Discover the Pacific Northwest

It’s not unusual to think of the Pacific Northwest as green. But you have to tour the entire region to truly appreciate how many shades of the color blanket this corner of the world.

Between nature and culture, every possible shade of green appears in the Pacific Northwest.There’s the deep evergreen of the Douglas fir trees and the dusty pale green of rainforest moss. The electric green of Seattle’s hometown sports jerseys. A green ethos keeps Portland running on bicycle power and compost. And then there is all the green that companies like Starbucks, Nike, Microsoft, and others bring to the region.

The Puyallaup river in Washington state. Photo © Chris Boswell/123rf.

Between nature and culture, every possible shade of green appears in the Pacific Northwest. The best way to see the treasures of Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia is to follow the roads connecting vibrant cities like Seattle, Vancouver, and Portland with the wild green places in between—an untamed coast, a deep forest, a legendary mountain (or two).

Take a guided road trip of the Pacific Northwest with this itinerary: “14-Day Best of the Pacific Northwest Road Trip Loop“.×

Best Times to Visit the Pacific Northwest

If there’s one thing you can depend on in the Pacific Northwest, it’s that you can’t depend on the weather. The region is known for rain, but it doesn’t fall in regular intervals.

Summer is the driest and sunniest season, though temperatures are rarely above 90 degrees. Fall can vary between brisk, beautiful days and soggy, gray ones. Winter rarely brings much snow outside of the mountains and passes.

Mountain roads, such as those around Mount Rainier, are prone to seasonal closures and may require chains in winter months. Spring is often the rainiest time of year, but it doesn’t pour—instead, expect drizzles with the occasional shower. (Sometimes it’s even sunny!)

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