Historic Places To Visit in the Pacific Northwest

If you’re an adventure-seeker, nature-lover, or history nerd, exploring some of the most notable landmarks in the Pacific Northwest region will give you true insight into its popularity. We’ve compiled a list of the most magnificent historic places to visit in the Pacific Northwest. Before you pack a bag and head off to see the sights, consider all the history these landmarks have to offer.

Crater Lake, Oregon

Located in the stunning Cascade Mountains in Oregon, Crater Lake is a magnificent lake known for its crystal-clear, blue waters. Its size is jaw dropping, at almost 2,000 feet in depth and around 20 square miles across. Crater Lake was formed by a volcano, Mount Mazama, which collapsed after its eruption thousands of years ago. Native Americans consider this lake a sacred place due to ancient legends about its waters. Crater Lake can be found in a national park of the same name, which has a few campgrounds, various water activities, and trails to be enjoyed during the warmer months.

Mount St. Helens, Washington

One of the most newsworthy historic places to visit in the Pacific Northwest is Mount St. Helens. Out of all the Cascade Range volcanoes, Mount St. Helens is the last one known to still erupt. Due to its eruption in 1980, President Ronald Regan declared the site a national volcanic monument. The environment has since rebuilt itself well to draw in visitors to see the active volcano in the flesh. Mount St. Helens remains the most threatening volcano in the country, but it’s a historical and scenic site sure to impress.

John Day Fossil Beds, Oregon

John Day Fossil Beds National Monument comprises three distinct locations in Eastern Oregon. These locations all have trails that lead to the most breathtaking, colorful rock formations. These fossils beds are unique and one of a kind, giving visitors a glimpse into the past and a view of Earth’s biology through animal fossils and rock layers. These locations portray critical times in geologic history, with displays of visible changes in landscapes and ecosystems that span millions of years. There’s no other place like it to see such prehistory and science in action.

Hells Canyon, Idaho and Oregon Border

You can get a sweet taste of history in the deepest canyon in the nation and, for that matter, in North America. The first records of this great gorge were actually found in the journals of Lewis and Clark, the renowned explorers of the West. The rich history you’ll find here is just one of the reasons why you should visit Hells Canyon. The gorge itself sandwiches the mighty Snake River, which is perfect for rafting or fishing. There’s plenty of wildlife to be found in this rugged and remote area, which tells the story of the past before one’s very eyes.

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