18 days in Pacific Northwest Itinerary

Nicknamed the "Emerald City" because of its abundant evergreen trees, Seattle is the cultural and business center of the Pacific Northwest, as well as a popular holiday destination.

Take a break from the city and head to Snoqualmie Falls and Fort Casey State Park. Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Puget Sound Express and Seattle Great Wheel. There's lots more to do: take in panoramic vistas at Space Needle, take in the waterfront at Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, stroll around Kerry Park, and shop like a local with Chihuly Garden and Glass.

To find photos, ratings, maps, and more tourist information, go to the Seattle online visit planner.

Kelowna, Canada to Seattle is an approximately 4.5-hour flight. You can also drive; or take a bus. In July, daily temperatures in Seattle can reach 30°C, while at night they dip to 18°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 23rd (Sun) so you can catch the flight to Bend.

An old logging town at the crux of the high desert and ponderosa pine forest, Bend melds a love of the outdoors with cosmopolitan flair.

Escape the urban bustle at Smith Rock State Park and River Rafting & Tubing. Step off the beaten path and head to High Desert Museum and Off-Road Tours. Step out of Bend with an excursion to Quail Run Golf Course in La Pine--about 44 minutes away. And it doesn't end there: take in the dramatic scenery at Tumalo Falls, appreciate the history behind Newberry National Volcanic Monument, trek along Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint, and Head underground at Lava River Cave.

To see traveler tips, more things to do, and more tourist information, go to the Bend trip itinerary builder site.

You can fly from Seattle to Bend in 2.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Seattle in July, you will find days in Bend are somewhat warmer (34°C), and nights are a bit cooler (13°C). Wrap up your sightseeing on the 27th (Thu) early enough to drive to Newport.

A town that survives on the sea, Newport's population of just over 10,000 supports a healthy commercial fishing industry.

Step out of the city life by going to Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area and Dolphin & Whale Watching. You'll enjoy a bit of beach vacationing at Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area and Nye Beach. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Newport: Heceta Head Lighthouse (in Florence) and Yachats (Devil's Churn & Cape Perpetua Visitor Center - Siuslaw National Forest). There's much more to do: take a memorable drive along Otter Crest Loop, visit a coastal fixture at Yaquina Head Lighthouse, and take in the waterfront at Newport's Historic Bayfront.

To see other places to visit, reviews, and other tourist information, read our Newport day trip planner.

Traveling by car from Bend to Newport takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of flight and bus; or take a bus. When traveling from Bend in July, plan for colder days in Newport, with highs around 20°C, while nights are about the same with lows around 11°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 30th (Sun) to allow enough time to drive to Astoria.

Astoria, named for famed fur trader John Jacob Astor, resides near the mouth of the Columbia River.

You'll get in some beach time at Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock. Get in touch with nature at Astoria Column and Long Beach. Step out of Astoria with an excursion to Ecola State Park in Cannon Beach--about 50 minutes away. And it doesn't end there: explore the striking landscape of Fort Clatsop National Memorial, take in the views from Astoria-Megler Bridge, and admire the majestic nature at Fort Stevens State Park.

For more things to do, photos, maps, and tourist information, read Astoria sightseeing website.

You can drive from Newport to Astoria in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. When traveling from Newport in July, plan for somewhat warmer days in Astoria, with highs around 24°C, while nights are about the same with lows around 15°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 2nd (Wed) so you can travel to Olympic National Park.

In Olympic National Park, ancient rainforests and ocean tidal pools at lower elevations contrast with wildflower-filled alpine meadows and snowcapped peaks.

Your itinerary includes some good beach time at Ruby Beach and Rialto Beach. Step out of the city life by going to Hurricane Ridge and Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center. Next up on the itinerary: take in the dramatic scenery at Murhut Falls, hike along Hoh River Trail, take a peaceful walk through Olympic National Park, and tour the pleasant surroundings at Sol Duc Falls.

To find other places to visit, reviews, ratings, and other tourist information, go to the Olympic National Park online tour builder.

The Route module can help you plan travel from Astoria to Olympic National Park. In August in Olympic National Park, expect temperatures between 26°C during the day and 13°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 7th (Mon) early enough to travel back home.