Pacific Northwest Explorer

In recent years, the forward-thinking northwest states of Washington and Oregon have become a favourite destination for in-the-know travellers, drawn here in growing numbers to experience the region’s natural and cultural highlights. Pack your sunglasses, binoculars, and best pair of hiking boots, as this is where you wind down the windows and soak up both the salty sea air and pine-scented mountain slopes. Starting in Seattle, you’ll head south to Portland via the 14,411ft snow-capped summit of Mount Rainier. Mountain peaks and active volcanoes will become a running theme as you follow the Cascades Range past Mount St. Helens and Mount Hood. You’ll be given ample excuses to get out and explore in between sensible drive times to some of Oregon’s best-loved mountain destinations, including Bend and Crater Lake. As if that wasn’t enough, you’ll then pick up the Oregon Pacific Highway heading north through Coos Bay, Newport, and Astoria. It’s a sublime seaside stretch that leads all the way back across the border into Washington State and Olympic National Park.