at restaurants and
markets.
Shellfish are a valuable resource in Puget Sound, as the
cool, clean waters of Puget Sound are one of the best shellfish habitats
in the world. Washington State boasts the nation's number one production
of farmed bivalves (clams, mussels, and oysters), but other specialties
such as geoducks are sometimes available to the more adventurous.
Dungeness crab is a popular seafood prized for its sweet, tender
flesh and high fill rate. Its common name comes from the Port of
Dungeness, Washington, where the first commercial harvest of this crab
took place. The Dungeness crab is a commercially important crab in
Washington State territorial waters and was the first shellfish
commercially harvested in the region, although other species of crab are
also common.
The region's mild climate, rich soil, and abundant
water resources create a rich climate in which a wide variety of fresh
produce is available throughout the region. Farmers' markets are common
in both urban and rural areas and are a great way to experience local
culture and foods.
Apples are one of Washington's largest
exports, with over 100 million boxes of apples harvested and shipped
around the world each year. A wide variety of other crops, including
wheat, potatoes, nuts, and vegetables, are grown in abundance each year,
providing an abundance of fresh, locally grown produce.
Few U.S. regions can challenge coffee lovers in the Pacific
Northwest. According to a group of industry market researchers, the
Puget Sound region had a whopping 1,640 coffee shops in 2011, making it
the most popular coffee region in the country, but coffee is popular
throughout the Northwest. Not surprisingly, coffee giants like Starbucks
are exporting the Pacific Northwest's coffee culture around the world.
Microbreweries and beer in general are a staple of the Northwest,
and the region has much to offer beer lovers: in 2012, Oregon had 18.3
craft breweries per 500,000 people, ranking second only to Vermont in
number of microbreweries per capita. Oregon is second only to Vermont in
the number of microbreweries per capita. Large breweries like Red Hook
and Pyramid distribute their products regionally and nationally, like
coffee, while others are only found in local stores and bars (some
well-known breweries don't even bottle). Ask your server for
recommendations or look for regional microbrews in stores. Washington's
fertile Yakima Valley is the largest exporter of hops in the U.S.,
another strong point for brewers in the region to make their best beer.
Eastern Oregon and Washington are also known for their wine regions.
Walla Walla alone has over 100 wineries, including some of the best
cellars in the region and the nation. The Willamette Valley in Oregon
and the Columbia River Plateau in Washington are home to many affordable
and welcoming communities with small town roots.
The good news is that the American Pacific Northwest does not have regular catastrophes to worry about every year. Tornadoes are very rare, and hurricanes are non-existent. Rainfall is fairly heavy, but severe storms are rare. However, the region is not immune to major disasters.
Most animals in the area are accustomed to humans, but wildlife is
wild and should not be fed or disturbed. Keep at least 100 meters away
from bears and 25 meters away from other potentially aggressive animals!
Also, when boating, be aware of the rules for keeping your distance from
orcas and other marine animals. Regulations for killer whales (also
known as orcas) require that boats stay 200 yards (180m) away and stay
out of the path of whales. These U.S. regulations apply to all vessels
in all waters (with some exceptions).
Do not disturb resting seal
pups, keep children and dogs away from them, and report them to the
local stranding hotline. When young, seal pups "hulk out" to get much
needed rest and are often alone for hours at a time. During this period,
seal pups are extremely vulnerable and should be left alone gently. Only
about 50% of seal pups in the Pacific Northwest survive their first
year.
In the Cascade Range (the mountain range that divides the state in half), snow can accumulate considerably in late fall and winter. Thus, whenever these areas experience a warm spell, no matter how brief, they are at risk for avalanches. Avalanche control may cause mountain passes to be closed, especially along I-90 from Yakima to Seattle, which may affect travel plans. Check the Washington State Department of Transportation website for avalanche protection information. If you plan to travel to the mountains during the winter or early spring, visit the Northwest Weather and Avalanche Center website for information on current avalanche hazards throughout the Cascade region of the state.
During the summer months, temperatures east of the Cascades often exceed 100 °F (38 °C). If you are outdoors for extended periods of time, stay well hydrated and avoid alcohol and caffeine intake to prevent dehydration and heat stroke. Follow desert survival guidelines when going to see the surrounding landscape. Make sure you know where you are going, tell someone where you are going, and bring enough water.
The Pacific Northwest is close to the Cascadia subduction zone, a
region where two tectonic plates converge offshore, and is subject to
very rare but large earthquakes comparable to the largest earthquake in
recent history, such as the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami that
struck Japan. The risk is fairly low, with scientists in 2010 estimating
a 10-15% chance of a magnitude 9 earthquake and a 37% chance of a
magnitude 8 within 50 years.
Such a "massive earthquake" would
undoubtedly destroy many bridges and old unreinforced buildings in the
region. All of them were built before scientists realized the region's
history of major earthquakes, but even more dangerous would be the
massive tsunami that would follow. While major cities like Seattle and
Portland are on inland waterways and partially evacuated, the Pacific
Coast can be inundated to 80 to 100 feet (24 to 30 meters) high in some
areas with only 15 to 20 minutes warning. To get an idea of how much
damage could be done, one needs to read "The Really Big One," a 2015 New
Yorker magazine article that won the Pulitzer Prize.
The region
has a tsunami warning system and tsunami evacuation routes are marked in
many areas. If an earthquake occurs, or if the tide appears to be very
low, or if the water appears to be receding considerably from the
estuary or ocean, evacuate immediately. Evacuate to higher ground, and
if impossible, inland. Leave on foot, as roads are likely to be
impassable. Find a sturdy building at least 50 feet (15 meters) above
sea level and at least three stories high.
After the earthquake
and tsunami, the dangers are endless. You must be prepared to survive on
your own for at least three days, but it may be several weeks before
significant aid and supplies arrive because of the damaged
infrastructure. In addition to a first aid kit, keep fresh water (or a
water purifier) and non-perishable food supplies in your car.
If
you are not comfortable with the odds, you can at least choose your
destination carefully. Instead of the Pacific coast, consult earthquake
and tsunami maps and choose a low-risk location. For example, parts of
Puget Sound are relatively protected from tsunamis. For lodging, choose
sturdy commercial buildings away from the ocean, rather than residences
near the beach.
Significant rainfall in the west of both states during the winter
months can cause landslides. Use extra caution when driving. Embankments
along roads are especially prone to landslides. Watch for collapsed road
pavement, mud, falling rocks, or anything else that indicates the
possibility of a landslide or mudslide.
If you encounter a
landslide, leave the area immediately if it is safe to do so and contact
the local fire department, police, or public works department.
There are several large volcanoes in the region, including Mount St.
Helens, which erupted in 1980 in the largest eruption in U.S. history.
However, the probability of a volcanic eruption occurring in the
Cascades is very low, usually with weeks or months notice. Common sense
and listening to any warnings should be more than enough to keep
travelers safe. Cities like Puyallup and Otin, near Mount Rainier, have
volcano evacuation route signs that should be followed in case of an
emergency.
Volcanic eruptions involve several hazards. Lahars are
a type of volcanic mudflow associated with volcanic activity.
As with other parts of the United States, the Pacific Northwest is generally very safe and there is little chance of crime. Avoid going out alone late at night, as some areas of large cities can become spooky after dark. Exercise prudent caution and do not leave valuables in your car or in plain sight, especially at trail heads or other locations where you may be away from your car for some time.
Recreational marijuana is legal in both states, and dispensaries are
very common. Possession of up to one ounce (28 grams) of dried marijuana
flower is legal for all persons in both states, although some areas,
particularly in rural areas east of the Cascades, prohibit the
establishment of recreational dispensaries. Public use is illegal in
both states and subject to civil penalties, but actual enforcement
varies by region.
In 2020, Oregon reduced criminal penalties for
possession of small amounts of all drugs. If a person is found to be in
possession of an illegal drug in a quantity available for personal use,
he or she will be arrested for a civil infraction (similar to a speeding
ticket), required to pay a fine, and referred to substance abuse
rehabilitation. This is by no means an endorsement of illegal drug use,
and the treatment requirement may cause headaches for non-local
visitors. Washington State has no such provision, and possession of
illegal drugs remains a criminal offense.
Several consulates and embassies are concentrated in the Seattle and
Portland area. The embassy of Belgium and the consulates of Canada,
Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, and Taiwan are all located in Seattle.
The honorary consulates of Germany and Denmark are located on nearby
Mercer Island, and the honorary consulate of the Netherlands is in
Bellevue.
The honorary consulates of Germany, Belgium, Denmark,
Japan, Mexico, and the Netherlands are in Portland, Oregon, and the
honorary consulate of the Czech Republic is near Lake Oswego.
During the settlement by Europeans, Russia, Spain and Great Britain,
among others, asserted territorial claims to the Pacific Northwest. The
United States based its claim on the exploration through the Lewis and
Clark Expedition and the reconnaissance voyages of Robert Gray. From the
1810s through the 1840s, what is now Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and
western Montana, as well as most of British Columbia, were part of
Oregon Country. The latter was administered jointly by the United States
and Great Britain after the 1818 treaty. Hudson's Bay Company regional
director John McLoughlin was the de facto political force at the time.
These conditions changed as US citizen settlement increased and
President James K. Polk campaigned with the slogan Fifty-Four Forty or
Fight (54°40' or War). With war looming with Britain, the United States
and Britain agreed to the Oregon Treaty in 1846, dividing Oregon Country
along the 49th parallel. This settled almost all territorial disputes.
The British part of British Columbia was integrated into Canada in 1871,
the US part became the Oregon Territory.
One of the worst
shipwrecks in the Pacific Northwest to date occurred on January 22,
1906, when the American passenger liner Valencia missed the entrance to
the Juan de Fuca Strait in stormy seas, rammed a reef and sank. 136
passengers and crew lost their lives.
There are several mountain ranges in the Pacific Northwest such as
the Coast Mountains, the Oregon Coast Range, the Cascade Range and the
Rocky Mountains. Due to heavy rainfall and low population density, the
area is one of the most heavily forested in the United States. A large
proportion of electricity is generated from hydroelectric power plants,
for example along the Columbia River.
The largest cities are
Seattle (United States), Vancouver (Canada) and Portland (United
States), all of which were established for their seaports to serve the
timber, mining and agricultural industries. The cities developed into
technical and industrial centers such as the Silicon Forest.
The
highest mountains are Mount Rainier, Mount Adams and Mount Hood. The
largest river is the Columbia River with a length of 1953 kilometers.
The Juan de Fuca Strait is still the subject of disputed territorial
claims.
The Californian coast runs to the south of the region, on
the Pacific Ocean.