2025’s Ultimate Northwest Adventure: Uncover the Best Beaches, Hiking Escapes, and Serene Spas!

Vibrant coastal towns, extensive hiking adventures, and an innovative method of wine tasting await your Pacific Northwest travel plans in 2025.

This annual Northwest Travel Guide once again presents 25 premier destinations and activities around the region, highlighting the places, outdoor excursions, accommodations, sights, and road trips that make our part of the world unique.

The focus for 2025 is to just get out there already.

If you’ve always dreamed of hiking Broken Top, sampling Oregon’s original corn dog, or driving to the North Cascades — what’s stopping you? There’s no better time than now. Use these words as motivation to clear your schedule, book your holiday, and arrange your travel today.

So, which Northwest landmarks draw you in? What locations are beckoning you? Regardless of what they may be, answer their call. If you’re seeking inspiration, we have suggestions right here.

DESTINATIONS

OREGON CITY

An ideal spot for a day trip from the Portland area, Oregon City is perhaps best experienced on a radiant spring day, when blooms line the McLoughlin Promenade and the roar of Willamette Falls echoes in the background. The town offers numerous dining options: consider trying The Hive Social, which serves throughout the day, Ingrid’s Scandinavian Food, The Corner 14 food cart pod, or the local branch of Portland restaurant Canard.

ROCKAWAY BEACH

As one of the lesser-known gems along the northern Oregon coast, Rockaway Beach has much to provide for those who take the time to explore. The Original Pronto Pup, which serves Oregon’s distinguished corn dog, is an undeniable attraction, yet there’s also the Rockaway Big Tree hike, the inventive light bulb art at Oregon Du Drops, fish and chips at Old Oregon Smoke House, and the beach itself, offering stunning views of Twin Rocks.

HOOD RIVER

If you still perceive Hood River as merely a beer and windsurfing destination, it might be time for a reevaluation. Just five years ago, the Columbia Gorge city was primarily recognized for its impressive array of craft breweries, vying for space at the base of Mount Hood. While those brewpubs remain popular, you’ll also discover visitors browsing vintage shops, traversing the Fruit Loop, and securing tables at Solstice Wood Fire Pizza by the waterfront. Not to forget, the outstanding wine scene of the city.

LONG BEACH

One of the rare authentic beach towns located on the Washington coast, Long Beach offers a relaxed retreat with ample space to unwind. Consider renting a beach house, hiring a bike, and gliding along the 8.5-mile Discovery Trail, a paved route that meanders between the ocean and the town, culminating at the rugged and picturesque Cape Disappointment State Park. It’s no surprise that trendy lodging options have established a presence here, including Sou’Wester Lodge and the new Snow Peak Campfield now available.

WHITE SALMON-BINGEN

Situated just across the Hood River bridge, the twin towns of White Salmon and Bingen serve as excellent doorways into the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge. White Salmon features a quaint downtown with an impressive selection of dining choices at establishments like Everybody’s Brewing, White Salmon Baking Co., and Feast Market & Delicatessen. Bingen, being smaller, is home to The Society Hotel, a sleek boutique hotel offering a public soaking pool and spa. Visit in the spring for an opportunity to explore the Wildflower Corridor on both sides of the river.

OUTDOORS

KAYAKING AT WALLOWA LAKE

As one of Oregon’s most breathtaking natural marvels, Wallowa Lake is celebrated for its crystalline waters, remarkable geology, and (at least from the northern end) amazing vistas of the Wallowa Mountains. The prime method to experience it? On the water, naturally. Kayak rentals can be found at the Wallowa Lake Marina, or through local providers such as JO Paddle, which is well-known for its illuminated nighttime kayak excursions.

HORSEBACK WINE TOURING

Many visitors explore Willamette Valley’s wine region by bus or even by cycling, but how about on horseback? Equestrian Wine Tours provides guided horseback experiences in the Dundee Hills, with wine trips that usually visit three wineries over a five-hour duration. The excursions wind through the grapevines year-round.

BACKPACKING ON BROKEN TOP

The Broken Top Loop is among Oregon’s most cherished backpacking experiences for a valid reason: The approximately 24-mile trail showcases emerald-hued lakes, flower meadows, and boundless mountain landscapes — along with a reasonable elevation gain. A three-day journey is sufficient to cover it all, although those with additional time might opt to proceed at a more leisurely pace. Late summer to early autumn is the ideal time for this trek, provided wildfires do not disrupt plans.

HIKING THROUGH THE WILDFLOWER CORRIDOR

You’re likely familiar with the Waterfall Corridor of the Columbia River Gorge, but have you heard of the Wildflower Corridor? The seven-mile section of river between Hood River and The Dalles features six unique sites to observe wildflower blooms from April to June. While it’s not the only location for wildflower viewing, the remarkable spots such as Rowena Crest, Catherine Creek, and Mosier Plateau make it one of the finest.

CYCLE THE AUFDERHEIDE SCENIC BIKEWAY

For the first time in seven years, Oregon presents a new scenic bikeway. The Aufderheide Scenic Bikeway, established this past November, traverses a picturesque stretch of the Cascade Mountains between Oregon 126 and Oregon 58, meandering alongside the McKenzie and Willamette rivers within the Willamette National Forest. Spanning 60 miles with over 4,000 feet of elevation gain, the route is categorized as intermediate to challenging.

LODGING

FRENCHGLEN HOTEL

Way out in southeast Oregon, the Frenchglen Hotel is an ideal spot for a secluded getaway. Nestled at the base of Steens Mountain, this historic hotel is managed by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department but under private management. In 2023, the management transitioned for the first time in over thirty years, ushering in a new chapter for the hotel. While you’re there, take the opportunity to drive up to Steens Mountain and hike out to the Alvord Desert.

Frenchglen Hotel operates from March 15 to Oct. 31; 39184 Highway 205, Frenchglen; to reserve a room, visit historicfrenchglenhotel.com or contact 541-493-2825

SNOW PEAK CAMPFIELD

When Snow Peak, the trendy Japanese outdoor brand, chose Long Beach for its first U.S. campground, it instantly brought a new level of chicness to the Washington coastal town. Snow Peak Campfield initially launched with 56 tent sites, later incorporating the enchanting Ofuro Spa and the stunning Jyubako Cabins conceived by acclaimed architect Kengo Kuma. Reservations can be made nine months in advance and typically fill up quickly.

Snow Peak Campfield is open year-round; 5411 Sandridge Road, Long Beach, Wash.; to book a site, visit snowpeakcampfield.com or call 833-662-7624.

SKAMANIA LODGE

Among the finest accommodations in the Columbia River Gorge, Skamania Lodge provides an all-inclusive experience with an array of lodging choices, from single rooms to luxurious treehouses and new glamping tents. It serves as a gateway to numerous outdoor adventures in the Columbia Gorge, such as the nearby Beacon Rock State Park, yet the lodge also features its own activities, including golf, ziplines, hiking, hot tubs, and bike rentals.

Skamania Lodge is open year-round; 1131 S.W. Skamania Lodge Way, Stevenson, Wash.; to reserve a room, visit skamania.com or call 509-314-4177.

STEPHANIE INN

You might think it would be difficult for a hotel to distinguish itself in bustling Cannon Beach, but the Stephanie Inn succeeds in doing so. This upscale 42-room establishment on the southern end of town was recognized as one of the “15 Best Beach Resorts in the U.S.” in 2024, due to what Travel+Leisure referred to as “a kind of small-town warmth and camaraderie” present in the intimate atmosphere. The hotel is deemed one of the more romantic retreats in Oregon, largely because of its policy prohibiting guests under the age of 12.

Stephanie Inn is open year-round; 2740 Pacific Ave., Cannon Beach; to book a room, visit stephanieinn.com or call 844-374-2107.

KOKANEE INN

Joseph stands out as one of Oregon’s top holiday spots, and consequently, there’s an abundance of accommodations. The Kokanee Inn has established itself within that bustling lodging landscape, offering a welcoming vibe that straddles the line between B&B and boutique hotel. The rooms are inviting and reasonably priced, while the outdoor setting serves as a fantastic feature, providing numerous areas to relax amidst the gardens and balcony spaces with views of the Wallowa Mountains.

Kokanee Inn operates from Feb. 1 to Oct. 31; located at 700 S Main St., Joseph; to reserve a room, visit kokaneeinn.com or contact 541-432-9765.

ATTRACTIONS

THE ORIGINAL PRONTO PUP

You might as well refer to it as the Church of the Corn Dog. Although the folks at The Original Pronto Pup claim Rockaway Beach is where the corn dog was invented (a much-debated assertion), that’s beside the main discussion — this Oregon coast attraction is widely recognized for its enormous fiberglass corn dog, its mechanical corn dog ride, and its extensive menu of deep-fried “pups.”

The Original Pronto Pup opens from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday; located at 602 U.S. 101, Rockaway Beach; reach them at 971-306-1616.

ENCHANTED FOREST

Enchanted Forest, an amusement park themed around fairy tales in the Willamette Valley, has been captivating Oregonians for over half a century. While it may not rival Disneyland, Enchanted Forest continues to be a favorite for families, offering numerous attractions, rides, and explorative opportunities. With admission prices at $29 for adults and $26 for children, it is notably more economical compared to those major amusement parks.

Enchanted Forest operates from March 22 to Sept. 30; at 8462 Enchanted Way S.E., Turner; $29 for adults, $26 for children and seniors; contact 503-371-4242.

COLUMBIA RIVER MARITIME MUSEUM

Since its inception in 1963, the Columbia River Maritime Museum has prominently featured vessels, artifacts, artwork, and exhibits centered on the past 200 years of EuroAmerican maritime history. However, a new set of Indigenous exhibitions is introducing a fresh chapter for the Astoria museum, including the remarkable “Cedar and Sea,” which highlights Northwest Native artists practicing their traditional methods.

The Columbia River Maritime Museum welcomes visitors daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; located at 1792 Marine Drive, Astoria; $18 for adults, $15 for seniors and students, $8 for children; 503-325-2323.

PORTLAND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

An airport may seem more like a venue to transit through rather than to, but with the impressive recent renovations at Portland International Airport, it is transforming into a destination in its own right. Whether you’re passing time before a flight or in search of dining and shopping opportunities within Portland, PDX offers more than enough options to keep you occupied. You should at least check out the new roof.

COWBOY DINNER TREE

While it is primarily recognized as a restaurant, the Cowboy Dinner Tree is actually an experience unto itself. This Oregon dining venue is located down a dirt road in the secluded southern part of the state. With only two selections on the menu: a 30-ounce top sirloin steak or a whole roasted chicken, it is frequently booked for months in advance. Attracting enthusiasts of the Old West vibe (or simply those with hearty appetites), the restaurant has become a prominent destination in the rural Lake County area.

The Cowboy Dinner Tree is open year-round but operates on varying days depending on the season; located at 50836 E. Bay Road, Silver Lake; reservations are mandatory and the restaurant accepts cash exclusively. To book a reservation, call 541-576-2426.

ROAD TRIPS

OREGON’S NEARLY NATIONAL PARKS

National park enthusiasts are quick to emphasize that Oregon possesses only ONE full-fledged national park at Crater Lake (disregarding the state’s additional three sites managed by the National Park Service), yet at least FOUR other sites were previously contemplated for national park status. A road trip to those four nearly national parks — Mount Hood, Hells Canyon, the southern Oregon coast, and Silver Falls — presents an excellent opportunity to experience a broad area of the state.

SOUTHERN OREGON’S WATERFALL HIGHWAY

Oregon 138, the roadway that traverses the Cascade Mountains connecting Roseburg and Crater Lake, could equally be named the Waterfall Highway. Numerous stunning waterfalls can be accessed just off the road, where rivers and streams cascade from mountain cliffs. Toketee Falls is the crown jewel in this vicinity, but Watson Falls,Slide Creek Falls and also smaller Whitehorse Falls are definitely deserving of a visit.

OREGON FILM TRAIL

Oregon has acted as the setting for multiple generations of film enthusiasts, whether you were a fan of “Animal House,” a “Goonies” admirer or a Twihard. The Oregon Film Trail has been installing markers throughout the state honoring some of the most famous films shot in Oregon, such as “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” “Free Willy” and “Paint Your Wagon.” The Oregon Film Trail map provides a comprehensive road journey across the state.

NORTH CASCADES

If you desire your well-traveled acquaintances to cease sharing tales about how you must journey to the North Cascades, it’s time to pack your luggage and embark on a road excursion there. The remote area of Northwest Washington houses the North Cascades National Park, where motorists, boaters, and backcountry trekkers can discover stunning landscapes. Hikers should aim to visit Cascade Pass at a minimum. Boaters ought to visit Ross Lake. And the Diablo Lake Overlook is the prime spot for THAT photograph.

OREGON COAST TRAIL

The Oregon Coast Trail is promoted as one of the state’s foremost long-distance treks, spanning the entire stretch of the Oregon shoreline. In reality, the trail proves to be exceptionally challenging to traverse completely, as it demands navigating tides, lengthy walks along the roadside, and tricky crossings over river mouths. Additionally, there’s the precarious issue of camping. As it currently stands, the Oregon Coast Trail is best enjoyed on a scenic road tour, stopping at some of the most picturesque and more accessible trail sections, including a magnificent expanse in the Boardman Corridor.

–Jamie Hale reports on travel and the outdoors and co-hosts the Peak Northwest podcast. Connect with him at 503-294-4077, [email protected] or @HaleJamesB.

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