Equal parts moody, modern, and magical, the most beautiful places in the Pacific Northwest prove that this is one of the best corners of the US—and that’s saying something. While New England stuns with its fall foliage and charming small towns, and the Southwest gets to add the Grand Canyon to its resume, nothing quite compares to the PNW’s vibes. Spanning the states of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, the region showcases incredible nature—we’re talking rainforests, waterfalls, wildlife-filled islands, endless fields of flowers, and some of the country’s best stargazing parks—as well as some hotels and architectural wonders that fight for a place in the spotlight. Whether you want to hike through the forests and beaches of Olympic National Park or stick close to Seattle’s arts and dining scenes, these places will convince you to move the Pacific Northwest up a few spots on your travel list.
This article has been updated since its original publish date.
