The Pacific Northwest evokes some of the most iconic, atmospheric locations for famous films and TV shows like Twin Peaks, Twilight, and Wild, and you might recognize Cannon Beach in Astoria, Oregon (pictured above) from The Goonies. National Geographic once named the beach "one of the world's 100 most beautiful places." The entire region boasts abundant natural beauty, incredible wines, exciting arts and culture, and plenty of outdoor adventure and local lore. I'd love to wear a cozy sweater and sip delicious coffee on a fun doughnut-tasting walking tour in Portland someday or hike this gorgeous region. Here are some of my top Oregon and Washington recommendations for your own wild wanderings!
Oregon CoastÂ
This is a very long stretch of coastline that boasts legendary, stunning beaches - like Cannon Beach. Overleaf Lodge & Spa is your ideal hotel choice for marine adventures and more.Â
Top Experiences:
Whale watching in Depoe Bay
Coastal fishing or helicopter tours
Beach horseback ride
Off-road RZR sand dune adventure
Private sandboarding lesson
Goonies touring - Filmed in Astoria and Cannon Beach area
Willamette Valley and Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
Willamette is often mispronounced, and if you're not familiar, you can remember it as rhyming with "dammit." Culinary connoisseurs know this is as a superlative wine region in Oregon. The area's luxury property is a real gem, The Allison Inn and Spa - a marvelous home base for touring! Skamania Lodge (across the OR border into WA) is also excellent for touring around Columbia River Gorge.
Top Experiences:
River Gorge and Mount Hood Loop tour
Kayaking or whitewater rafting on the White Salmon River
Customized wine touring
Helicopter vineyard hopping experience
Private wine blending workshop
Spring truffle hunt & wine paired lunch
Bend, OregonÂ
Bend is the real adventure capital of Oregon, and with its location in the center of the state, it makes an awesome base for unique outdoor adventures in this volcanic region. I recommend enjoying the villas or lodge style accommodation at Sunriver Resort when you visit.Â
Top Experiences:
Volcano hiking tour
Lava tube cave adventure
Painted hills biking excursion
Kayak, canoe, or paddle board adventure in the Cascade range
Fly or spin fishing in Sunriver
Extreme acrobatic flying experience
Full day Crater Lake excursion
Beer tour
Olympic National Park & San Juan Islands, Washington
Olympic is Washington's premier national park - a lush rain forest recognizable as the setting for the Twilight films. Accommodations here will be in small lodges and B&Bs as you set off to explore.
Top Experiences:
Whale watch kayaking tour in San Juan Islands
Private boat charter with naturalist guide
Olympic National Park fly fishing
Naturalist led tour of Olympic
Rafting, kayaking or stand up paddle boarding in Olympic National Park
Seattle, Washington
Seattle is the largest metropolitan area in the Pacific Northwest, with a beautiful mountain backdrop. Stay at Four Seasons Hotel Seattle or Thompson Seattle for great water views and walking access to the top sites downtown.Â
Top Experiences:
Chihuly boathouse private tourÂ
Private tour of Boeing Future of Flight Museum - the largest building in the world by volume!
Pike Place Market culinary experience
Small batch coffee roastery tour and lessonÂ
Woodinville wine tasting tourÂ
VIP Seattle Mariners special access - Get on the field and throw the ball around!
San Juan whale watching (via seaplane) full day tour
Mt. Rainier full day excursionÂ
Luxury yacht sunset dinner experienceÂ
Portland, Oregon
Another gateway to the Pacific Northwest, Portland also enjoys a mountain backdrop, excellent food scene, hip boutiques, and great hotels like The Nines and Sentinel Hotel. Fans of the series Portlandia will especially delight in discovering Portland's quirkier side.
Top Experiences:
Portland walking or biking city tour
Arts afternoon in Pearl District with art curator
Coffee and doughnuts breakfast walking tour
Portland culinary tour or cooking class highlighting farmers markets and local vendors
Day tours: wine country, Columbia Gorge, Mount Saint Helens, tree climbing adventure (not Redwoods) with professional tree climberÂ
Nine Muses Travel works with an exceptional North American tour operator who can customize private travel for you and your companions with these benefits for all my clients.
Expert guides: naturalists, adventure guides, and unique locals
Exclusive experiences
Comfortable, safe, and luxurious vehicles
Custom-designed routings
24/7 real-time support
Competitive rates at four and five star properties
Deep destination knowledge
Contact Nine Muses Travel when you're ready to get wild in the Pacific Northwest and to learn more about me and what I can do for you!
I creatively customize luxury travel highlighting the best local arts and culture, history, and cuisine for intellectually curious clients longing to feel deeply inspired by exciting destinations, culinary delights, and unique cultural experiences on a life-changing, joyful journey of discovery.
-Danielle Dybiec, Founder and President of Nine Muses Travel
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