Vacations in Oregon, Washington

Oregon National Historic Trail

• For an historically-inspired vacation, take a trek along the Oregon National Historic Trail. Beginning in the mid-1800s, thousands of emigrants traveled from the eastern half of the U.S., following the Oregon Trail to settle in the Willamette Valley. While the National Historic Trail stretches 2,000 miles, only certain segments are open for hiking. In Oregon, you can walk in the footsteps of the original travelers at several locations. In Baker City, visit the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest's Oregon Trail Interpretive Park for a hike, and view exhibits including an historical encampment. For more hiking options, visit the 17-mile Blue Mountain Segment in LaGrande or the 32-mile Barlow Road Segment.

  Oregon Trail Interpretive Park

  Wallowa-Whitman National Forest

  1550 Dewey Avenue

  P.O. Box 907

  Baker City, Oregon 97814

  http://www.nps.gov/oreg

Olympic National Park

• For a taste of Washington's many microclimates, vacation at Olympic National Park, where you can find rocky Pacific beaches, rain forests and ice-capped mountains all within 922,000 acres. Ninety-five percent of the park is protected wilderness area, with wildlife including whales, dolphins, seals, elk, cougars, beavers and bears. The park is open 365 days a year, but the variable Pacific Northwest climate can affect park conditions at any time. Visitors are advised to check the weather forecast in advance of their trip.

  Olympic National Park

  600 East Park Avenue

  Port Angeles, WA 98362

  360-565-3130

  nps.gov/olym

Portland, City of Roses

• For eclectic urban adventure, plan a vacation in Portland, Oregon, the "City of Roses." Between the International Rose Test Garden, the Portland Classical Chinese Garden and the 185-acre Hoyt Arboretum, there are plenty of green and flowering spaces. In addition, the city's famous Rose Festival and Parade is held every spring. Cultural activities are front and center at the historic Baghdad Theater and the Portland Symphony. The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry offers science demonstrations and a planetarium to engage all ages.

Seattle's Sights

• The biggest city in the Northwest, Seattle, Washington offers visitors an array of urban activities. Aside from an obligatory look at, or from, the Space Needle, be sure you visit Pike's Place Market to watch fresh salmon tossed around at the fish market, sample from local bakeries and produce vendors, and visit the birthplace of the coffeehouse. To appreciate the city skyline from Puget Sound, take one of the many harbor cruises.