Life in the Pacific Northwest is all about adventure. Whether it’s hiking on Mt. Hood, kayaking around Puget Sound, snowboarding at Mt. Bachelor, or backpacking in Olympic National Park, there is no shortage of adventures at your doorstep.
If you’ve been feeling like you’ve been in a rut lately in planning your next adventurous getaway in the PNW, here is some inspiration to get you started.
Depending on how far you travel, all of these activities can easily be done as a day trip or a weekend. Of course, we will always vote for the weekend getaway, as it truly allows you to immerse yourself in the splendor that is life in the Pacific Northwest.
Hiking in the Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
There is perhaps no place in Oregon where you get more bang for your buck while hiking than in the Columbia River Gorge. This unique region is filled with narrow canyons, towering cliffs, more waterfalls than you can count, and lush foliage that makes it feel like you’re hiking through a fairytale.
If you’re looking to really stretch your legs, head up the Eagle Creek Trail, which will take you past numerous waterfalls to the ultimate payoff of Tunnel Falls, where you’ll have the chance to walk through a tunnel that passes directly beneath a waterfall.
For shorter outings, numerous falls along the gorge are accessible right off the highway or within a mile hike.
Exploring Olympic National Park, Washington
Olympic National Park encompasses much of the Olympic Peninsula in Washington and offers a world of adventures, from exploring impossibly mossy forests to climbing glaciated peaks to exploring remote stretches of coastline where it’ll just be you and the sea stacks.
Camping on the beach and falling asleep to the sound of the Pacific Ocean waves is a must for any visitor to the Olympics. Just don’t forget your permits!
Exploring Mount St. Helens, Washington
The Johnston Ridge Observatory is a must-see destination for anyone visiting the Mt. St. Helens area, but unfortunately, a massive landslide took out the road leading to it. With an anticipated opening date of 2027, this part of the park will be shut down for a while, but that doesn’t mean there still isn’t plenty to explore around this volcanic wonder.
A Pacific Northwest classic is climbing the still massive volcanic peak. Permits are required, and the hike is not one to take lightly, but those who do will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the cascade range and the crater of Mt. St. Helens.
Camping at Crater Lake National Park, Oregon
From one crater to another, Crater Lake National Park is Oregon’s only national park and is an absolute gem to visit. With numerous hiking trails that lead around portions of the rim, up nearby peaks, and even down to the lake shore itself, where you can take a swim in the tantalizingly blue waters, there is no shortage of things to do to keep your weekend humming.
Make sure to set up shop along the rim to watch as the sun sets over the lake and the color of the water seems to transform before your eyes.
Kayaking around Whidbey Island, Washington
Whidbey Island is a quick getaway for Seattle locals and features miles of coastline that are perfect to explore by kayak. The island’s inner waters are relatively protected from wind and waves out in the Puget Sound, which makes the area very beginner-friendly.
For a true getaway, try making the short paddle to Hope Island Marine State Park (not to be confused with the other Hope Island near Olympia). The island park offers six first-come, first-served primitive campsites, perfect for an overnight stay.
Wine Tasting in Willamette Valley, Oregon
Some may question just how adventurous a weekend of wine tasting may be, but we think it’s worth the inclusion. After all, in the Willamette Valley, you can explore the incredible wineries here not just by car but also by bike!
Once you get off the main drags, many of the wineries are located along remote gravel roads that are perfect for exploring on two wheels.
Here are some suggested routes to get you started on this adventure.
Tidepooling at Cannon Beach, Oregon
Once the tide goes out along the Oregon coast, a whole new world is uncovered and just waiting to be explored. Tidepooling is such a local favorite that many Oregonians plan trips to the coast, specifically around the tide tables, to ensure that their visit coincides with big negative tides.
Cannon Beach is the perfect place to take a tidepooling adventure, as there is still plenty to do while the tide is high, and the beach around Haystack Rock comes alive once the sea level drops. Here, you can discover sea stars by the thousands, sea anemones that cover entire pools, and prickly sea urchins moving in for a snack.
Paddleboarding on Lake Chelan, Washington
A favorite getaway for west siders looking for endless days of warmth and sun, Lake Chelan isn’t all just sitting out by the beach and sipping on wine. The lake itself is a perfect place for exploration aboard a paddle-powered vessel.
With the proliferation of high-quality inflatable paddleboards, it’s easy to throw one or two in the car, so you’re ready to head out and explore scenic coves or just do some paddleboard yoga out in front of the condo.
Backpacking Mt. Jefferson Wilderness, Oregon
Mt. Jefferson really has it all when it comes to backpacking in the Pacific Northwest. There are plenty of miles to make you earn that extra helping of freeze-dried biscuits and gravy, incredibly scenic campsites around alpine lakes, breathtaking wildflower meadows, and, thanks to the new Central Cascades Wilderness Permit system, barely any crowds to deal with during the summer and early fall months.
Getting a permit can be another story, as some of the primary trails leading into the wilderness area have been shut down due to wildfire damage in recent years. If you do manage to get your hands on one, prepare for an incredible weekend of solitude and scenery.
Exploring Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
What better place is there in the Pacific Northwest than Mt. Rainier National Park? I mean, where else can you spend your days roaming through wildflower-filled meadows, watching pika and black bears, gazing upon massive glaciers, or just wandering through the forest grazing on huckleberries?
Grab a campsite for the weekend at Cougar Rock Campground, which is only a short drive from attractions like Paradise, Reflection Lake, and numerous waterfalls right off the road.
Soak In the Hot Springs of the Central Cascades, Oregon
The Cascade range of Central Oregon is home to numerous hot springs, perfect for soaking the day away.
These springs range from resort-style accommodations with lodging, food, and springs all on-site to rustic pools built into the side of rivers. Half the fun is the adventure of finding the springs, so do a little sleuthing and find a few that match your soaking style.
City Escape to Seattle, Washington
A day spent wandering through the streets and hills of Seattle can be an adventure in and of itself. Back in our pre-kid days, we could easily put on the miles wandering all over the city to explore the restaurants, shops, and neighborhoods that make this Pacific Northwest gem great (today, we’re lucky to make it three blocks before someone complains).
One of our favorite routes was to make a loop around Lake Union and hit up Capitol Hill, Fremont, and the University District. If we timed it right, we could enjoy a meal in each area.