The Pacific Northwest has a reputation for rainy, gloomy weather, but the region is a different animal in the summer. From roughly June to September, the rainfall ceases, the sun shines bright, and the masses come out to play.
Pacific Northwest summers are pleasantly warm – they lack the mugginess and scorching heat that characterize other parts of the US in the summer. And there’s no better time to enjoy the Pacific Northwest’s colorful cultural events and spectacular outdoor scenery that than in the pleasantly sun-drenched summertime.
The Pacific Northwest is brimming with amusing and scenic vacation destinations, so deciding where to go on your summer trip can be a trying task. Whether you want to unwind and enjoy quaint coastal scenery or savor distinctive gourmet treats at a local market, check out these top 5 summer vacation destinations in the Pacific Northwest.
1. The San Juan Islands, Washington State
The San Juan Islands are an archipelago of more than 450 tiny islands between Seattle and Vancouver. An excellent and affordable way to take in the beauty of these islands is by ferry.
The ferries in the San Juan Islands are part of the Washington State Department of Transportation. Although they are primarily used by commuters, these ferries allow visitors to tour this scenic archipelago at a leisurely pace.
A hot spot for orca (killer) whale watching is off San Juan Island, in Friday Harbor. Aboard a whale watching tour boat, there’s a 95% chance that you’ll see one of these beautiful creatures in person.
2. Pike Place Market, Seattle
The Pike Place Market is a bustling marketplace that is as colorful and quirky as Seattle itself. One of America’s premier farmer’s markets, the Pike Place Market is an iconographic symbol of the city of Seattle. Fresh cut flowers, bread, fresh-caught fish, and seasonal produce are a sampling of what you’ll find when you wander through the maze of stalls at the Pike Place Market.
On weekends in the summer, the market boasts lively street performances, cooking demos, and festivals venerating fruits and flowers. And on any day of the week, you can count on receiving great customer service from knowledgeable vendors who are passionate about their produce. Don’t miss the opportunity to watch the vendors at the world famous Pike Place Fish Market throw customers’ fish in the air and shout orders in unison.
If you’re a Starbucks fan, you’d surely be delighted to visit the very first Starbucks café, which is located at the Pike Place Market. There are also several delectable eateries hidden in the market that take some exploring to find.
3. Sea Lion Caves, Oregon
Sea Lion Caves, located 11 miles north of Florence on the Oregon Coast, is the world’s largest sea cave. At this cave, which was formed about 25 million years ago, there are – you guessed it – sea lions. But that’s not all. Whales and sea birds are also frequently spotted in the cave, which is as tall as a 12-story building and stretches the length of a football field.
In the summer, the sea lions can generally be seen relaxing on the rocks outside of the cave. Stepping into the cave and hearing the echoes of the wailing sea lions and sea birds as the water crashes against the rocks is nothing short of surreal.
4. Highway 101, Oregon
A Pacific Coast Scenic Byway that spans 363 miles, Highway 101 on the Oregon Coast offers amazing views of coastal scenery and is lined with charming towns, lighthouses, museums, and state parks that deserve more than a quick pit stop. The byway also takes you past dunes that have been sculpted by the wind, estuarine marshes, old-growth forests, and rich, verdant valleys, which makes for a lovely drive.
It takes approximately 12 hours to enjoy the byway by car, but cycling is also a possibility. On bicycle, you’ll likely discover hidden coves and isolated cliffs that are easy to miss when you are behind the wheel.
5. Mt. Rainier National Park, Washington State
Mt. Rainier National Park in Washington State is at its most picturesque in the summertime, when its meadows are carpeted with beautiful wildflowers. The scenic hiking trails at the park lead to cascading waterfalls, peaks with breathtaking views of the park, and calming, crystalline streams. Other popular summertime activities at Mt. Rainier National Park include camping, horseback riding, mountain biking, and fishing.
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