Things to do in Cascade Range
Discover the best attractions and experiences Cascade Range has to offer
Historic Monuments
Explore historic places that tell the story of early settlements and development across the Cascades region.
Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
A pivotal 19th-century trading post preserving early Pacific Northwest history and culture.
Pittock Mansion
A grand 1914 mansion in Portland with city views and Pacific Northwest heritage.
Pioneer Square Historic District
Seattle’s historic core with brick architecture, galleries, and landmark buildings.
Museums
Delve into science, art, and local heritage at top museums across the Cascades region.
Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)
Eclectic museum celebrating contemporary pop culture, music, film, and science fiction in Seattle.
Seattle Art Museum (SAM)
Major art museum in downtown Seattle with diverse collections.
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)
Hands-on science museum in Portland with interactive exhibits.
High Desert Museum
Centrally located museum in Bend blending natural history and Western heritage.
Portland Art Museum
Premier art museum in Portland with broad, global collections.
Religious Monuments
Religious architecture and sacred sites that dot the mountains and valleys.
St. James Cathedral
Historic Roman Catholic cathedral with Gothic-inspired architecture in Seattle.
Cathedral Church of Saint Mary (Portland)
Downtown Portland's historic cathedral known for its architecture and liturgy.
Temple De Hirsch Sinai (Seattle)
Historic synagogue serving Seattle’s Jewish community with notable architecture.
National & Theme Parks
National and theme parks offering volcanic panoramas, glaciers, and alpine landscapes.
Mount Rainier National Park
Iconic glacier-clad volcano with sweeping meadows and alpine trails.
Crater Lake National Park
Deep blue crater lake surrounded by dramatic cliffs and rim trails.
North Cascades National Park
Remote peaks, numerous glaciers, and rugged backcountry adventures.
Neighborhoods
Vibrant communities with character, cafes, and local flavor across Cascade towns.
Capitol Hill (Seattle)
Vibrant, walkable neighborhood known for cafes, nightlife, and parks.
Pearl District (Portland)
Trendy artsy district with lofts, galleries, and eateries.
Old Town Chinatown (Portland)
Historic district with narrow streets, markets, and unique shops.
Ballard (Seattle)
Historic Nordic-influenced neighborhood with seafood markets and breweries.
Free Things to Do
Budget-friendly ways to enjoy the outdoors and city life.
Nisqually Vista Trail, Mount Rainier National Park
Accessible viewpoints and easy trails with sweeping glacier views.
Historic Columbia River Gorge viewpoints
Free vantage points along the scenic highway with waterfall overlooks.
Olympic Sculpture Park, Seattle
Outdoor sculpture collection with waterfront views and walking paths.
Discovery Park Trails, Seattle
City-adjacent nature trails offering forest and beach scenery.
Gastronomy
Cuisine and food traditions from coffee to wines and farm-to-table fare.
Pike Place Market (Seattle)
Iconic market with seafood, produce, and regional treats.
Willamette Valley wine tasting (Oregon)
World-class-pinot wine region with scenic vineyard experiences.
Bend craft beer scene (Bend)
Vibrant brewery culture with tastings and food pairings.
Portland food carts & farm-to-table dining (Portland)
Eclectic, affordable dining from dozens of carts and eateries.
Seattle coffee culture
World-class roasters and cafes showcasing Northwest coffee.
Nightlife
Evening venues that capture the Northwest energy and variety.
Capitol Hill nightlife (Seattle)
Lively bars, clubs, and live music in a bustling queer-friendly district.
Pearl District bars & breweries (Portland)
Stylish cocktail bars and craft beer spots in a chic district.
Downtown Bend nightlife
Breweries, live music, and casual venues in the heart of Bend.
Entertainment
Cultural performances and experiential venues.
Paramount Theatre (Seattle)
Historic venue hosting concerts, plays, and entertainment.
Oregon Shakespeare Festival (Ashland)
Celebrated annual season of world-class theater.
Tower Theatre (Bend)
Historic venue offering films, concerts, and performances.
Sports
Active pursuits and outdoor sports across the Cascades.
Skiing at Mount Hood Meadows (Oregon)
Popular mountain ski area with runs for all levels.
Crystal Mountain Resort (Washington)
Renowned ski resort offering alpine terrain and scenic views.
North Cascades backcountry hiking
Challenging terrain for experienced hikers and mountaineers.
Off the Track
Hidden gems and lesser-known experiences off the usual tourist paths.
Lava River Cave (Bend area)
Cool lava tube cave adventure with starlit interiors.
Lava Cast Forest (near Sisters, OR)
Unique landscape where lava flows left natural casts in trees.
McKenzie Pass Scenic Byway
Otherworldly volcanic landscapes and high-mass scenic driving route.