Set on the United States’ West Coast, Seattle is the seat of King County, and is dubbed 'The Emerald City' due to its abundance of lush, evergreen trees and its spectacular views of the snow-capped Cascade and Olympic mountains. Seattle is a laid-back, friendly city with progressive, multicultural inhabitants. The city is perhaps best known for its seafood, its incredibly wet weather and its famously obsessive coffee culture as well as the staggering diversity of its neighbourhoods: Grand stately manicured suburbs; hip and trendy urban areas; pockets of eclectic, artsy boutiques and cafes; and rows of glistening state-of-art skyscrapers - Seattle has it all. With nature on its doorstep, it’s hardly surprising that an outdoor lifestyle prevails, with plenty of boating, skiing, and hiking facilities on offer as well as a vast array of fascinating museums, galleries and cultural sights.
Aptly dubbed ‘The Evergreen State’, Washington is undoubtedly one of mother nature’s darlings. Whether you’re looking for lush rainforests, snow-capped volcanic peaks, picturesque Alpine meadows, glorious beaches, or remarkable wildlife, Washington has it all. For all its epic scenery though, the state’s primary draw card is the beautiful city of Seattle. This laidback hub of creativity continues to enchant visitors with its legendary live music scene, trendy neighbourhoods and diverse range of cultural attractions. If big cities are not really your thing, how about a Bavarian hamlet? Tucked into the Cascade Mountains, the little village of Leavenworth offers an intriguingly bizarre combination of Bavarian architecture, lederhosen, and even the odd Wiener schnitzel! Washington may see an inordinate amount of rain, but with all of this and more on offer, it is certainly worth getting out your wellington boots and stomping through the puddles to explore all that this spectacularly scenic state has to offer.
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Located in the incredibly scenic North American state of Washington, the small Lumber town of Forks is idyllically set on the scenic Olympic Peninsula. Renowned as the location for the world- famous vampire novels, Twilight, by famed authour Stephanie Meyers. Visitors can look forward to a wide range of wonderful activities when venturing to the charming town including: visiting the Forks Timber Museum to learn about the region's logging industry, or fishing for local salmon and steelhead in the surrounding rivers of Calawah, Sol Duc and Bogachiel. It serves as an excellent base from which to explore the spectacularly scenic Olympic National Park featuring the lush moss-covered Hoh Rain Forest, the magnificent glacial peaks and the rugged and dramatic coastline with the unique rock formations at Rialto Beach.
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A historic port city west of the Rocky Mountains, Astoria is a picturesque 19th-century settlement located on the south shore of the Columbia River, just moments away from the Pacific Ocean. The sweeping townscape ranges from charming Victorian-era homes strewn along the hillside to spectacular beaches teeming with birdlife, including tufted puffins, gulls, and cormorants. A visit downtown offers an exciting array of boutique stores, contemporary art galleries and a variety of restaurants. Nature lovers can enjoy a scenic hike along Ecola State Park from Tillamook Head Trailhead while taking in stunning ocean views, particularly Hikers Camp and Tillamook Rock Light. Other highlights include the Astoria Column, Columbia River Maritime Museum, Flavel House Museum, Fort George Brewery and Astoria-Megler Bridge.
Resting at the mouth of the Siuslaw River, the town of Florence dots the Central Oregon Coast. The town boasts a rich cultural heritage, thriving art scene and stunning shorelines. It is known for its Sea Lion Caves, a network of scenic trails and the beautifully restored 19th-century Heceta Head Lighthouse. Florence serves as an excellent base from which to explore the scenic surrounds including the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. Visitors can look forward to spotting seabirds and migratory whales in season, strolling through the Historic Old Town District, and browsing the unique shops and galleries that line the picturesque streets.
Situated in western Oregon, the spectacular McKenzie River Valley is one of the state's most treasured natural areas. The beautiful McKenzie River runs through this 110-kilometre-long valley, providing an impressive array of outdoor sport options. Visitors can take advantage of the well-known driftboat fishing in the area, go whitewater rafting, or hike or cycle various trails with swimming opportunities along the way. Don’t miss the chance to explore the McKenzie Pass, which meanders through the valley offering incredible views of the surrounding mountains, waterfalls and volcanic formations. There are numerous accommodation options on offer in the area including secluded riverside cabins and campsites, and a little community on McKenzie Bridge offers some wonderful local foods and further lodging options.
Located on America's east coast, the beautiful state of Oregon is known for its varied landscapes of mountains, farms, forests and beaches. The state’s famed capital city of Portland is a popular cultural hub with many coffee shops, boutiques and local restaurants to discover. Those seeking outdoor experiences can explore a variety of natural areas including the breathtaking Crater Lake National Park, the Columbia River Gorge, and the towering peak of Mount Hood. These vast expanses of wilderness serve as an ideal backdrop for a range of outdoor activities including hiking, biking, horse riding and swimming. Other popular Oregon attractions include: the Willamette Valley, featuring an abundance of world-renowned wineries; the impressive Oregon Caves National Monument; and the tranquil McKenzie River with its riverside walking trails and scenic picnic sites.
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Situated in northern Oregon, Mount Hood is the state's highest mountain and an unforgettable destination for hikers, climbers, skiers and sightseers. This 3425-metre-high peak is one of the most frequently visited glaciated mountains in the world as it offers down-hill skiers excellent year-round snow. Visitors to the mountain tend to base themselves at the renowned wood and stone Timberline Lodge, which was built in the 1930s and offers truly breathtaking views of the mountain. Don’t miss the exquisitely scenic driving route known as the ‘Fruit Loop’, which in summer provides spectacular views of wildflowers, fruit trees and a number of beautiful alpine lakes.
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