Chasing Waterfalls in the Pacific Northwest

Post provided by NorthwestStays.com which is part of the StaysGroup.com.

The band TLC had obviously never visited the Pacific Northwest when they crooned, “Don’t go chasing waterfalls.” The area’s stunning and diverse wilderness includes hundreds of jaw-dropping waterfall wonders that are worth chasing, from small but scenic falls to dramatic drops that leave you breathless.

As with most wilderness adventures, the chase is worth the prize. We’ve put together the best six Pacific Northwest waterfalls, giving you a crash course in where to start, how to get there, and what you can expect when you cross the finish line. Read on to take the plunge!

Multnomah Falls

It’s an easy race to Multnomah Falls, but the finish line may be the most rewarding of the group. Its impressive cascade is fed by underground springs and melting snow from Larch Mountain, falling 611 feet to the glittering pool beneath. The viewing area is nestled into a carved-out wall at the fall’s base, giving you an impressive upward view of the sheer power and beauty of this natural wonder.

For an even better vantage point, hike the paved trail to Benson Bridge for a stomach-dropping view of the fall’s final 69-foot drop.

Starting Point: Get right into the spirit of nature at the charming Portland Garden Studio, just 30 minutes west of Multnomah Falls in downtown Portland. This secluded oasis features a private ⅓-acre garden full of lush landscaping, a cozy hammock, and a private hot tub.

Drury Falls

The 1,270-foot Drury Falls is formed as Fall Creek tumbles into a free-fall over the rim of Tumwater Canyon. Fall Creek is relatively small and runs dry during the summer months, but during snowmelt season it provides a powerful flow over the cliffs that crashes against the steep cliffs below.

The most popular viewpoint is along Highway 2, as 600 feet of the flow can be seen from the road. Park at one of the pullouts about 500 yards from the falls on either side; you’ll need to walk beside the highway to reach the viewpoint, so be aware of passing cars!

Starting Point: This waterfall journey starts and ends with waterfront views at River Chalet, a luxurious cabin on the banks of the Wenatchee River. Five miles outside of Leavenworth and just minutes from your waterfall destination, this spacious rental offers cathedral ceilings and large walls of windows to flood the home with light and stunning views.

Deception Falls

Hidden just off an inconspicuous rest area along Stevens Pass, Deception Falls is often overlooked. But its magical trip through an ancient Douglas Fir forest is worth the stop. Though not as tall as some other waterfalls on our list, this multi-tiered beauty tumbles in short but dramatic drops full of impressive white-capped waves as it makes its way to join the Tye River. There are multiple lookout points that offer great views right past the parking lot, but the best vantage point is at the designated viewing platform at the top of the falls. You can even be serenaded by the waves as you grab a quick bite at the Picnic Area (but be sure to protect your snack from the spray).

If you have time, be sure to take the .8-mile interpretative trail loop nearby to learn about the ecology of the area and enjoy even more lookout points to the falls. You’ll find interpretative signage, cross picturesque bridges, and get to see the fall’s powerful whitewater rapids blend into a cool, crystal pool at the bottom of the trail.

Starting Point: Situated right between Stevens Pass and the nearby town of Leavenworth, Salmon Chalet is the perfect home base to visit Drury Falls and other great area attractions. This cozy mountain cabin has a modern yet rustic feel and boasts a private hot tub, wood-burning fireplace, and beautifully appointed spaces for the whole family.

Bridal Veil Falls

In the depths of Bridal Veil Falls Provincial Park in the Fraser Valley, this popular waterfall gets its name from the unique way its powerful cascade flows over a wide, smooth rock face in a delicate-looking veil. But don’t mistake its deceptively fragile appearance for weakness; crashing more than 122 meters to the bottom, this waterfall is truly awe-inspiring in its natural power.

An easy 15-minute trail through cedar and fir trees leads to a designated viewpoint at the base of the falls. During the winter, falling sheets of ice and unstable cliff rocks make this a hazardous, slippery endeavor. Perhaps the best time to view Bridal Veil Falls is during the summer when the water flow dries considerably, and the intimidating spray slows to a mesmerizing stream.

Starting Point: When chasing the wild beauty of the Pacific Northwest’s waterfalls, there’s no better home base than Pinecone Cabin #97. This lakefront retreat is located on a secluded mountain road accessible only by a 4WD vehicle, giving you the ultimate wilderness experience while keeping you immersed in comfortable, modern amenities.

Elk Falls

This 25-meter waterfall is so impressive they named the entire park after it. It’s one of the area’s best “plunge waterfalls,” meaning it falls vertically and loses contact with the cliff face behind it as the Campbell River plunges into the rock-walled canyon below. The powerful drop creates an abundant spray and a thunderous roar that can be heard for miles around.

There are multiple trails in the park that lead to great lookout points for Elk Falls, but the newest addition is also the most popular: a thrilling suspension bridge that floats 60 meters above the Canyon floor. Offering a top-to-bottom view of the cascading flow, its multiple viewing and cantilevered platforms give you a breathtaking sight of the waterfall from every angle!

Starting Point: A short drive south of Elk Falls Provincial Park, Kye Bay Beach House gives you an entirely different waterfront view from the sandy shores of Kye Bay Beach. Its beachfront location and easy access to everything in Comox Valley makes this rental the perfect starting point for your Elk Falls waterfall chase.

Alexander Falls

Don’t be fooled by their bottom position on our list – Alexander Falls is a frontrunner in the amazing waterfalls category. Three impressive tiers drop over 43 meters in a 12-meter wide flow that’s framed by jagged andesite cliffs and vibrantly green trees. The forest that surrounds it is wide and wild, offering views of curious wildlife (watch out for bears) and plenty of prime hiking territory.

A dedicated viewing platform and picnic area sits just across from the falls and offers a wide, but dry, view of its immense drop. There’s also an obscure trailhead not far from the platform that leads to the top and bottom of the falls, but both hikes are considered strenuous in difficulty and should only be tried by experienced hikers.

Starting Point: Just 30 minutes north in the town of Whistler, Whistler on the Lake 7 is a charming lakefront condo that offers easy access to waters that are more calm, but no less enjoyable, than your waterfall destination.

Pacific Northwest Parks & Trails You Didn’t Know Existed

Blog post provided by NorthwestStays.com which is part of the StaysGroup.com.

The Pacific Northwest is brimming with famous national parks and treasures that top the bucket-list of brave explorers across the globe. While the popular attractions should definitely rank high on your to-do list, the area also boasts plenty of hidden gems that are off the beaten path, but no less enjoyable than their famous neighbors. In fact, their lower crowds and undisturbed wilderness make them even better!

If you’re planning your Pacific Northwest vacation, be sure to include some of these lesser-known landscapes in your itinerary.

Hoh Rain Forest Loop, Olympic National Park

You might not immediately think ‘Washington’ when you think ‘rainforest’, but the Hoh Rain Forest in Olympic National Park says you should. This temperate jungle has everything you’d expect for a magical rainforest adventure: giant conifer trees, vibrant plants and flora overlapping in splendid color, along with plentiful wildlife.

The Hoh Rain Forest Loop Trail is a short, family-friendly stroll through three popular trails in the Hoh Rain Forest. You’ll begin on The Mini Trail, a short-paved loop that gives a nice introduction to the forest and provides access to several other trailheads for deeper exploration. When you reach the junction, head right to access the Spruce Nature Trail, an easy 1.2-mile loop that takes you through lush old-growth forest and along the Hoh River before winding back to the Mini Trail. When you return, take the opposite loop for the .8-mile Hall of Mosses Trail, where you can explore the towering trees draped in thick sheets of dense, vibrant moss before returning to The Mini Trail and the parking lot.

After your hike, return to your home away from home at West Of The Elwah. This rustic paradise is just 15 minutes east of Port Angeles in the beautiful Elwah Valley and offers easy access to the entire Olympic Peninsula from its secluded forest setting.

Capitol Reef National Park

Overshadowed by the nearby Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef National Park is a hidden gem in southern Utah that should be high on your itinerary. This natural treasure features amazing geological wonders like the Waterpocket Fold, a geologic monocline where a wrinkle in the earth almost 100 miles long has formed deep canyons and interesting formations across the surface.

Hiking, canyoneering, and rock climbing are popular ways to explore the diverse landscapes of the park. Head to the small town of Fruita inside the park to stroll through vibrant fruit orchards (and grab a fresh snack of their abundant limbs), view the ancient petroglyphs left by the native Fremont people nearly 1,000 years ago, and hike to the Capitol Dome to see the amazing rock formation that looks just like the U.S. Capitol.

You’ll want to spend days exploring this immense landscape, so spend your down-time in between at Pecan Point, a private home just minutes from the park. It features spacious rooms, a shaded fire pit, and easy access to everything in Southern Utah!

The Skyline Trail Loop

This 5.5-mile loop in the Mount Rainier National Park takes you through the best scenes in Paradise, the park’s southern hub. Your journey will take you through subalpine meadows brimming with wildflowers and along the majestic Nisqually glacier before climbing to Panorama Point. Here, you’re treated to stunning views of Paradise Valley all the way to Mount Hood. The second leg of your journey will treat you to such icons as the Stevens-Van Trump Memorial and the impressive cascade of Myrtle Falls before winding back to the trailhead.

The trail can be completed in either direction from the trailhead behind the Jackson Visitor Center. A clockwise direction quickly offers impressive views and lots of ancillary trails to explore, while a counter-clockwise loop has a slower elevation gain and a more tranquil beginning.

Maple Pass Loop (Wenatchee, WA)

A few miles south of Maple Falls, this classic loop is the epitome of a perfect Washington hike. Its diverse landscape changes with the seasons, boasting vibrant ridges coated with colorful wildflowers in the summer, tranquil lakes framed by golden larches and resplendent foliage in the fall, and of course, plenty of stunning views of the snow-topped Cascade peaks.

The 6.5-mile loop can be hiked in either direction. Both ways will bring you to the same sights: serene Lake Anne in her dramatic talus field, and Heather Pass, the starting point for several auxiliary trails that wind into the Cascades. But the crowning jewel is Maple Pass, a 7,000-foot high-point that offers unmatched views of the surrounding Cascade Mountains in all directions.

The Crescent Beach Hike, Cannon Beach

This short, but moderate, hike leads to the ultimate reward: a hidden beach featuring a small waterfall, teeming tide pools, and intricate caves to explore (when the tide is low). Though the wildly popular Cannon Beach isn’t far away and is easier to access, the journey to Crescent Beach from Ecola Point is well worth the effort for its picturesque seclusion.

The trail begins at a clearly marked trailhead just off Ecola Point. You’ll meander through dense forests of spruce and alder trees, across lush gullies and trickling streams, and along towering cliffs that offer stunning views of the coastline and beaches below. After traversing a series of switchbacks in and out of the forest, you’ll follow the sign to Crescent Beach and begin a harrowing descent toward the shore. Shed your shoes and explore the beach, but don’t lose them – you’ll need them for the trek back!

If a secluded beach paradise is right up your alley, park your group at The Viewpoint. This spacious beachfront home offers stunning views of Cannon Beach and the Oregon coastline and is just steps away from the Crescent Beach trail!

Note: The Crescent Beach Trail is often muddy and has some seriously staggering switchbacks, making it a challenging trek suited to experienced hikers.

Mount Grant Preserve, San Juan Islands

The Mount Grant Preserve may be San Juan’s best-kept secret. Just minutes from all of our fabulous San Juan Island rentals, 250 acres of protected landscape offers nearly 5 miles of hiking trails through native forest, vibrant meadows, and sky-high ridges. If you trek all the way to the ridgetop summit, you’ll be rewarded with a striking view of three of Washington’s five volcanoes in the distance: Mount Rainier, Mount Baker, and Glacier Peak.

The preserve is still under construction, and visitors are strongly encouraged to stick to the designated trails to protect the fragile ecosystem. Each trailhead can be accessed from the parking lot at West Valley Road.

Travel Safe, Travel Smart: Why Vacation Rentals are the Best Choice for Today’s Travelers

When booking a vacation, one of the first questions you ask will inevitably be: where will we stay? Your choices are endless, especially in popular locations. With so many different options, it can be hard to know what’s best for your trip.

Your choice of accommodation can make or break your vacation, especially now. Choosing a rental that is proactive in safety and cleanliness is more important than ever as travelers return to their favorite destinations in the wake of COVID-19. That’s why there’s been a big surge in demand for vacation rentals – they give you an experience that’s fun and safe for your group.

As travelers return to their wanderings with safety in mind, vacation rentals offer several key benefits that make them a perfect choice for your trip. With high standards of cleanliness, private spaces, and personal service, they make traveling as relaxing as the trip itself. Read on to learn more!

Private Accommodations

One of the biggest benefits of a vacation rental property is privacy. With a vacation rental, guests enjoy spacious and private accommodations free of thin walls, noises from nearby guests, or in-and-out housekeeping. This also makes them perfect for families traveling with kids, who can spread out in their own space while you enjoy some adults-only time.

That also means your family has significantly less exposure to recent or neighboring guests in the same space. As travelers are more conscious of crowds and cleanliness, vacation rentals allow your family to travel comfortably and safely to the destination of your choice.

Private Entrances

Speaking of private spaces, many Northwest Stays vacation rentals also offer private, direct entrances to your space. That means you won’t have to move through high-traffic areas like lobbies, elevators, or hallways each time you need to access your rooms. This gives you more privacy to come and go and it protects your family from unnecessary exposure to other guests or staff.

Plus, many vacation rentals offer contactless check-in and check-out options via keypad, smartphone app, and/or dropboxes. That means no waiting in lobby lines, interacting with high-exposure staff, or using germ-covered pens!

Strict Cleaning Protocols

When accommodations book rooms by the night, they often turn guests over in a single afternoon. That leaves a small window for cleaning and sanitation protocols to protect your family. Because vacation rentals are typically booked for longer stays and have larger spaces, our staff has the time and ability to implement a high standard for cleaning and disinfecting rental spaces between guests.

We have also expanded our already strict cleaning protocols to take extra precautions to guarantee your family’s safety during your stay. Rather than focusing on high turnovers, your safety and comfort is our top priority.

At-Home Amenities

Northwest Stays vacation rentals include home-like amenities such as private kitchens and laundry machines. These features make your stay more comfortable and add an extra layer of safety for guests. Having a private kitchen means you can cook and enjoy meals in the comfort of your rental without being exposed to high-traffic restaurants or delivery persons.

Having your own laundry machines allows you to avoid having your clothing laundered by outside staff or, worse, venturing to busy laundromats. You can also clean your clothing before you leave rather than carting home dirty clothes, if you prefer.

Direct, Personalized Service

We’ve all been there – you’ve booked a family trip and have a reservation question, only to be put on hold for hours or try to navigate a long, confusing phone prompt system to reach a representative who is hundreds of miles from my destination. How frustrating!

When you work with Northwest Stays partners, you can be sure you’ll receive direct and personalized service. Our vacation rental partners and team members are local to your destination and ready to serve you at a moment’s notice. That means you can ditch those long waits and get any questions and concerns answered promptly, from a local staff that knows the area and is invested in your vacation.

As daily life changes in the wake of COVID-19, travel is changing, too. Families and wanderers are more concerned than ever about staying safe as they travel, especially to popular or crowded destinations. By choosing a vacation rental, you can guarantee your family a vacation that’s comfortable, fun, and – most importantly – safe.

Contact us today to book your stay!

6 Can’t-Miss National Parks in The Northwest

There are few places on the globe that offer the scenery and outdoor adventures to match the Pacific Northwest. That’s why this unique area is richly populated with National Parks that protect its natural beauty and give visitors the chance to explore its wilderness.

If you’re new to park-going, the sheer number of National Parks in this area can seem overwhelming. Where do you start? What do you see? Where do you stay? Luckily, we’ve made this helpful guide to make planning (and living) your national park adventure as easy as possible. Read on for the top six can’t-miss national parks in the Northwest!

Yellowstone National Park

Even novice parkgoers have heard of the wonders that await at Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. This complex and diverse landscape became the world’s first National Park in 1872, inviting nature enthusiasts the world over to explore its unique geothermal landscape. From active geysers to bubbling hot springs to the world’s largest petrified forest, park-goers will find plenty of unique outdoor experiences to create memories and adventures as you explore the wonders of this historic national park.

What to Do: Hiking, photography, sightseeing and camping are the most-popular activities in Yellowstone. During the summer, you can also enjoy fishing, swimming and boating at Yellowstone Lake.

Don’t Miss: Old Faithful. The park’s most-famous attraction is a natural geyser that erupts every 90 minutes, offering visitors an awe-inspiring view at nearly 130 feet in the air. Find a seat near the geyser boardwalk or hike to the overlook point for an aerial view.

Where to Stay: After a long day, Little Fox cabin keeps you in rustic comfort just minutes from Yellowstone National Park.

Grand Teton National Park

Located just 10 miles south of Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton may be less known than its famous neighbor – but it’s no less mesmerizing. The park boasts 310,000 acres of stunning mountain landscape, ranging from the major peaks of the Teton Mountain Range to the mountain valley known as Jackson Hole. Its changing elevations give visitors plenty of diverse ecosystems to explore, from glittering alpine lakes that mirror soaring mountain peaks to lush valley floors teeming with flora and wildlife.

The park is known as a historic hotspot, its first explorers canvassing the area almost 11,000 years ago. Some of its rock formations are the earliest you can find in any American National Park, dating back some 2.7 billion years!

What to Do: Hiking, sightseeing, swimming and boating are the most popular recreational activities in Grand Teton National Park.

Don’t Miss: Mormon Row. This iconic historical site gives visitors a glimpse into life on a Mormon homestead in the 19th century. The road is dotted with original homestead barns framed against spectacular mountain backdrops and is popular among professional photographers and travel enthusiasts alike.

Where to Stay: Teton Harmony is a luxurious mountain hideaway just minutes from Grand Teton National Park. Get in the hiking mood with an invigorating session in your private weight room, and retire to your personal hot tub for some relaxing TLC when the day is done!

Crater Lake National Park

If you’re new to national park journeys, Crater Lake National Park is the perfect place to get your feet wet. Its namesake lake is the deepest and clearest in the United States. At nearly 2,000 feet, its volcanic depths are fed almost entirely by snowfall, giving it a reflective sapphire hue you have to see to believe. Surrounding the lake are more than 180,000 acres of mountainous peaks and evergreen forests that reflect off the water in postcard perfection. You’ll be Instagram-famous with these pics!

What to Do: Obviously, boating and sightseeing are the most popular activities in the park during the busy summer months. During the winter, visitors can enjoy cross-country snowshoeing and skiing to explore the landscape.

Don’t Miss: The Rim Drive. This scenic driving trail surrounds the lake and offers 30 distinct viewpoints where you can stretch your legs and overlook the park from a birds-eye view.

Where to Stay: After a long day of park exploring, retire to your central Oregon paradise at Crater Lane 3! This modern, yet rustic retreat is located in nearby Sunriver and is perfect for large groups or families.

Mount Ranier National Park

Mount Ranier, the park’s namesake peak, is an active volcano that soars more than 14,000 feet to the most glaciated peak in the continental United States. Wildflower meadows and ancient forests line the outer rings of the mountain, offering park-goers a dramatic climb full of stunning scenery and thrilling pursuits.

What to Do: Mountain climbing, hiking, winter sports, and scenic drives are the most popular recreational activities in the park.

Don’t Miss: A trip to Paradise. No matter what time you go, the Paradise area of the park is one of the most popular spots for visitors. During the summer you can soak in views of its lush meadows full of blooming wildflowers; during the colder months, it’s a prime area for winter sports and snow-lovers.

Where to Stay: A rental at nearby Snow Drifters Chalet offers a serene escape from the busy park crowds, but is a quick drive from the Mount Ranier entrance.

North Cascades National Park

Hardcore adventurers will love the snowy glaciers and isolated wilderness that stretch across North Cascades National Park. A picture of rugged terrain, the 700,000-acre park is known for its stunning combination of cascading waterfalls, jagged peaks, alpine lakes and deep valleys. The majority of the park lacks basic infrastructure and is only accessible by foot, making it one of the most strenuous (but rewarding!) national park adventures in the state.

What to Do: Hiking, mountain climbing and boating are the most popular recreational activities in the park.

Don’t Miss: Stehekin Valley. This secluded community nestled at the foot of the North Cascade Mountain Range is only accessible by foot or ferry. Its unspoiled culture, history, and dramatic landscapes make it the perfect base from which to explore North Cascades National Park.

Where to Stay: Any of our Mount Baker cabin rentals offer quiet luxury that’s a perfect match to the rugged seclusion of the National Cascades. Cabin #53 includes a cozy fireplace and a private outdoor hot tub where you can relax and warm up after a day on the peaks!

Olympic National Park

With more than a million acres of diverse landscapes and wildlife, Olympic National Park is the place to go if you’re seeking ecological diversity. The park encompasses miles of wild coastline, lush rainforests, and glacial peaks that provide stunning views and recreational fun for visitors of all ages.

What to Do: Hiking, tidepooling, camping and fishing are the most popular recreational activities at Olympic National Park.

Don’t Miss: Taking a trip into the Hoh Rain Forest. One step into this lush, dense canopy of trees, moss and wildlife, and you’ll feel like you’re hiking through an enchanted fairy tale. Stop by the visitor center first to grab a map and get some advice from the knowledgeable park rangers.

Where to Stay: After a day exploring miles of dense rainforest, retire to Beachchomber’s cottage for sweeping ocean views and cozy comfort!

Got your park itinerary ready? Now time for the easy part! Book your trip with Northwest Stays today for quick access to all of the park action!

A Birding Guide to the Pacific Northwest

If you don’t give a hoot about this, you’re missing out!

In the Pacific Northwest, spotting your favorite feathered friends is easy! Much of the area is a natural path for migration, offering temporary and permanent homes for hundreds of species of birds. Add in the many nature reserves, estuaries and bird sanctuaries scattered throughout the region, and you’ve got a recipe for some of the best birdwatching on the globe!

To give you some guaranteed birding action, we’ve scoured the area and created a list of the top birdwatching hotspots in the Northwest. So, grab your binoculars and your trusty species guide and train your eyes to the skies to find your flock with this birding guide to the Pacific Northwest!

Leavenworth, Washington

Up first on our list is a spot the Audubon Society has named as the best birdwatching hotspot in Washington. Leavenworth sits at the junction of the Icicle and Wenatchee rivers, giving it a uniquely diverse landscape that offers good birdwatching opportunities year-round. Leavenworth is home to some of the most iconic birds in the country, from American dippers to raptors to woodpeckers and more.

Barn Beach Reserve

Birdwatching is a breeze in Leavenworth thanks to the Barn Beach Reserve, a nine-acre sanctuary owned by the Wenatchee River Institute (WRI). This environmental learning center features plenty of accessible walking trails where visitors can see a variety of local and migratory bird species that make their home on the Wenatchee River. Depending on the time of year, you may spot Warblers, Sparrows, Swallows, or Osprey. You may even see a majestic eagle soaring over the Wenatchee River!

The Reserve is also home to Bird Fest, an annual event that brings bird enthusiasts together each May to enjoy classes, workshops, speakers, and of course, plenty of birdwatching.

Where to Nest: Make your own home away from home in Leavenworth at luxurious Edgewater Lodge! This sprawling cabin sits right on the Wenatchee River, giving you plenty of opportunities to see your feathered friends from your own back porch.

Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada

Thanks to its temperate rainforest climate, Vancouver Island is home to more than 400 species of local and migratory birds. Some of the best places on the island to birdwatch include the many estuaries and wildlife sanctuaries that span across its shores. Whether you’re staying in north, south, east or western Vancouver Island, you need only look up to see your feathered friends in flight.

Nanaimo Estuary

The largest estuary on the island is an official eBird hotspot that supports a wide variety of birds and other wildlife. You’ll spot many water-based bird species in the area, including ducks, raptors, owls, heron and more.

The Tofino Mudflats

On the western side of the island, this official Important Bird Area (IBA) is known as one of the best places in western Canada to birdwatch. Shorebirds and waterfowl like sandpipers, heron, geese, and the endangered marbled murrelet use the mudflats for migratory travel and nesting.

Goldstream Provincial Park

The river that winds through this iconic park acts as an important spawning site for chinook salmon and chum. This leads waterfowl like Bald Eagles, gulls, and mergansers to swoop in and enjoy a bountiful feast in the park’s waters. You can also spot Winter Wrens, American dippers, and dozens of songbirds in the surrounding trees!

Where to Nest: Just 15 minutes from Nanaimo, Nanoose Bay Country Home offers a perfect base for bird watching across Vancouver Island.

Lopez & San Juan Islands

Just off the eastern tip of Vancouver Island, Lopez Island and San Juan Island offer the perfect blend of rugged terrain and coastal habitats to attract hundreds of local and migratory bird species. You don’t need expert birdwatching skills to catch a glimpse of your feathered friends on the islands, as unique birds can be seen and heard from every corner of the islands year-round! A quick ferry trip from your rental on Vancouver Island, San Juan and Lopez islands are a must-see for any respecting birder.

San Juan Island

San Juan Island is a birders paradise. It’s home to the largest population of breeding bald eagles in Washington State; you’ll often see these majestic flyers swooping overhead from anywhere on the island. For a closer look, head to the historic lighthouse on Cattle Point, a known hangout spot for these elusive birds. You can also catch a glimpse of diving seabirds fishing off the coast!

Another can’t-miss birding spot on San Juan Island is English Camp, the northern section of the San Juan National Park. The area features a diverse habitat that includes a large bay, open woodland, mudflats, rocky slopes, and coniferous forests. Keep your eyes peeled for osprey, eagles, and snowy owls in the treetops or head to the mudflats to see wading blue herons and nesting ducks.

Lopez Island

On Lopez Island, head south from the ferry and make your way to Iceberg Point. This rocky bluff offers sweeping views of the Olympic Mountain and the chance to get up close and personal with some unique waterfowl. Keep an eye out for tufted penguins, soaring seagulls and black oystercatchers.

Where to Nest: Settle in at luxurious Three Coves Hideaway, a stunning 3BR home that overlooks Haro Strait.

Oregon

Oregon is part of the Pacific Flyway, the western-most passage for migratory birds, making the area a birdwatcher’s paradise. Thanks to a diverse landscape that includes rocky shores, soaring forests, dense wetlands, and winding rivers, central and coastal Oregon offer visitors hundreds of unique bird species to spot and photograph on your birding adventure. Whether you’re an expert or amateur bird enthusiast, you’ll find plenty of feathered friends in the area.

Coastal Oregon (Cannon Beach)

Cannon Beach is a quaint seaside town in northwestern Oregon, where miles of dramatic cliff faces and rocky shores provide an attractive home for hundreds of waterfowl species. It’s known as one of the 100 most beautiful spots on Earth – and the birds agree! A trip to Cannon Beach means you’ll get plenty of birdwatching experience, coupled with unmatched coastal views. Here are the best places to flock:

Haystack Rock

No birding trip to Cannon Beach is complete without a first stop at Haystack Rock. This gigantic monolith sits just offshore and provides a haven for nesting tufted puffins every spring. Stop by from April to August to see these colorful characters popping up from its grassy slopes. It’s the best access to these elusive birds in the entire Northwest!

Chapman Point (Bird Rocks)

Cannon Beach has another claim to fame when it comes to birding. Just north of Chapman Point, Bird Rocks is home to the largest colony of common mures in the world! These penguin-like birds congregate en-mass on the rocky surface, often covering it completely from view. You can also see bald eagles, Marbled Murelett, Hawks, and Peregrine Falcons frequenting the nearby cliffs and shores.

Where to Nest: Birds of a feather flock together! For visitors to Cannon Beach, that means a luxurious seaside rental that keeps you close to the coast. If you want to be near Haystack Rock, Paradise View is a beachfront retreat that offers sweeping ocean views and quick access to downtown.

Sisters, Oregon

Nestled near Deschutes National Forest and the shores of the McKenzie River, Sisters is in prime birding territory. You can often hear the call of the Western Meadowlark, the state bird of Oregon, echoing through the streets and trails just outside of downtown. For a closer experience, try these excellent birding hotspots:

Indian Ford Campground

This no-frills campsite at the mouth of the Deschutes National Forest welcomes you into a teeming riparian habitat thanks to the intersecting Indian Ford Creek. Explore miles of mature ponderosa pine forest as you listen to the soulful sounds of warblers and migratory songbirds. Keep an eye out for the shy pygmy-owl hiding in the treetops!

Cold Springs Campground

Cold Springs Campground, another portion of Deschutes National Forest that runs near McKenzie River, is a great place to catch white-headed woodpeckers nesting in the tall aspen trees. Try to spot all six species of woodpecker that call this forest home – and watch out for spotted towhees scampering beneath your feet!

Where to Nest: Stay close to the action in our D2 Estate, a luxurious rental surrounded by 10 acres of soaring ponderosa pine.

Sunriver, Oregon

Just 45 minutes south of Sisters, Sunriver offers many of the same habitats and landscapes for birdwatching as its central Oregon neighbors. As an added benefit, it’s home to the Sunriver Nature Center, a dedicated wildlife reserve that’s home to hundreds of species of song and shorebirds.

Sunriver Nature Center

This multi-habitat reserve provides a sanctuary for birds and other wildlife in central Oregon. From riparian areas to marshy wetlands and open meadows, each area of the center has easy-to-access trails that lead you from one habitat to the next. They also offer guided bird tours through the center, where you’ll learn from a local birding expert about the types and tendencies of each species you see.

High River Museum

Just 10 minutes north of Sunriver, the High River Museum boasts miles of wide, expansive trails that wind through acres of Ponderosa Pine forests teeming with birdlife. The area is home to species like the Pygmy Nuthatch, Hite-headed Woodpecker, and Mountain Chickadee. If you still have a bird to check off your list when you’re done, you can always head inside the museum for a peek at their live bird residents!

Where to Nest: We have a large variety of vacation rentals near Sunriver where you can rest your binoculars after a day of birding. Our Aquila Lodge 5 is just minutes from the Sunriver Nature Center, and also offers five complimentary bikes that guests can use to cycle the city’s many nature paths and spot some wild birds of your own!

Ready to start birding? Book your stay with Northwest Stays for the perfect birding base for your own flock today!