This is our last blog in our two-blog series specifically honoring National Camping Month. We are showcasing mountains, forests, and the coastlines that make the Pacific Northwest a unique part of the United States’ stunning geography. Summer months are mild in the Northwest, making Washington and Oregon ideal places to visit this time of year.
The Northwest National Parks are iconic and should be included, if at all possible, in your trip here. While in Washington, take at least a half-day for each to explore Mount Rainer, Olympic, and North Cascades National Parks; and while in Oregon, Crater Lake and Mount Hood National Parks should be included in your itinerary.
Use AdventureGenie to plan the best route to incorporate these National Parks into your Pacific Northwest adventure!
Where to Stay in Washington
Discover the ultimate Pacific Northwest getaway at this KOA campground, where breathtaking scenery meets endless adventure! Nestled near the coast, this pet-friendly haven offers something for everyone. Explore the beauty of Samish Bay, embark on a whale-watching expedition, or take a ferry to the enchanting San Juan Islands. Back at the campground, unwind by Friday Creek, dive into the indoor pool, or strike gold with gem mining fun. With spacious RV sites for big rigs, a security-gated property, and kid-friendly amenities like a playground, this KOA is the perfect home base for exploring nearby attractions—or simply soaking in the stunning views and cool coastal vibes.
Explore
- Chuckanut Drive – this route is a great way to explore the coast of Washington. Spanning 24 miles, this road includes plenty of stops in cozy, coastal towns. Pro Tip: This drive is not big-rig friendly.
- Deception Pass State Park – located a few miles away in Oak Harbor, Deception Pass State Park includes alluring views and activities like bird watching, boating, and beach exploration.
- Hike through Riverside Park – this state park is surrounded by trees and is home to several hiking trails.
Activities
- Seattle – just a one-hour drive away from Burlington, this iconic city will keep you busy! Stop by Space Needle, Pike Street Market, the Seattle Aquarium, and more. There is so much to do in Seattle!
- Whale-watching – whale-watching tours are a great way to see sites in Washington, as well as experience its local majestic marine life. Check with the KOA for tour providers.
- Skagit Valley College Art Gallery – this stop allows the art lover to view various exhibits while supporting Washington’s local artists. Pro Tip: This gallery is free to explore.
Family Fun
- Berry-picking – the KOA campground includes on-site delicious blackberry-picking from mid-August to mid-September. Yum!
- Children’s Museum of Skagit County – with its 15,400 square feet of space filled with hands-on, interactive learning activities, kids of all ages can spend hours learning an understanding of the arts, science, culture and literature of Skagit County and beyond. Pro Tip: Check museum website or Facebook page for current hours & information
- Anacortes Arts Festival – beginning the first weekend in August, this public arts festival includes fun activities such as beer gardens, a youth area, free entertainment, and local vendors.
Food & Wine
Nestled in the heart of Washington State, Skagit Valley is a hidden gem for wine enthusiasts. As the only official viticultural area on the west side of the Cascade Mountain Range, Skagit Valley offers a unique wine-tasting experience that reflects the region’s rich agricultural heritage. Washington is the second-largest wine producer in the United States, and some of its finest wineries can be found right here. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a casual sipper, visiting Skagit Valley’s wineries is a must for anyone exploring the area. Just a short drive from Burlington, you’ll find three standout wineries that showcase the valley’s charm and craftsmanship:
Tulip Valley Winery – located 12 minutes southwest of Burlington is the family-owned establishment known for its red and white wines, as well as a variety of hard ciders. During the month-long annual Tulip Festival in April, they elevate the experience with helicopter rides, local art shows, and vendors.
Glacier Peak Winery – just 13 minutes west of Burlington, sitting amidst Skagit’s iconic tulip fields and serving a delightful selection of wines. They offer Siegerrebe, Agria, and Pinot Noir paired with local cheeses and ACME Ice Cream. They also offer a variety of olive oils and vinegars.
Eagle Haven Winery – being the closest winery at only a 10-minute drive away, these vintners have been crafting artisan wines since 2004. Their tasting area includes a warm sitting room with a fireplace and an outdoor wine garden for when the weather is nice. They have events throughout the year, making it an easy stop on your wine tour. Pro Tip: Kids are welcome!
- Train Wreck Bar & Grill – this restaurant prides itself on delivering customers fresh menu items every day; they serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They even smoke their own meat and bake their own bread!
- The Fairhaven – offering nourishing fare for lunch and dinner, all made in-house fresh with seasonal offerings, they serve local dishes with a unique twist, as well as drinks, that will please anyone’s taste buds. Try the Rhubarb soda!
- Taste of Thai by Wipa – owned and operated by a former head-chef in one of Seattle’s finest restaurants, Wipa, serves creative and delicious authentic Thai cuisine.
Where to stay in Oregon
Escape to the breathtaking Oregon coastline and discover Bay Point Landing, a hidden gem in Coos Bay, blending natural beauty and modern luxury that promises an unforgettable camping experience. Nestled directly on the bay, this kid-, pet- and big-rig-friendly campground offers stunning coastal views, incredible sunsets, spacious and meticulously maintained sites, and a serene atmosphere perfect for relaxation or adventure. Whether you’re traveling in an RV, looking to rent a stylish Airstream trailer, or prefer the comfort of a cozy cabin, Bay Point Landing has something for everyone. With its proximity to the Siuslaw National Forest and all the charm of Coos Bay, this is the perfect basecamp for your Oregon explorations!
Explore
- The Cape Arago Lighthouse – this historic lighthouse, built in 1864, is a “must visit” on your trip to Oregon. It has become one of the most iconic and photographed lighthouses on the West coast.
- McCullough Memorial Bridge – another historic site and spanning Coos Bay. With its mix of Art Deco, Gothic, and Moderne design elements, the McCullough Memorial is one of the most recognizable icons of the Oregon coast. Pro Tip: it’s a perfect location to view sunsets over the water.
- Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint – standing on the cliff overlooking the ocean, you can easily pick out the face on Face Rock. There is a well-kept trail to the beach, so be sure to stop for a quick picture and soak in the salt air.
Activities
- Shore Acres State Park – this smaller coastal state park is known for the overlook point on the sandstone cliffs, offering stunning panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean with an occasional sighting of migrating grey whales. The park also contains multiple hiking trails, beautiful formal gardens and a Japanese lily pond.
- Coos History Museum – artifacts and photographs are collected in this museum, showcasing the history and culture of Coos Bay and the surrounding area
- Coos Art Museum – featuring rotating exhibits of art from local and regional artists
Family Fun
- Oregon Coast Aquarium – providing a variety of marine life exhibits and interactive displays
- Oregon Coast Historic Railroad – a unique heritage railroading museum, showcasing static displays of engines and historic artifacts and providing interpreted train rides along the Tillamook Coast.
- Egyptian Theatre – catch a movie in this historic theater. With its blend of new releases, classic films, and special themed movie nights, offering enough options sure to please all movie tastes. Enjoy the Art Deco style interior of the building, with velvet chairs, sculptures, and paintings.
Oregon Coast Aquarium photo
Food & Brew
- Shark Bites Seafood Café –a great place to enjoy locally-sourced seafood dishes with views of the Oregon coast.
- Restaurant O – one of the first open concept kitchens in southern Oregon, offers a tapas and cocktail bar, French and Italian dishes full of flavor in the brasserie main dining hall and a tasting room on the upper level that overlooks the bay. With a variety of menu items for small and big appetites, any one of the chef’s mouth-watering dishes will leave you wanting more.
- Blue Heron Bistro – Blue Heron Bistro, open for brunch and dinner, serves local seafood, German dishes, and Memphis-style barbeque.
- 7 Devils Brewery – ‘Where the Coast Meets the Tap’ is their aptly-fitted slogan. With two locations, you’re sure to find the combination of atmosphere, award winning beers, curated menus, and music to fit your Oregon coast vibe!
Choose AdventureGenie’s Pre-Planned Trip to the Pacific Northwest
You don’t like to do much planning? Spanning almost 1,000 miles, our pre-planned GenieTrip through Washington and Oregon may be a perfect fit if you want to explore everything the Pacific Northwest has to offer! With stops through Mount Rainer National Park, Olympic National Park, Crater Lake National Park, and many more, this trip is already mapped with all the main sightseeing locations identified. Simply input your starting location and final destination, choose from the best match campgrounds, and then add any other activities to your itinerary using GenieWishes!
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