14 Underrated Destinations In the Pacific Northwest To Avoid Summer Crowds

Iconic tall, moss-covered trees, cascading waterfalls, and grand mountain vistas all describe the Pacific Northwest. But this region, which includes Washington, Oregon, and Idaho in the United States portion, is also home to deep canyons, vast deserts, and quaint towns, perfect for a peaceful summer trip. There is no shortage of natural beauty, and the superabundance of epic destination options means that avoiding crowds is no problem if you know where to go.

Owyhee Canyonlands, Idaho and Oregon

While the stereotype of the Pacific Northwest might bring up images of coastal northern rainforests, this region is also home to landscapes that are quite the opposite. Picture yourself driving along in southwest Idaho or southeast Oregon, surrounded by flat agricultural fields, when suddenly, near the border between these two states, massive canyons drop down below you, or sheer cliffs rise on either side of you, carved by powerful desert rivers and creeks. The Owyhee Canyonlands is an otherworldly landscape of red-rock canyons, spires, and pinnacles, with oases of lush vegetation surrounding the rivers and creeks. A remote and little-known area, you’ll likely have the place to yourself to enjoy the jaw-dropping landscapes and dark starry skies.

Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho

Stretching long and serpentine in the Idaho Panhandle, Lake Pend Oreille is the perfect base to explore Idaho’s vast natural beauty. The largest lake in the sparsely populated state, Pend Oreille provides plenty of space to get away from the crowds and into nature. The crystalline blue water is perfect for summer swims, and the backdrop of pine forests and the Coeur d’Alene Mountains is truly glorious and best enjoyed from a lakeside campsite. You can book into the Farragut State Park in the southern corner of the lake for access to camp amenities, or head into the backcountry to truly escape, setting up camp in one of the dispersed sites on national forest land.

Hell’s Canyon National Recreation Area, Idaho

With a name like "Hell’s Canyon" and trails leading to locations like "Suicide Point," the dramatic, rugged, and treacherous landscape that makes up this wild region of western Idaho and eastern Oregon is fitting. The river gorge is the deepest in North America (deeper than the Grand Canyon) and was roughly carved into the surrounding plateau by the powerful Snake River over the past 6 million years. Descending into the canyon as the imposing craggy rock walls rise on either side of you will make you feel small and insignificant. But nestled at the bottom, you’ll find lovely shaded camping spots by the river and the old historic Kirkwood Ranch, established in the 1800s. 

Wallowa Mountains, Oregon

Known as the "Alps of Oregon," the remoteness and rugged terrain of the Wallowa Mountains allows these giants to remain relatively untarnished by tourists compared to more well-known mountain ranges. Home to the largest alpine region in the state, and more than 500 miles of hiking trails, this area is rife with awe-inspiring hikes to summits with alpine lakes, scraggly trees, and subalpine meadows, all against a backdrop of massive snow-capped mountains. Avid day hikers may appreciate the 20-mile, 4,000-foot climb to the top of Eagle Cap, which boasts the best panoramic views in the range. If you’re extremely lucky, maybe you’ll catch a glimpse of the highly elusive wolverines known to live in this area.

Alvord Desert, Oregon

This dry lake bed of mineral deposits stretches its cracked and patterned surface across a 12 by 7-mile area, set against the backdrop of the jagged Steens Mountain peaks. If you’re lucky enough to get the place to yourself, the only sound you’ll hear is the crunch of the mineral-laden ground under your feet in the silence of this remote location. Set up camp on the barren landscape and gaze up at the wide open expanse of dark starry skies. And if you are visiting when the desert temperatures aren’t scorching, make sure you check out the Alvord Ranch, where you can soak in the geothermal springs for a small fee paid to the caretaker.

Chelan Ridge, Washington

For bird-watching enthusiasts or anyone who enjoys awe-inspiring natural phenomena, Chelan Ridge is the place to be to watch migrating raptors flying along the Pacific Coast Flyway. For decades, this ridge has been monitored by the non-profit organization Hawkwatch International to learn more about raptors migrating through this flyway. Although the official monitoring has ceased, the raptors continue to migrate through, so if you hike the 1.2 miles up the ridge trail in the spring or fall, you’ll likely catch a glimpse of sharp-shinned hawks, northern harriers, and golden eagles, among other species, flying overhead. After an exhilarating day with your head in the clouds, stop in at the family-owned Chelan Ridge Winery for delicious local wines. 

Leavenworth, Washington

In Leavenworth, Washington, you can embark on a grand European adventure without even leaving the country. With the population of the town dwindling after the decline of the lumber industry, town leaders wanted to revamp the town to draw people in. So in the 1960s, inspired by the alpine hills resembling those in German Bavaria, the town decided to re-imagine itself as a quaint Bavarian village. If your reason for travel is arts and culture, Leavenworth will not disappoint. Enjoy traditional German food, town tours, live Bavarian music, and a flourishing arts and theatre scene. Although the summer months can be pretty busy with tourists, spring can be a great time to visit, with fewer crowds, lower prices, and blooming wildflowers to boot! 

Camlann Village, Washington

If you're tired of interacting with 21st-century crowds, step back in time to rural England in the 1300s with a visit to Camlann Village, Washington. This village is a living history museum, where fully-costumed town interpreters engage in everyday 14th-century tasks like blacksmithing, shoemaking, and archery, and strike up historically-accurate conversations with town visitors. After a day of time travel, refuel at the Bors Hed Inne, where you can dine on such items as Fenberry Pie and Sanc Dragon, all the while being serenaded by minstrel songs, stories, and lute playing. If you can tolerate the crowds, then it's definitely worth visiting during one of the seasonal festivals, where seasonal traditions and rituals are upheld. Or visit during the non-festival time to enjoy the peace and quiet of a town living in a time before the advent of motor vehicles and other modern noise. 

Thousand Springs State Park, Idaho

As you’re driving along this stretch in southern Idaho, passing crops and sage fields along the way, keep your eyes peeled for where the earth opens up into a massive gorge, the Malad River pushing onwards to join the Snake River downstream. After gazing at the gorgeous gorge in the summer heat, cool down with some water activities. Rent a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard and head up the river, admiring the waterfalls spilling over the nearby cliff faces, then paddle through a narrow forested passage and try not to gasp as a pool of piercing turquoise waters appears before you. Float around and enjoy the scenery at the Blue Heart Springs or brave the freezing water with a quick dip. Although weekends can be busy during the summer, weekdays are typically much less crowded, and there are miles of river to explore and get more solitude when needed.

Hobbit Trail, Oregon

For a truly magical Oregon experience, take the 1.2-mile walk to Hobbit Beach, passing through a mystical forest and a hobbit-sized tunnel through the bushes. Located near the Heceta Head Lighthouse, this short trail will give kids and adults alike a sense of pure wonderment. The wet coastal forest is rich with giant Sitka spruce trees, with the often-misty light beaming through the forest canopy, creating a mystical atmosphere. After the forest trail, the tunnel of leafy foliage will transport you out onto the enchanting Hobbit Beach.

Lime Kiln Point State Park, Washington

Although the beautiful San Juan Islands can get pretty crowded with tourists during the summer season, the west end of the main island is not as frequently visited. The tiny 36-acre Lime Kiln Point State Park is tucked into the center-west of the island. Not only is it a fantastic place to see all kinds of marine wildlife from porpoises to seals to bald eagles, it's considered one of the best places in the world for whale watching! You need only walk 300 meters from the parking lot to arrive at a stunning ocean overlook to start your whale-watching mission. And if you need a better vantage point, you can climb up top in the beautiful historic lighthouse, built in 1919, and still in use to this day.

Lava River Cave, Oregon

When someone says they’re going "underground" to avoid seeing people, it's usually a figure of speech, but you can enact it literally in the completely underground Lava River Tube trail in Oregon. Part of the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, these tubes developed as slow-moving lava hardened and developed a crust beneath the surface of the faster-moving lava. Descend 55 stairs into the cave, using a headlamp and flashlights to light your way for this dark self-guided tour. But make sure to shut the lights off at least once to experience the absolute darkness in the cave, like you’ve never experienced before. Watch for bats and make sure to heed any park restrictions on cave access or attire aiming to prevent the spread of white-nose syndrome. You can walk the entirely underground trail in about 1.5 hours.

Idaho City, Idaho

Just a quick day trip from the capital city of Boise, Idaho City is a quaint little town with lots of history, surrounded by many forested hiking trails. Founded during the gold rush in 1862, it was the largest city in the Northwest in its heyday, with 7,000 people and over 200 businesses. Once mining declined, much of the population trickled out of the town, and only 485 people reside there today. But some of its wild west charm has been preserved or recovered after fires, and you can visit the tiny trading post, county jail, and firehouse. Check out the Boise Basin Museum or take a guided walking tour to learn all about the fascinating local history. If the teeny town is too bustling, you can head out and hit the trails in the Boise National Forest. Mores Creek Summit to Sunset Mountain is a gorgeous trail through dry coniferous stands of trees and bright trailside wildflowers, to a stunning overlook of the surrounding hills and mountains.

Palouse Falls, Washington

A little off-the-beaten-path, this remote spot is only discovered by those who are looking and who are willing to go the distance. This magnificent waterfall of Palouse is one of the last in the ice age flood path, formed over 13,000 years ago. Streaming over the striking layered basalt canyon walls and descending 200 feet into the Snake River below, there is nothing like it. Bring your camera or plein air painting gear and camp overnight to witness the falls all day as the light changes from sunrise to sunset, creating ever-changing and spectacular views.

The Pacific Northwest is a verified treasure trove of hidden gems. From locations so remote and rugged that few dare to visit, to teeny towns that barely show up as a blip on the map, Washington, Oregon, and Idaho have so much to offer for lovers of the outdoors who want to escape the throngs of summer vacationers clambering to the more well-known spots. These destinations will get you started, and you’re sure to discover even more hidden gems on your journey.