Winter just may be the best season to visit the Pacific Northwest – seriously!

I know, the title of this blog is a bold statement. Especially considering the reputation of winter weather in the Pacific Northwest (aka Cascadia) – rain, rain and more rain! But the reality is far more nuanced than the stereotype!

Yes, truthfully, it does rain a fair bit in the winter on the west side of the Cascade Mountains. But this rain is more of a light drizzle, not a soaking torrential rain storm which can derail any outdoor plans. While a rain jacket is a good idea, the day’s activities, indoor or outdoor, are not likely to be impacted by a little drizzle. And some of the most treasured PNW experiences can best be enjoyed in winter, rain or not – migrating whales, epic surf swells, white truffle hunting and natural hot spring soaks… just to name a few.

But less than a hour from the verdant western lowlands and the cities of Seattle and Portland, you’ll find a winter wonderland in the Cascade Mountains that rivals better-known winter playgrounds like the Rockies or the Alps. Locals and savvy visitors know you can skip the lift lines at more populated resort areas in Colorado and Utah and enjoy mountain life to yourself in the Cascades with remote cat skiing, back country snowmobiling, snowshoeing and nordic skiing.

And then, there’s a little secret that many outside of the PNW don’t know – over on the East side of the Cascade Mountains, it’s a high desert climate with 300 days of sunshine! It’s this diverse geography and microclimates which truly make Cascadia year round destination, including the winter.

For an example bespoke PNW winter dream itinerary, check out First Nature’s Winter in Oregon: Cascades to the Coast. From a helicopter flip around Mt Hood and exploring Crater Lake National Park by snowmobile to hunting for truffles with a professional truffle dog (yes, seriously!) and bottling your own wine at at boutique winery, this itinerary is chock full of bucket-list adventures and unique, off-the-beaten-path PNW winter experiences.

Want video proof? Have a look:
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Below, First Nature’s Dan Moore and Elena Vizzini, make a compelling case for why winter just may be the best season to visit the Pacific Northwest!

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