A Brit’s Perspective of the Pacific Northwest

Trivia question to start: What exactly makes up the Pacific Northwest?

 According to Wikipedia, the Pacific Northwest (PNW) is a geographic region in Western North America bounded by the Pacific Ocean to the west and, loosely, the Rocky Mountains to the east.

No official boundary exists, but the most common conception includes Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and the Canadian province of British Columbia. Some people stretch that to include Northern California, Alaska, and even Montana.

In short—there’s no single right answer.

What I can tell you, from the driver’s seat of a three-week road trip, is this: however you define it, the Pacific Northwest is absolutely worth exploring. Each state or region could justify a trip all on its own. But if you have the time (and the stamina), combining them into one sweeping journey is unforgettable.

My wife and I are currently on a five-week adventure, calling it “work” only because we check emails, write the occasional blog, and will soon host 14 wonderful guests on a white-water rafting trip down Idaho’s Salmon River. Really though, this is an excuse to leave our home in San Diego, head north, and soak in the magic of Northern California, Oregon, and Washington, before venturing into Idaho.

And let me say right up front: the Pacific Northwest has blown me away. Again…

Giants and Wild Coasts: Northern California & Southern Oregon: 

The trip begins with the big Redwood trees, those ancient giants that make you feel very small and very privileged to walk among. Add to that a wild coastline of crashing waves, fog-shrouded cliffs, and beaches that seem untouched by time—it’s a trip in itself.

Crossing into Southern Oregon, the Rogue River valley appears like something out of a nature documentary. Rafters, fishermen, and hikers flock here, but in small numbers and there’s still plenty of solitude. We watched bald eagles and ospreys fishing, spotted deer and elk, and kept our eyes peeled for black bears. For a Brit, it feels almost cinematic like stepping into “America” as you imagine it.

Then there’s the Southern Oregon coastline: vast beaches, piles of driftwood, seafood fresh from the Pacific, and marine life galore—whales, dolphins, pelicans, and salmon pushing upstream. It’s raw, rugged, and utterly unique.

The Willamette Valley & Northern Oregon: Food, Wine, and Wilderness

Inland lies the Willamette Valley, heaven for wine lovers. Famous for its pinot noirs and bright, unoaked chardonnays, it rivals some of Europe’s finest regions. Add to that the fresh produce—hazelnuts, peaches, huckleberries, dairy, beef—and you get a sense of a food culture that feels proudly homegrown and deeply satisfying.

From there, we wound our way north toward Tillamook and then into forests, rivers, and beaches that could easily occupy a week on their own. My tip: rent a house just off Highway 101, away from traffic and stay put for a few days, and let the coast reveal itself slowly.

Having spent a month in New Zealand last year, I was struck by the similarity: mountains, wild coastline, vineyards, welcoming locals, pristine wilderness. Oregon gives it a good run for its money—and it’s a lot closer for those of us in North America.

Washington State – Islands, Cities, and Adventures

If Oregon felt like a discovery, Washington felt like a reunion with an old friend. Seattle buzzes with energy—ships, trains, markets, and coffee culture—yet is framed by forests, water, and mountains.

Beyond the city, the San Juan Islands are an absolute highlight I’ve been to twice before. Rent a cottage, paddle a kayak, and you might be lucky enough to see orca whales. On this trip we also detoured through Olympia, Tacoma, and then took the ferry to Vashon Island—a sleepy, lovely place to unplug for a few days.

For water lovers, Washington is paradise: sailing, rafting, fishing, kayaking. For foodies, it’s fresh oysters, cider, wine, and farm-to-table cooking. For wildlife watchers, bears, elk, and endless birdlife. For all travelers, it’s the perfect blend of outdoorsy fun and comfortable living.

It really does have it all.

If you’ve never explored the Pacific Northwest, put it on your list. Whether you choose one state or several, whether you sip wine in the Willamette, hike among redwoods, paddle through island waters, or eat your way around Seattle—this region will leave you utterly enchanted.

For me, as a Brit who has spent decades exploring the world, the Pacific Northwest stands shoulder to shoulder with the most beautiful places on earth.

If you’d like tips, ideas, or even help planning your own Pacific Northwest adventure, don’t hesitate to reach out to The Spence Connection. We know the best spots, the hidden gems, and most importantly—the right pace for your journey.