Dreaming of visiting the Pacific Northwest? Start planning your next adventure with our helpful list of the most epic things to do in the PNW!
Best Things to do in the Pacific Northwest
The Pacific Northwest (PNW) is known for its stunning natural beauty and abundance of outdoor adventures. From towering mountains to rugged coastlines, this region offers a diverse range of activities for all the outdoorsy lovers out there.
Whether you’re a hiker, surfer, skier, or mountain biker, there’s something for everyone in the PNW!
Despite exploring this area for years, we still feel like we’ve barely scratched the surface. Hopefully, this guide to the best adventurous things to do in the PNW gives you a good intro.
Where is the Pacific Northwest?
While there are no exact borders, most people consider the Pacific Northwest to include the US states of Washington, Oregon, Northern California, and Idaho. You will often find Montana, Wyoming, and British Columbia in Canada, included as well.
However you define the borders, there is endless fun to discover in the PNW!
So, let’s dive in! Read on to find out some of the best things to do in the Pacific Northwest.
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Hiking and Climbing in Smith Rock State Park, Oregon
This place is an absolute paradise for adrenaline junkies who are into hiking and rock climbing. With a maze of trails of varying difficulty levels, you can choose your adventure and explore the stunning vistas of towering rock formations and panoramic landscapes.
One of the best hikes is the Misery Ridge Trail, and don’t let the name fool you – it’s a rewarding challenge that offers breathtaking views. But yes, perhaps a bit of “misery” while your calves burn on the way may happen.
But wait, there’s more! With over 1,800 climbing routes, Smith Rock is a rock climber’s dream destination. Monkey Rock is perhaps the most epic and famous of all the routes here.
Hiking in Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
Mount Rainier is a PNW gem that you just can’t miss. This massive peak towers over the region at over 14,000 feet, and it’s home to some of the best hikes in Washington.
If you’re looking for a challenge, the Skyline Trail is a must-do. This 5.5-mile hike will take you through alpine meadows, past snowfields, and up to the top of Panorama Point, where you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the namesake mountain and its surrounding landscape and peaks.
But if you’re not up for such a strenuous hike, there are plenty of other amazing trails to explore. Check out Narada Falls, which is just a short walk from the parking lot and features a stunning 168-foot waterfall.
Our personal favorite is the Naches Peak Loop, a 3.5-mile hike that takes you through meadows of wildflowers and past stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including Rainier.
The best part is the opportunity to catch the reflection of Rainier at Tipsoo Lake, which is at the start of this hike.
While you’re in Washington, be sure to explore the San Juan Islands from Seattle too! For a truly epic bucket list experience, add on a whale watching tour. You won’t regret it!
Skiing and Snowboarding in Mount Bachelor, Oregon
If you’re craving some epic skiing or snowboarding adventures in the PNW, look no further than Mount Bachelor—one of the best things to do in Bend, Oregon!
This mountain has something for everyone, from beginner runs to expert terrain. And with an average annual snowfall of over 450 inches, you’re guaranteed to find some powder to play in.
If you’re new to skiing or snowboarding, the beginner areas are a great place to start and they even have a great beginner program where you get five group classes and a season pass for a reasonable price. Take a lesson or practice your turns on the gentle bunny slopes before heading up the mountain to tackle some more challenging terrain.
But for those looking for a real adrenaline rush, the expert terrain at Mount Bachelor is sure to deliver. With steep chutes, bowls, and glades, you’ll have plenty of options to push your limits and challenge yourself. Not to mention the stunning vistas of the Sisters and Brokentop as your backdrop!
And after a day on the slopes, make sure to check out the apres ski scene at the mountain’s lodges. Grab a hot cocoa or a beer, kick back, and swap stories with fellow skiers and snowboarders.
Hike to Waterfalls in The Columbia River Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge is a hiker’s paradise, with dozens of trails winding through lush forests, along breathtaking cliffs, and past countless waterfalls.
There’s a waterfall loop, and it’s one of the most popular hiking routes in the Columbia Gorge—it spans several miles and features numerous cascades, such as the stunning Multnomah Falls, which is the second tallest year-round waterfall in the United States. However, you’ll encounter the crowds if you just hang out here so complete this loop so you can chase other lesser-visited falls in the area!
For those looking for a shorter hike with big views, the Beacon Rock State Park Trail in Washington is a great option, offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding gorge from the top of the park’s signature basalt monolith.
Love chasing waterfalls? Be sure to add these epic USA waterfalls to your bucket list!
Surfing and Sunsets in Oregon’s Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach is a quintessential Oregon coastal town with its quaint charm and stunning natural beauty.
However, it’s also a destination for adventurous surfers looking to catch a wave against a backdrop of stunning sunsets. The beach’s consistent waves make it an ideal location for surfers of all levels, and there are several surf schools and shops in town to rent gear or take lessons from experienced instructors.
In addition to the world-class surfing, there are plenty of other things to do in Cannon Beach, like hiking the nearby Ecola State Park, browsing local art galleries and boutiques, and exploring the tide pools along the beach’s rocky shores (Short Sands is a personal favorite!).
And let’s not forget about the sunsets! With Haystack Rock in the distance, Cannon Beach provides a breathtakingly beautiful setting for watching the sun dip below the horizon.
The Oregon Coast is also a perfect route for a northwestern USA road trip!
Exploring Point Reyes National Seashore, California
The breathtaking coastline at Point Reyes boasts some of the most stunning beaches in the state, with picturesque sand dunes and rugged cliffs that seem to stretch out endlessly.
Take a hike on the Abbotts Lagoon Trail, where you can spot an abundance of wildlife, including elk and rare birds. We even saw two coyotes here in broad daylight while hiking around—this place is wild!
If you’re feeling adventurous, trek to the Point Reyes Lighthouse and climb the stairs to the top for unparalleled views of the Pacific Ocean—if it’s not encompassed in the infamous fog that looms here.
One of the most rewarding trails in Point Reyes is the one leading to Chimney Rock, where you can watch the sea batter the incredible cliff-sides here and get to overlook some elephant seals in the distance.
But that’s not all – the beaches at Point Reyes are nothing short of incredible, from the popular Heart’s Desire Beach to the secluded Kehoe Beach—they are all worth visiting! But maybe bring a sweater instead of a bikini as these beaches are often pretty chilly and windy.
Do you love sharing your adventures on social media? The PNW is full of insanely insta-worthy locations. Make life easy and grab our favorite nature quotes, adventure captions, bucket list quotes and captions, or getaway captions to share with your friends and family!
Camping in Alvord Desert, Oregon
Shh, this one is just between us. This remote area offers a unique camping experience, complete with hot springs, stunning stargazing, and endless horizons.
Set up camp in the middle of the Alvord Desert and prepare to be blown away by the otherworldly landscape of the playa, which is really just a dried-up lake!
Take a dip in the nearby Alvord hot springs, which isn’t anything to write home about but certainly hits different with the crazy views over Alvord. As night falls, you’ll be treated to an unparalleled stargazing experience, as the dark skies offer a perfect view of the Milky Way and shooting stars.
Listen out for coyotes and tons of thumping rabbits!
Not quite up for camping? Oregon is also home to some of the most unique places to stay in the USA!
Hike in the Cascade Mountains in Washington
Get ready to experience some of the most breathtaking and challenging hikes in the Pacific Northwest at North Cascades National Park in Washington. This rugged wilderness area boasts over 400 miles of trails winding through towering mountain peaks, alpine meadows, and crystal-clear lakes.
One of the must-do hikes is the Chain Lakes Loop Trail, which offers stunning views of Mount Baker and numerous glacial lakes along the way. The brave will want to bring a swimsuit to take a dip in the freezing water!
For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Maple Pass Loop is a popular 7.2-mile trail that will take you through fields of wildflowers, past waterfalls, and over a high alpine pass with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and a lake below.
Both of these are top choices but remember this park is pretty spread out, so these two hikes are four hours away from each other!
The PNW is the perfect destination for a road trip! Grab our road trip essentials checklist and travel planning worksheet before hitting the road!
Explore Olympic National Park
Explore the stunning beauty of Olympic National Park, with its diverse landscapes and breathtaking scenery. Take a hike to Sol Duc Falls, one of the most popular trails in the park that takes you through lush forests and offers stunning views of the falls.
For a calf-burner, tackle the challenging Mount Storm King trail, which offers panoramic views of Lake Crescent and the surrounding mountains.
Speaking of Lake Crescent, make sure to take a dip or rent a paddle-board on this crystal-clear lake. To stick your toes in some sand, head to Rialto Beach for incredible views of the rugged coastline and unique rock formations, and if you’re lucky, you may even spot some sea otters or gray whales.
Take a walk down the beach and try to find the hole in the wall! (You’ll have to hike it to see what we mean.)
For a more secluded beach experience, check out Second Beach at La Push or go camping on Shi Shi Beach. You’ll need about a week to experience all the things to do in Olympic National Park!
Make the most of your time in Olympic National Park with our ultimate Olympic Peninsula road trip itinerary.
Rock climb and hike in Yosemite National Park
If you’re looking to experience the natural beauty of Yosemite National Park—look no further than Sentinel Dome Hike. This is one of those hikes where you don’t need to output a lot to get a huge reward.
With that said, this should come as no surprise that this is one of the most popular hikes in the park. The hike features a moderate 2.2-mile round trip trek that offers stunning panoramic views of Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and Yosemite’s high country!
For more adventurous hikers, willing to hike further distances, try the Mist Trail, which takes you to the top of Vernal Falls and offers an up-close look at the park’s stunning waterfalls. Head up to Clark Point and make it a loop so you can get a peek at Nevada Falls too.
One of the best things to do in Yosemite is to go to Glacier Point, where you can see the entire Yosemite Valley, Half Dome, and Yosemite’s high country from a stunning overlook that’s literally a few steps from the parking lot… really!
Want to visit Yosemite and see more of California at the same time? Check out our epic California road trip itinerary including stops in San Francisco, Monterey, Yosemite, Napa, and more!
Visit Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake in Oregon is the state’s only national park (surprisingly), and it’s certainly worth a visit during your trip around the PNW. The lake itself was formed by a massive volcanic eruption over 7,000 years ago, leaving behind the deepest lake in the United States!
Take the scenic Crater Lake Rim Drive, a 33-mile route that offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding landscape. For a good leg stretch, head to Cleetwood Cove, shuffle down the steep trail, and take a dip in the crystal clear waters, or take a boat tour around the lake from here too.
Looking for somewhere fun and different for spring break? The Pacific Northwest is the perfect destination for adventure loving families!
Hiking and Climbing in Mount Shasta, California
Come on down and visit a town at the base of one of the most iconic peaks in the Pacific Northwest—Mount Shasta. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a weekend warrior, Mount Shasta offers some of the best trails in California.
One of the most popular hikes is the Old Ski Bowl Trail, which takes you on a moderate 2-mile trek through stunning alpine scenery to the old ski bowl where you can take in panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.
For those seeking a refreshing dip after a long hike, Castle Lake Trail takes you to the crystal-clear waters of Castle Lake, where you can take a dip in the summer months. If you’d like to hike more, hike up and around this lake where you’ll get incredible views of a heart-shaped lake below and Mount Shasta in the distance!
Discover the Best Things to Do in the PNW
The Pacific Northwest is an unforgettable travel destination that will without a doubt captivate you with its awe-inspiring landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage.
Again, we’ve only scratched the surface here, as there are so many incredible experiences and things to do in the PNW. Happy adventuring!
About The Author
Nina and Garrett are two PNW-obsessed world travelers that love hanging out in the outdoors and having a nice cold beer after a long hike. You can catch them exploring the PNW in their trusty 1974 VW Bus named Lucy and writing about their epic adventures on their blog!
Be sure to save this list of incredible things to do in the Pacific Northwest for your future USA travels!!
