The Pacific Northwest, encompassing Oregon, Washington and British Columbia boasts unforgettable scenery. From the rugged Oregon coastline to the Seattle cityscape to Canada’s picturesque Victoria Island, travelers are sure to find plenty to keep them busy and happy.

Karen Brown, a popular travel writer, has explored the area thoroughly and has developed several interesting itineraries for guests to this region. One of her recommended journeys includes exploring the many islands of Washington State. Another option is to explore British Columbia, with its hot spots of Victoria and Vancouver. Exploring Seattle and the Cascade Mountain area is yet another good choice, including both city attractions and natural wonders. Travelers also might consider an itinerary that includes visiting Portland with trips to Multnomah Falls, Mount Hood or Mount St. Helens. For a quieter adventure, explore Oregon’s coastline, dotted with plenty of quaint villages and tranquil beaches. Southern Oregon offers caves to explore, lake-filled craters and plenty of scenic drives.

After you decide where to go, here are some recommended places to stay:

If you crave seclusion by the sea, the Channel House is Depoe Bay, Oregon, is sure to please. This oceanfront inn was named by Karen Brown readers as the Pacific Northwest’s Most Romantic lodging. The unpretentious inn’s glory is its sea views, which can be seen from all of the guest rooms, as well as its total privacy. There is no pressure to rush around, taking in all the sites, you can just relax and soak in the sea air. The rooms include fireplaces and outdoor whirlpool tubs. Grab a bottle of wine and your significant other and that’s all you need.

Named for the natives that once lived in this scenic land, the Tu Tu’ Tun Lodge is a delight and the scenery is unforgettable, located on the banks of the Rogue River. The family-run lodge was noted by Karen Brown’s readers as offering the Warmest Welcome in the Pacific Northwest. The hospitality is just one of many reasons to stay at the lodge. The guest rooms and suites boast stunning views of the river and forested hills. Many have fireplaces and some have outdoor soaking tubs. The lodge’s restaurant serves first-class breakfasts, lunches and dinners. From the boat dock, you can head out to day trips on the river, and there are plenty of opportunities for hiking and fishing.

At Otters Pond Bed and Breakfast, guests enjoy two unique settings in one. The bed and breakfast is located on Orcas Island and the ferry ride to the island is a scenic adventure in itself. Aside from the island setting, the bed and breakfast is located on a protected wetland, where you might watch as swans glide across the water or otters enjoy a swim. A trip to the outdoor hot tub is a relaxing treat, as well as a perfect place to enjoy the natural setting of this inn, which has been named by Karen Brown readers as the Pacific Northwest’s Greatest Value. The innkeepers offer five guest rooms, a few with a fireplace and some with clawfoot tubs. The innkeepers also serve a gourmet, five-course breakfast.

The Sooke Harbour House is one of those places where you can just relax and pamper yourself to your heart’s content. The oceanfront setting, located on the whimsically named Whiffen Spit Beach, offers stunning sea views. There is a full-service spa as well, so you can book a relaxing massage. Each of the guest rooms has been individually decorated with a special theme and features handmade artwork, from pottery to pillows to Native crafts. Several rooms include an outdoor soaking tub on a private patio or balcony, and all of the guest rooms have a fireplace. The Sooke Harbour House was named as the Pacific Northwest’s best Splendid Splurge by Karen Brown readers.