From rugged coastlines to sandy beaches, from lush rainforests to mountain ranges, the Pacific Northwest is a stunningly beautiful place. Many don’t realize the region is home to several temperate rainforests.

Back in June 1966, Seattle magazine produced a special travel issue showcasing the unique attributes of the region’s remarkable natural beauty.

“From beaches to mountains, shown in colorful photos, this area is a unique playground that beckons tourists from all over,” the magazine boasted. “These reveal … the Northwest’s unparalleled natural endowments.” As for the cover, editors admitted that the Native American totem pole on a Puget Sound island suggested the “violence of a primitive past,” but noted that it marked the spirit of constant rediscovery. “It evokes the lure of today’s Northwest as a gratifying place to visit and, above all, to live in.”

Last year, almost 38 million people visited King County, a 9% increase from 2022 and more than 90% of pre-pandemic levels.

As fall beckons, it’s time to enjoy the vibrant foliage and abundant green spaces our region has to offer.