Best Pacific Northwest Travel Itinerary Ideas
Sep 17th, 2008 by Tess Kirkpatrick
With its towering mountains, fragrant woodlands and crisp, ocean air, the Pacific Northwest is an ideal location for travelers. You can enjoy the bustling and vibrant cities of Portland, Seattle or Vancouver. Or, consider spending your time in small coastal hamlets and even enjoying some world-class skiing. The Pacific Northwest offers plenty of options for every kind of traveler.
There are plenty of interesting itineraries to consider. Travelers can tour southern Oregon where you’ll find caves to explore, lake-filled volcanic craters and a world-famous Shakespeare festival. Another option is to explore Oregon’s rugged coastline, which is dotted with scenic towns, lighthouses and pristine beaches. Perhaps, you might consider the Portland area, which offers much to do in the metropolitan area, as well as day trips to scenic spots such as Multnomah Falls or Mount St. Helens. Other interesting trips include an itinerary with stops in Seattle and the Cascade Mountain region and a trip that leads you further north into British Columbia.
After you decide where to go, here are some recommended places to stay:
For a romantic interlude, try the Channel House in Depoe Bay, Oregon. This secluded inn was named by Karen Brown readers as the Pacific Northwest’s Most Romantic place to stay. The guest rooms all afford a sea view and also include a fireplace and an outdoor whirlpool tub where guests can relax and listen to the waves as they crash upon the shore. You can take a whale-watching trip, drive to some of the area’s lighthouses or take a trip to the world’s largest sea lion cave.
Named for the natives that once lived in this scenic land, the Tu Tu’ Tun Lodge is a delight and the scenery is unforgettable, located on the banks of the Rogue River. The family-run lodge was noted by Karen Brown’s readers as offering the Warmest Welcome in the Pacific Northwest. The hospitality is just one of many reasons to stay at the lodge. The guest rooms and suites boast stunning views of the river and forested hills. Many have fireplaces and some have outdoor soaking tubs. The lodge’s restaurant serves first-class breakfasts, lunches and dinners. From the boat dock, you can head out to day trips on the river, and there are plenty of opportunities for hiking and fishing.
Orcas Island, the largest of Washington’s San Juan Islands, is home to Otters Pond Bed and Breakfast, which was named by Karen Brown readers as the Pacific Northwest’s Greatest Value. Travelers reach the island and the inn via ferry from the mainland town of Anacortes. The bed and breakfast is located within a protected wetland and you’re sure to see a variety of wildlife, including eagles, swans and perhaps even an otter. A soak in the hot tub is a must as it’s a great place to relax and enjoy the fresh air and quiet sounds of nature. A few guest rooms include a fireplace and some have a clawfoot bath tub. The innkeepers serve a gourmet, five-course breakfast that includes entrees such as Dutch apple pancakes or perhaps a souffl of brie and fresh herbs.
It would be difficult to pick a favorite guest room at the Sooke Harbour House, because they are so many wonderful and unique choices. In addition to the dcor, the island scenery is breathtaking. There’s even a full service spa. The guest rooms offer such amenities as en-suite clawfoot and whirlpool tubs, fireplaces and unique artwork and pottery. Each room has a touch of whimsy, from one room with a stained-glass shower door to another chamber that features a bed with a headboard that resembles a tree. It’s hardly surprising that this boutique hotel was rated as the Pacific Northwest’s top Splendid Splurge by Karen Brown readers.