Rain-Soaked Excursions in the Pacific Northwest

Embark on an unforgettable adventure in the Pacific Northwest, a region known for its breathtaking landscapes and diverse experiences, regardless of the weather. From the bustling cities of Seattle, Portland, and Vancouver, campervan rentals offer a unique opportunity to explore this captivating region.

During winter, the Washington and Oregon coasts transform into a spectacle of moody skies and fewer crowds, making it an exciting time to visit. The campervan rentals in Seattle, Portland, and Vancouver provide easy access to a myriad of adventures.

Venture into the Great Bear Rainforest, a 15-million-acre expanse on the British Columbia coast. Routes starting in Vancouver lead you to stops on Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast, with notable destinations such as Ucluelet and Lund. Here, you can participate in bear-watching tours, potentially observing the rare Kermode bear, a subspecies of black bear with white fur.

The Pacific Northwest is not just about wilderness; it's also about cultural experiences. The historic Showbox Market, located across from Pike Place Market in Seattle, opened in 1939 and has hosted a diverse range of musicians, including Muddy Waters, Coldplay, and Iggy Pop. In Portland, The Crystal Ballroom, which opened in 1914 as Coalition Hall, is notable for its mechanical floating floor, one of the last remaining in the United States.

Exploring the cities is equally enthralling. Pike Place Market, established in 1907, is one of the longest continually operated markets in the United States. It's a popular tourist attraction in Seattle, but it's also frequented by locals for fresh produce, seafood, flowers, and handmade goods. In 2017, a major expansion called MarketFront opened, featuring a public plaza, viewing deck, and 47 additional vendor stalls.

Local favourites at Pike Place Market include Ellenos Real Greek Yogurt, Rachel's Ginger Beer, and Beecher's Handmade Cheese. Another must-visit is the Tillamook Cheese Factory on the Oregon Coast, offering free cheese samples and delicious ice cream.

For those seeking natural beauty, the Hoh Rainforest in Olympic National Park, which receives 12-14 feet of rain annually, and the Drift Creek Wilderness in Oregon, the largest old-growth rainforest and receiving 120 inches of rain in some years, are perfect destinations. Kalaloch Campground in Olympic National Park serves as a storm-watching base camp with a short walk to the beach.

Nehalem Bay State Park in Oregon offers year-round camping for storm watching. The Hall of Mosses trail and the Hoh River Trail are hiking options within the Hoh Rainforest.

After a day of exploration, unwind at local favourites like The Crocodile in Seattle, which opened in 1991 and hosts a variety of music events, from hip-hop to punk shows.

Booking a campervan from Seattle, Portland, or Vancouver depots allows for an unforgettable adventure in North America. Whether you're seeking wilderness, culture, or a unique travel experience, the Pacific Northwest has it all.