We love where we live. And those who know us, know it’s no secret that we are big fans of exploring this incredible corner of the world. We feel incredibly lucky to live in the Pacific Northwest, and get asked a lot, “Where is a cool place nearby that I should check out?” Well, here’s 13 answers for you. This list could be way bigger, but we don’t want to overwhelm you 🙂 and, we are still finding new spots all the time! We’re not pretending to have discovered any of these places, and know that many of you have crossed a lot of these off your list already! But, here’s just a handful of our recent favorites! Best Places in the PNW

1. Winchester Mountain

This place is insane. Depending on which day you ask us, it might just be our favorite hike in the Mt. Baker area. It will never get old, and it’s not that tough of a hike. Bring your 4×4 though, the drive is slightly sketchy, but worth every wimper you’ll get from any passengers in your car on the drive up. Find more info and directions HERE.

 

2. LaPush/The Washington Coast

Everyone knows that Washington has a long coastline bordering the Pacific. But what many living within the Puget Sound and San Juan Island areas don’t realize, is that the far west coast of Washington, from Cape Flattery down to the Columbia River is a whole ‘notha world. The roads and people are few and far between, but every inch of this coastline is worth discovering.

3. Heliotrope Ridge

When you think of an up close and personal encounter with a glacier, do you think Washington State? Just outside of Bellingham? Probably not. Check out Heliotrope Ridge though, where a decent hike and some glacier stream wading will take to you straight to the Coleman Glacier of Mt. Baker, a sight that will undoubtedly take your breath away. Check it out HERE.

4. Highway 20 / Diablo Lake / Washington Pass

Fill up your gas tank, all the way, then drive east on Highway 20 starting in Sedro Woolley. If you are anything like us, you’ll be pulling over frequently starting at about an hour in, to take in the incredible scenery of the North Cascades. Not only are there plenty of pullouts, viewpoints, and things to see right from the road, there’s a ton of hikes in the area and some unique landscapes you have to experience to believe. This drive is no secret, but if you haven’t ever done it, make sure that you make it a priority.

5. Boat/Sail through the San Juan Islands

You might be saying, sounds fun, but I don’t have a boat. We suggest three things. Either rent one, find someone who does, or simply hop on a ferry out of Anacortes and enjoy the ride. Fishing and sailing are our two favorite ways to spend time on the water, and a summer day out there is simply unbeatable. (Some of our favorite spots are Sucia Island, where you can dock and explore the island easily, and the ever so lovely Orcas Island.)

6. Racehorse Falls

So, there are a lot of waterfalls in the PNW. And some might think that visiting a waterfall sounds boring. I would challenge anyone who thinks that to say that again though after visiting Racehorse Falls. Not only is the hike down to the falls a bit “exciting” (think slippery, steep, next to drop offs, BE CAREFUL!) but the falls itself is in a natural amphitheater, where the sight and the sound of the falls feels like a legitimate dream. Somewhat off the Mt. Baker Highway, directions are HERE.

7. Columbia River Gorge/Waterfalls

Speaking of waterfalls, Oregon has quite a few stunners too. This may not be news to you, as the close proximity of the Columbia River Gorge and it’s waterfalls to Portland makes it so easily accessible. But I KNOW there are still some of you who have never been! Any time of the year, just go! If nothing else, Portland has some incredible food. 🙂

8. Oregon Coast / Cape Kiwanda / Cannon Beach

NEWS FLASH – THE OREGON COAST IS AWESOME. Specifically, Cannon Beach and Cape Kiwanda. There’s a boat load of treasures along the entire coast though, so driving the whole thing down highway 1 is highly recommended. But next time you need a weekend getaway, remember you can get to Cannon Beach in less than 6 hours from Bellingham, and less if you live further south. Don’t miss Ecola State Park while you’re there either! (Other favorite spots include Hug Point, Oswald West State Park, Yaquina Head near Newport, and the Heceta Head Lighthouse in Yachats)

9. Mt. Baker / Snoqualmie National Forest

So this one is a little broad, and a little less specific. However the reason being, is that every trail we’ve ever hiked in the Mt. Baker/Snoqualmie National Forest has been worth our time. And lucky for you, there’s a TON of great choices. We’d recommend browsing your options at www.wta.org and just know that you can’t really go wrong. (A few hikes we absolutely love: Skyline Divide, Lake Ann, Hannegan Pass – all off Highway 542)

10. Rattlesnake Ridge

Another popular trail that many of you already know about. But when we posted this picture on social media a year or two ago, it not only got over a million views on Instagram, many Washingtonians were asking us where it was. So, for anyone interested in a fairly easy hike just outside of Seattle with an INCREDIBLE view, check out the hike. Just don’t go on a sunny Saturday afternoon, unless you like hiking with half of Seattle at the same time.

11. Proxy Falls

We just tried to convince you to go to Oregon. But here’s another reason. And honestly, the reasons could go on and on. But we thought this waterfall was especially beautiful. We stopped here on the way from Bend to Cape Kiwanda, so if you are anywhere near the area, it’s worth the pit stop. Bring a sack lunch because you’re going to want to sit down and stare at this beauty for a while.

12. Deception Pass

Can I just say how lucky we are to drive over this bridge all the time? Stefan’s parents live on Whidbey Island, so crossing this bridge is a pretty frequent occurrence for us. And more often than not, we’ll pull over and walk the bridge just because it never gets old, and depending on the weather and time of day, the experience is always slightly different. There’s a state park and some rad beaches right next to this too, so the whole area is worth checking out if you never have, or, if you’ve just driven over the bridge with your eyes fixed on the road like a good driver would do! 🙂

13. The Mt. Baker Highway (HWY 542)

To say that this is one of the most beautiful drives on earth, would be lying. Because we haven’t been to many places on earth to compare it too. (Yet 😉 ) But we’d put money on the possibility that it would make it pretty far up on that list. We’ve driven up and down this highway more times than you can count, and fall in love more every time. On the Mt. Baker Highway, the journey IS the destination, and man, are we ever blessed to have such easy access to these mountains and these forests.

 

Thanks for reading guys, feel free to ask us questions in the comments, and let us know if adding to this list would be of any interest to any of you! Happy exploring!

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Best Places in the PNW