My Journey through the Pacific Northwest

Exploring Oregon and Washington State is an opportunity of a lifetime. From the Hoh Rainforest to the newly renovated Seattle waterfront, there are spectacular opportunities to experience these remarkable states across a variety of climates.

I was fortunate enough to travel from Portland to Seattle, including stops along the way in Astoria, the Evergreen Coast, and the Olympic Peninsula.

Our first stop was Portland. For film enthusiasts, this is where several scenes from the Twilight films were shot, including the ballet studio scene and the Cullen house in Washington Park. It is a city with plenty to do, surrounded by an abundance of natural beauty. Powell’s Bookstore is a must visit for book lovers. As the largest new and used bookstore in the United States, it truly lives up to its reputation. With four floors, including rare books, you are certain to find something special.

Washington Park is vast, featuring award winning rose gardens and the Portland Japanese Garden, which offers a peaceful break from a busy itinerary. We were also lucky enough to attend an NBA Playoff game between the San Antonio Spurs and the home team, the Portland Trail Blazers. The transport system is so efficient that you can arrive to Moda Center in around eight minutes from Pioneer Square.

The Portland Farmers Market is not to be missed. There is an excellent selection of local produce such as honey, marion berries, cookies, and artisan goods, making it a great way to support the local community. From Portland, it is an easy drive to Mount Hood, where you can explore Timberline Lodge, famously used in the film The Shining. The lodge even has Saint Bernard dogs that greet visitors at the door.

On the way back, we explored agricultural land and orchards, and visited Multnomah Falls, the most visited landmark in Oregon. This scenic route forms a loop known as the Mount Hood Fruit Loop. The tax-free shopping was also a welcome bonus.

On the journey to Astoria, we stopped at Cannon Beach. With the sun shining, we enjoyed views of Haystack Rock. Cannon Beach has plenty of character and charm. In Astoria, you can still see the original house used in The Goonies, as well as the school from Kindergarten Cop. The viewpoint near the Goonies house offers impressive panoramic views.

We also climbed the Astoria Column. The 164-step spiral staircase is well worth the effort. At the top, we launched small wooden planes to see whose would reach the ground first and learnt about the history. At our hotel by the water, we were greeted by sea lions, which was an unforgettable experience.

We then said goodbye to Oregon and crossed into Washington State. Driving through Long Beach, we came to the North Head Lighthouse. Despite the best efforts of the original Cape Disappointment Lighthouse, shipwrecks plagued this stretch of coast. In response, a second lighthouse was built on the northwestern headland to help guide ships safely through the treacherous waters.

Standing at North Head Lighthouse, there is a striking sense of openness and isolation. From the surrounding grounds, sweeping views stretch across the Pacific Ocean, the Long Beach Peninsula, and the Columbia River Bar, where land and sea seem to collide in constant motion.

From here, we proceeded on to Aberdeen, the hometown of Kurt Cobain, where you can still see his childhood home and visit a nearby memorial in the park, connecting the area with a sense of cultural and musical history.

Our next stop was Lake Quinault, located in the heart of Olympic National Park. This stunning area offers a peaceful lakeside setting, local dining within walking distance, and ancient trees such as Western Red Cedar, Sitka Spruce and Douglas Fir that have stood for centuries.

After our all too brief stay, we continued on to the Olympic Peninsula. Here, we saw some of the rarest trees in the world, which are vital to the ecosystem, including Sitka Spruce and Western Hemlock, as well as nurse logs. We then visited Forks, famously associated with Twilight. Attractions include a replica of Bella’s truck and actual costumes from the films. If time allows, you can also visit La Push or learn more about local Sasquatch folklore.



Lake Crescent Lodge is another highlight, with its crystal-clear waters and picturesque pier. We stayed in Port Angeles, a charming town where you can take a day trip to Victoria on Vancouver Island in British Columbia or enjoy a scenic flight.

On the way to Seattle, we visited Bainbridge Island, just a 35-minute ferry ride away. With its welcoming atmosphere, art gallery, independent shops, and local wineries, it is an ideal place to stay or visit for the day.

The final stop on our journey was Seattle. As the skyline came into view, it was an unforgettable moment. The waterfront is a great place to begin exploring, with attractions such as the Seattle Great Wheel and Wings Over Washington which is a state of the art virtual reality experience showing you all around Washington State. 

We then visited Pike Place Market, where we saw the famous fish throwing tradition. The Seattle Art Museum offers an impressive collection, while Chihuly Garden and Glass showcases extraordinary glasswork in an energetic setting. The Space Needle provides stunning views, with its revolving glass floor adding to the experience. The Museum of Pop Culture is also worth visiting, featuring exhibits such as George Clooney’s Batman suit and Rihanna’s stage outfits.

These diverse states offer an exceptional road trip experience that can be tailored to your interests. Plan your next journey and contact 020 8742 8299 or email sales@americaasyoulikeit.com for more information.