Eight Must-Visit Places in the Pacific Northwest

The Pacific Northwest is one of the most beautiful regions in the United States, although I might be a little biased because I live here. After traveling throughout much of the country, and even taking a year to experience several different locations, I've determined that there is no better place to live, at least for me. If you'll be traveling to this spectacular area, here is my list of eight must see places to visit in Washington and Oregon states.

Pike Place Market

Although I rarely recommend tourist attractions that are on most everyone's list, this is one that is really not-to-be-missed if you're visiting Seattle for the first time. It's the quintessential example of Seattlite's experience. You'll find a wide variety of typical Northwesterners, including some eccentric characters and even Cubby, a trained housecat. The silver tabby will shake your hand and perform tricks.

Of course, Pike Place is known for its fishmongers who like to toss fresh seafood to each other. It provides an endless source of entertainment for both tourists and locales.

I recommend skipping a ride up the Space Needle, and instead taking a picture of the iconic Emerald City image. It isn't worth the high cost of admission, currently $19 for an adult.

Snoqualmie Falls

Snoqualmie Falls is truly astonishing, and well worth the 40 minute drive east of Seattle just for the picture perfect opportunity. It's surrounded by a beautiful park and gift shop offering Pacific Northwest treats.

Olympic National Park

Taking the ferry to the Olympic Peninsula is an attraction in itself, and the destination, Olympic National Park, is one of the most magnificent parks in the country. If you have limited time, enter the park at Lake Crescent and take the short hike to Marymere Falls. It's just a .8 mile trek through the canopy of the rain forest.

Tulips

If you visit Washington state in the spring, be sure to check out the endless fields of tulips in the Skagit Valley. Tourists come from all corners of the world to see this spectacular site, and during the month of April, the Tulip Festival offers fun and festivities in addition to the brilliant display of color.

Mount Rainier

If you're lucky to be in Washington on a sunny day, the site of Mount Rainier is one of the most impressive you may ever see. Visiting Mount Rainier National Park you'll experience the massive glaciers and alpine meadows covered with wildflowers in the summer, and cascading waterfalls around every bend.

Columbia River Gorge

The Columbia River Gorge begins just east of Portland, and the scenic drive on the Historic Columbia River Highway will take you to some of the most breathtaking waterfalls in the world. You'll find numerous outdoor activities as well as wineries, spas and museums along the way as well.

Voodoo Doughnuts

Voodoo Doughnuts is an iconic bakery in Portland known throughout the world. It exemplifies the saying, "Keep Portland Weird," offering delectable, and sinful, food items like the voodoo doll, a raised yeast doughnut filled with raspberry jelly topped with chocolate frosting and a pretzel stake. The shop is open 24 hours a day, and there is almost always a line.

The Oregon coast

The entire Oregon coast is one of the most magnificent shorelines in the world. If you don't have a lot of time, travel highway 26 west to Cannon Beach and travel south on highway 101. Haystack Rock offers incredible photographic opportunities as well as a wide variety of marine life. There are many places to stop along the way and view the expanse of dazzling Pacific waters, enjoy a picnic, and even spot a grey whale. If you are one of the millions who loved "Goonies," this is where you'll find much of that gorgeous scenery.