The Pacific Northwest, sometimes referred to as Cascadia, is known for both its stunning natural beauty, ample opportunities for outdoor activities and vibrant cities. With a diverse array of climates, from the only temperate rainforest in the lower forty eight states at the Olympic National Park, to the teeming volcanoes like Mount Rainier and Mount Hood to the high desert of Oregon, there are countless places throughout the year to experience nature at its best. And if you are craving city life, both Seattle and Portalnd offer a plethora of amazing restaurants and tourist attractions. Use the guides below to virtually explore the Northwest and find the perfect experience to embark on.
Lake Chelan has long been a mecca for summertime fun in the pacific northwest. At 50.5 miles long, and the third deepest lake in the United States, the crystal clear water, warm temperatures and sun beckon water enthusiasts during the summer months. Lake Chelan has turned into a year round destination, with outdoor activities all year including hiking, mountain biking, camping, skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. Lake Chelan has become a destination wine region, with over 40 tasting rooms and estate wineries and an ever increasing number of wine focused events throughout the year.
Learn MoreSeattle is a growing city with easy access to nature and offers an incredible array of things to do and places to explore. The downtown area, including the waterfront and Seattle Center is home to many tourist attractions, including Pike Place Market and the Space Needle. There are 500 parks within Seattle city limits which provide incredible views of the Puget Sound and miles of hiking trails. And outdoor activities abound within close proximity to the city, with hiking and skiing in the Cascades, and three national parks, Mount Rainier, Olympic and North Cascades within a couple hours drive.
Learn MoreSeattle is a vibrant destination offering a mix of outdoor adventure, cultural attractions, and unique urban experiences. Nestled between Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains, the city boasts stunning waterfront views and lush greenery. Top attractions include the iconic Space Needle, which provides breathtaking panoramic views, and Pike Place Market, a historic marketplace filled with fresh seafood, artisan crafts, and the famous flying fish vendors. For art and culture lovers, the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) and the Seattle Art Museum offer fascinating exhibits. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore Discovery Park, kayak on Lake Union, or take a ferry to Bainbridge Island for a scenic getaway. The city's thriving coffee culture, led by the original Starbucks, and its diverse food scene, featuring fresh seafood and international cuisine, make it a paradise for foodies. Seattle also serves as a gateway to the Pacific Northwest, with easy access to Mount Rainier National Park, Olympic National Park, and the San Juan Islands for incredible hiking, wildlife watching, and whale-watching excursions. Whether you're into music, tech, nature, or dining, Seattle offers something for everyone.
Entiat is a hidden gem nestled along the banks of the Columbia River in central Washington. It is popular for water activities like boating, paddleboarding and swimming along the Columbia River, while the Entiat Valley has numerous campgrounds and miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking and dirt biking.
Learn MoreThere is ample opportunity for hiking around Entiat, with trails that wind through some of the more stunning and diverse landscapes in the Pacific Northwest. Whether you're looking for a leisurely walk along a river or a challenging trek into the rugged backcountry, the Entiat Valley and its surrounding mountains offer a variety of options for hikers of all skill levels. Discover trails like Silver Falls, Entiat River Trail and the Mad River Trail with our Entiat hiking guide.
Camping around Entiat, Washington, offers a peaceful escape into nature, surrounded by the stunning beauty of the Cascade Mountains, lush forests, and the flowing waters of the Entiat and Columbia Rivers. Whether you prefer a fully equipped campground with amenities like the Entiat Riverfront Park or a more primitive, backcountry experience like the Cottonwood Campground, Entiat’s diverse landscape has something for every camper. View our Entiat Campgrounds page for more information.
Entiat, may be a small town, but it offers a wealth of outdoor activities and attractions that make it a fantastic destination for nature lovers and adventurers. Nestled between the Columbia River and the Cascade Mountains, Entiat is an ideal place for those seeking scenic beauty, recreational opportunities, and a peaceful getaway. Summer months offer lots of water activities like paddleboarding, kayaking and motorboating, while spring and fall are perfect for mountain biking, hiking and viewing the beautiful waterfalls in the Entiat Valley. For more activities, view things to do in Entiat.
Leavenworth is a charming, Bavarian-themed village nestled on the easterns side of the Cascade Mountains in Washington State. Known for its alpine architecture, cobblestone streets, and vibrant atmosphere, the town attracts visitors with its unique blend of European charm and Northwest scenery. Leavenworth is known for its annual festivals. During winter, the town transforms into a holiday wonderland, with lights decorating every building, while Oktoberfest brings beer gardens, traditional German music, and lively celebrations. Leavenworth's setting is equally spectacular, and offers ample opportunities for those looking to get outdoors, with spectacular hiking, backcountry skiing and snowshoeing in the Enchantments.
Learn MoreChristmas in Leavenworth is a magical experience, as the entire town transforms into a festive winter wonderland that feels straight out of a holiday storybook. Nestled in the snow-capped Cascade Mountains, this Bavarian-themed village goes all out for the holiday season, covering its buildings in thousands of twinkling lights and hosting cheerful events that capture the spirit of Christmas. Every weekend in December, Leavenworth’s famous Christmas Lighting Festival draws visitors from near and far to witness the ceremonial lighting of the town, turning the streets into a sea of sparkling lights and holiday cheer. Carolers in traditional dress fill the air with classic holiday songs, and local vendors offer roasted chestnuts, hot cider, and mulled wine.
Hiking around Leavenworth offers an incredible experience for outdoor enthusiasts, with trails that cater to all levels and showcase the breathtaking beauty of the Cascade Mountains. Surrounded by alpine peaks, evergreen forests, and crystal-clear rivers, Leavenworth’s hiking trails reveal diverse landscapes that change with the seasons. For beginners or families, the Waterfront Park offers mellow trails along the Wenatchee River, while the popular Icicle Gorge offers a relatively easy and scenic hike along the Icicle River, weaving through lush meadows and providing views of the surrounding mountains and rushing water. The Icicle Ridge Trail just outside of town provides a moderate hike, with views of Leavenworth. More advanced hikers often set out on Colchuck Lake Trail, a challenging route that leads to a pristine glacial lake surrounded by towering granite peaks, including Dragontail Peak and the Enchantments – an iconic wilderness area known for its rugged beauty and dramatic mountain views.
Snoqualmie Pass is a year-round outdoor playground in the Cascade Mountains, offering a wide range of activities for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. In the winter, visitors can enjoy skiing and snowboarding at The Summit at Snoqualmie, as well as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, backcountry skiing and sledding at spots like Gold Creek Pond and Hyak Sno-Park. As the snow melts, the pass transforms into a hiker’s paradise, with stunning trails like Snow Lake, Kendall Katwalk, and Franklin Falls, offering everything from alpine lakes to breathtaking mountain views. Camping, fishing, and mountain biking are also popular summer activities, while fall brings vibrant foliage and crisp mountain air, perfect for scenic drives or peaceful hikes. Whether you’re looking for a thrilling winter sports experience or a relaxing nature retreat, Snoqualmie Pass delivers unforgettable adventures in every season.
Learn MoreFor those looking to experience the winter beauty of the Cascade Mountains at a slower pace, snowshoeing at Snoqualmie Pass offers a peaceful and breathtaking adventure. Just an hour from Seattle, the pass features several well-loved snowshoe trails, including the easy and scenic Gold Creek Pond Loop, which winds around a frozen alpine lake with stunning mountain views, and the Pacific Crest Trail, which takes explorers through snow-covered forests of the Commonwealth Basin and up into a pristine backcountry setting. The Palouse to Cascades Trail also provides a wide, groomed path perfect for beginners or those looking for a relaxed trek. Whether you’re looking for a short, family-friendly outing or a more challenging ascent into the wilderness, Snoqualmie Pass offers a variety of snowshoeing routes that showcase the region’s winter wonderland without the need for skis or a lift ticket.
Sledding at Snoqualmie Pass is a fun and family-friendly way to enjoy the winter wonderland of the Cascade Mountains, just an hour from Seattle. The Summit at Snoqualmie’s Snow Tubing Park offers a well-groomed sledding experience with designated lanes, a covered conveyor lift, and plenty of space for thrilling downhill runs. For those looking for a more casual, do-it-yourself sledding spot, areas like Hyak Sno-Park provide open hills perfect for all ages, along with easy access to nearby snowshoeing and cross-country ski trails. With fresh snowfall, breathtaking mountain scenery, and plenty of opportunities for laughter and excitement, sledding at Snoqualmie Pass is the perfect way to experience winter fun in Washington’s Cascade Range.
Goa is a tropical paradise on India’s western coast, famous for its golden beaches, vibrant nightlife, and Portuguese heritage. Whether you’re looking to relax on the serene shores of Palolem and Agonda, experience the lively beach parties of Baga and Anjuna, or explore the charming old churches and colonial architecture in Panaji and Old Goa, this destination has something for everyone. Adventure seekers can enjoy water sports like parasailing, jet skiing, and scuba diving, while food lovers can indulge in fresh seafood and Goan curries infused with local spices. Goa is also known for its laid-back atmosphere, beach shacks, and stunning sunsets, making it the perfect getaway for travelers seeking both relaxation and excitement. Whether visiting for its festivals, flea markets, or historic forts, Goa promises an unforgettable experience with its blend of sun, sand, and culture.
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