Top road trip sights in the Pacific Northwest

When it comes to exploring the wild and wonderful areas of the United States, the states of Oregon and Washington in the Pacific Northwest are perfect for a road trip, with some amazing sights, popular cities and many charming towns throughout the region. While it may not have the sweltering summer temperatures of the southern states, the region can still be pleasant in the summer, although it can get quite cold as winter sets in.

This shouldn't put you off though, as some of the most amazing views in the United States can be viewed here during the winter, when the pristine white snow covers some amazing mountains and landscapes.

 

The Space Needle, Seattle

 

Seattle is the largest city in the region, and when it comes to visiting the the city there is no more iconic sight than the Space Needle, which is over six hundred feet tall. Despite being built in the 1960s for the World Fair, it is still a modern and attractive landmark, with the flying saucer style deck at the top home to a rotating restaurant that offers some spectacular views. There is also an observation deck for those who don't want to pay for lunch or dinner there. On a clear day, the spectacular views take in the surrounding mountains, Elliott Bay and all of the downtown Seattle area.

 

Mount Hood

 

Mount Hood is a stratovolcano that is around fifty miles away from Portland, and is relatively dormant, although seismic activity is still monitored there. Climbing to the top is quite technical and generally best left to experienced climbers, although there are some spectacular views that can be enjoyed, particularly from nearby Mirror Lake, which does exactly what the name suggests and offers a calm tranquil surface that reflects the image of the mountain beautifully.

For those wanting to stop and spend a little time here during the road trip, there are some wonderful hiking routes, while Mount Hood is also a popular ski resort in the winter.

 

Crater Lake National Park

 

This beautiful area is one of the most scenic in the Pacific North West, and is attractive both in summer and winter, with the deep blue waters of the lake surrounded by the crater formed by a large volcanic eruption when the volcano that once stood on the site collapsed in on itself. This created the crater which is now constantly being filled by the rain and snow that fall in the area. There are some great hiking paths around the park, but for those on a road trip, the amazing scenic views from Rim Drive takes visitors around the rim of the caldera.

 

Washington Park

 

Portland is Oregon's largest city, and Washington Park is at the heart of the cultural and recreational activity that happens in the city, with sports fields, museums, an archery range and several beautiful gardens. One of the most interesting is the International Rose Test Garden, which has displayed roses for nearly a century, and usually has around 7,000 species on display, which helped to give Portland its nickname, 'The City of Roses'. The park also has its own amphitheater, where there are regular music concerts and festivals held throughout the summer.

 

North Cascades National Park

 

This area is one that is famed for its beauty, with around half of the glaciers in the southern 48 states of the United States located in this park, meaning that it is filled with waterfalls and beautiful landscapes to enjoy. The park can be accessed by several roads, and is a great place to stop for a walk while enjoying a road trip. The park is near the border with Canada, and is one of the northernmost spots that can be visited in this part of the United States.