These recommendations have been prepared by the travel book experts on the Book Passage staff and chosen especially for our friends at Backroads. For more than 20 years Backroads has been providing unparalleled bicycling, walking and multisport vacations worldwide, and we are pleased to be working with them. What really sets the these islands apart is there exceptional beauty, which expresses itself in dramatic cliffs where eagles soar, lush seaside meadows, gnarled trees, and multicolored wildflowers clinging to seemingly infertile rocks. The islands have valleys and mountains, forests filled with birds song, and leafy glens where the tiny island deer browse. Even a species of prickly pear cactus grows here.
Beaches can be pebbly and sandy, but all are scenic.
This is a country where you can run river rapids, fish on a placid lake, ski across rolling uplands, climb precipices, sip microbrews at a streamside pub, or pick fruit at an orchard all on the same day. Best of all, it's a very hospitable region, with exceptionally friendly residents who welcome visitors with an open heart. The Pacific Northwest Beautiful color photographs and vivid text make this comprehensive guide a good choice for getting acquainted with the grandeur of the Pacific Northwest. Compass American Guide John Doerper. This informative guide is packed with useful information for travelers heading to all areas of Washington.