The Pacific Northwest is a gorgeous region in the United States full of coastal waters, gorgeous mountains, and a vast amount of trees. It is the perfect region for outdoor lovers and travelers alike, boasting cool summers. Springtime sees the weather starting to warm up and the flowers begin to emerge. There is no end to the amount of awesome spring break destinations in the Pacific Northwest.
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Best Spring Break Destinations in Idaho
Idaho is a lesser-visited state but holds so much beauty. Boise is an underrated destination and makes for a fun place to start a road trip through Southern Idaho. Idaho also has some awesome hot springs and places to hike, thus making it one of the best spring break destinations in the Pacific Northwest.
Boise, Idaho
Boise, Idaho is such an underrated city in the United States. There are so many fun things to do in the area and it is an affordable destination. I recommend at least three days in the area to get the full experience, but you can add on more time if you want to make it a road trip throughout Southern Idaho.
You will definitely need a car to explore the area as some of the fun experiences lie outside of the city. Stay near the Downtown area or near the airport if you want to save some money. It makes for one of the best spring break destinations in the Pacific Northwest due to how inexpensive the area is.
When in Boise, breakfast at Bacon is a must. Visitors can also tour the capitol building, and visit the Idaho State Museum. Lunch at the Boise Fry Company is also a fun place to go. When visiting Boise, make sure to head to Bogus Basin. In the wintertime, you can go skiing or snowboarding. In the summertime, they have other fun summer activities.
Boise also has an up-and-coming wine scene, so you will want to plan at least one day to go wine tasting in the Snake River Valley. There are also several tasting rooms near Downtown that are worth a visit.
Idaho Hot Springs
By Emily of The Mandagies
One of the best budget-friendly spring break destinations in the Pacific Northwest is taking an Idaho hot springs road trip! Idaho has over 130 soakable hot springs in the state, thanks to the Idaho Batholith which is an igneous (think lava) intrusion that goes deep in the earth’s crust, bringing heat up to the surface.
You can easily spend a week finding hidden hot springs around the state, but a long weekend (3-4 days) will be enough to see the most iconic pools.
The easiest (and only) way to reach the hot springs is by car. You can fly into Boise, Idaho, and rent a car, or plan a long road trip out of it! You’ll be able to find accommodations in towns like Stanley, Sun Valley, Boise, and Idaho City. However, we recommend camping, because that will ensure you are nearest to the hot springs at the best time to soak – morning!
Some of the most iconic pools can be found along the Banks-Lowman Highway, and Highway 75. These include Kirkham Hot Springs, Pine Flats, Boat Box, and Sunbeam. Spring is a great time to visit because the summer crowds haven’t come out yet. However, don’t wait too late in the spring to visit! Heavy snowmelt can raise the river levels and temporarily submerge some pools near the water’s edge.
Expect to budget for the cost of entry fees (Kirkham and Pine Flats charge a day-use fee) gas, food, and campgrounds which can be between $15-$25 per night.
Sawtooth Mountains, Idaho
By Allison of She Dreams of Alpine
For one of the best outdoor spring break destinations in the Pacific Northwest, do not sleep on the tiny town of Stanley, Idaho, which is the gateway to the Sawtooth Mountains along the Salmon River. This getaway is about a 3-hour drive from the Boise Airport, so you will need a car to get there and to explore.
The best way to enjoy the area is by taking a hike on one of the many trails that wind through the Sawtooth Mountain range. For an ideal introduction to the area, hike to Alice Lake. This can be done as a 12-mile day hike or you can immerse yourself in the wilderness by backpacking the longer Alice/Toxaway Loop over a few days. Either way, you will get stunning views of Alice Lake framed by the “Dragon’s Back” peaks of the Sawtooths.
If you like your spring break on the water, you can go swimming in Redfish Lake or fish along the Salmon River. In the town of Stanley, you can stay at the Mountain Village Resort, which has its own hot springs where you can soak your tired muscles. The Stanley Supper Club is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat.
Best Spring Break Destinations in Oregon
Oregon has so many picturesque places and has some awesome road trip opportunities. From a cityscape in Portland to the seaside town of Astoria, Oregon has something for everyone. The following are some of the best spring break destinations in the Pacific Northwest and Oregon.
Astoria, Oregon
Astoria, Oregon is an adorable seaside town with a handful of fun things to do. Plan to spend one or two days in Astoria as one of the spring break destinations in the Pacific Northwest. Then you can head down the coast to other spots.
You will need a car to get here as the closest airport is in Portland. Many of the sites are only accessible by car. Astoria is not huge, so any area is a convenient location to stay.
My favorite thing to do in Astoria is the Lewis and Clark National Historical Park. Here, you can see where Lewis and Clark camped for the winter and also see a replica of the fort from the time period.
Other cool things to do include a stop at the Goonies House, Fort Stevens State Park, and the Oregon Film Museum. The Goonies House is where they filmed the infamous “Truffle Shuffle” scene in The Goonies. At Fort Stevens State Park, visitors can check out the shipwreck of the Peter Iredale. The Oregon Film Museum is dedicated to the movies filmed in Oregon, especially in Astoria.
Astoria is a cute town to get away from the city and dive into the history of Oregon. If you have more time, make it part of an Oregon coastal road trip.
Bend, Oregon
By Katie of Go Wander Wild
With mild temperatures in town yet snowy adventures in the mountains less than a 30-minute drive away, Bend, Oregon has the best of both worlds, making it one of the best spring break destinations in the Pacific Northwest.
While you could easily spend a month in the area and still not experience all there is to do, a 5-7-day trip will give you a great taste of what the town and nearby wilderness have to offer. Since much of the attraction of Bend lies in the nature outside of the town, a car is necessary.
With plenty of hikes in Bend, Oregon to choose from and mild springtime temperatures, this is an outdoor lover’s paradise. There are trails for all levels, ranging from a flat and easy walk along the Deschutes River to challenging hikes requiring hearty endurance and microspikes during the spring months. Just be sure to look up the conditions and road closures before setting out on your hike.
Skiers and snowboarders will love shredding powder at nearby Mount Bachelor, which is one of the largest ski resorts in the nation. Once you have worked up an appetite, there are plenty of restaurants and breweries to choose from. You have earned it, after all!
Bend can be visited on a variety of budgets. If money is tight, stick to free or inexpensive activities like hiking, exploring the town, picnicking, and happy hours. Alternatively, if you have a larger budget to work with, there are tons of adventures like skiing and mountain biking that’ll be an experience of a lifetime. Additionally, there are eating options for all budgets — from the low-key joints to fine dining.
Staying downtown, in the Old Mill District, or on the west side of the Deschutes near Galveston Avenue are the best places to base yourself. These neighborhoods are all walkable and are a great hub for adventuring.
Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
By Kassidy of Kassidy’s Journey
The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is easily one of the best spring break destinations in the Pacific Northwest for outdoors lovers. The Gorge is found in the perfect location, just 30 minutes outside of Portland, Oregon.
When visiting the PNW, this is a must-visit for some of the best views of the river and surrounding mountains. On some trails, you’ll be able to spot Mount Hood and Mount Saint Helens! Visitors can drive the 70-mile scenic highway for beautiful views of the Columbia River starting in Troutdale and ending in The Dalles.
The most well-known stop in the Columbia River Gorge is Multnomah Falls. This beautiful waterfall drops an impressive 620 feet and has two tiers. For the best view of the falls, you can walk just a few steps from the parking lot. Or you can choose to take about a 2-mile hike to the top.
The Gorge is home to over 90 waterfalls. Other must-sees include Bridal Veil Falls, Latourell Falls, and Horsetail Falls. Each is located just minutes from their parking lots. For a bit longer hike, check out Angel’s Rest or Beacon Rock. Both offer beautiful views and are rated as easy to moderate.
Some places within the Columbia River Gorge require a Discover Pass or a Northwest Forest Pass. Plan to spend about 2 days here. With so much beauty around, you won’t want to miss out on anything.
It’s recommended to have a car when visiting the Gorge because there are many locations to check out that are spread along the river. When you’re ready to call it a night, the best place to stay is in Portland. You’ll find tons of hotel options to choose from at all different price points.
Ocean Shores, Oregon
By Candice of CS Ginger
If you are looking to spend time at the beach, one of the best spring break destinations in the Pacific Northwest is Ocean Shores, Washington. It is a charming beach town with lots of fun things to do.
The beach is the highlight of Ocean Shores. There are a bunch of different access points in town making it easy to get to the beach. Another fun thing about the beaches in Ocean Shores is that you can drive out onto the beach. This makes it easy to find a spot to yourself on the beach. It’s also nice because you don’t have to haul all of your chairs, toys, umbrellas, etc. out to the beach. You just need to unload your car!
Another fun thing to do on the beach is rent electric bikes. Electric Beach Bike Rentals is just a few blocks from the beach, and they have kid and pet carriers you can rent as well.
When you’re ready for a break from the beach, head to Pacific Paradise Family Fun Center. It has a bunch of fun activities like miniature golf, laser tag, and arcade games.
You will need a car to get to Ocean Shores. It is on the coast in Southern Washington. It is about 2.5 hours from Seattle and about 3 hours from Portland.
There are lots of nice hotels right on the beach in Ocean Shores. The Ocean Shores Inn and Suites has beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and lots of great amenities. They have an indoor and outdoor pool as well as close beach access. No matter what Ocean Shores is one of the best spring break destinations in the Pacific Northwest.
Portland, Oregon
Portland, Oregon is one of the best spring break destinations in the Pacific Northwest. I recommend spending an entire week in the area, as Portland has a lot of day trips you can take as well. It is a lot less expensive than other cities and it truly has something for every type of traveler.
To get around the area there is public transportation, but a car will provide more flexibility and the option to take day trips. After flying into Portland International Airport, opt to stay in Downtown Portland. There are a lot of places you can walk to from a Downtown hotel.
Portland has a variety of cheap things to do and tons of awesome places to eat. When visiting Portland, I highly recommend visiting the Lan Su Chinese Garden and The Japanese Garden for awesome walks through the gardens. The Pittock Mansion is worth a stop for gorgeous views of Portland.
For those who like hiking, make sure not to miss Multnomah Falls, the Hoyt Arboretum, and a hike to the Witch’s Castle. Wine lovers should spend at least a day in the Willamette Valley wine tasting.
Seaside, Oregon
By Chantelle of Flannels or Flip Flops
Seaside is one of the best stops on the Oregon Coast and makes one of the best spring break destinations in the Pacific Northwest! It is the cutest little town, and there is so much to do. Seaside is located about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Portland, and 15 minutes north of Cannon Beach. You can spend anywhere from a day to the whole weekend and have a blast in Seaside.
If you are looking to be super budget-friendly, pack some sand toys and a picnic and plan for beach days. There is no fee to use the huge beach in Seaside. The beach is wide and sandy. There is even a swing set on the beach! This is a great kite flying beach too!
The little town of Seaside is basically packed into a few streets, so it’s easily walkable. There are a ton of cute little shops along the main street. You can spend quite a lot of time just window shopping (and maybe stopping for ice cream). There is also the Carousel Mall which contains laser tag, video games, a few shops, and of course a working carousel.
Another must-do in Seaside is the tiny aquarium where you get to feed the seals. The aquarium isn’t too exciting and is very small BUT for a few bucks, you can buy fish and feed the seals. They are so funny and will act silly to get your fish (they are also fed well, so they aren’t dependent on this food).
There is no shortage of places to eat and drink in Seaside either. There are fish and chips places, ice cream and candy, and bars throughout. Seaside Brewery is a great place for lunch and dinner with awesome drinks! It’s an old jail, now a brewery. There is also karaoke at Twisted fish sports lounge which is super fun!
There are many affordable hotels and house rentals in Seaside as well, and because it is so small, there isn’t an inconvenient place to stay, you can walk from almost anywhere. We have stayed at the Shilo Inn which is right near the beach, and also the Holiday Inn. They run about $150 dollars per night during spring break time. There are many smaller hotels to choose from too.
Silver Falls State Park, Oregon
By Jessica of The Uprooted Traveler
Silver Falls State Park in Sublimity, Oregon may just be the most quintessentially Pacific Northwest destination, with forests of towering Sitka spruces blanketed with low hanging clouds, basalt walls dripping with ferns, and moss, and an eye-popping number of epic waterfalls. Described as the “crown jewel” of the Oregon State Park System, Silver Falls is located about half an hour east of Salem and about an hour and fifteen minutes south of Portland. You will definitely want a car to get to and around the park.
Silver Falls’ claim to fame is the epic Trail of Ten Falls, an 8.5-mile moderate hike where you’ll pass almost a dozen waterfalls, some of which cascade over 170 feet down dramatic basalt cliffs. Even cooler, some of the waterfalls have eroded an amphitheater-like cavern behind the waterfall, meaning you will get to actually hike behind four of the falls’ curtains and marvel at the immense force of its water crashing down. Given Oregon’s high amount of precipitation in the springtime, makes it a spectacular time to see the falls, given their flows may be at their very highest.
You can explore the Trail of Ten Falls and some of the other awesome hikes in Silver Falls, like Smith Creek Loop or the Catamount Loop in a couple of days, although, with a longer period of time, you can check out some of the neighboring quaint towns, like Mount Angel.
Best of all, Silver Falls is an incredibly affordable destination, thus making it one of the best spring break destinations in the Pacific Northwest. A daily pass to the park is only $5 and you can camp at the park’s beautiful campground for as little as $19 a day! If you’d prefer traditional accommodations over a tent, the town of Salem has some nice and cozy hotels and plenty of hip restaurants and breweries to carb up after your day on the trails!
Best Spring Break Destinations in Washington
Washington State is a gorgeous place to visit and one of the best spring break destinations in the Pacific Northwest. You can opt to spend time just in one city, or head out on a road trip across the state. Visitors will not be sorry with what Washington has to offer.
Olympic National Park and the Olympic Peninsula, Washington
The Olympic Peninsula and Olympic National Park is one of the fun spring break destinations in the Pacific Northwest. Visitors can easily spend at least 5 days exploring what the peninsula has to offer. The springtime is not as popular in this area as the summer season, so you should be able to find some good deals on hotels. Make sure to pack rain gear as this area gets very rainy.
You will want a car to get around the Peninsula as things are very spread out and require some driving in between sites. I recommend staying in the Sequim or Port Angeles area and then driving out to other areas from there.
Olympic National Park has five areas spread out across the Peninsula. Plan to explore a new section each day. The most visited section of the park is the Hoh Rain Forest. This area has some awesome hikes and is very picturesque. Make sure to get there very early as there is limited parking.
Twilight fans will want to spend some time in Forks and La Push. Forks is a good area to stop for lunch and to see the Timber Museum. At La Push, you can opt to do some hikes or visit the beach. Make sure to head to Rialto Beach to see the infamous Hole-in Rock.
Another fun area is the Sol Duc Falls. This hike takes you to an awesome waterfall. There are also hot springs to relax in in this area. No matter what, there is a lot of fun to be had on the Olympic Peninsula.
San Juan Islands, Washington
By Ada of Beyond the Yellow Brick Road
The San Juan Islands is one of the best Spring Break destinations in the Pacific Northwest. This archipelago of 172 islands and reefs of over 600 square miles is actually its own Washington State County. Friday Harbor on San Juan Island is the only incorporated city in this watery county and serves as the county seat.
San Juan’s no destination for landlubbers. Most people arrive via car ferry from Anacortes, WA, a port town located about a 1.5-mile drive from Seattle at the northeastern tip of Puget Sound. Washington State Ferries operate daily ferries from Anacortes to the four largest San Juan Islands: Lopez, Shaw, Orcas, and San Juan. You can also access these rural islands by seaplane.
Budget at least three days for a visit to the San Juan Islands. For the most amenities, spend your nights in Friday Harbor where your lodging options include resorts, B&Bs, vacation rentals, and camping. You’ll get the most out of your visit if you bring a car since the three main San Juan Islands – Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan – all have paved road systems.
Plan to island-hop using the ferry system during your visit. Spend a full day exploring beautiful, forested Orcas Island. Considered the San Juan Islands’ “emerald island,” you can chase waterfalls in Orcas Island’s Moran State Park and enjoy sweeping views of the Salish Sea from Mount Constitution. Activities on San Juan Island include the Whale Museum, Spring St. Landing Aquarium, and San Juan Island National Historical Park. All three islands offer restaurants, independent shops, and art galleries, as well as ample opportunities for strolling the beach.
Seattle, Washington
Seattle, Washington is another one of the best spring break destinations in the Pacific Northwest. It is ideal to spend at least a week in Seattle as you can take a lot of day trips from the area. Seattle can be a pricey place, but there are a ton of free and cheap things to do in Seattle that will help save some money.
You can easily get away without a car in Seattle as the public transportation in the area is great. However, if you want to take some day trips, you may want a car.
The best area to stay in Seattle is Downtown, anywhere between the Space Needle and Pioneer Square. From there, most of the destinations are walkable or easily accessible by bus.
My two favorite things to do in Seattle are the Space Needle and the Chihuly Gardens and Glass. The Space Needle has recently been redone with a rotating glass floor which makes for a super awesome experience. The Chihuly Gardens and Glass display the glasswork of Dale Chihuly and it is a sight to see!
Other fun things to do include wandering Pike Place Market and Pioneer Square. Also, make sure to visit Klondike Gold Rush National Park. I also recommend a day trip to Bainbridge Island or to Snoqualmie Falls.
Spokane, Washington
By Theresa of The Local Tourist
Head to the eastern side of Washington for a fantastic spring break in Spokane. You could see quite a bit in two to three days, but there is so much to see within a couple of hours of the city that you could make a week out of it.
Eight airlines fly into Spokane International Airport, making it easy to get to from anywhere. If you fly in, you will want to rent a car if you plan on exploring beyond the city. Make the historic Davenport Grand your home base. Because it is located in the heart of downtown, you will be able to walk to many of the things to do in Spokane. In fact, the hotel is right next to Riverfront Park, which has a carousel, a playground, and a skyride, among other amenities. The skyride will give you an aerial view of Spokane Falls. You’ve got to love a city that has a waterfall in its center.
Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture is also downtown, and it is the largest cultural organization in the inland Northwest. It is the place to go if you want to learn about the area and its past. Included in your admission is the Campbell House, which gives you a peek at life in the early 1900s. Outdoor enthusiasts will want to take advantage of the Centennial Trail. It’s forty miles and accessible, making it good for the whole family.
Visiting Spokane is very budget-friendly thus making it one of the best spring break destinations in the Pacific Northwest. Many of the things to do are free and museum admission is less than $40 for a family of four (and children 5 and under are free).
Winthrop, Washington
By Marcie of Marcie in Mommyland
One of the best Spring Break destinations in the Pacific Northwest is the little town of Winthrop, Washington. It is primarily a Wild West town, but it is done in a really clever and upscale way. I recommend at least 2-3 days so you have a chance to do a few of the many outdoor activities available.
The best way to get there is by driving a car or RV. It is about a 4-hour drive from Seattle. There are accommodations for all budgets. Winthrop is a popular PNW camping destination and they have lots of tent and RV campsites. There are also affordable hotels in town (we like the Rio Vista) or fancier places like the Sun Mountain Lodge.
The town itself is easily walkable and you’ll find cute shops, restaurants, a little museum, and a quaint candy store. Everything has an Old West façade and there are cool photo opportunities in town. One of our favorite things to do in Winthrop is attending the Cowboy Dinner at Sun Mountain Lodge. They take you in a covered wagon (or you can ride a horse) down to a campsite for an authentic cowboy dining experience.
There are also tons of outdoor activities in Winthrop and the rest of the Methow Valley. These activities include horseback riding, hiking, cycling, hot air ballooning, and more. If you head there in early Spring, you might still be able to take advantage of their winter sports like skiing and snowboarding.
Fun fact: Winthrop is home to 2022 U.S. Cross Country Skiing Olympian Novie McCabe. You should visit Winthrop, Washington because it is unlike any other destination in the PNW and a great place to learn about pioneer days.
Other Spring Break Destinations in the Pacific Northwest
The PNW has so many amazing spots to explore. If you have the entire week, you can easily build an itinerary with several of these places to hit up some of the best spring break destinations in the Pacific Northwest. Other options to explore include Vancouver, and Victoria in British Columbia, Mt. Rainer, Walla Walla, Washington, Mt. Hood, Oregon, and Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
