Page 632 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - USA

630  THE P A CIFIC NOR THWEST

Practical Information carriers of Lyme disease, are
found in dry, wooded areas.
The stunning scenery of the Pacific Northwest attracts visitors Protect yourself by using tick
from around the world. Booming tourism – and, in more repellent and wear long
recent years, ecotourism – has spawned a vast network of pants, long sleeves, and
facilities and services: internationally acclaimed restaurants socks. In case of a rash or flu-
like symptoms, contact a
and accommodations abound, and efficient transportation doctor immediately.
by air, land, and water takes travelers virtually anywhere they On the beach, heed the
want to go. The peak tourist season extends from mid-May red tide warnings that alert
through September. Winter is also a great time to visit the shellfish collectors to contam-
region as it is ideal for skiing and other snow sports. ination. When camping,
beware of cougars and bears.
Be advised that leaving any
food or garbage out will attract
Tourist Information
which areas are best to stay dangerous wildlife.
Maps and information about away from. In the country, Potential safety hazards for
sights, events, accommo dations, wildlife and natural dangers drivers include gravel roads,
and tours are available free of can be avoided by heeding which may become very
charge from Washington State local warnings and advice. slippery with rain, heavy
Tourism and the Oregon In an emergency, call 911 for snowfalls, black ice, and fog.
Tourism Commission. These the fire department, police, or To be safe, always carry a spare
agencies also provide either an ambulance; if you are not in tire, and salt or sand in winter;
free reservations services for a a major city, dial 0. The call can also a flashlight, jumper cables,
wide range of accommodations be placed from any phone free blankets, water, emergency
or referrals to these services. of charge. Hospitals are listed in food, and a shovel. Always
Most Pacific Northwest phone books, and each has an carry a cell phone.
communities operate visitor emergency room that can be
centers or tourism booths, accessed 24 hours a day.
offering information about Getting Around
local activities, lodgings, Visitors to the Pacific
and restaurants. Natural Hazards Northwest have a wide range
Before heading out on a hike of transportation options.
or going camping, check in United Airlines offers flights
Personal Security with the forest service for to the major cities of the Pacific
The Pacific Northwest prides inform ation on the conditions Northwest, while Alaska
itself on its safe cities and its in the surrounding area Airlines and its subsidiary
welcoming attitude toward and recommended safety Horizon Airlines fly to these
visitors. Street crime is rare, and precautions. Skiers and snow- and regional destinations.
the police are a visible presence boarders should always heed Although the bus may be
in all major cities. However, it is warning signs and stay on the slowest way of getting
wise to be careful and find out groomed runs. to the Pacific Northwest, it is
which parts of town are less Insects can be annoying while probably the most economical.
safe than others. Your hotel or hiking or camping – blackflies in Greyhound has bus routes
a tourist information center the spring or mosquitoes in the throughout the region; Gray
will provide information about summer. Ticks, which can be Line offers sightseeing tours.
Discounts are available for
The Climate of the Pacific children, students, and senior
citizens. The train is a good way
Northwest
SEATTLE to get to the Pacific Northwest
Rain is a distinctive presence in and to travel within it. Amtrak
only half the Pacific Northwest – 72/22 offers daily services to Oregon
the part west of the mountains °F/C and Washington from the
that divide the region. The 58/14 59/15 Midwest and California and
weather in this western, coastal 54/12 47/8 has daily runs between Seattle,
region remains mild throughout 32°F 43/6 45/7 Portland, and Eugene.
the year, and snow is rare in all but 0°F 36/2 Washington State Ferries
the higher elevations. The 16 20 13 9 connect 20 ports throughout
mountains see heavy winter days days days days Puget Sound, including Seattle.
snowfall, much to the delight of 2.5 0.8 3.2 5.3 Driving is by far the best
skiers. East of the mountains, the in in in in mode of transport in the
summers are hot, dry, and sunny,
and winters more severe than month Apr Jul Oct Jan region, especially to enjoy
west of the mountains. the spectacular beauty of more
remote areas. Remember to

630-631_EW_USA.indd 630 11/2/16 2:49 PM
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Practical template “UK” LAYER
(Source v1.7)
Date 5th March 2013
Size 125mm x 217mm