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52 Weekends in the Pacific Northwest
52 WEEKENDS in the
PACIFIC NORTHWEST A Local’s Curated Guide to Year-Round Getaways Kara Patajo
To Kyle, my adventure partner, and to Lilo, my soul dog
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Introduction
WINTER GETAWAYS SPRING GETAWAYS SUMMER GETAWAYS FALL GETAWAYS
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Conclusion
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Acknowledgments
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Index
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INTRODUCTION Hey bestie, The Pacific Northwest has a way of surprising you. One morning, you’re sipping coffee while driving through a mountain town you’ve never heard of, as the road winds through evergreens older than living memory. The next morning, you’re wandering an island where every beach feels like a discovery and ferry horns echo across the water, almost as if they’re calling you home. This is the Pacific Northwest I know and love—and the one I want to share with you. The book you’re holding isn’t your average travel guide. It’s something more personal: a collection of adventures from someone who’s spent years uncovering the region’s best-kept secrets. I’m Kara—that’s careuh—and I’ve been your Northwestie Bestie on Instagram and my blog for years, sharing the coffee shops, trails, and hidden gems that make this corner of the world so magical.
Here’s what I discovered after years of exploring: our seasons aren’t just different weather—they provide completely different experiences. Spring brings waterfalls roaring with snowmelt and meadows carpeted in wildflowers. Summer offers endless daylight for island-hopping and mountain adventures. Fall transforms forests into golden cathedrals that feel straight out of Stars Hollow. And winter? That’s when you discover the soul of this place—cozy cabins, storm watching from dramatic coastlines, and that unique peaceful tranquility you can only experience when wandering a snowcovered trail. That’s why I organized this book by seasons. When you flip to any section, you’ll find destinations at their absolute peak— when the light is perfect, the activities are ideal, and the magic is undeniable. Here’s how to make this book work for you:
I wrote this book because it’s the resource I always wished I’d had: something that tells you when a destination quietly shines, why the offseason is often peak magic, and where to find that perfect latte to accompany your next adventure. As a true PNW girl (anything over 75 degrees F and I’m basically melting), I live for those slower moments where you encounter fewer crowds and enjoy a much more authentic experience, with the bonus that you’ll likely get better value for money.
Stuck in the winter blues? Flip to that section for a fresh dose of inspiration. Maybe you’ll find a weekend trip that will help you fall in love with the rain and mist all over again. Planning a group getaway? Share one of these itineraries in your group chat. Sometimes all it takes is a solid plan to get everyone on board. (And if they still won’t go? Take yourself on the trip anyway—you deserve it.)
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INTRODUCTION
Returning to a favorite destination? Use these pages to discover what you’ve been missing—the bookstore tucked down a side street, the viewpoint locals keep to themselves, or the perfect coffee shop for watching ferries come and go.
The fifty-two carefully curated itineraries ahead are windows into my own experiences that have shaped my love for this place—and invitations for you to create your own. From misty coastlines to golden valleys, snowy ridgelines to fairy-tale forests, these pages hold a year’s worth of Pacific Northwest wonder.
Every itinerary follows a Friday-to-Sunday format, but here’s my secret: leave room for serendipity. Some of my best memories came from going off script, especially after conversations with locals who pointed me toward something not found in any guidebook. A little bit about me: I was born and raised in the shadow of Mount Rainier—or Tahoma, as she’s traditionally known. She’s the most glaciated peak in the contiguous United States and my daily compass. I catch myself looking for her every morning, and when the clouds part to reveal her snow-covered summit, I still feel that spark of awe.
Thank you for being here. Thank you for choosing adventure. And thank you for letting me be your guide to the place I call home. I can’t wait for you to fall in love with it too. With love and wanderlust,
a.k.a. Your Northwestie Bestie
WINTER GETAWAYS
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52 WEEKENDS IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST
CRATER LAKE NATIONAL PARK
CRATER LAKE NATIONAL PARK 1
Introduction Picture impossibly blue waters surrounded by a sparkling white blanket of snow, pristine and untouched as far as the eye can see. This is Crater Lake in winter— Oregon’s most dramatic natural wonder in its wildest season. What makes this place so breathtaking is also what makes it a challenge to explore: its high elevation. At 6,450 feet, the Steel Visitor Center sits over one thousand feet higher than Mount Rainier’s famous Paradise. With more than five hundred inches of snow falling here annually, many of Crater Lake’s roads are closed in winter, including some with iconic lake views. But for those willing to put in a little extra effort,
this winter wonderland is yours to discover, particularly on snowshoes—a popular way to explore the trails through the park. Snowshoeing through an old- growth forest draped in fresh snow? That’s my kind of peace. After chatting with a friendly ranger at the visitor center about current trail conditions, Kyle (my partner) and I strapped on our snowshoes and headed for the Raven Trail. This two-mile trail climbs steadily through the woods, gaining 625 feet in elevation before leading to the crater’s edge. As we left the treeline behind, the wind picked up to a brisk 20 mph—thank goodness we layered up with our warmest windbreakers and had cameras ready to capture every moment! Crater Lake is massive— over twenty square miles of the deepest blue I’ve ever seen. It’s so wide that you have to turn your head to take it all in. And, as an island lover, I was thrilled to spot Wizard Island rising from the water like something out of a storybook. On clear days, you can even spot peaks such as Garfield and Watchman in the distance, adding to the panoramic drama.
WINTER GETAWAYS
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CRATER LAKE NATIONAL PARK
Friend to friend, this is an important safety note: stay well back from the lake’s edge in winter. Snow cornices— overhanging snow that looks stable but isn’t—are a hidden hazard you don’t want to mess with. Speaking from experience, the views are just as spectacular from a safe distance!
At a Glance
This time of year, the lake is shrouded in clouds about half the time, so catching a clear view of it does take a bit of luck. But instead of discouraging us, that uncertainty added a sense of adventure to our trip. We had one shot to see the lake, and it paid off beautifully.
Park Information
Our home base for this winter adventure was Grants Pass, a charming small town nestled along the Rogue River. This place takes its holiday spirit seriously. Giant nutcracker statues line the downtown streets, and this is where I spotted the tallest Christmas tree I’ve ever seen in my life! Beyond the festive decorations, Grants Pass surprised us with hidden gems—from handcrafted glass art, cozy coffee shops, and the kind of small-town warmth that made our chilly mountain adventure feel perfectly balanced.
Location: Southern Oregon Best Season to Visit: December through March Suggested Duration: Two nights
• Entrance fee: $30 per vehicle (seven days) or $55 annual America the Beautiful Pass • Only the south entrance (Annie Spring) is open in winter • Steel Visitor Center operates daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (winter hours) • Check current conditions: nps.gov/crla or call (541) 594-3000
Winter Essentials • Traction tires or chains required • Snowshoes (rentals available at the REI in Medford) • Waterproof layers and warm clothing • Full gas tank before entering the park • Offline maps downloaded (no cell service in the park)
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HISTORIC DOWNTOWN GRANTS PASS
52 WEEKENDS IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST
Red Lion Inn & Suites: Traveling with your furry friend? This pet-friendly hotel has everything you need for a comfortable stay, including a complimentary breakfast and easy access to I-5, making it an ideal choice for budget-conscious adventurers. Bestie Packing Tip: Winter at Crater Lake requires thoughtful gear. Pack breathable merino wool base layers, waterproof pants and jacket, insulated boots, and don’t forget sunglasses—the snow glare at seven thousand feet is intense! A waterproof backpack cover is essential, as melting snow from tree branches results in constant dripping.
Itinerary Outline DAY 1
Getting There Seattle to Grants Pass: 418 miles, ~7 hours Portland to Grants Pass: 245 miles, ~4 hours Grants Pass to Crater Lake: 82 miles, ~2 hours
Where to Stay The Lodge at Riverside: Conveniently located just a few blocks from downtown, this riverside retreat blends modern comfort with timeless charm. Enjoy picturesque views of the iconic Caveman Bridge, all while being steps away from Grants Pass’s vibrant shops and restaurants. Weasku Inn Historic Resort: For a peaceful nature escape, this rustic gem offers cozy accommodations steeped in history. Dating back over one hundred years, the inn has hosted legends, such as Walt Disney. With fireplaces in abundance and warm, inviting vibes, it’s the perfect spot to unwind. We slept soundly here.
Drinks at Steam Distillery: Step into old-time charm at Steam Distillery, housed in an 1886 building that once held Grants Pass’s first brewery. The steampunk-inspired decor and inventive cocktails make this historic gem a must-visit. Yes, there might be a wait, but trust me—it’s worth every second. Bestie Tip: Before settling in for drinks, peek through the windows of the Glass Forge Gallery & Studio, just next door. You’ll know it by its whimsical Alice in Wonderland mural! This treasure trove showcases art made using traditional Italian glassblowing techniques. You can browse stunning pieces and watch artists at work as they shape molten glass into incredible creations. Dinner at The Bohemian Bar & Rooftop: With a modern ambiance and rooftop dining, this restaurant shines with New American cuisine. Frequently dubbed the best restaurant in Grants Pass, its menu features hearty salads, pastas, and steaks. Its zero-proof drinks are surprisingly satisfying too!