When summer turns up the heat, the Northwest has the answer—it’s as simple as heading someplace cool. While much of the country is sweltering, this region is full of shady forests, breezy coastlines, alpine lakes, and misty mornings that make it easy to enjoy the season without overheating.
Whatever your ideal vacation spot may look like, we’ve got you covered with refreshing getaways that let you keep your cool all summer long.
Take a Cruise
While you might not think of the Northwest and cruising in the same sentence, some of the most popular cruises around the US are right next door.
If you’re dreaming of a summer escape with cooler temps, stunning landscapes, and a sense of adventure, a small ship cruise in the San Juan Islands, the inside passage of British Columbia, or the coast of Alaska might be just what you need. You’ll spend your days spotting wildlife, exploring charming coastal towns, and soaking in views that feel straight out of a postcard.
When you cruise the Inside Passage of Alaska, small ships let you sidle into narrow waterways and stop at secluded villages. View ancient rock carvings at Wrangell, sample the freshest salmon, halibut, and crab you’ll ever taste in Petersburg. And take a unique glimpse into Alaska’s past in Haines. Board a jet boat for a ride on the Stikine River and explore the untouched beauty of the Anan Wildlife Observatory.
See the places that are rich in Native culture and Gold Rush history, as well as full of local charm. You’ll watch for humpback whales, brown bears, and eagles as you glide past glaciers and rugged shorelines.
In the Puget Sound and San Juan Islands, you’ll cruise past forested islands, historic towns like Port Townsend and Poulsbo, and scenic gems like Friday Harbor and Lopez Island. Orcas, harbor seals, and bald eagles are often part of the journey. With most Puget Sound cruises starting in Seattle and lasting five to seven days, these cool summer getaways are easy to access and hard to forget.
Photo by Rocky Mountaineer
See the Sights by Rail
Railroads in the Northwest trace rugged routes once carved by early explorers, Indigenous trails, and pioneer wagon roads. As tracks were laid in the 19th and early 20th centuries, they followed the valleys and trading corridors that had long connected communities across the region. These historic pathways now carry passengers in comfort through breathtaking landscapes with towering peaks, dense forests, and winding waterways.
With air-conditioned cars and high mountain routes, a rail journey is a great way to explore the northwest and stay cool this summer. Traveling by daylight-only service, the Rocky Mountaineer offers glass-domed coaches, gourmet meals, and open-air viewing platforms, so you can soak in the grandeur of British Columbia and the Canadian Rockies in comfort.
You’ll witness the lush green fields of the Fraser Valley, majestic forests and winding river canyons surrounded by the peaks of the Coast and Cascade Mountains, and the desert-like landscapes of the BC interior. Continue across ranchlands, along rocky lakeshores, over high mountain passes, and through the remarkable tunnels of the Canadian Rockies. Explore Rocky Mountain towns like Kamloops and Banff.
What makes this journey truly special is the feeling of being immersed in a breathtaking landscape. With no traffic to worry about or scorching sidewalks to dodge, you can simply relax and let the train carry you through pine-scented forests and mountain meadows. It’s a stress-free summer escape that combines comfort and adventure.
Photo by Tim Moss
Head to the Coast
The Northwest coast stays cool in summer thanks to a mix of marine influence, ocean currents, and coastal geography. The Pacific Ocean acts like a giant air conditioner, with cold water temperatures (often in the 50s) helping to regulate the air above it. As warm inland air rises during the day, cooler marine air is pulled in, creating breezy conditions and keeping temperatures along the coast surprisingly mild. Combined with the marine layer–a blanket of cool, moist air that often forms overnight and lingers as coastal fog or low clouds–and shaded forests, the Northwest coast offers a natural escape from summer heat, often staying in the 60s or low 70s, even during a heatwave.
Coastal destinations are as varied as the Northwest itself, from rugged rocky shorelines to long sandy beaches and dense rainforests. You’ll find bustling industrial towns, tourist meccas with lots of fun activities, and sleepy villages where you can just kick up your feet and relax.
Cannon Beach, Oregon is a postcard-perfect escape. Ocean breezes roll in beneath towering cliffs and the famous Haystack Rock rises out of the surf like a sentinel. You can stroll through the quaint town with an ice cream cone, explore tidepools at low tide, or simply enjoy a foggy morning wrapped in a sweater. With art galleries, cozy inns, and a long sandy shoreline, it’s the perfect blend of charm and chill.
Head north to the Long Beach Peninsula in Washington for a low-key beach vacation with room to roam. This 28-mile stretch of sand is perfect for kite flying, clam digging, or biking the Discovery Trail along the dunes. Nearby seafood shacks serve up fresh oysters and Dungeness crab, and you can climb the lighthouse at Cape Disappointment for sweeping views of the Columbia River meeting the Pacific. You’ll feel like time slows down while the salty ocean air keeps everything cool.
For an escape that blends coastal views with deep green forests, the Olympic Peninsula is a dream destination. You can hike through mossy rainforests in Olympic National Park, spot elk near the coast, and dip your toes into the Pacific at Ruby Beach—all in one day. Temperatures stay mild even in summer, and the mix of mountains, ocean, and forest makes it feel like another world. It’s the perfect place to unwind and unplug while you escape the summer heat.
Further south, don’t miss the Southern Oregon gem of Gold Beach. Here where the Rogue River meets the Pacific Ocean, a quiet stretch of coastline is dotted with dramatic sea stacks and uncrowded beaches. If you want more of a thrill, take a jet boat ride up the wild Rogue River or try your hand at windsurfing.
Photo by Vlada Karpovich
Escape to the Mountains
Mountain destinations stay cooler in summer because of their higher elevation. As you climb higher, temperatures naturally drop about 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet you go up. This means even when the valleys below are hot, mountain peaks and alpine meadows remain refreshingly cool. Plus, mountain forests provide plenty of shade, and cool breezes often funnel through mountain passes and valleys, creating a natural air-conditioning effect. The Northwest mountains are an ideal place to escape the summer heat and enjoy crisp, fresh air.
For a cool summer escape, Mount Rainier National Park delivers with its alpine meadows, icy glaciers, and crisp mountain air. At over 14,000 feet, Mt. Rainier towers above the landscape, creating its own weather and keeping the surrounding valleys cool. Wildflowers bloom in late summer, and trails like Skyline Loop offer sweeping views of snowy peaks and deep green forests. Whether you’re hiking, wildlife watching, or just enjoying the view from Paradise Lodge, the air up there feels cleaner, cooler, and quieter.
For a mountain town with plenty of personality, Leavenworth, Washington is a perfect summer escape. This Bavarian-style village is nestled in the eastern Cascades, where pine forests and the cool Wenatchee River make for the ultimate retreat from the heat. You can go whitewater rafting, sip a cold beer in an outdoor biergarten, or hike shady trails to alpine lakes. Even in the height of summer, temperatures stay moderate thanks to the surrounding mountains and river valley breezes.
If Oregon is calling, Mount Hood offers a refreshing mix of adventure and relaxation. You’ll find snow at the summit even in July, and cool mornings that invite long hikes, paddleboarding on Trillium Lake, or scenic chairlift rides. Historic Timberline Lodge, sitting above the treeline, delivers cool temperatures and stunning views. Whether you’re camping, hiking, or relaxing in a cozy cabin, Mt. Hood’s high elevation makes it a cool and classic summer destination.
If you’re seeking real solitude and a true mountain getaway, the Wallowa Mountains in eastern Oregon are hard to beat. It earned the nickname “Little Switzerland” with its jagged peaks, glacier-carved valleys, and crystal-clear lakes. Daytime temperatures are pleasant, and evenings cool quickly under a canopy of stars. Ride the Wallowa Lake tramway for amazing views, hike into the rugged Eagle Cap Wilderness, or just sit by the lake with a sweater and a book—it’s a quiet, uncrowded slice of mountain magic that feels like it belongs to you.
Photo by Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce
Hit the Lake
Even if the temperatures soar, you can always cool down in the water. Most Northwest lakes stay cool in summer, especially those at higher elevations or fed by snowmelt and glaciers. Even on hot days, the water often remains brisk—refreshing for a swim, paddle, or just dipping your toes. Glacial and snowmelt-fed lakes, like Lake Crescent, Lake Chelan, and Wallowa Lake, draw cold water from surrounding mountains, which keeps temperatures low even in July and August.
High-elevation lakes, like Waldo Lake or Odell Lake in Oregon, are cooler simply due to altitude—air and water temperatures are typically much lower than surrounding lowlands. Deep lakes don’t warm up quickly. The deeper the lake, the harder it is for the sun to heat the water, so surface temps may rise a bit, but it stays cool just below.
If you’re looking for a swimmable but not icy experience, go in the afternoon when the sun has had time to warm the shallows—but expect most Northwest lakes to feel invigorating, the perfect temp for a summer cool-down.
Plan Your Cool Escape Now
Ready to beat the heat? The Northwest has plenty of cool, comfortable places to unwind—whether you’re into beach walks, mountain hikes, or lakeside lounging. Wherever you choose to go, you’ll find fresh air, lower temps, and a slower pace that makes summer feel easy again. So go ahead—plan your cool escape now.
