Few areas of the United States are as diversely beautiful as the Pacific Northwest. You probably know about the foggy beaches and wooded mountains, but that’s just the beginning—we’re talking islands teeming with wildlife, endless fields of colorful tulips, and under-the-radar towns filled with European charm. And the region (which includes Washington, Oregon, and parts of Idaho) is not only extremely scenic, but it also happens to be one of our road trip destinations of the year. Try to hit several of these sites on your next multi-day drive, or pick out one to form an entire Pacific Northwest trip around. Either way, you won’t be disappointed with one of the most beautiful regions in all of North America.
North Cascades National Park
If you want to see glaciers and temperate rainforests in one place, look no further than Washington’s North Cascades National Park. Known for its diverse ecosystems and wildlife, the park is one of the least-visited in the entire country, no doubt due to its rugged terrain and difficult hiking trails. Those up to the task, however, will get the rare experience of spotting bald eagles and hearing the thundering waterfalls that give the park its name.
