Pacific Northwest travel offers the magic of Oregon and Washington States in the USA and the province of British Columbia in Canada. Beautiful landscapes vary from angry waves crashing against Pacific Ocean rock stacks to rolling hills of grapes heavy on the vines awaiting their fate to become celebrated local wines. Although I’ve traveled all over the world, my heart always expands when the plane flies over the Cascade Mountains on the way home.
I was born in Portland, Oregon and grew up on a dairy farm in nearby Scappoose. While I eventually settled in Seattle, Washington, my family still lives in this area of Oregon and ties remain strong to the Beaver State. To learn more, check out the About Me page.
No matter your fancy, there is a little nugget of gold for everyone visiting (or living in) the Pacific Northwest. This website focuses on the best ways to connect a desire to see and experience all the beauty offered in this peaceful corner of the planet while also delving a little deeper into meaningful and respectful connections with the land and people. My ideas might involve a little more work and creative vision — but you’ll find the reward is worth diving a little deeper.
There are a few different ways to access just the right information for you.
Pacific Northwest travel — destinations heading
Since many of you have something particular in mind for Pacific Northwest travel, I’ve organized all the articles featured on the website according to destination. From here you can fan out to just the right information designed to inspire wanderlust — whether from the comfort of your own home or actually showing up to walk the earth. You’ll find this in the main menu on top of the page, but can also click Destinations, right here.
Pacific Northwest maps
Since I love maps you’ll find them on almost every page of Kessi World. I encourage you to take a look at the master list, titled Pacific Northwest Maps. I’m constantly updating these with new finds, including fun road trip itineraries, restaurants, and great places to stay.
Explore the freshest Pacific Northwest travel content
Exploring this great land is a true love of mine and I’m passionate about bringing you detailed, complete, and freshly updated information. My articles are published weekly, so check back for the newest offering of Pacific Northwest goodness via words and photos. To get you started, I’ve rounded up the newest pieces of work, curated below. Click on one of them to start your own personalized journey through Kessi World.
Experience the rich Washington rainforest wonderland at Lake Quinault Lodge
Nestled deep within the Olympic Peninsula rainforest in Washington, Lake Quinault Lodge brings to life a perfect mixture of magical nature.
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How to find magic at Oswald West State Park
Oregon Coast icon near Cannon Beach. My personal guide to quick, intermediate, and all-day hikes. Includes old-growth, creeks, beach, cliff views, and nature’s magic.
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How to enjoy Fall in Seattle — 30 of the best outdoor things to do
Autumn leaves, parks and art, my curated list of 30 outdoor things to do to enjoy Fall in Seattle. Includes lots of photos, an interactive map, and many of my Tiktok videos.
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How to make a remarkable Seattle to Mt Rainier day trip — all the best information
Everything you need to plan your epic nature adventure from Seattle to Mt. Rainier — photos, maps, reservations, and the best stops. From a lifelong Pacific Northwest local.
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Seattle to North Cascades National Park — how to plan an epic road trip
Local knowledge and experience to help you plan an epic road trip from Seattle to North Cascades National Park, plus Winthrop, Leavenworth and more.
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Seattle to Portland drive — road trip planner to make the day unique
Tired of the slog between Portland and Seattle on I5? First time in the Pacific Northwest and wanting to see sights along the drive? Check out this list of fun local detours along the route between these two largest cities of Oregon and Washington State.
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ShiShi Beach Trail photo meditation
Calm mind and body with this 20-photo meditation from ShiShi Beach Trail, in Olympic National Park. Get lost in the textures and colors.
Lake Crescent Lodge — let the soul float in nature’s magic
A stay at Lake Crescent Lodge revives the soul with timeless charm and the spectacularly beautiful nature thriving in Olympic National Park.
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How to plan an Olympic Peninsula road trip
All you need to plan an epic Olympic Peninsula road trip. Beaches, lakes, old-growth, mossy trees, alpine views and more–an excellent resource for first-time visitors. Includes nine TikTok videos.
Where to enjoy nature things to do in Newport, Oregon
14 favorite nature things to do in Newport Oregon based on my mystic sensitivities. Oregon coast beaches, aquarium, lighthouses, forests, planning information & more.
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How to see Newport, Oregon, in one day
This one-day itinerary to Newport, Oregon, is terrific because you can experience the “greatest hits” of the Oregon Coast in a concentrated area. Enjoy a vibrant harbor, a world-class Aquarium, two lighthouses, a historic beach, and ancient forests in a nature-forward manner that’s great for the soul.
25 Hidden Oregon and Washington hotels — unique places to stay
I’ve done the work for you — locating and vetting 25 hidden Oregon and Washington hotels won’t appear in usual online searches of places to stay in the Pacific Northwest.
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