The Pacific Northwest is truly a feast for the eyes. Waterfalls, mountains, rugged coastlines, picturesque islands and plenty of city attractions lure visitors each year to this region, which includes Oregon, Washington and Canada’s province of British Columbia. There is no shortage of things to do, and whether you are an outdoor enthusiast or wish to simply relax and enjoy the scenery, the Pacific Northwest has something for everyone.

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.

Although it’s billed as a fishing lodge, the Tu Tu’ Tun Lodge is probably one of the world’s most romantic. While it’s a great spot for a men’s weekend retreat, you could celebrate the happiest of honeymoons here, as well. The Van Zante family’s hospitality has earned the lodge the Warmest Welcome award by Karen Brown readers. The lodge boasts views of the river and tree-covered mountains. There are plenty of guest rooms and suites to choose from, as well as two guest houses. All feature romantic, contemporary dcor, and many have fireplaces. Several suites include outdoor soaking tubs.

Named by Karen Brown readers as the Pacific Northwest’s Greatest Value, the Otters Pond Bed and Breakfast is a secluded retreat located on Washington’s Orcas Island. Guests at Otters Pond will be enchanted by the natural setting. The B&B is surrounded by 20 acres of protected wetland and home to plenty of birds and a few of the namesake otters. A few guest rooms include a fireplace (some a clawfoot tub), and there is a huge outdoor hot tub sheltered by a Japanese-style teahouse with shoji screens.

It would be difficult to pick a favorite guest room at the Sooke Harbour House, because they are so many wonderful and unique choices. In addition to the dcor, the island scenery is breathtaking. There’s even a full service spa. The guest rooms offer such amenities as en-suite clawfoot and whirlpool tubs, fireplaces and unique artwork and pottery. Each room has a touch of whimsy, from one room with a stained-glass shower door to another chamber that features a bed with a headboard that resembles a tree. It’s hardly surprising that this boutique hotel was rated as the Pacific Northwest’s top Splendid Splurge by Karen Brown readers.