4 Adventurous Winter Road Trip Destination in the Pacific Northwest 

The Pacific Northwest was made for winter road-tripping. There’s seemingly a fresh adventure beyond every curve of the road. Just pay attention to the weather reports and make sure you are prepared for emergencies with the right supplies. 

Driving here in the winter opens the possibility for, let’s say, dicey road conditions. Ice, snow, blizzards – you name it, we’ve got it. Check your car insurance to make sure you’ve got the right coverage for whatever Mother Nature throws at you. 

After that, head out in virtually any direction to find great skiing, breathless scenery, vibrant nightlife, or whatever vibe you’re looking for this winter. Here are a few of our favorite winter destinations in the PNW. 

Crater of the Moon National Monument 

Crater of the Moon is more of a summertime venture. But even though most of the roads into and out of the park are closed in the winter, there’s still plenty of winter fun without the crowded summer visitors. 

The park is open during winter months but not to motorized vehicles. You get here, and get around, with snowshoes, cross-country skis, or simply by foot. You definitely won’t be lost in a crush of visitors in January. But you’ll delight in such awe-inspiring scenery as dazzling white snow against stark black volcanic rocks. 

That snow, however, can occasionally be quite deep. That’s why it’s so important to monitor weather reports and not try to take on more than you can handle. For example, if you’ve never used cross-country skis before, then Crater of the Moon in mid-winter might not be the best time and place to try out a new pair. 

Great Skiing (Practically Everywhere) 

The PNW is known for its great skiing. When you think of skiing, such destinations as Sun Valley, Tamareck Resort, Crystal Mountain, and Mt. Hood Skibowl spring to mind. All are located in this ski-fertile part of the country and are fantastic PNW travel ideas for the season. 

Stevens Pass Mountain Resort in Skyomish, Washington, is less than two hours away from Seattle. You can make it a day trip if you don’t have the whole weekend or longer to spend on skiing. Keep an eye out for large animals, such as moose, on the road in all areas of the Pacific Northwest. 

Wherever you decide to go, whether it’s a family vacation or a day trip for two, you’ll find great locations for beginners and the most advanced skiiers－and all of us in between. 

Weird Portland 

A good reason to explore Portland, Oregon, is because it’s…well, Portland. There’s nothing like it. And it’s no insult to call the city weird. Its inhabitants take pride in their city’s unusual personality. 

Plan your visit so you can pick up as much of the Portland vibe as possible. Take in the abundant coffeehouses, the restaurants and cafes, the museums and alternative bookstores, and that Keep Portland Weird sign. 

You’ll also find such unique delights as the Witch’s Castle outside of town and Pinnock Mansion, with its stellar view of downtown Portland. For the current season, this humongous chateau presents a Pinnock Mansion Christmas. This year, the theme from mid-November to early January is Winter Wonderland. 

The season also brings the 75-foot Christmas tree lighting up the city’s Pioneer Courthouse Square. And while visiting downtown, don’t forget to catch the Portlandia Statue. It’s the largest copper statue in America after the Statue of Liberty. Not to be missed. 

Like sports with more than a touch of weirdness? Check out the Rose City Rollers Roller Derby. For more conventional tastes in professional athletics, Portland also has the NBA’s Trailblazers. Check out a home game or two. 

Pike Place Market 

Whether you visit before, after, or during the winter holidays, you’ll find plenty to do at Pike Place Market. This legendary Seattle neighborhood features a welcoming collection of restaurants, bars, food and retail shops, artisans, and much more. 

It’s an extra-special destination during the holidays, with the Great Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition and free photo sessions with Santa taking place in December. 

A Pike Place Market wintertime visit is a no-brainer if you live in or near the Seattle area. But wherever you call home, the market is a great excuse to visit the Emerald City and a sweet starting point for your Seattle adventures. 

First, Review Your Auto Insurance Coverage 

This season is not always the best time to travel in the Pacific Northwest if you haven’t taken some basic precautions. Depending on where you’re headed, deep snow, blizzard conditions, or torrential rainfall could impede your travels. 

Make sure your car and its tires are roadworthy, and always have fully charged cell phones. In addition, consider adding roadside assistance benefits to your full coverage auto insurance if it’s not already a part of the package. 

Roadside assistance puts you in 24/7 contact with a phone dispatcher. Whether your vehicle has broken down in big-city congestion during the height of the rush hour or you’re stranded in some obscure, barely-on-the-map mountain pass, your roadside assistance dispatcher will get you the help you need. That might be in the form of an auto tech who can change a tire, deliver a couple of gallons of gas, jump a dead battery, or tow you to a nearby service garage. 

To drive confidently in the PNW in the middle of winter, take a look at your auto insurance policy and add roadside assistance. If you’re working with an independent auto insurance agent, they’ll be able to find you the most affordable coverage with the features and benefits that will keep you safe during your winter travels. 

Find Affordable Auto Insurance in the PNW Today 

Begin your winter adventures by nailing down a practical and affordable auto insurance policy. Contact your independent Vern Fonk Insurance agent at (800) 455-8276. You can also get a quick quote online or find a Washington office and agent near you.