When I try to think about the outdoor activities I can do in the Pacific Northwest, the list seems never-ending. With stunning national parks, hidden hot springs, immersive hiking trails, and everything in between, there is no shortage of possibilities for adventure in this part of the world.
Olympic National Park
Washington’s Olympic National Park spans across 1,442 square miles of dense forest, glacier-covered mountains, coastline, and temperate rainforest. That’s right, a rainforest! As one of the only protected temperate rainforests in the Northern Hemisphere, the Hoh Rain Forest sees an average of 140 inches of rain every year. If you’re into hiking, the views from the top of Hurricane Ridge are second to none. Once the winter rolls around and snow begins to cover the Olympic Mountains, you can bring your snowboard or skis up for some breathtaking rides down the mountain.
Maybe hiking and snow sports aren’t your thing. That’s okay, Olympic National Park is also home to 16 developed campgrounds and over 3,000 miles of rivers and streams. There really is something for every adventurer here, and that’s why it’s high up on my bucket list!
Oregon’s Rogue River
For all of you thrill-seekers out there, whitewater rafting on the Rogue River is an adventure all by itself. With single and multi-day trips available, this is the perfect way to escape the busy lives we live and take in the beauty of the Siskiyou mountains while paddling through a healthy mix of fun rapids and calm water.Truckee River
The 121 miles of the Truckee River between Lake Tahoe, CA, and Pyramid Lake, NV offers a lot of opportunities to get outdoors and enjoy nature. Personally, I want to learn how to fly fish, and the Truckee is one of the great places to do it in the Pacific Northwest. Hiking trails, state parks, and whitewater rafting are just a few of the many things to do around the area.
