Northwest Magazines

Northwest Vistas

Autumn's first heavy snowfall adds to the beauty of Oregon's tallest peak, Mount Hood (11,235 feet), as it rises up over the Upper Hood River Valley and this farm near the small town of Parkdale. by Larry Geddis

EDITORS NOTES

By now you've probably heard of the "staycation." A reaction to the high price of gas and uncertain economic times, the term generally refers to a vacation relatively near your home.

So aren't we lucky to live in the Northwest?

Here, a staycation is hardly a penance. We can travel within a fairly small radius and enjoy mountains, beaches, crystal clear lakes, verdant valleys, and of course, metropolitan areas full of art and culture. Just this summer, besides my Alaska trip, I've spent time in northern Idaho, central Washington, the Oregon Cascades, and the Oregon Coast. I've met wonderful people, seen incredible scenery, and eaten lots of delicious regional foods. It’s been a soul-satisfying summer.

Speaking of regional foods, check out Erin Codazzi's story on Oregon chocolatiers. You may want to add some of their unusual and delicious creations to your holiday shopping list.

With the change of season, winter sports enthusiasts are thinking snow. Becky Lomax has written a story on her favorite Rocky Mountain ski resorts (in Idaho, Montana, and British Columbia), where you can enjoy billowy powder—and generally uncrowded slopes—to your heart's content.

Brendan Sainsbury offers a timely story on how to get the most out of Vancouver, British Columbia, on a shoestring budget. From hiking the grueling Grouse Grind to wobbling your way over the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge to enjoying street theater on Granville Island, there are plenty of free or inexpensive things to do in BC's big city.

For our intrepid outdoors types and our cozy armchair travelers, Matt Hage shares his hiking and camping experiences on the wet and wild Olympic Peninsula coast, and James Michael Dorsey tells the story of being caught in the middle of an orca feeding frenzy. Reading about his experience gave me the chills.

So, whether you're heading out on the slopes, taking a late fall hiking trip, or planning a weekend in one of our unique Northwest cities, I hope you enjoy the season. And Happy Holidays!

—Rosemary Camozzi

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