I’m an East Coast girl currently living in our Nation’s Capital. If I’m not traveling abroad, I can be found anywhere from Kennebunkport to Key West. The eastern seaboard has so much to offer—sandy beaches, snowy mountains, and vibrant cities—it’s hard to be motivated to travel to the other coast. But a few months ago, a trip to the Pacific Northwest manifested as a college drop-off. Our daughter was heading to the University of Washington in Seattle, having traded the district for the state to study environmental science.
We packed her up and flew west. Then, with CIRE’s help, planned a post-drop-off road trip from Seattle to Portland to take the edge off the empty-nest blues. I wasn’t sure a vacation was in order, preferring to drown my sorrows in the comfort of my own home. But I have to admit, the Pacific Northwest blew me away. What turned a fast-walking East Coast girl into a slow-paced Northwesterner? I’m glad you asked.
Why Visit the PNW?
The Pacific Northwest is often referred to by the catchy acronym PNW—a place known for moody, artsy vibes and iconic volcanic mountains. It’s a place to hike through mossy green forests straight out of a fairy tale or walk a wide, sandy coastline straight out of The Goonies.
Travelers to the PNW can dive into craft beer and fresh seafood or explore cities where “quirky” means cool. Where else can you start your morning on a mountain trail, grab lunch in a hipster café, and end the day beachcombing with picture-perfect mountains in the distance? The PNW isn’t just a region; it’s a vibe. Just don’t tell the East Coast I said so.
The PNW: Facts First, Please
The Pacific Northwest covers a unique slice of the US, mainly centered around the states of Washington and Oregon. By some definitions, it also stretches into Northern California and western Idaho. On the west, the Pacific Ocean coastline feels temperate and misty. The Cascade Mountain Range often marks the eastern edge, dividing the lush, rainy forests from the drier, high-desert landscapes. This area is famous for its towering evergreens, jagged coastlines, and snow-capped mountains.
If you’re headed to the Pacific Northwest, there are a few important things to know before you go. The best time to visit is late spring through early fall when the rain lets up and the skies clear, showing off the mountains and coastline in all their glory. The weather is famously unpredictable, so pack like a local: layers and waterproofs (yes, even in the summer).
While we were all about winging it, we booked a few hotels along the route to smooth the edges of our semi-unplanned adventure. I might have bought into the road trip concept, but I draw the line at sleeping in my car.
Time On The Road
We have five days to explore, starting in Seattle, Washington, and ending in Portland, Oregon. As the crow flies, it only takes about 3 1/2 hours to get from Seattle to Portland, but we want to take it slowly. We’re keen to wander small towns, hike waterfalls, and pull off at roadside produce stands on a whim.
For those who want to go deeper, add more stops and give yourselves 5–7 days to explore. Then, you can easily broaden your itinerary to include multi-day hikes and overnight camping at State Parks.
Goodbye and Hello, Seattle
We say goodbye to our daughter at the curb. I buckle my seatbelt, and before I can wave goodbye—she’s disappeared. I want to cry but don’t. I have a city to roam and miles of highway ahead of me. There’s no time for tears. For the first time ever, my husband and I are winging it.
Seattle has an effortlessly chill vibe. It’s a city where people sip artisan coffee in the rain and make it look chic. The lively waterfront and Mt. Rainier views give Seattle a stunning backdrop, and its mix of grunge, tech, and eclectic food culture keeps things exciting, rain or shine.
In Seattle, we knock out a few must-see sights before we hit the open road:
We visit the Space Needle for jaw-dropping city skyline, mountains, and Puget Sound views. Then, we stroll through Chihuly Garden and Glass, right next door, for eye-popping, colorful glass sculptures.
Next, we go to Pike Place Market for a culinary taste of Seattle. Yes, it’s a busy tourist stop. But it’s also a microcosm of the city. This historic, bustling market is filled with vendors and shops selling freshly caught fish, mouth-watering pastries, and pierogies from a famous Eastern European café, Piroshky Piroshky. We savor our pierogies and pain au chocolats, grab a cappuccino, and hightail it out of town.
PNW Road Trip Highlights
Our road trip begins with a stop at Mount Rainier National Park and an easy hike on the Nisqually Vista Trail at Paradise. It’s a short loop full of wildflower meadows, Mount Rainier, views, and sweeping valley vistas. Back on the road, we approach Mount St. Helens, where the Johnston Ridge Observatory gives us a clear view of the crater and blast zone. I cross my fingers, praying that today isn’t the day she decides to erupt.
We continue south towards Columbia River Gorge. We’d overheard a conversation over coffee describing how easy it is to pop off the highway to see the mighty Multnomah Falls. Although I’d never even heard of these famous falls, I now had to see them. Standing on the Benson Bridge, we watch the water cascade above and below. I’m only bummed my phone can’t truly capture the scope of this incredible natural phenomenon.
From there, we head towards Hood River, Oregon. Hood is a charming town known for its wineries and the Fruit Loop Trail. We spend the afternoon on this 35-mile driving scenic loop, stopping at orchards, farm stands, and local wineries. We sample fresh pears and apples straight from the trees and sip wine with clear views of Mount Hood. This lifestyle is beginning to suit me, I think. What an amazing way to spend an afternoon.
Two Nights at Sakura Ridge Farm and Lodge
With the help of our favorite CIRE travel advisor, and no, I won’t name names, we discover the hidden gem, Sakura Ridge. Set on a pear orchard overlooking Mt. Hood, Sakura Ridge’s agricultural history dates back to the 1880s, starting with apple orchards. Later, cherry and pear trees were added. These very pears are handed to us upon arrival in the form of a refreshing pear cider.
Our room is the River Room, one of only five lovingly designed rooms at the lodge. Though small, it has a panoramic mountain view from a gorgeous stone tub. Each room at Sakura is distinct, featuring Yves Delorme organic towels and robes, eco-friendly amenities, and private patios or balconies. Sakura serves breakfast only, but prepare to be swept off your foodie feet—the breakfast delights are not only utterly delectable but beautifully presented.
Bypassing Portland
We wanted to visit Hood, but we also wanted to visit Cannon Beach. One of the most stunning parts of the Oregon Coast, Cannon Beach’s rock formations jut out from the water in a ghostly, surreal way. It’s easy to see why the location was chosen as the backdrop for the 80s blockbuster The Goonies. Haystack Rock is an Instagrammer’s dream. It’s dramatic in every type of weather: mist, rain, and fog especially!
Since Portland is smack dab between these two must-see PNW spots, we bypass it and double back a few days later. Cannon Beach is well worth the detour!
Cannon Beach Isn’t Just for Goonies
Cannon Beach is a coastal town in Oregon known for its wide, flat, morning mist-covered beaches, art galleries, and Haystack Rock views. Nearby, Ecola State Park’s Indian Beach was another film location for The Goonies. The area’s rocky cliffs and coastal forests are a captivating spot for nature and movie lovers alike. Other hikes in the area include the Crescent Beach Trail and Tillamook Head, which offer all-encompassing views of the coastline and the Pacific Ocean.
One of the perks of being an empty nester is visiting popular destinations without the crowds. No longer tied to school holidays, my husband and I stroll the town’s main street and shops without throngs of plodding families. The mist slowly lifts. We grab cappuccinos from one of the many independent coffee roasters and sit on a bench to watch the world go by.
Hopping Over to The Stephanie Inn
I’d read about the Stephanie Inn for years and had it firmly at the top of my PNW wish list. I expected uninterrupted Haystack Rock views from our windows. I expected a traditional and high-end hotel service experience. I expected lovely meals. What I didn’t expect was the bunnies!
As the story goes, the dozens of bunnies hopping around Stephanie Inn are descendants of abandoned domestic rabbits from long ago. These bunnies (did you know that the collective noun for bunnies is called a fluffle?) adapted to the area over time. Their natural reproduction rates and abundance of vegetation allowed their numbers to soar. Now, they’ve become an unofficial attraction of the Stephanie Inn. If I were a bunny, I’d live here, too.
And Finally, Portland
The rain starts as a mist the morning we roll out of Cannon Beach. When we get to Portland about an hour later, it’s pouring—signature PNW weather. We pull out our raincoats and keep our plans to visit Portland’s Japanese Gardens.
A peaceful escape in the heart of the city, the Japanese Gardens cover 12 acres of beautifully designed landscapes that instantly transport me to Asia. We stroll around koi-filled ponds, cross wooden bridges, and explore the serene Sand and Stone Garden. The Cultural Village has an authentic tea house and bonsai terrace, offering a glimpse into Japanese culture.
The hour or so of Japanese immersion has us hankering for sushi. I quickly google ‘best Japanese restaurant in Portland.’ Within 20 minutes, we’re dining on a Bento Box filled with Japanese delights at Murata. How’s that for winging it?
Road Trippin’
Our road trip from Seattle to Portland was just what we needed to get past the college drop-off blues. The freedom of the road lets us explore at our own pace, making scenic pit stops whenever inspiration strikes. From Seattle’s cool, laid-back vibe to the stunning cliffs of Cannon Beach and the peaceful escape to Portland’s Japanese Gardens—each stop we made revealed facets of the PNW’s untamed spirit.
For anyone ready to slow down, embrace spontaneity, and let the road lead the way, the Pacific Northwest is the place to go. As for me, this free-spirited East Coast girl found a whole new side of the country to love—and I can’t wait to come back for more.
Jamie Edwards is an avid traveler, travel writer, and photographer. After 25 years of living and traveling around the globe, she launched I am Lost and Found, her adventure/luxury travel website. Jamie’s goal is simple: to inspire travel.
CIRE Travel is a full-service travel agency headquartered in New York, NY. Our expert corporate travel planners, honeymoon travel agents, and luxury travel planners support clients across the country and around the world.
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