The sun is shining, temperatures are rising, and its time to start planning for summer. There is no better place to hike, bike, dance, or go on a road trip with your friends than the Pacific Northwest. Consisting of four great states and a variety of places and events to explore, you’ll run out of summer before you run out of things to do.
So pack your bags and hop in your car. The adventure starts now!
May 9th & 10th
Maggot Fest – Missoula, Montana
Average Temperature: 67 degrees
It’s the 39th annual Maggotfest this year, and the mix of competition and fun makes this a weekend you won’t want to miss! Bringing together 36 rugby teams from across the US and Canada, this tournament will not fail to entertain. Beer galore and an unforgettable party on Saturday night will keep you coming back year after year.
May 16th & 17th
Silverwood – Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Average Temperature: 65 degrees
The second stop on your Great American road trip is just north of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho at Silverwood theme park. This is the weekend to take your family or friends on the Timber Terror roller coaster, since tickets into the park are half off! Make a quick stop at Lake Coeur d’Alene on your way up to the park for some relaxation by the water and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
May 22nd – 25th
Sasquatch Music Festival – George, Washington
Average Temperature: 72 degrees
If you are a music junkie, then this is the event for you! Sasquatch Music Festival takes over the Gorge Amphitheatre in central Washington every Memorial Day weekend, and never fails to impress with a variety of musical genres and the beautiful Gorge scenery. Bring a tent, some friends, and a lot of energy, you’ll need a whole week to recover after a weekend at the Gorge.
Early June
Seattle, Washington
Average Temperature: 69 degrees
Next stop: Seattle! Home of the Seahawks, Mariners, and Sounders, Seattle has numerous activities to enjoy and places to explore. You’ll need at least a week here to experience the main perks that Seattle has to offer, including a trip to Pike Place Market overlooking the Elliot Bay waterfront.
June 27th & 28th
Lincoln City Kite Festival – Lincoln City, Oregon
Average Temperature: 65 degrees
Make your way down the coast for the second half of June and stop in Lincoln City for a kite festival on the beach! The weather should be warm enough by now to spend some much needed time playing in the sand and sticking your toes in some Pacific Ocean water. Make sure to stop in Astoria, Seaside, and Newport to explore what these coastal towns have to offer as well.
July 10th – 12th
The Country Fair – Veneta, Oregon
Average Temperature: 83 degrees
We are halfway through our Great American adventure, and things are about to get a little weird (but in a good way!) Make a stop in Veneta, Oregon before you head any further east to enjoy the legendary Oregon Country Fair. Experience the art and culture that will nourish your spirit until you make your way back for next year’s fair!
Mid-July
The Cascades – Central Oregon
Average Temperature: 85 degrees
Before you leave the great state of Oregon, make sure to stop in The Cascades where there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. Take a scenic bike ride from Sisters to Smith Rock and visit Bend’s Deschutes Brewery, the 6th largest craft brewery in the nation, as well as a handful of other microbreweries throughout the city. Sunriver Resort and Mount Bachelor aren’t too far away, either!
Mid-July
Mountain River Outfitters – Riggins, Idaho
Average Temperature: 90 degrees
While making your way back through Idaho, you’ll probably want to head for water. It’s hot out and there is no better way to cool off than to go fishing on the river. Mountain River Outfitters has a variety of trips to offer for any fisher, from beginner to expert. Catch some dinner, then take a dip to cool off!
July 23rd – 25th
Evil Knievel Days – Butte, Montana
Average Temperature: 81 degrees
Back to Montana, and back to legendary. At the end of July, the annual Evil Knievel Days takes part in Butte America to celebrate the late Robert Craig aka “Evil Knievel”: the world’s most famous motorcycle daredevil. Join 50,000 other visitors in the Mining City for a fun-filled weekend!
August
Glacier National Park – Glacier, Montana
Average Temperature: 78 degrees
Tired yet? Don’t worry, your final stop on this Great American Summer adventure is here, and you’ll have plenty of time to get in touch with nature. Glacier National Park offers visitors over 700 miles of trails to hike and plenty of history to explore. Take the Going-to-the-Sun Road to Hidden Lake for some up close and personal experiences with mountain goats if you’re feeling adventurous! Don’t be afraid to go off the beaten path on your Great American Summer adventure through the Northwest. Hope you get a chance to enjoy this beautiful corner of the United States!