What is the Pacific Northwest?
The Pacific Northwestwhich can be translated into French as Pacific Northweste, is the name given to this region in the northwest of the American continent, facing the Atlantic Ocean.
Where is the “Pacific Northwest”?
More precisely the Pacific Northwest runs from northern California to southern Alaska, including a large portion of the Canadian province of British Columbia and a small part of the Yukon.
Which American states make up this part of the United States?
Generally speaking, especially in terms of tourism, it is considered that in the United States the Pacific Northwest concerns Idaho, Oregon and Washington State. However, this does not preclude the inclusion of southeast Alaska, northern California and western Montana.
What to see and do on a road trip in the different states?
Idaho
Idaho remains one of the country’s least known places abroad.
Yet this Rocky Mountain state is renowned for its scenic beauty, snow-capped peaks, waterfalls, lakes and canyons. The state is sparsely populated, but nature is omnipresent, to the point that Idaho has made a reputation for adventure and outdoor activities, especially skiing.
Among the numerous sites in Idaho, you can visit Yellowstone National Park (even if it is mostly located in the neighboring state of Wyoming), the beautiful Hells Canyon, the City of Rocks National Reserve and its rock formations, or the Craters of the Moon with its lunar landscape. In short, a large choice;
More information : visitidaho.org
Oregon
Like the rest of the region, Oregon is a superb land where the ocean, the mountains and the forests meet. The jagged coastline and the sometimes endless beaches of the Northwest Coast are contrasted with the high peaks of the interior with their waterfalls, lakes and rivers.
In short, Oregon is a state for lovers of outdoor activities, including of course trekking, adventure and wilderness, even if not far from the coast there are several cities, including the largest in the state, Portland.
The Cascade Range with its volcanoes, glaciers, lakes and mountains rich in animals, the Crater Lake National Park, the formidable Hells Canyon shared with neighboring Idaho, or Mount Hood which is the highest point in the state are also well worth a visit.
More informations : traveloregon.visittheusa.com
Washington State
With its large metropolis, Seattle, and the proximity of the Canadian city of Vancouver, the state of Washington offers a dynamic image on all levels, including economically, with companies such as Boeing or Microsoft having their headquarters there.
But beyond these urban areas, Washington is above all a natural state. And this is true both on its coastline, with Olympic National Park and especially the Puget Sound, which is this amazing inlet that goes all the way to Seattle and is home to the pleasant San Juan Islands, and in the hinterland where the mountains can exceed 4,000 meters, as in Mount Rainier National Park.
In short, there is plenty to discover. Especially since each environment has its own outdoor activities, from hiking, rafting or skiing to whale watching and even diving.
More info: stateofwatourism.com
What climate for the Pacific Northwest?
This region of the United States has climatic nuances depending on the location and configuration of the area.
The entire coastal area (Seattle), up to the first mountain foothills, has an oceanic climate. The winters are relatively mild with few negative temperatures and the summers are relatively cool with averages that do not exceed 25/28°C. On the other hand, this entire coast remains the wettest region in the USA. It rains a lot especially between October and April.
In the mountainous or semi-mountainous areas, the climate is different with more distinct seasons and temperatures, especially in winter. It also rains less and, in contrast to the coast, summer is the wettest time.
When to go to the region?
The summer period, from June to September, is the best time to discover this part of the United States. Temperatures are quite pleasant and rainfall is less, although it is always present along the ocean.
As for enjoying the sea and the coastline, even in its southernmost part or in summer, the water temperature is not very inviting for swimming. At best, it does not exceed 15°C.
Hello! I’m Ben Fischer, a travel enthusiast who has journeyed far and wide to bring you unique and inspiring stories. Each destination is a new adventure for me, a chance to explore diverse cultures and share unforgettable experiences.
In my articles, I take you beyond mere descriptions of places. I share the encounters, special moments, and anecdotes that make each trip unique. My writing is an invitation to see the world through my eyes, blending practical tips with personal insights.
As a lifelong traveler, I approach each journey with respect and curiosity, eager to uncover the stories hidden in every corner of the globe.