Three-day weekends. Anniversaries. Valentines Day. The year is full of opportunities to woo your sweetheart with the romance of the Pacific Northwest. And with a three-day weekend coming right up, romantic procrastinators everywhere are scrambling to plan a passion-filled, fun escape for themselves and their sweetheart. Not that I personally know anyone who procrastinates when it comes to romantic getaways. But just in case I do, I’m here to help.
First, check out my self-proclaimed sappiest post ever from last year, Recipe for a Romantic Getaway – Five Key Ingredients. Then, choose your romantic destination below from my nine Northwest favorites. And don’t forget to send me a thank-you postcard! Oh, and can someone please forward this post to my husband? Thanks 
Victoria (British Columbia)
Why it’s romantic: Honeymooners flock here for good reason–fabulous parks and museums, charming neighborhoods, high tea, cozy restaurants, and flower gardens that bloom all year long. All of this in a postcard-perfect city that hugs a charming harbor and faces the gorgeous snow-capped Olympic Mountains.
Where to stay: Romantic bed and breakfast are the lodging of choice in Victoria. Carberry Gardens is one of the best, and it’s affordable (for Victoria). The B&B is housed in a beautifully-restored 1907 heritage home near Craigdarroch Castle and Antique Row. $100 – $175 Canadian. Contact: www.carberrygardens.com or 1.877.595.8906.
Mount Adams (Washington)
Why it’s romantic: Hiking in the summer, and snow in the winter! Trout Lake makes a great base for cross-country ski trips from SnoParks on the Mount Adams Ranger District, and an easy getaway for folks in Portland and the Columbia Gorge.
Where to stay: Enjoy truly warm hospitality and wake up to a delicious breakfast of huckleberry pancakes at Kelly’s Trout Creek Bed and Breakfast, where rates are just right at $75 – $85 a night. Your dip in the hot tub beside a roaring creek will relieve tired muscles from your excursion. Contact: (509) 395-2769 or www.kellysbnb.com.
Lasqueti Island (British Columbia)
Why it’s romantic: This is where eco-conscious romantics can really get away from it all. In fact, just getting to the Gulf Island of Lasqueti (foot passenger ferry only) is part of the fun. The island’s 400 self-sufficient residents live simply and sustainably, from growing their own food to chopping their own wood. Lasqueti lies about 50 miles northwest of Vancouver in the Strait of Georgia.
Where to stay: Snuggle up in the simple, new cabin at Squitty Bay Oceanfront Bed and Breakfast where the ocean view is amazing, the wood-fired sauna is hot and your ecological footprint is low. $110 Canadian. Contact: 250.333.8566 or visit their website.
Willamette Valley Wine Country (Oregon)
Why it’s romantic: This lush valley of green, rolling hills dotted with oak trees hosts patchwork vineyards that produce wonderful wines like pinot noir and pinot gris. You’ll also find lots of hazelnuts, fresh fruit, and charming farms. Take a romantic hike in the nearby Coast Range. Small towns like McMinville and Dundee are great for antique shopping and have surprisingly excellent restaurants, many featuring Northwest seasonal cuisine and serving local wines.
Where to stay: There’s no place like Gahr Farm, situated on a 350-acre conservation farm and forest, which is managed as a native plant and wildlife reserve. Accommodations are two private, charming guest cottages, one that is built to be “green” (and is, in fact, painted green) and uses low-energy. $80 – $115. Contact: www.gahrfarm.com or 503.472.6960.
Methow Valley (Washington)
Why it’s romantic: Recreation lovers will swoon over the plethora of outdoor pursuits to enjoy together, from hiking trails to cross-country skiing to river rafting.
Where to stay: A bed and breakfast just one block from Twisp’s main street, the Methow Valley Inn has modest-size rooms that are well-kept and nicely detailed. $89 – $119. Contact: (509) 997-2253 or www.methowvalleyinn.com.
Olympic Coast (Washington)
Why it’s romantic: Ponder the longevity of the rainforest’s ancient trees. Explore seastacks and count seastars as you stroll hand-in-hand on the scenic coast of Olympic National Park. It’s a wild coastline framed by mossy, wet rainforest– need I say more?
Where to stay: Indulge in warm hospitality and a fantastic breakfast delivered to your room at the Misty Valley Inn near Forks. $85 – $130. Contact www.mistyvalleyinn.com or 1.877.374.9389
Crater Lake (Oregon)
Why it’s romantic: Sheer proximity to the deepest lake in the U.S. is sure to deepen your love. Snow is also deep and generous here in winter for great snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Where to stay: West of Crater Lake is the Union Creek Resort, where simple cabins set in the Rogue River National Forest provide a cozy, rustic backdrop to your romantic getaway. Some cabins have full kitchens, or eat at the cafe at the lodge. $54 – $130 Contact: www.unioncreekoregon.com or 1.866.560.3565.
Central Coast (Oregon)
Why it’s romantic: The Central Coast boasts dramatic seaside bluffs of basalt looming over beaches and tidepools waiting to be explored. And when it comes to making out, there is no soundtrack more romantic than the pounding Oregon surf against these bluffs.
Where to stay: Ocean Haven in Yachats is perched on a particularly scenic stretch of coastline. Big corner windows give way to panoramic ocean views. Beach blankets and walking sticks are provided for your beach ramblings, and comfortable beds, a beautiful tiled shower, and a well-stocked library of nature books await you upon your return— all lovely touches that make Ocean Haven an extra special place to stay. $95 – $165. Contact: www.oceanhaven.com or 541.547.3583
Sunshine Coast (British Columbia)
Why it’s romantic: One of the most stunningly scenic coastlines in the Northwest draws lovers to the Sunshine Coast’s sheltered bays fringed with fir-scented forests. Plus, the 100-mile coastline enjoys more sunny days than anywhere else in western British Columbia.
Where to stay: For the best view from a hot tub anywhere, you must book the beautiful suite at the Starfish Studio Bed and Breakfast in Sechelt. $115 – $149 Canadian. Contact: www.starfishstudiobb.com or 604.885.7112.
Now, it’s your turn! What’s your favorite romantic destination in the Northwest, and where should we sleep when we go there?
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Just got this forwarded to me, but I’m not sure what it’s all about. Is there some holiday coming up?
xo
Thanks for including us Lauren. Just a quick note on our “lowered rates.” Starting January 1st, 2009, we dropped our rates (to $50, $60, and $70) in response to President Obama’s saying that he couldn’t do it by himself, and that we all needed to pitch in (to help the economy get rolling again). This May 1st (2010) we’re returning to our 2005 – 2008 rates of $75, $85, and $100. Our website mentions this, and we hope it’s not an inconvenience for anyone, Kelly and Marilyn.
Another romantic stay in Central Washington is the great Bavarian village of Leavenworth. This charming town transports you to a German Bavarian village with great food and shopping for all ages. While in Leavenworth book your stay at Pine River Ranch our romantic luxury bed and breakfast. Each cabin suite has jacuzzi spas, river rock fireplaces, hand made log beds and breakfast delivered right to your door! A wonderful, romantic and relaxing getaway in Washington State.