Sunny Getaways: The Brightest Northwest Vacation Spots in the Desert, Small Towns, Mountains and on the Coast

Gray skies may rule over Seattle, but the sun is shining at these vacation destinations only a few hours from the city

This article appears in print in the May 2018 issue, as part of the “Sunny Getaways” cover story. Click here to subscribe. It’s no secret—even to Seattle newcomers—that we have more than our share of gray days (226 days of “heavy cloud cover” by one estimate). No doubt that’s why Hawaii and Mexico are popular destinations for locals. …

Danielle Centoni, Leslie Kelly, Kristen Russell, and Roddy Scheer

See Spectacular Seaside Landscapes in Oregon’s Banana Belt

Take to the road along Oregon’s southernmost coastline for sand, surf and sun

The views just keep coming: This scene is near Brookings

Danielle Centoni

What Do Yakima and Palm Springs Have in Common?

They’ve both got sun, but how does the "Palm Springs of Washington" compare to the real deal?

The famous “Welcome to Yakima” sign

Leslie Kelly

Oregon’s Painted Hills Are a Natural Wonder

Soak in the sun, and unique geology, of the Painted Hills in north central Oregon

This article appears in print in the May 2018 issue, as part of the “Sunny Getaways” cover story. Click here to subscribe. The russet-striped slopes of Oregon’s Painted Hills look like they’ve been draped in a gently rumpled Pendleton blanket. With their gorgeous bands of reds and golds undulating across the surface, the hills look like they were…

Danielle Centoni

Explore the Ancient Lakes Trail and the Western Edge of the Columbia Gorge with a Trip to Quincy

After hiking the spectacular trail, indulge with a night at a posh resort

The property overlooks the Columbia River

Kristen Russell

Take a Trip to Sequim and Port Townsend and Stay Dry Under the Rain Shadow on the Olympic Peninsula

The rain shadow cast by the Olympic Mountains keeps things dry

The sunrise view of Mount Baker and the Straight of Juan de Fuca is spectacular

Roddy Scheer

Go From Bavarian Kitsch to Outdoor Haven in a Visit to Leavenworth

Choose your adventure for this mountain getaway

DIVE RIGHT IN: The icy waters of Colchuck Lake are inviting on a sunny day