9 Things to do in the Pacific Northwest in March

It hasn’t been a hard winter in the Pacific Northwest but it doesn’t mean we aren’t all looking forward to longer days, especially now that we have a hint of spring in the air. It continues to rain a lot in March so this list includes indoor and outdoor activities. Sometimes it’s the simple act of changing your scenery for a day or a long weekend that makes you feel that all is right in the world again. Also remember that accommodation rates are particularly low in March or April.

1. Pick a hike you’ve never done before. This year hikes that might not normally be available till late April or even May could be open now. I did the Grouse Grind (still officially closed) twice in February and snow and ice was an issue only on the last 25 feet of the trail. These conditions are similar to what I’ve seen in May in other years. There are websites covering the Vancouver area, Seattle area , Washington State, and Oregon that should provide some inspiration.
2. Take a surfing lesson in Tofino on the west coast of Vancouver Island named last week as the best surfing town in North America.
3. Head to the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival , 60 miles north of Seattle. It will be open at the end of March, a week earlier than usual. You’ll find over 300 acres of blooming tulips.
4. Skiing isn’t over yet especially if you hit the higher elevations. Head to Whistler for some downhill skiing, the Callahan area for cross country or find tickets to see the Paralympic Games running from March 12-21st.
5. Try biking from inn to inn through British Columbia’s Gulf Islands or Washington State’s San Juan Islands. Download your free guide from my website for both of these trips. Dress in layers and surprise yourself with how enjoyable it feels to be on a bike in March.
6. Spend a weekend in Seattle. Visit Pikes Peak Market and the Seattle Art Museum. Check the Seattle Events site before you leave home. You’ll find five festivals occurring in the month of March including the Seattle Jewish Film Festival.
7. Head to Ashland, Oregon, 285 miles south of Portland. Here the Oregon Shakespeare Festival has already opened for the season and you’ll have the town to yourself. The 6th annual chocolate festival begins this weekend too.
8. Tofino and Ucluelet celebrate the return of the Gray Whale during its annual migration. Head to the Pacific Rim Whale Festival from March 6th-14th.
9. Take a culinary tour of Vancouver’s Chinatown every Saturday through March and end with a lunch.

Leigh McAdam

www.hikebiketravel.com

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