Best Time to Visit The Pacific Northwest

Wondering when to visit the Pacific Northwest? Well, you’re in luck!

It’s a dreamy destination year-round, with stunning landscapes, lively cities, and endless outdoor adventures.

Whether you love spring blooms, summer beaches, fall foliage, or winter sports, the PNW is ready for you. Check out the best times to visit the Pacific Northwest and what you can expect each season!

Visiting The Pacific Northwest in Spring

Spring in the PNW brings mild temperatures and blooming flowers, with highs typically in the 50s and 60s. It’s the perfect season for outdoor adventures and witnessing nature’s revival, though you might still encounter a few rainy days.

Highlights

• Cherry Blossoms in Seattle and Portland: Enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms at the University of Washington and along Portland’s Waterfront Park. These spots become magical with pink and white blooms, perfect for a spring stroll or picnic.
• Wildflower Viewing at Columbia River Gorge: Hike Dog Mountain Trail and other scenic spots to see an explosion of wildflowers. The trails offer stunning views and colors.

• Visit Waterfalls: Check out the waterfalls in Northern California and the numerous waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge. Let’s not forget Washington’s best waterfalls… There are too many to list and they are their best in spring.
• Winery Visits: Sip on delicious wines in regions like the Columbia River Gorge, Walla Walla, and Yakima Valley. Spring is a great time to enjoy the vineyards and partake in wine-tasting events.
• White Water Rafting: Experience the thrill of white water rafting in Washington and Oregon’s roaring rivers. The spring snowmelt creates fun rapids!

Festivals and Events

• Portland Rose Festival: Celebrate spring with parades, dragon boat races, and other festivities. This iconic festival showcases Portland’s community spirit and vibrant floral displays.
• Cherry Blossom Festival: Check out the beautiful cherry blossoms and learn about Japanese culture.
• Skagit Valley Tulip Festival: Wander through vibrant tulip fields in Washington. This festival attracts thousands of visitors eager to see rows upon rows of colorful tulips.
• Seattle International Film Festival: Catch some of the best independent films from around the world. This renowned festival offers a diverse selection of films and attracts film enthusiasts globally.

Visiting The Pacific Northwest in Summer

Summer in the PNW means warm, sunny days with temperatures in the 70s and 80s. It’s the best time for beach trips, hiking, and outdoor festivals without the worry of rain (a rare break!).

Highlights

• Cannon Beach in Oregon: Relax on this iconic beach with its famous Haystack Rock. Enjoy tide pooling, beachcombing, and stunning sunsets over the Pacific.
• Olympic National Park Hiking: Explore the diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests to rugged coastlines. The park’s trails offer awesome views and are perfect for all levels of hikers.
• Whale Watching Off the Coast: Spot majestic whales off the coasts of Oregon and Washington. Summer is prime time for whale watching tours, offering sightings of orcas, humpbacks, and gray whales. Depoe Bay is a favorite.

• Head to a Lake: Visit Lake Tahoe and Lake Siskiyou in Northern California, Cascade Lakes outside of Bend, and Lake Crescent in Washington. These lakes offer activities like swimming, boating, and fishing, and they are surrounded by some of the most stunning scenery!
• Mount Rainier Wildflower Trails: Hike through wildflower meadows with the majestic Mount Rainier as your backdrop. The colorful blooms peak in summer, creating picturesque landscapes.
• Northern California Beaches: Explore the rugged and scenic beaches of Northern California. Enjoy the dramatic coastal views, tide pools, and beach walks.

Festivals and Events

• Oregon Shakespeare Festival: Enjoy world-class theater performances in Ashland. This festival runs from spring to fall, featuring a mix of classic and contemporary plays.
• Seattle Seafair: Experience parades, boat races, and aerial shows. Seafair is a summer tradition in Seattle!
• Pickathon Music Festival: Discover new music and enjoy a weekend of camping and performances in Happy Valley, Oregon. This festival is known for its diverse lineup and eco-friendly focus.
• Bite of Seattle Food Festival: Savor delicious food from local vendors at Seattle Center. This food festival celebrates Seattle’s culinary scene with tasty bites and live entertainment.

Visiting The Pacific Northwest in Fall

Fall in the PNW is has cooler temperatures, usually in the 50s and 60s, with crisp air and beautiful fall foliage. It’s a great time for scenic drives and harvest activities.

Highlights

• Fall Colors EVERYWHERE: Witness stunning fall foliage with vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows. Our fav hikes are Maple Pass Loop, Valhalla Lake, and Skyline Trail.
• Scenic Drive on North Cascades Highway: Enjoy breathtaking mountain and forest views on this iconic drive. Stretch your legs on the challenging but worthwhile hikes in the Cascades.
• Visit Crater Lake: Drive down Rim Drive to see the stunning blue waters of Crater Lake surrounded by autumn colors.

RELATED: 9 INSANE Fall Hikes in Washington

• Stay in a Cozy Forest Cabin: Relax in a charming cabin surrounded by nature. Fall is the perfect time to enjoy a cushy retreat with crisp air and beautiful scenery. These are the best cabins in WA and the best cabins in OR.
• Go Surfing: Catch some waves along the coasts of Washington and Oregon. Fall brings excellent surf conditions and fewer crowds.
• Head East Explore the unique landscapes, charming towns, and alien landscapes of Eastern Oregon and Washington. Fall is a great time to experience the harvest season and local festivals.
• Oregon Coast Road Trip: Drive along the scenic Oregon Coast and enjoy the views. The coastal towns and beaches might be a bit moodier, but there will be fewer crowds.

Festivals and Events

• Hood River Valley Harvest Fest: Celebrate the harvest season with local produce, crafts, and entertainment.
• Great Pumpkin Beer Fest in Seattle: Sample pumpkin beers from local breweries and enjoy festive activities. This fun event is a must-visit for beer enthusiasts.
• Oktoberfest: Forget the flight; just head to Leavenworth, WA, for the full German experience!

Visiting The Pacific Northwest in Winter

Winter brings cold temperatures, often in the 30s and 40s, with snow in higher elevations. It’s a fantastic time for winter sports and cozy indoor activities.

Highlights

• Skiing at Mount Bachelor and Stevens Pass: Hit the slopes at these top ski resorts. They offer tons of runs for all skill levels and stunning mountain views.
• Snowshoeing in Olympic National Park: Explore snowy trails and enjoy the winter wonderland!
• Visit Bend: Enjoy winter activities like skiing and snowboarding and explore the charming downtown. Bend is a winter sports hub, but honestly, It is good any time of the year!

• Christmas Markets in Leavenworth: Experience the festive atmosphere with holiday lights, crafts, and treats. Leavenworth transforms into a magical winter village during the holiday season.
• Winter Hiking in Mount Shasta: Check out the beauty of Mount Shasta’s winter trails. Winter hikes offer peaceful landscapes and stunning snowy views.

Festivals and Events

• Christmas Ship Parade in Portland: Watch beautifully decorated ships cruise along the Willamette River. This festive event is a holiday favorite for locals.
• Snowflake Lane in Bellevue: Enjoy nightly parades, music, and lights in downtown Bellevue.
• Winterfest in Seattle: Celebrate the holiday season with ice skating, performances, and festive decorations. Winterfest transforms Seattle into a winter wonderland.
• Bend WinterFest in Oregon: This annual festival, a highlight of Bend’s winter calendar, features winter sports, live music, and local vendors.

MORE EVENTS AND FESTIVALS IN: Washington | Oregon

We hope this helped you figure out when to visit the Pacific Northwest!