The Northwest in the U.S. covers Oregon, Washington, and part of Idaho; in Europe, Northwestern Europe includes the UK, Ireland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, northern France, Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, and often Finland, Switzerland, and Austria.
Which countries are in the Northwest?
Geographically, Northwestern Europe includes the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Northern France, Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Iceland.
Finland, Switzerland, and Austria sometimes tag along too, thanks to their cultural and economic connections. This whole region hugs the North Sea and Atlantic Ocean, giving it a milder climate than inland Europe. Travelers often see it as the perfect jumping-off point to Scandinavia or the British Isles—hence why backpackers and business types flock here. As of 2026, most of these countries still share open borders through the Schengen Area.
What defines the Pacific Northwest?
The Pacific Northwest (PNW) is a geographic region in western North America bounded by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Rocky Mountains to the east.
Picture towering evergreens draped in moss, rugged coastlines, and mountain ranges like the Cascades and Olympics. The region’s identity blends Indigenous roots—think Coast Salish communities—with waves of Scandinavian, Asian, and Latin American influences. Cities like Seattle and Portland anchor the urban scene, while rural areas still revolve around logging, fishing, and farming. A mild maritime climate keeps things from getting too extreme, making it a haven for outdoor lovers and tech workers alike.
Is California considered Pacific Northwest?
California is not typically included in the core Pacific Northwest, though it sometimes appears in broader definitions that stretch from Alaska to parts of Wyoming and Montana.
Geography makes the split pretty clear—compare redwood forests to Joshua trees, or Seattle’s drizzle to L.A.’s sunshine. Northern California cities like Eureka and Crescent City do feel more Oregonian than Californian, but for most purposes, the PNW stops at the state line. Regional groups like the Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER) still leave California out of their official roster as of 2026.
What cities are considered Northwest?
Major cities in the Northwest include Seattle, Spokane, Bellevue, Tacoma, Kennewick, Pasco, Yakima, Portland, Eugene, Salem, Boise, Idaho Falls, Missoula, Bozeman, and Billings.
These cities stretch across two countries and multiple states, each with its own twist on PNW living. Seattle and Portland dominate with tech jobs, coffee culture, and a reputation for progressive politics. Smaller spots like Boise and Missoula have exploded in growth as remote workers flee pricier metros. The Inland Northwest—centered on Spokane—brings four distinct seasons, while coastal towns like Eureka lean into fishing and tourism. If affordability’s your priority, the Tri-Cities (Kennewick and Pasco) offer lower costs with easy access to vineyards and outdoor fun.
Is the Pacific Northwest a good place to live?
As of 2026, the Pacific Northwest remains a highly desirable place to live, work, and raise a family, offering natural beauty, strong job markets, and a high quality of life.
Seattle and Portland regularly land on “most livable” lists, thanks to solid transit, green spaces, and quick access to mountains, forests, and ocean. The trade-off? Sky-high housing costs in the most desirable spots. The region’s progressive values and eco-conscious vibe keep attracting young professionals and families. Sure, wildfire smoke and traffic jams have gotten worse since 2020, but for those who value nature and community over affordability, the PNW still delivers.
Why is Pacific Northwest so Rainy?
The Pacific Northwest is rainy because moist ocean winds are forced upward by the Cascade Range, cooling the air and condensing into thick clouds and steady rainfall.
Meteorologists call this orographic lift, and it turns the western Cascades into a temperate rainforest. Forks, Washington, for example, gets over 120 inches of rain a year—no wonder it’s one of the wettest spots in the continental U.S. The stereotype isn’t universal, though. East of the Cascades in Washington and Oregon, the rain shadow effect keeps things much drier. Locals joke about the endless drizzle from October to May, but that moisture is what keeps the region’s greenery so lush.
What states are the Pacific Northwest?
The core Pacific Northwest states are Oregon and Washington, with parts of Idaho also included.
Alaska and British Columbia sometimes get lumped in due to cultural and environmental ties, but they’re separate politically. Idaho’s inclusion is debatable—its southern panhandle feels more Intermountain West, while the north (like Coeur d’Alene) definitely feels PNW. As of 2026, regional groups like the Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER) officially count Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Alaska, and British Columbia as members. Montana and Wyoming pop up in broader definitions, but they don’t quite fit the PNW mold.
Which European country looks like a boot?
Italy is the European country that looks like a boot.
The long, narrow Italian Peninsula forms the “leg,” with Sicily often playing the role of the “football” being kicked. This quirky shape has made Italy a cartographer’s favorite and a pop-culture staple—just look at all those boot-shaped pasta souvenirs. The country’s geography also shapes its climate, from the Alps in the north to the Mediterranean south. Fun detail: the heel points toward Greece, while the toe nudges Sicily toward Tunisia.
Is Spokane considered the Pacific Northwest?
Spokane is considered part of the Inland Northwest, a region that overlaps with but is distinct from the core Pacific Northwest.
East of the Cascades, Spokane’s climate is drier, with rolling hills and pine forests instead of rainforests. It shares the PNW’s love for outdoor recreation and progressive politics, but geographically and culturally, it’s closer to Montana and Idaho. The Inland Northwest—covering all of Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho—has Spokane as its hub. As of 2026, Spokane’s one of the region’s fastest-growing cities, thanks to lower housing costs and a growing tech scene tied to remote work.
What food is the Pacific Northwest known for?
The Pacific Northwest is known for wild salmon, chanterelle mushrooms, hazelnuts, oysters, Pinot Noir grapes, Walla Walla onions, Tillamook cheese, and Washington apples.
This region’s cuisine reflects its forests, rivers, and coastline. Wild Chinook salmon takes center stage, whether grilled, smoked, or cured in Indigenous or modern styles. Forest mushrooms like chanterelles pop up in autumn, foraged by hobbyists and chefs alike. The Willamette Valley’s Pinot Noir has earned global praise, while Oregon’s hazelnuts supply Ferrero Rocher chocolates worldwide. Don’t skip a Dungeness crab roll or Marionberry pie—these flavors scream PNW farm-to-table.
Is the Pacific Northwest safe?
As of 2026, the Pacific Northwest ranks well in safety metrics, with Oregon’s capital (Salem) performing especially well in home safety, natural disaster risk, and financial security.
Violent crime rates in PNW cities tend to be lower than the national average, though property crime can be higher in urban areas like Seattle and Portland. Natural disaster risks vary—earthquakes and wildfires loom large west of the Cascades, while eastern areas face fewer of these threats. Cities like Vancouver, Washington, and Boise, Idaho, score well in safety indexes thanks to strong community programs and disaster prep. Still, summer wildfire smoke and air quality issues have become a growing public health concern.
Is California Northwest or Southwest?
California is considered part of the Southwest, not the Northwest.
Geographically, California fits squarely in the American Southwest, sharing desert landscapes, cultural influences, and economic ties with Arizona and New Mexico. Northern California cities like Eureka share some traits with Oregon, but the state as a whole aligns more with the Southwest’s arid climates, Spanish colonial heritage, and Latin American cultural influences. As of 2026, regional groups like the Southwest Idaho Economic Development Council still classify California as a Southwest state, even if its northern counties blur the lines.
Where is the cheapest place to live in the Pacific Northwest?
As of 2026, Coos Bay, Oregon, remains one of the cheapest places to live in the Pacific Northwest.
With a median home value around $191,100, Coos Bay offers coastal living at a fraction of Portland or Seattle prices. Its affordable housing, proximity to outdoor recreation, and small-town vibe attract retirees and remote workers. SmartAsset has ranked it the most affordable Pacific coastal community in the U.S. for years running. The trade-off? A smaller job market and fewer amenities than bigger metros. Still, for budget-conscious buyers or renters, Coos Bay delivers rare coastal affordability.
What is the best place to live in the Pacific Northwest?
As of 2026, the “best” place depends on your priorities—Seattle and Portland lead for urban amenities, while smaller cities like Bend, Boise, and Spokane offer affordability and outdoor access.
Seattle wins for career opportunities, especially in tech, but comes with high costs and gloomy skies. Portland takes the crown for walkability, food culture, and a relaxed vibe, though housing prices still sting. If you want balance, Eugene, Salem, or Olympia offer lower costs with easy access to nature. In Idaho, Boise is a hotspot for remote workers, while Spokane and the Inland Northwest provide four-season living without the coastal damp. Your perfect spot depends on whether you prioritize city life, affordability, or outdoor adventure.
What is the best area to live in Oregon?
As of 2026, the best areas to live in Oregon include Portland, Eugene, Salem, Corvallis, Bend, Beaverton, and Hillsboro, each offering unique trade-offs in livability, affordability, and access to nature.
Portland remains the cultural and economic heart, with a killer food scene and solid transit, but housing costs are brutal. Eugene and Salem offer more affordable alternatives with strong university ties and mid-sized city perks. Corvallis stands out for education and safety, thanks to Oregon State University. Bend has exploded in popularity for its mountain biking, craft breweries, and sunshine, though prices have shot up. Beaverton and Hillsboro give you Portland’s job market with a quieter suburban feel. Ultimately, the “best” choice comes down to whether you value culture, affordability, or outdoor access most.
Edited and fact-checked by the MeridianFacts editorial team.
