Page 36 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Pacific Northwest

34  INTRODUCING THE P A CIFIC NOR THWEST

THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST
THROUGH THE YEAR

The image of the Pacific Northwest’s weather where cold and heat reach extreme levels,
as consistently wet is rooted as much in myth winter snowfall can be heavy but summers can
as in fact. Rain is a distinctive presence in only be bone dry. In spite of the variable weather
half of the Pacific Northwest – the part west throughout the Pacific Northwest, the unique
of the mountains that divide the region. rewards of living and traveling in the region
The weather in this western, coastal section are many. Even in the damp and most heavily
remains mild throughout the year, and snow populated western sections, rain doesn’t
is rare in all but the higher elevations. In the prevent residents and visitors alike from
mountains, winter snowfall is heavy, much heading outdoors to enjoy a large variety
to the delight of skiers. East of the mountains, of entertaining festivals and events.

Victorian Heritage Festival
Spring (late Mar), Port Townsend, WA
March and April bring the (pp180–81). All things Victorian
signs of spring to the lower are cele brated in this fine
elevations of the Pacific historic seaport.
Northwest. A number of
festivities celebrate the region’s April
lush gardens as they come Skagit Valley Tulip Festival
into bloom in an array of (Apr), Skagit Valley, WA. A A perfect rose on show at the Portland
glorious colors. month-long festival of arts and Rose Festival in June
crafts fairs, barbecues, and
March walking tours amid thousands Brookings-Harbor Azalea
Vancouver International Wine of tulips. Festival (Memorial Day week-
Festival (Feb or Mar), Vancouver, Hood River Valley Blossom end), Brookings, OR. Blossoms
BC. A week of wine tastings held Festival (third weekend), Hood and food in a coastal town
at the Vancouver Convention River Valley, OR. Arts and crafts famous for its azaleas.
Centre (p206) and other locales. fairs and tours of orchards and Seagull Calling Festival (late
Oregon Cheese Festival (mid- wineries in towns along the May), Port Orchard, WA. This
Mar), Central Point, OR. Artisan Hood River. waterfront festival is centered
cheesemakers from Oregon Washington State Apple on a seagull-calling contest.
and Northern California dairies Blossom Festival (late Apr– Blessing of the Fleet (late May),
show their wares, along with early May), Wenatchee, WA. Westport, WA. A parade and a
local wines. Parades, a carnival, and blessing of the town’s famous
Othello Sandhill Crane Festival concerts to usher in spring. fishing fleet.
(late Mar), Othello, WA. Witness Vancouver International
the sounds and rituals of 25,000 May Children’s Festival (late May),
migrating cranes. Bloomsday Run (first Sun), Granville Island, Vancouver, BC.
Spokane, WA. Every year, this Local, national, and international
7.5-mile (12-km) race through performing artists present
downtown attracts more than theater and music for children.
50,000 runners.
Cinco de Mayo Fiesta (early May),
Portland, OR. Three days of Summer
Mexican food, art, music, and Summer in much of the Pacific
dance on the Portland waterfront. Northwest is not assuredly
Annual Rhododendron sunny. But locals do not hesitate
Festival (third weekend), to venture outdoors for a variety
Florence, OR. A parade and of activities and events, including
carnival to celebrate the wine festivals, rodeos and plays.
rhododendron blossoms.
Northwest Folklife Festival June
(Memorial Day weekend), Seattle, Portland Rose Festival (Jun),
WA. Enjoy dance, exhibits, and Portland, OR. Parades, concerts,
Blossoming fruit trees in April, the Hood workshops at one of the largest races, and a carnival in honor
River Valley, Oregon free events in the US. of the rose.

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