The Pacific Northwest

Home to coffee, beer, Subarus and of course winter activities, the Pacific coasted side of the Rocky Mountains is where you’ll learn to love the cold again. Usually classified as Oregon, Washington, Idaho, parts of BC and sometimes Alaska, the PNW has an impressively large array of climates from high deserts to rocky beaches. Because of the generally sunny dispositions the locals carry, the amazing craft beers and scenery like you wouldn’t believe, its the perfect place to hunker down for the cold months.

HIKING

Abiqua Falls, Oregon - picking the best winter trails in the pnw is like picking your favorite child, you’d never say it out loud but you like the easier one the best. This silverton 1 mile hike in and out is the perfect day trek if you want it short but beautiful.

Rattlesnake Ledge, Washington - An extremely frequented hike in the Seattle are its safe for most skill levels with a rewarding view from the top.

Tamanawas Falls, Oregon - another rewarding waterfall hike at a distance of 3.8 miles.

Ozette Triangle, Washington - A lakeside hike about 6 miles long with a give way point at 3.3 miles. a perfect full days roundabout.

Winter Sports

Mount Hood, Oregon - The hood, the girl we all know, love and want to be, a potentially active stratovolcano in the cascades. Also, the perfect winter getaway for snowboard junkies or ski addicts. Hoodie is the Mecca of Oregon winter sports. 11,250 ft skyward and over a million acres around you won’t have much of an opportunity to get bored in this wonderland.

Crystal Mountain resort, Washington - The biggest resort in the state of Washington with 2,600 acres of skiable land, a gondola and 10 chairlifts its the perfect oasis for the winter thrill seeker. The gorgeous view of Mt. Rainier doesn’t hurt either.

Whistler, BC - Mate, we absolutely Whistler, or whistralia as its so affectionately named due to the mass population of Australians that inhabit the small village at the base of the Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. Not only catering to the snowboarders and skiers of the world, but also the snowshoers and tobogganers as well. Theres even a winter zipline for those daring enough.

Experiences

Leavenworth, Washington - This small Bavarian village lies in the cascade mountains and is famous for its Alpine style Buildings, German food and beer and winter activities. One of the most frequented places during the holidays, Leavenworth is like walking into another world.

Crane Hot Springs, Oregon - Harney County Oregon isn’t just known for being one of the largest counties in the United States, it also has a hot springs, impressed yet? The Crane hot spring in the winter are the perfect place to ignore the cold while still sitting outside. Cabins, tents and rooms on site for a relatively modest price will make it your new favorite getaway.

Edgefield, Oregon - Another culture hotspot right here in the PNW is Edgefield, an Irish style resort and concert area right outside of Portland. Owned by McMenamins Edgefield boasts 74 acres of land complete with guest rooms, hostels, on-site glass blowers, gardens, a theatre and so much more.

Polar Bear Swim, BC - This isn’t something i’m advising you to do, i’m just saying it is a thing. The polar bear swim takes place in Vancouver every year on the 1st of January when 2000 brave should run into the waters at pacific bay. Costumes are welcome and the braver souls can compete in a 100 yard swim.

The Pacific Northwest in all its glory is absolutely something to behold, winter or otherwise. If I even began to list every single noteworthy spot in this corner of North America, I’d probably wind up with Carpel Tunnel. From resorts, to hikes to cultural villages The PNW pretty much has it all, skip the typical Cali vacation and give it a chance this winter.