Where the Rain Makes Magic: 5 PNW Spots with Views You Won’t Find Anywhere Else

There’s a reason I keep coming back to the Pacific Northwest. It’s not just the moody skies or the endless pine trees — it’s the sheer variety of landscapes packed into one corner of the country. In a single trip, you can go from tidepooling on the coast to standing under a waterfall, then be climbing a snow-dusted mountain the next day.

These are five places I’ve personally visited and loved — spots where the views honestly stopped me in my tracks. If you’re planning a trip to the PNW, these are the ones I’d go back to again and again.

1. Olympic National Park: Negative Tides and Endless Variety

Olympic feels like three parks in one — and that’s part of what makes it so memorable. You’ve got alpine peaks, mossy rainforests, and rugged coastline, all within a couple hours’ drive of each other.

One of my favorite memories? Watching a negative tide roll out at Kalaloch Beach and seeing bright starfish clinging to rocks on the exposed ocean floor. I had no idea that was something you could even see from land. The Hoh Rainforest is also unforgettable — like stepping onto a movie set, only it’s real.

2. Cannon Beach: Big Views, Small Town Feel

Cannon Beach is one of those rare places that feels both iconic and relaxed. Haystack Rock is the kind of landmark that sticks with you, especially when it’s framed by low fog and crashing waves. But beyond the views, the town has a low-key charm — walkable, artsy, and filled with cozy spots to duck into between beach walks.

I’ve wandered the beach here in early morning mist and late afternoon sun, and it always looks a little different. It’s the kind of place where you want to linger.

3. Mount Rainier: The Mountain That Sneaks Up on You

You can spot Rainier from Seattle on a clear day, but nothing compares to seeing it up close. The scale of it doesn’t hit you until you’re driving toward the park and suddenly—there it is, massive and looming, like it’s floating above the trees.

Here’s a tip: even in June, some of the higher elevation trails around Paradise might still be snow-covered. Always check conditions ahead of time, especially if you’re hoping to hike. The wildflowers, the glacier views, and the sheer presence of the mountain make it worth the planning.

4. Orcas Island: Worth the Ferry Ride

There’s something about taking a ferry that makes a place feel extra special — like you’ve earned it. Orcas Island is the largest of the San Juans and has some of the best views in the region.

Drive (or hike) up to the top of Mount Constitution for a 360-degree lookout over the islands, with snow-capped mountains in the distance. I’ve watched sunsets here that made me forget to even take a photo. It’s that good.

5. Columbia River Gorge: Waterfall Central

This is the stretch of road that makes you pull over every 10 minutes — and that’s not an exaggeration. Driving the Historic Columbia River Highway feels like flipping through a highlight reel of the Pacific Northwest.

Multnomah Falls is the headliner — and for good reason — but don’t miss spots like Latourell or Wahkeena Falls, either. You can pack in a ton of jaw-dropping scenery without ever straying far from the road. It’s one of the most accessible ways to feel totally immersed in nature.

Ready to See It for Yourself?

Whether you’re into coastal views, alpine trails, or waterfalls that require zero hiking experience, the PNW delivers. These places aren’t just pretty — they’re memorable. And if you’re looking for help planning a trip that hits all the best views without wasting time, we’ve got you.