The Pacific Northwest (PNW) is a region of emerald-green forests, active volcanoes, and dynamic cities, offering families a cool, nature-focused escape. Geographically, it covers Washington and Oregon, divided by the Cascade Mountain Range. The western side, including Seattle and Portland, is famous for its marine climate—mild, damp winters and glorious, dry summers. The natural beauty here is lush and sometimes moody, with massive ferns and moss-covered trees that look like fairy tale settings to children.
Seattle is a major attraction. A trip to the top of the Space Needle offers views of the city and distant Mount Rainier. At Pike Place Market, kids are entertained by the famous fish throwers and the 'Gum Wall' (a gross but fascinating local landmark). The Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) captures the imagination of teens, while the Pacific Science Center appeals to younger ones. In Portland, Oregon, families can explore the Oregon Zoo and the sprawling Washington Park. The city is famous for its donut shops (like Voodoo Doughnuts) and food cart pods, which offer a fun, low-stress way to feed picky eaters.
Nature is never far away. The Olympic National Park in Washington is incredibly diverse, allowing families to hike in a temperate rainforest, climb on driftwood at Ruby Beach, and see snowy peaks all in one day. The Oregon Coast is entirely public land, meaning families can stop at any beach to explore tide pools filled with colorful starfish and anemones. Cannon Beach, with its iconic Haystack Rock, is a favorite for kite flying and bonfires. Inland, the Columbia River Gorge offers a high concentration of waterfalls, including the massive Multnomah Falls, which can be viewed from a bridge just a short walk from the parking lot.
The region has a laid-back, eco-conscious culture. Recycling and sustainability are prioritized, and outdoor gear is the standard dress code. Families should pack rain jackets regardless of the season, though summer rain is rare. The coffee culture is strong for parents, while kids will enjoy the abundance of fresh berries in summer. It’s a destination that encourages curiosity about nature and offers plenty of space to run free.
Click a region to explore
Activities & Best Times
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
Home to globally unique ecosystems like the Hoh Rain Forest and dramatic volcanic landscapes in Mt. Rainier and Crater Lake National Parks. Summer offers dry, mild conditions perfect for exploring these world-class wilderness areas, while heavy winter precipitation limits access.
Urban tourism, museums, historical sites, architecture
Seattle and Portland offer sophisticated urban identities with iconic landmarks like the Space Needle and vibrant, authentic market cultures. The summer months provide ideal weather for urban exploration and outdoor markets, though persistent grey skies and rain characterize the winter off-season.
Sport tourism, fitness activities, active recreation
Features elite-level trekking routes like the Wonderland Trail and The Enchantments which are internationally sought-after by experienced mountaineers. Peak conditions occur only once high-altitude snow melts in mid-summer; winter renders these specialized routes dangerous and inaccessible.
Scenic drives, countryside tours, route-based travel
Iconic routes like the Olympic Peninsula Loop and Columbia River Highway offer spectacular scenic driving through diverse terrain. Peak summer months ensure high visibility and dry roads, while winter brings heavy rain and potential snow in mountain passes.
Winter sports, ski resorts, snow activities
Reliable heavy snowfall at major resorts like Crystal Mountain and Mt. Hood Meadows provides a solid alpine experience for families. The season is concentrated in the cold winter months, with spring offering variable conditions and summer having no snow coverage.
Beach resorts, marine activities: diving, snorkelling, kite surfing, wind surfing, sailing
The coastline is dramatically beautiful and authentic, but frigid water temperatures and rugged conditions make it unsuitable for traditional beach swimming or diving. It serves as a scenic coastal destination primarily in the warmest, driest months of July and August.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
High-quality regional science centers and aquariums like OMSI and the Seattle Aquarium provide good educational value for families. While primarily indoor, these are best visited as part of a wider regional tour during the more accessible spring through autumn months.
Spa retreats, wellness centers, peaceful getaways
Natural hot springs like Bagby and Umpqua offer authentic, rustic relaxation in wilderness settings rather than luxury spa resort experiences. Access to these remote sites is best during the dry summer months when forest roads and trails are in optimal condition.
Amusement parks, family entertainment venues
The region contains several regional amusement and water parks that serve domestic travelers well but lack the world-class scale of major global theme park hubs. These facilities are seasonally dependent, with most attractions closing or being unpleasant during the long rainy season.
Attractions (100 total)
Historic Town / Village / Cultural Area
Astoria Historic District
Astoria
A historic maritime town at the mouth of the Columbia River featuring Victorian homes, a grand memorial column, and rich colonial history.
Visit website →Leavenworth Bavarian Village
Leavenworth
A charming Bavarian-themed village nestled in the Cascade Mountains offering alpine architecture, German food, and seasonal festivals for the whole family.
Visit website →Jacksonville Historic District
Jacksonville
A well-preserved gold-rush town featuring 19th-century brick buildings, unique shops, and a glimpse into Oregon's frontier history.
Visit website →Port Townsend Historic District
Port Townsend
A beautifully preserved Victorian seaport known for its elegant 19th-century architecture, scenic harbor views, and maritime heritage sites.
Visit website →Natural Hot Spring / Thermal Bath / Historic Bathhouse
Bagby Hot Springs
Estacada
49°C natural geothermal water piped into unique hand-hollowed cedar log tubs and wooden soaking vats. Features historic wooden bathhouses located deep in the Mount Hood National Forest. Rustic and culturally significant PNW destination.
Visit website →Umpqua Hot Springs
Idleyld Park
42°C mineral-rich water cascading through a series of tiered travertine pools on a steep hillside. Includes a rustic wooden shelter over the top pool with dramatic views of the North Umpqua River and surrounding forest.
Visit website →Alvord Hot Springs
Princeton
44°C geothermal water in developed concrete and wooden soaking tubs at the edge of the Alvord Desert playa. Offers panoramic views of Steens Mountain. A remote standalone mineral water destination on a private ranch open to the public.
Visit website →Olympic Hot Springs
Port Angeles
40°C natural, unmaintained geothermal pools in the Olympic National Park wilderness. Accessible via a forest hike, featuring multiple primitive pools with high sulfur content and varying temperatures in a temperate rainforest setting.
Visit website →Goldmyer Hot Springs
North Bend
51°C source water cooling through tiered outdoor pools and a small natural cave. Managed by a non-profit wilderness organization with strict visitor limits. Features crystal clear mineral water in an old-growth forest setting.
Visit website →Terwilliger Hot Springs
Blue River
44°C natural geothermal water feeding five cascading rock-walled pools in a lush forest ravine. Also known as Cougar Hot Springs, it is highly regarded for its natural setting and geological formation within the Willamette National Forest.
Visit website →Science Museum / Natural History Museum / Discovery Centre
Boeing Future of Flight
Mukilteo
An aviation discovery center featuring a rooftop gallery with views of the Boeing Everett Factory and interactive aerospace exhibits.
Visit website →Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)
Portland
One of the nation's leading science centers, offering hands-on labs, a planetarium, an IMAX theater, and a real Navy submarine docked in the river.
Visit website →Pacific Science Center
Seattle
An interactive science museum featuring iconic arches, a planetarium, a laser dome, and a tropical butterfly house perfect for curious minds of all ages.
Visit website →The Museum of Flight
Seattle
The largest private air and space museum in the world, showcasing a massive collection of historic aircraft, spacecraft, and aviation artifacts.
Visit website →Hatfield Marine Science Center Visitor Center
Newport
An OSU-run discovery center featuring interactive exhibits on marine research, touch tanks, and a famous resident giant Pacific octopus.
Visit website →Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture
Seattle
Located on the University of Washington campus, this museum features unique 'inside-out' labs where visitors can watch researchers work on fossils and artifacts.
Visit website →Museum of Natural and Cultural History
Eugene
The premier natural history museum in Oregon, showcasing the state's geology, biology, and 14,000 years of Northwest cultural history.
Visit website →Beach / Coastal Recreation Area
Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach
A world-famous wide sandy beach featuring the iconic 235-foot Haystack Rock and diverse tide pools perfect for family exploration.
Visit website →Deception Pass State Park
Oak Harbor
Washington's most-visited state park offers breathtaking views from a high bridge, beach combing, and forest trails for all ages.
Visit website →Ruby Beach
Forks
A stunning section of Olympic National Park known for its abundance of driftwood, dramatic sea stacks, and accessible tide pools.
Visit website →Cape Perpetua Scenic Area
Yachats
Home to the spectacular Thor's Well and Cook's Chasm, this high coastal headland offers the best panoramic views in Oregon.
Visit website →Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area
Florence
One of the largest expanses of temperate coastal sand dunes in the world, offering unique hiking and sandboarding opportunities.
Visit website →Rialto Beach
La Push
A dramatic wilderness beach featuring the famous Hole-in-the-Wall rock formation and massive bleached cedar logs.
Visit website →Road Trips & Scenic Drives
Cascade Loop Scenic Byway
Circular
708km paved loop (2-4 days) traversing the heart of Washington. Highlights include the Bavarian-themed town of Leavenworth, the turquoise Diablo Lake, North Cascades National Park, the Methow Valley, and Whidbey Island.
Visit website →Historic Columbia River Highway
Troutdale
120km paved scenic route (1 day) following the Columbia River Gorge. Highlights include the iconic 620-foot Multnomah Falls, Vista House at Crown Point, Latourell Falls, and numerous historic stone bridges and tunnels.
Visit website →Olympic Peninsula Loop (Highway 101)
Circular
530km paved loop route (3-4 days) circumnavigating Olympic National Park. Key highlights include the moss-draped Hoh Rainforest, Hurricane Ridge mountain vistas, the rugged sea stacks of Ruby Beach, and Lake Crescent.
Visit website →Pacific Coast Scenic Byway (Oregon Coast Highway)
Astoria
584km paved route (3-5 days) tracing the entire Oregon coastline. Highlights include Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach, the Tillamook Creamery, the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, and the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor.
Visit website →Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway
Bend
106km paved route (3-5 hours) through the volcanic landscapes of Central Oregon. Highlights include Mount Bachelor, the Three Sisters peaks, Sparks Lake, and Devil's Lake with its brilliant turquoise water.
Visit website →North Cascades Scenic Byway
Sedro-Woolley
225km paved stretch of Highway 20 (1 day) passing through the most rugged mountains in Washington. Highlights include Washington Pass Overlook, Liberty Bell Mountain, and the scenic Ross Lake National Recreation Area.
Visit website →Rim Drive
Circular
53km paved loop (2-4 hours) circling the caldera of Crater Lake. Highlights include views of Wizard Island, the Phantom Ship rock formation, Watchman Lookout, and the deepest blue water in the United States.
Visit website →Art Gallery / Fine Art Museum
Chihuly Garden and Glass
Seattle
A spectacular exhibition showcasing the vibrant glass artistry of Dale Chihuly within a stunning garden and glasshouse setting beneath the Space Needle.
Visit website →Portland Art Museum
Portland
The oldest art museum in the Pacific Northwest, renowned for its extensive collection of Native American art and significant graphic arts holdings.
Visit website →Seattle Art Museum
Seattle
A world-class art museum featuring a diverse global collection ranging from European masterpieces to contemporary Northwest Coast Native American art.
Visit website →Frye Art Museum
Seattle
A community-focused museum offering free admission to its collection of 19th-century German and French paintings and rotating contemporary exhibits.
Visit website →Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art
Eugene
Located on the University of Oregon campus, this museum features significant collections of Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and American art.
Visit website →Museum of Glass
Tacoma
An interactive contemporary art museum dedicated to glass art, featuring a working hot shop where visitors can watch artists create.
Visit website →National Park / Nature Reserve
Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake
Formed by a collapsed volcano, this remarkably deep and blue lake features the unique Wizard Island and a scenic rim drive.
Visit website →Mount Rainier National Park
Ashford
An iconic active volcano surrounded by subalpine wildflower meadows and massive glaciers, offering spectacular views and accessible trails.
Visit website →Multnomah Falls
Corbett
A stunning two-tiered waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge featuring a historic footbridge and easily accessible viewing platforms.
Visit website →Olympic National Park - Hoh Rainforest
Forks
A world-renowned temperate rainforest featuring ancient moss-draped trees and family-friendly nature loops like the Hall of Mosses.
Visit website →Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument
Castle Rock
An educational and awe-inspiring site showcasing the 1980 eruption's impact with dramatic crater views from the Johnston Ridge Observatory.
Visit website →North Cascades National Park
Marblemount
Known as the 'American Alps,' this park offers breathtaking views of turquoise glacial lakes and jagged snow-dusted peaks.
Visit website →Ski Resort / Winter Sports Center
Crystal Mountain Resort
Enumclaw
1,341-2,137m, 80 runs, 50km pistes, Nov-May season, Washington's largest ski resort with a high-speed gondola and views of Mt. Rainier.
Visit website →Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort
Bend
1,737-2,743m, 101 runs, 100km+ pistes, Nov-May season, 360-degree skiing from the summit of a dormant volcano with 11 lifts.
Visit website →Mt. Hood Meadows
Government Camp
1,379-2,225m, 85 runs, 55km pistes, Nov-May season, diverse terrain on the sunny side of Mount Hood with 11 lifts and extensive night skiing.
Visit website →Mission Ridge Ski & Board Resort
Wenatchee
1,393-2,079m, 36 runs, 25km pistes, Dec-Apr season, located on the eastern side of the Cascades, known for dry powder and high sun frequency.
Visit website →Mt. Hood Skibowl
Government Camp
1,067-1,542m, 65 runs, 20km pistes, Dec-Mar season, largest night skiing area in the United States with extensive terrain parks.
Visit website →White Pass Ski Area
Naches
1,372-1,981m, 45 runs, 30km pistes, Dec-Apr season, 6 lifts, family-friendly resort with views of Mt. Rainier and extensive cross-country trails.
Visit website →Mt. Baker Ski Area
Glacier
1,067-1,551m, 38 runs, 40km pistes, Nov-Apr season, holds the world record for snowfall in a single season, known for rugged terrain and 8 chairlifts.
Visit website →Stevens Pass Ski Area
Skykomish
1,238-1,782m, 52 runs, 45km pistes, Dec-Apr season, 10 lifts, high-altitude terrain spanning two sides of the Cascade crest, famous for night skiing.
Visit website →The Summit at Snoqualmie
Snoqualmie Pass
866-1,176m, 82 runs, 50km pistes, Dec-Apr season, four distinct base areas including Alpental, known for steep backcountry-style terrain and easy city access.
Visit website →Timberline Lodge and Ski Area
Government Camp
1,478-2,603m, 41 runs, 35km pistes, Year-round (usually Oct-Aug) season, historic lodge and the only year-round ski area in North America.
Visit website →Castle / Palace / Historic Site
Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
Vancouver
A meticulously reconstructed 19th-century fur trading post and military fort that served as the center of the Hudson's Bay Company operations.
Visit website →Pittock Mansion
Portland
A stunning French Renaissance-style mansion offering a glimpse into Portland's history and breathtaking views of the city skyline and Mount Hood.
Visit website →Timberline Lodge
Government Camp
A National Historic Landmark on Mount Hood featuring extraordinary WPA-era wood and stone craftsmanship and iconic alpine architecture.
Visit website →Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park
Seattle
A historic museum in the Pioneer Square district detailing Seattle's pivotal role as the gateway to the 1897 Yukon gold fields.
Visit website →Lewis and Clark National Historical Park
Astoria
The site of the reconstructed Fort Clatsop, where the Lewis and Clark Expedition spent the winter of 1805-1806 before returning east.
Visit website →Natural Feature / Scenic Site
Hoh Rain Forest
Forks
One of the finest remaining examples of a temperate rainforest, featuring prehistoric-looking trees draped in thick moss.
Visit website →Haystack Rock
Cannon Beach
A 235-foot monolith rising from the shore, serving as a sanctuary for puffins and a prime spot for tidepool exploration.
Visit website →Snoqualmie Falls
Snoqualmie
A powerful 268-foot waterfall and sacred site for the Snoqualmie Tribe, located just a short drive from Seattle.
Visit website →Botanical Garden / Formal Gardens
International Rose Test Garden
Portland
A world-famous garden showcasing over 10,000 rose bushes and offering a panoramic view of Portland's skyline and Mount Hood.
Visit website →Portland Japanese Garden
Portland
Considered the most authentic Japanese garden outside of Japan, this tranquil space offers winding paths, koi ponds, and traditional tea houses.
Visit website →Washington Park Arboretum
Seattle
A massive urban forest and world-class collection of oaks, maples, and camellias perfect for family walks and seasonal color.
Visit website →Bellevue Botanical Garden
Bellevue
A stunning 53-acre garden known for its perennial borders, suspension bridge, and beautiful holiday light displays in winter.
Visit website →Bloedel Reserve
Bainbridge Island
An award-winning public garden and forest preserve that seamlessly blends the wild PNW landscape with formal Japanese and European garden designs.
Visit website →Lan Su Chinese Garden
Portland
An authentic Ming Dynasty-style garden featuring ornate pavilions, a central lake, and unique plants native to China.
Visit website →Adventure Park / Outdoor Activity Center
Mt. Hood Adventure Park at Skibowl
Government Camp
A premier mountain destination featuring dual alpine slides, zip lines, and bungee jumping with stunning views of Mt. Hood.
Visit website →High Trek Adventures
Everett
One of the largest aerial adventure parks in the region, featuring a massive three-story ropes course and multiple zip lines.
Visit website →Rogue Valley ZipLine Adventure
Gold Hill
An exhilarating guided zip line tour offering panoramic views of the Rogue Valley and the surrounding mountains of Southern Oregon.
Visit website →Skamania Lodge Adventures
Stevenson
A world-class outdoor activity center in the Columbia River Gorge providing high-flying zipline tours and aerial trekking obstacles.
Visit website →Tree to Tree Adventure Park
Gaston
An eco-friendly aerial park offering challenging high ropes courses, zip lines, and canopy tours through a lush forest.
Visit website →Farm Park / Petting Zoo / Rural Experience
Olympic Game Farm
Sequim
A historic drive-through animal sanctuary on the Olympic Peninsula famous for its interactive experiences with various wildlife species.
Visit website →Remlinger Farms
Carnation
A premier family destination featuring a country fair theme park, steam train, and interactive farm animal experiences in the Snoqualmie Valley.
Visit website →Wildlife Safari
Winston
A renowned drive-through wildlife park offering close encounters with animals and a family-friendly petting zoo area.
Visit website →Bauman's Farm and Garden
Gervais
A large agricultural destination known for its massive seasonal festivals, petting zoo, and authentic farm-to-market experience.
Visit website →Kelsey Creek Farm
Bellevue
A historic city-run farm park featuring preserved barns and animal pastures that offer a rural educational experience within the Seattle metro area.
Visit website →Aquarium / Sea Life Centre
Oregon Coast Aquarium
Newport
A world-class marine facility famous for its 'Passages of the Deep' walk-through shark tunnels and rehabilitated sea otters.
Visit website →Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
Tacoma
A unique destination combining a state-of-the-art aquarium focused on Pacific marine life with a zoo overlooking the Puget Sound.
Visit website →Seattle Aquarium
Seattle
A premier waterfront attraction featuring a massive 120,000-gallon tank and interactive tide pools showcasing local Salish Sea life.
Visit website →Seaside Aquarium
Seaside
One of the oldest aquariums on the West Coast, known for its historic charm and the opportunity to feed resident harbor seals.
Visit website →Hiking & Cycling Routes
Oregon Coast Trail
Warrenton
582km (362mi) moderate long-distance trail following the entire Oregon shoreline, typically completed in 4-5 weeks. Elevation gain varies by segment. Logistics support: Oregon Coast Visitors Association (visittheoregoncoast.com).
Visit website →Skyline Trail
Paradise
8.8km (5.5mi) moderate day hike featuring iconic views of Mount Rainier and the Nisqually Glacier, typically taking 3-4 hours with 520m (1,700ft) elevation gain.
Visit website →The Enchantments
Leavenworth
29km (18mi) expert-level point-to-point hike through the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, often completed in 1-3 days with 1,370m (4,500ft) elevation gain. Requires a competitive permit. Equipment rental: Der Sportsman (dersportsman.com).
Visit website →Wonderland Trail
Longmire
150km (93mi) challenging multi-day trek encircling Mount Rainier, typically taking 10-14 days with 6,700m (22,000ft) of elevation gain. Equipment rental: Whittaker Mountaineering (whittakermountaineering.com).
Visit website →McKenzie River Trail
Blue River
42km (26mi) moderate to challenging mountain bike trail or hike through old-growth forest. Cyclists typically take 4-6 hours with a 500m (1,600ft) net descent. Bike rental: Horse Creek Lodge (horsecreeklodge.com).
Visit website →Olympic Discovery Trail
Port Townsend
217km (135mi) easy to moderate multi-use cycling and walking trail across the Olympic Peninsula, taking 2-4 days to ride with 1,500m (4,900ft) cumulative gain. Bike rental: Sound Bikes & Kayaks (soundbikeskayaks.com).
Visit website →Zoo / Wildlife Park / Safari Park
Oregon Zoo
Portland
The oldest zoo west of the Mississippi River, renowned for its elephant habitat and conservation efforts within Washington Park.
Visit website →Woodland Park Zoo
Seattle
An award-winning zoo featuring immersive bioclimatic exhibits ranging from tropical rainforests to the African savanna.
Visit website →Northwest Trek Wildlife Park
Eatonville
A premier wildlife park where visitors can observe native Northwest animals in their natural habitats via specialized tram tours.
Visit website →Landmark / Monument / Iconic Urban Attraction
Pike Place Market
Seattle
One of the oldest public farmers' markets in the US, famous for its fish tossing, local crafts, and diverse food stalls.
Visit website →Space Needle
Seattle
An iconic 605-foot observation tower offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the city, Puget Sound, and surrounding mountains.
Visit website →The Astoria Column
Astoria
A 125-foot tower decorated with a hand-painted spiral frieze, offering panoramic views of the Columbia River and Pacific Ocean.
Visit website →Portland International Rose Test Garden
Portland
The oldest continuously operating public rose test garden in the US, featuring over 10,000 rose bushes and city views.
Visit website →Theme Park / Amusement Park
Wild Waves Theme & Water Park
Federal Way
The largest theme and water park in the Pacific Northwest, featuring thrill rides, wooden roller coasters, and a massive wave pool.
Visit website →Enchanted Forest
Turner
A unique, handcrafted storybook theme park set in a lush forest, famous for its whimsical architecture and imaginative fairytale displays.
Visit website →Oaks Amusement Park
Portland
One of the oldest continually operating amusement parks in the United States, offering a classic mix of modern thrill rides and historic charm.
Visit website →Wings & Waves Waterpark
McMinnville
An educational aviation-themed water park featuring a Boeing 747 on the roof with slides descending from the aircraft.
Visit website →Water Park / Splash Park / Aquatic Centre
Surf 'n Slide Water Park
Moses Lake
A top-rated municipal water park known for its FlowRider surfing simulator, Olympic-sized competitive pool, and family-friendly lazy river.
Visit website →Evergreen Wings & Waves Waterpark
McMinnville
An extraordinary indoor aviation-themed water park featuring a real Boeing 747 on its roof that serves as the starting point for four slides.
Visit website →Slidewaters
Chelan
A premier hillside water park offering world-class slides and a lazy river with breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Chelan.
Visit website →