Pacific Northwest Travel Destinations Map

Here is a map of some of the top travel destinations around the Pacific Northwest.

View Pacific Northwest Travel Destinations in a larger map

PIKE PLACE MARKET:

Pike Place Market is a sightseer’s paradise. Located on Seattle’s waterfront, more than 600 vendors can be found within a cluster of culture, cuisine and art. World famous for the original Starbucks, the market also features an integral part of Seattle’s cultural reputation as being a seaside port: a fish market. The Pike Place Fish Market is a tourist attraction similar to a right of passage as employees toss all types and all sizes of fish over the heads of unsuspecting tourists. The catch? Often times, an individual amongst the crowd must first purchase the fish to cue the show. However, the fish market conveniently offers airline-approved packaging for out of town visitors wishing to showcase their finds to friends back home.

Be sure to also stop in to Le Panier (a traditional French Bakery) and Piroshky Piroshky, a cult favorite serving Russian filled pastries. The market also always has an abundance of fresh cut flowers available for purchase. Although the flowers are always a visual delight, tulips are widely available after the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival throughout the month of April.

CANNON BEACH, OREGON:

Cannon Beach is a popular destination for visitors looking for unparalleled scenery as well as a unique art colony set amongst the Pacific Ocean. The city, originally named Ecola, was renamed after the nearby sinking of the U.S. Survey ship named “The Shark” and the discovery of the ships cannon on the beach in 1846.

As a hot spot for photographers and artists, Cannon Beach supports a growing art community. This artistic influence is evident throughout the many quaint bed and breakfasts and dining options throughout the city.

Cannon Beach is also world-famous for the rock monoliths directly West of Cannon Beach. These massive rock structures, including 235 ft. Haystack Rock, are just a few reasons why Cannon Beach is the most photographed natural sight in Oregon.

SAN JUAN ISLANDS, WASHINGTON:

The San Juan Islands are more than 170 islands that are in the San Juan Archipelago off the Western coast of Washington state. The islands, including the most popular tourist junctions of Lopez Island, Orcas Island, Shaw Island and Friday Harbor, serve as a getaway destination for many visitors wishing to hike, kayak, sightsee and more.

The islands are served by the Washington State Ferry System and are accessible via ferry terminals in Vancouver, BC or Anacortes, Wash. An additional 40 islands are also inhabited, however, private transportation must be arranged.

The islands are most popular for their abundance of wildlife. Approximately 90 Orca whales call the islands home year-round along with other marine life such as sea lions and seals. Consequently, the San Juan Wildlife Refuge protects 83 of the islands.

WHISTLER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA:

Whistler, BC is known as a snow lover’s paradise. Yet, the city of Whistler has adrenaline inducing activities to offer even the most seasoned outdoorsmen satisfaction year-round.

Located 75 miles north of Vancouver, BC, the town of Whistler is located at the base of Whistler Mountain and was most recently featured worldwide as a key site for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics.

Whistler, named for the whistle of marmots that roam around the mountain, also offers an abundance of international cuisine options including Japanese, French, Italian and American dishes just to name a few.

Whistler is also popular for its availability of luxury accommodations throughout the area so that visitors can stay, and play, in style.

MOUNT ST. HELENS, GIFFORD PINCHOT NATIONAL FOREST, WASHINGTON:

Mount St. Helens is an active volcano located in the Gifford Pinochot National Forest in Washington State. Most famous for its eruption that greatly impacted nearby communities and wildlife in 1980, the area became a National Volcano Monument in 1982.

The 110,000-acre area is now used predominantly for recreation and research. Visitors to the monument are now able to camp, hike and more while observing the approximate 230 square miles directly affected by the eruption in 1980.

Mount St. Helens even offers helicopter tours that allow visitors to see the crater up close and personal. That is, if your wits can handle it.