pacific

50 Wonders, 50 States: Coast to Coast USA Travel List – Part 8: The Pacific

by | Aug 18, 2024 | Adventure Travel, Budget Travel, Destinations, HelloVacay | 6 comments

Our journey through America's must-see experiences culminates in the Pacific region, where diverse landscapes and cultures create a tapestry of unforgettable adventures. From sun-kissed beaches to glacial fjords, let's explore one quintessential experience for each of the five Pacific states

california

California: Drive the Pacific Coast Highway

Experience the golden state's stunning coastline on this iconic road trip. Start in San Francisco, winding your way past towering redwoods, dramatic cliffs, and picturesque beaches. Don't miss highlights like the Bixby Bridge in Big Sur and the seaside charm of Carmel-by-the-Sea. For the best weather and views, plan your trip between April and October.

oregon

Oregon: Explore the Otherworldly Landscape of Crater Lake National Park

Discover the deep blue waters of Crater Lake, a natural wonder formed by the collapse of an ancient volcano. As the deepest lake in the United States and one of the most pristine on Earth, Crater Lake's strikingly clear waters and surrounding cliffs offer a truly awe-inspiring sight.

Begin your visit at the Rim Village Visitor Center to learn about the lake's volcanic formation nearly 7,700 years ago. Then, take the 33-mile Rim Drive, stopping at overlooks like Cloudcap and Phantom Ship for spectacular views of the lake and its unique rock formations.

For a closer look at the lake, hike the Cleetwood Cove Trail – the only safe and legal access to the lake shore. At the bottom, brave swimmers can take a plunge into the chilly, crystal-clear waters. For a unique perspective, take a boat tour to Wizard Island, a cinder cone rising from the lake, where you can hike to the summit for panoramic views.

Winter visitors can enjoy ranger-led snowshoe walks and cross-country skiing along the rim, with the snow-covered landscape offering a different but equally breathtaking experience.

The park is open year-round, but the full Rim Drive is typically only accessible from July to October due to snow. Visit in late summer for the best weather and fullest access to park facilities. Don't miss the chance to stargaze at night – the park's high elevation and lack of light pollution make for spectacular night sky viewing.

Crater Lake National Park offers a uniquely Oregonian blend of volcanic history, outdoor adventure, and natural beauty that captures the diverse essence of the Pacific Northwest.

washington

Washington: Hike in Olympic National Park

Discover three ecosystems in one park: temperate rainforest, rugged Pacific coastline, and glaciated mountains. Hike the Hoh Rain Forest to feel dwarfed by moss-draped trees, then head to Ruby Beach for stunning sea stacks and driftwood-strewn shores. The park is open year-round, but summer offers the driest weather for hiking.

Alaska

Alaska: Cruise the Inside Passage

Sail through a maze of fjords, islands, and glaciers on this iconic Alaskan adventure. Watch for whales breaching, bears fishing on the shore, and glaciers calving into the sea. Stop in charming towns like Ketchikan to explore Tlingit culture and Skagway for Gold Rush history. The cruise season runs from May to September, with July and August offering the warmest weather.

hawaii

Hawaii: Witness the Fiery Lava flows on Big Island

Experience the raw power of nature at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Take the Chain of Craters Road to see past lava flows, then hike to active lava viewing areas (when conditions permit). For a unique perspective, book a sunrise boat tour to watch lava pour into the ocean. While the park is open year-round, winter offers the clearest skies for stargazing at the volcano's summit.

8 rental communities

From coastal drives to urban culinary adventures, lush rainforests to fiery volcanoes, the Pacific region offers a diverse array of uniquely American experiences. These five activities provide just a glimpse of what this dynamic region has to offer.

Want to turn these Pacific wonders into your next vacation? HelloVacay has exclusive rental resort deals in popular Pacific destinations, perfect for experiencing these iconic attractions and exploring the region's many other treasures.

Our journey across the 50 states comes to a close, but the adventures are just beginning. We hope this series has inspired you to explore the incredible diversity of experiences America has to offer.

6 Comments

  1. streameast

    Hi Neat post Theres an issue together with your web site in internet explorer may test this IE still is the marketplace chief and a good component of people will pass over your fantastic writing due to this problem

  2. streameast

    Wonderful beat I wish to apprentice while you amend your web site how could i subscribe for a blog web site The account aided me a acceptable deal I had been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided bright clear idea

  3. أنابيب PEX

    Drip Irrigation Pipes in Iraq At Elite Pipe Factory, our drip irrigation pipes are engineered to provide efficient water delivery for agricultural applications. These pipes are designed to minimize water wastage and enhance crop yields, reflecting our commitment to advancing irrigation technology in Iraq. As a leading and reliable manufacturer, Elite Pipe Factory ensures that our drip irrigation pipes are of the highest quality, contributing to successful farming practices. Explore our drip irrigation solutions at elitepipeiraq.com.

  4. cuddlechair

    I have read some excellent stuff here Definitely value bookmarking for revisiting I wonder how much effort you put to make the sort of excellent informative website

  5. hdhub4uin

    I was recommended this website by my cousin I am not sure whether this post is written by him as nobody else know such detailed about my difficulty You are wonderful Thanks

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

About The Author

HelloVacay

HelloVacay

The information provided on this website does not constitute investment advice, financial advice, trading advice, or any other sort of advice and you should not treat any of the website’s content as such. HelloVacay does not recommend that any cryptocurrency should be bought, sold, or held by you. Do conduct your own due diligence and consult your financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

The Traveler’s Guide to Thanksgiving: Making it Work When You’re on the Move

For many of us, Thanksgiving means hitting the road to celebrate with loved ones. Whether you're driving an hour or flying across the...

The Rise of Sleep Tourism: Luxury Hotels Bet Big on Better Rest

In an era where wellness is wealth, a new trend is emerging in the luxury travel sector: sleep tourism. As travelers increasingly...

Embracing Slow Travel: Another Way to Explore the World

In a world that often seems to move at breakneck speed, a new travel philosophy is gaining traction: slow travel. The slow travel approach...

18 Must-Have Travel Apps to Transform Your Next Adventure

In the digital age, your smartphone can be your ultimate travel companion. From scoring the best flight deals to navigating foreign cities...

Why Airport Lounges are the Best Thing Since In-Flight Movies…and How to Get Access

Let's face it, airports can be a bit... much. The hustle, the bustle, the endless queues – it's enough to make you want to teleport to...

Preserving Paradise: How Countries Are Tackling Over-tourism

In recent years, the travel industry has faced a growing challenge: overtourism. Popular destinations like Venice, Barcelona, and...

50 Wonders, 50 States: Coast to Coast USA Travel List – Part 7: The Great Plains

Our journey through America's must-see experiences takes us to the heart of the country - the Great Plains. This region, known for its...

50 Wonders, 50 States: Coast to Coast USA Travel List – Part 6: Mountain West

Our journey through America's must-see experiences continues as we ascend into the Mountain West. This region, known for its towering...

50 Wonders, 50 States: Coast to Coast USA Travel List – Part 5: Southwest

Our journey through America's must-see experiences continues as we venture into the Southwest. This region, known for its dramatic...

50 Wonders, 50 States: Coast to Coast USA Travel List – Part 4: Midwest

Our journey through America's must-see experiences continues as we venture into the Midwest. Often called America's Heartland, this region...
As an Amazon Associate HelloVacay earns from qualifying purchases.