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North America is a continent which is designed to be explored on four wheels. One of the great drives that you can do is along the Pacific Northwest – the region that crosses both the USA and Canada, and boasts stunning natural landscapes and bustling cities alike. So, if you are planning a road trip out to this part of the world, the following guide is here to give you a helping hand.
Oregon Coast and Portland
Let’s start our journey along the Oregon Coast, a route that takes in some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in the country. Along the way, you will encounter plenty of great rivers and lush green forest – perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Head inland to get to Portland, the largest city in the state and a place where independent shops, coffee houses, and brew pubs line the streets. It is no wonder that so many are making the move out to this part of the world.
Columbia River Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge neatly divides Oregon and the neighbouring state of Washington. Even if you decide not to venture out from your car, you will still pass high waterfalls and near vertical mountain walls. Fans of wind sports will feel right at home here as there are wonderful windsurfing and kite boarding conditions in this area. Mountain biking and rafting are two other activities that are popular around these parts.
Mt Rainier, Washington
An iconic natural wonder in the region is the mighty Mt. Rainier which stands at 14,411ft, making it the Cascades highest peak. You can appreciate the mountain on one of the many hiking trails in the area which are surrounded by flowery meadows. For real adventure-seekers, you can even climb to the top which is bound to be an experience that lives long in the memory.
Seattle
Seattle is the largest city in the Pacific Northwest and a must-visit place. If you are looking to break up the journey up here, you could stop off at Econo Lodge Chehalis – Centralia. The city is surrounded by beautiful scenery, and it is also a thriving metropolis in itself and the home of Starbucks. The revolving Space Needle is the place to go to take in stunning vistas of the surrounding area.
Vancouver
We are going to end this road trip by heading up into Canada and taking a trip over to one of the finest cities, Vancouver. This is a city which continues to grow at a rapid rate thanks to its ever-developing city centre and proximity to some incredible natural scenery including the rugged shoreline and towering mountains. You also have the natural advantage of being shielded from the harsh winters that blight much of the rest of the country.
Though there is so much more you could take in on a trip to the Pacific Northwest, these are just a few of the attractions which you won’t want to miss out on along the way.
This is a collaborative post.