1. Hike to the summit of Mount St. Helens – Trek up this active volcano in Washington for jaw-dropping views of the crater and surrounding peaks, a reminder of nature’s raw power since its 1980 eruption.
2. Kayak the San Juan Islands – Paddle through the serene waters off Washington’s coast, spotting orcas, seals, and bald eagles while island-hopping in this picturesque archipelago.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SAN JUAN ISLANDS
3. Visit Crater Lake National Park – Marvel at the deepest lake in the U.S., formed in a volcanic caldera in Oregon, with its stunning blue hues and rugged Rim Drive vistas.
4. Explore the Hoh Rainforest – Wander through this lush, moss-draped temperate rainforest in Olympic National Park, Washington, feeling like you’ve stepped into a fairy tale.
5. Explore the Klondike Gold Rush – National Historical Park – Step back into Seattle’s gold rush history in summer, wandering this free museum in Pioneer Square with exhibits on the 1890s stampede to the Yukon.
6. Drive the Oregon Coast Highway – Cruise along Highway 101, stopping at Cannon Beach, Yaquina Head Lighthouse, and rugged cliffs for a quintessential PNW road trip.
7. Camp at Lake Quinault – Pitch a tent by this tranquil lake in Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, surrounded by old-growth forest and misty mountain air.
8. Whale watch in Depoe Bay – Visit this Oregon coastal town, known as the “Whale Watching Capital,” to spot gray whales from shore or on a guided boat tour.
9. Bike the Banks-Vernonia State Trail – Pedal this 21-mile paved trail through Oregon’s lush forest, a former railway line connecting Banks and Vernonia, perfect for a spring or summer day trip.
10. Tour the Columbia River Gorge – Hike to waterfalls like Multnomah Falls and drive the scenic byway through this dramatic canyon splitting Oregon and Washington.
100 PNW Bucket List Adventures
PNW Bucket List Adventures
1. Hike to the summit of Mount St. Helens – Trek up this active volcano in Washington for jaw-dropping views of the crater and surrounding peaks, a reminder of nature’s raw power since its 1980 eruption.
2. Kayak the San Juan Islands – Paddle through the serene waters off Washington’s coast, spotting orcas, seals, and bald eagles while island-hopping in this picturesque archipelago.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SAN JUAN ISLANDS
3. Visit Crater Lake National Park – Marvel at the deepest lake in the U.S., formed in a volcanic caldera in Oregon, with its stunning blue hues and rugged Rim Drive vistas.
4. Explore the Hoh Rainforest – Wander through this lush, moss-draped temperate rainforest in Olympic National Park, Washington, feeling like you’ve stepped into a fairy tale.
5. Explore the Klondike Gold Rush – National Historical Park – Step back into Seattle’s gold rush history in summer, wandering this free museum in Pioneer Square with exhibits on the 1890s stampede to the Yukon.
6. Drive the Oregon Coast Highway – Cruise along Highway 101, stopping at Cannon Beach, Yaquina Head Lighthouse, and rugged cliffs for a quintessential PNW road trip.
7. Camp at Lake Quinault – Pitch a tent by this tranquil lake in Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, surrounded by old-growth forest and misty mountain air.
8. Whale watch in Depoe Bay – Visit this Oregon coastal town, known as the “Whale Watching Capital,” to spot gray whales from shore or on a guided boat tour.
9. Bike the Banks-Vernonia State Trail – Pedal this 21-mile paved trail through Oregon’s lush forest, a former railway line connecting Banks and Vernonia, perfect for a spring or summer day trip.
10. Tour the Columbia River Gorge – Hike to waterfalls like Multnomah Falls and drive the scenic byway through this dramatic canyon splitting Oregon and Washington.
11. Forage for wild mushrooms – Join a guided tour or hunt solo in Oregon’s forests for chanterelles and morels, a PNW autumn tradition (just know your fungi!).
12. Ride the Seattle Great Wheel – Take a spin on this waterfront Ferris wheel for unbeatable views of Puget Sound, the skyline, and Mount Rainier on a clear day.
13. Visit the Ape Cave – Explore one of the longest lava tubes in the world near Mount St. Helens, Washington, with a flashlight and a sense of adventure.
14. Fish for salmon on the Columbia River – Cast a line in this iconic PNW waterway, famous for its Chinook and Coho runs, and savor your catch afterward.
15. Stroll through Powell’s City of Books – Lose yourself in the world’s largest independent bookstore in Portland, Oregon, a haven for bibliophiles spanning a whole city block.
17. Attend a Portland Timbers soccer match – Cheer with the rowdy Timbers Army at Providence Park, soaking in the PNW’s passionate soccer culture.
18. Hike the Enchantments – Tackle this challenging alpine wonderland in Washington’s Cascades, with turquoise lakes, granite peaks, and mountain goats aplenty.
19. Sample oysters in Willapa Bay – Slurp fresh, briny oysters straight from the source at this Washington coastal gem, paired with a crisp local wine.
20. Explore the Oregon Dunes – Ride an ATV or hike across these massive sand dunes along the coast, a surreal landscape stretching for miles.
21. Visit the Space Needle at sunrise – Catch the first light over Seattle from this iconic tower, with 360-degree views of the city and beyond.
22. Paddleboard on Lake Union – Rent a board in Seattle and glide past houseboats, seaplanes, and the city skyline on this urban lake.
23. Tour Leavenworth’s Bavarian Village – Step into this charming Washington town modeled after a German alpine village, especially magical during Oktoberfest.
24. Watch the sunset at Cape Flattery – Stand at the northwesternmost point of the contiguous U.S. in Washington, soaking in a summer sunset over the Pacific with cliffs and sea caves below.
25. Taste wine in Walla Walla – Sip world-class reds and whites in this Washington wine region, visiting boutique wineries amid rolling hills.
26. See the lavender fields of Sequim – Wander through vibrant purple fields in Washington’s “Lavender Capital,” especially during the annual summer festival.
27. Ride the Portland Aerial Tram – Soar above the city for stunning views of Mount Hood and the Willamette River on this quick but thrilling ride.
28. Explore Deception Pass State Park – Walk the bridge over this dramatic Washington strait, with swirling currents and forested islands below.
29. Visit the Museum of Flight – Dive into aviation history in Seattle, home to Boeing’s legacy, with planes from biplanes to space shuttles.
30. Hike to Rattlesnake Ledge – Climb this popular Washington trail near North Bend for a rewarding view of the Snoqualmie Valley and distant peaks.
31. Surf at Short Sands Beach – Catch waves at this Oregon Coast spot in Oswald West State Park, a favorite among PNW surfers.
32. Tour the Tillamook Cheese Factory – Sample cheddar and ice cream at this Oregon icon, learning how dairy thrives in the coastal climate.
33. Paddle the Nisqually River Delta – Kayak or canoe through this Washington estuary near Olympia in summer, spotting herons, seals, and lush wetlands where the river meets Puget Sound.
34. Ride a ferry to Bainbridge Island – Depart Seattle for this charming Washington island, enjoying coffee and views of the skyline from the deck.
35. Hike the Trail of Ten Falls – Loop through Silver Falls State Park in Oregon, passing ten cascading waterfalls, some you can even walk behind.
36. Visit Friday Harbor – Explore this quaint San Juan Island town in Washington, with whale museums, art galleries, and fresh seafood galore.
37. Kayak the Deschutes River – Paddle through Central Oregon’s scenic Deschutes River in summer, gliding past lava cliffs and pine forests, with calm stretches perfect for beginners.
38. Tour the Underground Seattle – Discover the city’s hidden history beneath Pioneer Square, where old streets lie preserved from the 19th century.
39. Pick berries in Hood River – Spend a summer day in this Oregon fruit haven, gathering blueberries, raspberries, and cherries from local farms.
40. See the sea lions at Sea Lion Caves – Visit this massive Oregon Coast cave, the largest sea cave in the U.S., filled with barking Steller sea lions.
41. Hike to Sahalie Falls – Trek to this thundering waterfall along Oregon’s McKenzie River, surrounded by misty forest and volcanic rock.
42. Attend the Seattle International Film Festival – Catch indie films and premieres at this renowned PNW event, a cinephile’s dream every spring.
43. Explore the Palouse Falls – Marvel at Washington’s official state waterfall, a 200-foot plunge into a rugged canyon carved by Ice Age floods.
44. Visit Voodoo Doughnut – Grab a quirky, delicious treat from this Portland institution, famous for its creative flavors and late-night lines.
45. Sail on Puget Sound – Charter a boat or join a tour to explore Washington’s intricate waterways, with islands and wildlife all around.
46. Hike to Marymere Falls – Take an easy trail near Lake Crescent in Washington to this delicate 90-foot waterfall framed by old-growth trees.
47. Tour the Oregon Vortex – Experience this roadside oddity near Gold Hill, where gravity seems to bend and strange illusions play tricks on your eyes.
48. See the Fremont Troll – Snap a photo with this quirky Seattle sculpture lurking under the Aurora Bridge, a PNW art icon since 1990.
49. Climb Smith Rock – Test your skills on this Oregon rock-climbing mecca, with stunning desert views and routes for all levels.
50. Visit the Chihuly Garden and Glass – Admire dazzling glass art by Dale Chihuly in Seattle, set against the backdrop of the Space Needle.
51. Hike the Pacific Crest Trail – Tackle a PNW section of this epic trail, like Washington’s Goat Rocks Wilderness, with alpine meadows and peaks.
52. Explore Astoria’s film history – Visit Oregon’s coastal town, where “The Goonies” and other classics were filmed, and climb the Astoria Column.
53. Explore the Willamette Valley Wineries – Spend a summer day tasting Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in Oregon’s wine country, pedaling between vineyards near McMinnville or Dundee on a bike tour.
54. Attend a grunge concert in Seattle – Catch a live show at a venue like The Crocodile, honoring the PNW’s gritty musical legacy.
55. Hike to Drift Creek Falls – Cross a suspension bridge to this Oregon waterfall, a hidden gem in the Coast Range forest.
56. Tour the Boeing Factory – Go behind the scenes in Everett, Washington, to see massive jets being built at the world’s largest factory by volume.
57. Visit the Portland Japanese Garden – Stroll through this serene oasis, considered one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside Japan.
58. See the Thor’s Well – Watch the ocean surge into this natural sinkhole on Oregon’s coast, a mesmerizing (and slightly eerie) spectacle.
59. Hike to Twin Falls – Explore this Washington trail near Snoqualmie for a pair of cascading falls framed by mossy cliffs.
60. Sample craft beer in Bend – Sip IPAs and stouts in this Oregon beer haven, home to dozens of breweries like Deschutes and 10 Barrel.
61. Visit the International Rose Test Garden – Smell the roses in Portland, where thousands of varieties bloom with Mount Hood in the distance.
62. Explore the Owyhee Canyonlands – Venture into Oregon’s remote southeast for red-rock canyons, rivers, and a taste of wild desert beauty.
63. Ride the Tacoma Narrows Bridge – Drive across this iconic Washington span, rebuilt after its infamous 1940 collapse, with stunning water views.
64. Hike to Shi Shi Beach – Trek to this remote Washington coast spot for sea stacks, tide pools, and a true wilderness escape.
65. Tour the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm – Visit this Oregon farm in spring for fields of colorful tulips, a PNW twist on Dutch charm.
66. See the Elk Rock Island – Kayak or hike to this tiny Willamette River island near Portland, a peaceful nature retreat in the city’s backyard.
67. Attend the Pendleton Round-Up – Experience this legendary Oregon rodeo, a century-old celebration of cowboy culture and PNW heritage.
68. Hike to Mailbox Peak – Conquer this steep Washington climb near North Bend, rewarded with sweeping views and a quirky mailbox at the top.
69. Visit the Seattle Aquarium – Meet otters, octopuses, and other PNW marine life at this waterfront gem on Elliott Bay.
70. Explore the Ape Islands – Kayak to these tiny San Juan islets in Washington, a quiet escape with seals and seabirds as company.
71. See the Painted Hills – Wander through Oregon’s John Day Fossil Beds, where vibrant, striped hills look like an artist’s canvas.
72. Hike to Lake 22 – Trek this Washington classic near Granite Falls for a pristine alpine lake framed by snow-capped peaks.
73. Tour the Oregon State Capitol – Visit Salem’s Art Deco capitol building, topped with a golden pioneer statue gleaming in the sun.
74. Paddle the Ross Lake – Kayak or canoe across this serene reservoir in Washington’s North Cascades during summer, surrounded by rugged peaks and turquoise waters from glacial silt.
75. Explore the Umpqua Hot Springs – Soak in these natural geothermal pools in Oregon’s forest, perched above a rushing river.
76. Visit the Gum Wall – Add your own chew to this sticky, colorful Seattle oddity near Pike Place Market, a quirky PNW tradition.
77. Hike to Colchuck Lake – Reach this turquoise gem in Washington’s Enchantments, a stunning reward after a strenuous uphill climb.
78. See the Haystack Rock – Explore Cannon Beach, Oregon, where this massive sea stack rises from the shore, a PNW postcard classic.
79. Tour the Deschutes River – Raft or fish this Central Oregon waterway, known for rapids, steelhead, and volcanic scenery.
80. Visit the Museum of Pop Culture – Geek out in Seattle over exhibits on Nirvana, sci-fi, and video games in a Frank Gehry-designed building.
81. Hike to Wallace Falls – Discover this tiered waterfall near Gold Bar, Washington, a moderate trek with big scenic payoffs.
82. Explore the Skidmore Bluffs – Watch a sunset over Portland from this hidden viewpoint, with the city skyline and river below.
83. Attend the Oregon Shakespeare Festival – Catch a play in Ashland, where world-class theater meets small-town PNW charm.
84. See the Bonneville Dam – Tour this Columbia River marvel in Oregon, watching salmon climb the fish ladder in season.
85. Hike to Blanca Lake – Reach this remote Washington lake, its milky turquoise waters fed by a glacier, after a tough but epic climb.
86. Visit the Tacoma Glass Museum – Admire fiery glassblowing demos and stunning exhibits in this Washington art hub tied to Chihuly’s legacy.
87. Explore the Ape Canyon Trail – Bike or hike this Mount St. Helens route in Washington, with volcanic views and a mysterious name.
88. See the Seattle Cherry Blossoms – Stroll the University of Washington Quad in spring, when pink blooms transform it into a PNW wonderland.
89. Hike to Proxy Falls – Visit this Oregon Cascade gem, where water fans out over mossy cliffs in a double-tiered spectacle.
90. Attend a crab feed in Newport – Feast on fresh Dungeness crab at this Oregon Coast town’s annual event, a PNW seafood lover’s dream.
91. See the Oregon Caves – Tour this marble cave system in Southern Oregon, filled with stalactites and eerie underground beauty.
92. Explore the Oregon Garden – Wander through this 80-acre botanical haven in Silverton, Oregon, during summer, with vibrant flower displays, a conifer grove, and a Frank Lloyd Wright house nearby.
93. Tour the Pittock Mansion – Step into Portland’s Gilded Age at this hilltop estate, with gardens and city vistas to match.
94. Visit the Evergreen Aviation Museum – See the Spruce Goose, Howard Hughes’ massive plane, in McMinnville, Oregon’s wine country.
95. Hike to Tolmie Peak – Climb this scenic trail in Washington’s Mount Rainier National Park during summer, reaching a fire lookout with sweeping views of the mountain and Eunice Lake below.
96. Explore the Oregon Outback – Venture into the remote southeast desert for starry skies, hot springs, and untamed PNW wilderness.
97. See the Ballard Locks – Watch boats rise and fall in Seattle’s engineering marvel, with salmon swimming the fish ladder nearby.
98. Hike to Cape Horn – Take in Columbia River Gorge views from this Washington trail, with cliffs and waterfalls along the way.
99. Visit the Lan Su Chinese Garden – Find peace in this Portland oasis, a Ming Dynasty-style garden blending PNW and Asian beauty.
100. Tour the Steens Mountain – Drive or hike this remote Oregon peak, a fault-block giant with vast views and wild horses below.
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