If you think the Pacific Northwest is all hiking, coffee and craft beer...

...You'd be absolutely correct. But it's some of the best hiking, coffee and craft beer in North America. Encompassing Washington, Oregon and parts of Canada's British Columbia, the Pacific Northwest is known for its impressive glacier-laced mountain ranges, rugged coastlines, perpetually green forests and quirky cities. While the region does have a bit of a rainy reputation, you'll never be far from a hot cup of coffee; Seattle is the birthplace of Starbucks, after all. PNW locals cherish their outdoor activities, so lace up your hiking boots and grab your reusable mug... it's time to explore the best of the "Upper Left."

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Pacific Northwest highlights

The sing for Seattle Public Market, with the America flag next to it a the sun goes down
See Seattle's famous market
Pike Place Market (the oldest farmers market in the US) is a rambling collection of local farmers, merchants and vendors selling their daily wares at an iconic waterfront location. You can wander stall to stall sampling smoked salmon, ogling at the mountains of fresh produce or chatting up those famously friendly fish-throwers. If you need a break from the chaos, the market has several quiet seating areas to enjoy a strong cup of coffee and some of the best views in the city.
Seattle city skyline at sunset with Mount Rainier in the distance
Play "I spy" with Mount Rainier
"Is the mountain out?" is arguably Washington's most-asked question. Mount Rainier is the highest volcanic peak in the contiguous US and has become the PNW's most recognisable icon. But, sightings can be unpredictable at best. The visibility of 'The Mountain" has become a cheekily reliable source of weather information for locals, so if you hear "is the mountain out?" followed by a yes... it's pretty much scientifically proven that it'll be a great day.
Iconic Portland, Oregon Old Town sign with an outline of Oregon state and a stag against a blue sky
Embrace Portland's weirdness
Since 2003, the affectionate motto "Keep Portland Weird" has encouraged visitors to embrace the city's grittiness and support local businesses. Portland has a number of soulful neighbourhoods that are home to a thriving food culture, so hop on a bike (the locals' preferred method of transport) and explore the quirky food cart scene. You can sample everything from funky-flavoured doughnuts to hand-pulled noodles and Korean-style tacos. Don't forget to wash it all down with a craft beer or two!
Winter Scene with blue skies and snow at Crater Lake Volcano, in Mount Rainier national park
Count colors at Crater Lake
Over 7000 years ago, a massive volcanic eruption in Oregon created an impressively deep caldera that would later become Crater Lake. Crater Lake is America's deepest, with pristine waters exclusively fed by rain and snowmelt, giving the lake a striking cobalt-blue appearance. Standing on the caldera's tall cliffs is an awe-inspiring experience; watch how the lake changes from sapphire to indigo to navy as you hike to different viewpoints around the lake.

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