PNW Road Trip

EXPLORE THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST

The Pacific Northwest is known to have some of the best scenery and memorable landmarks, but it can be difficult to reach them all. Here are some tips and tricks for the perfect road trip through the PNW, starting in Seattle and ending up in Northern California.

Story by Clayton Huber // Photos by Zahn Schultz // Design & Illustration by Isabelle Grotting

1. Seattle

Like many Seattleites know, Pike Place Market is one of the best stops to make downtown. You can get food, watch the fishermen toss fish across the room and look at all the local vendors that sell their produce. “Pike Place is always a really cool place to go. I have been to the market dozens of times and still see something new every time I am there,” says CWU Senior Marie Williams.

As someone who goes to Seattle frequently to explore, your next option could be a variety of different places. You could go to Alki Beach and grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants looking out at the water. You could also take a trip to Discovery Park which is the oldest and largest park in Seattle.

Fun fact: According to a 2008 feature in HistoryLink. org, Discovery Park was originally built because military planners considered defense of the area a high priority. It wasn’t until 1898 that the Chamber of Commerce turned over the area to the U.S. Army, which immediately went to work adding roads and civilization for the soldiers to live in. Shorty after, artillery guns were installed alongside the cliffs and on the beach. During the Korean War over 10,000 soldiers were stationed there as it was used as a embarkation and debarkation station. Soldiers would maintain ready to go to Korea at any time.

“The history behind this park is enough reasoning to go check it out. It also has a great view from the cliffs,” Williams says.

So, you have seen downtown Seattle, you walked through the market and you saw some historic beaches. One last thing you need to do before you either head to your hotel or continue driving is visit Kerry Park. It is the iconic park that allows you to have a view of the entire Seattle skyline. Little tip: you will definitely want to bring your camera, especially if it is dark and you can see the city lit up.

2. Portland

So that is it for Seattle; now it’s time to head down to Portland, Ore. Most people usually stop at Voodoo Doughnut immediately, as it is a national treasure to many. If you don’t know, Voodoo Doughnut is an iconic donut shop that makes out-ofthe-box donuts such as their signature Voodoo Doll (which is shaped, of course, like a voodoo doll) or the Old Dirty Bastard, which is covered in chocolate frosting, crushed Oreos and peanut butter.

Sticking with food, Portland is known to have some of the best food trucks around. Food can range all across the spectrum as you usually see a couple food trucks every block. Then inside the city next to all the big shopping centers is a line of trucks that can even stretch five blocks.

3. Manzanita

Another spot to spend a couple days in is Manzanita, Ore. It is a small town right on the beach and, to many, just kind of feels like home. There are plenty of Mom and Pop shops including restaurants, boutiques and art galleries that show the history of Manzanita, and if you are looking for adventure, Manzanita has dozens of hikes surrounding the town that allow you to get a killer view of the ocean.

“We love all the food out here. Growing up in Seattle and moving down here I thought I was going to be missing out but I think Portland might take the cake on having the best food and the most options ,” says University of Portland student Scottie Cohen.

Also, for all you seafood lovers, you can rent all the gear necessary to catch crab and fish out in the ocean or go out to eat at one of the seafood restaurants that catch and cook everything fresh. “Manzanita kind of w have beautiful hikes surrounded by evergreens, and a California-style beach with soft sand and great seafood,” says a representative from the Manzanita Visitors Center.

4. Redwood National Forest

Heading down south towards California, you run into the Redwood National Forest which is home to the tallest trees in the world. Redwoods can average a height of over 300 feet tall, which makes you feel very small while standing in the forest. If you don’t want to stop, you still get to experience the majestic forest as you pass by.

5. Lake Tahoe

Last stop on this trip for us is Lake Tahoe; if you enjoy the outdoors then Lake Tahoe is the place for you. There are countless adventures to be had in this area, whether it be hiking to the top of a mountain to get a view of the entire lake or hanging out at one of the many beach clubs surrounding the lake. Tahoe is for people who love the outdoors and want a relaxing trip.

Tahoe is also home to dozens of beautiful golf courses including Squaw Valley, which is the village of the 1960 Winter Olympics. The course is right on the base of the mountain where the Olym- pians competed. Now, it is a golf course in the spring and summer and a ski resort and lodge in the winter. Another golf course out there is Edgewood Golf Course which hosts the Celebrity Golf Championship every year and is what you see all over the internet.

Golden State Warriors Point Guard Stephen Curry was pictured jumping into the lake after he lost a bet to his father Dell Curry as fans have their boats parked all along the beach watching the incident.

Since the Pacific Northwest is known for its beautiful nature, it’s time you went out and truly explored what this area has to offer. Be sure to take lots of pictures to make your friends jealous--or just bring them along for the ride.