Ultimate Guide to Pacific Northwest Guidebooks
Check out this ultimate list of Pacific Northwest Guidebooks.
God’s Country.
That’s what my grandpa always called the Pacific Northwest.
He meant Amity, Oregon. But that’s a little narrow for our purposes!
We’re going to define the Pacific Northwest to include; Oregon, Idaho, Washington, Alaska, and British Columbia, Canada.
The PNW is the most geographically diverse area of North America. We have coast and mountains, temperate forest and rainforest, desert and farmland. Glaciers, archipelagos, and hot springs – even volcanoes. You name it, and you can probably find it somewhere in the PNW.
And to find “it,” you’re going to need guidebooks.
That’s why we’ve rounded up every current guidebook on the Pacific Northwest we could find. From regional round-ups to state-by-state editions and city guides, right down to niche-interest collections.
Guidebooks come in handy at the beginning when we Explore Before a vacation. And they’re just as valuable on the ground to navigate a great experience.
All of these books are available on Amazon – we’ve linked each one for easy shopping.
We also highly recommend perusing your local library to see which guides they offer – for free.
Note: We’ve made every effort to link to the most current edition. In the case of specialty guidebooks, often, they’re not updated. We did include these older editions because if you’re a clamming enthusiast, a garden aficionado, or belong to a weekend motorcycle gang, any information is helpful.
Guidebook or no guidebook?
Is that even the right question?
Rick Steves (European travel expert) is famous for saying:
Guidebooks are $25 tools for $4,000 experiences. – Rick Steves
Granted, he sells plenty of $25 guidebooks, but I agree.
Why does it have to be either/or?
Here at Jaunty, one of the best parts of travel is anticipation. Researching and planning a trip is a joy all its own.
Guidebooks help us do that.
And they don’t have to cost $25 a pop. The local library is bursting with guidebooks you can sample – for free.
Robert Reid wrote this blog post in 2013 and it’s still as relevant today: How to Use a Guidebook
In the post he says,
Many people seem to overlook this, but the best time to use a guidebook is before a trip. Even before you know where you’re going. I’d say a guidebook’s life should be more like 80% before a trip and 20% on the ground. That means a guidebook is ideally already into its “retiree” period by the time you’ve landed in Santiago or Taipei.
Robert Reid
Print or digital?
Most major guidebook publishers offer multiple formats of their guidebooks – ebooks, phone apps, and even audio versions.
I suggest you go to the public library and check out a guidebook in the alternate format you are considering.
Try to use it.
Personally, digital guidebooks are not my thing. I like to see the big picture spread out in front of me, in the form of a physical book.
And after the planning process, right before we take off on a trip, I rip my guidebooks.
Yep. Rip them to shreds.
I only take the sections I need. The guidebook will be out-of-date if I ever want to return – I would buy a new one anyway.
(BTW – the library frowns on ripping up their books. Obviously, only rip if it’s your guidebook!)
While I cling to paper, my husband loves digital format guidebooks.
Viva la difference!
Here you can browse a wide selection of Kindle guidebooks:
Pacific Northwest guidebooks
General Pacific Northwest guidebooks
Lonely Planet Washington, Oregon, and the Pacific Northwest
Lonely Planet Pacific Northwest’s Best Trips
Fodor’s Pacific Northwest: Portland, Seattle, Vancouver and the Best of Oregon and Washington
Moon Pacific Northwest: With Oregon, Washington, and Vancouver
Moon Pacific Northwest Road Trip: Seattle, Vancouver, Victoria, the Olympic Peninsula, Portland, the Oregon Coast, and Mount Rainier
Moon Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip: California, Oregon, and Washington
Rough Guides Snapshot USA: Pacific Northwest
Fodor’s Complete Guide to National Parks of the West
Moon Road Trip USA: Pacific Coast Highway
Outdoor Pacific Northwest guidebooks
Moon Pacific Northwest Hiking: The Complete Guide to More Than 900 of the Best Hikes in Washington and Oregon
Moon Pacific Northwest Camping: The Complete Guide to Tent and RV Camping in Washington and Oregon
The Creaky Knees Guide: The 75 Best Easy Hikes – Pacific Northwest and National Parks & Monuments
Waterfall Lover’s Guide to Pacific Northwest: Where to Find Hundreds of Spectacular Waterfalls in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho (older – 2013)
Hiking Hot Springs in the Pacific Northwest: A Guide to the Area’s Best Backcountry Hot Springs (older – 2014)
Wildlife of the Pacific Northwest: Tracking and Identifying Mammals, Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians, and Invertebrates
Special interest Pacific Northwest guidebooks
The Dog Lover’s Companion to the Pacific Northwest: The Inside Scoop on Where to Take Your Dog (older – 2009)
Motorcycle Touring in the Pacific Northwest: The Region’s Best Rides (older – 2010)
Spectacular Golf Pacific Northwest: The Most Scenic and Challenging Golf Holes in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho (older – 2015)
Clamming the Pacific Northwest (older – 2016)
Garden walks in the Pacific Northwest: Beautiful Gardens along the Coast from Oregon to British Columbia (older – 2006)
Moon Pacific Northwest Fishing: The Complete Guide to Lakes, Streams, and Saltwater (older – 2012)
Alaska Guidebooks
General guidebooks
Fodor’s Alaska
Lonely Planet Alaska
The Milepost 2019: Alaska Travel Planner
Super Cheap Alaska – Travel Guide 2020
DK Eyewitness Alaska 2020
Moon Alaska: Scenic Drives, National Park, Best Hikes
Alaska cruise guidebooks
Fodor’s The Complete Guide to Alaska Cruises
Alaska Cruises for 1st Timers: Attractions, Excursions, Weather, and Ports of Call
Lonely Planet Cruise Ports Alaska
Frommer’s Easyguide to Alaskan Cruises and Ports of Call
Alaska by Cruise Ship: The Complete Guide to Cruising Alaska
Insight Guides Pocket Alaska Ports of Call
Alaska city and regional guides
Moon Anchorage, Denali, and the Kenai Peninsula
Exploring Alaska’s Kenai Fjords
Alaska outdoor guidebooks
Dayhiking Southcentral Alaska: Anchorage Area, Kenai Peninsula, Mat-Su Valley
50 Hikes in Alaska’s Chugach State Park
55 Ways to the Wilderness in Southcentral Alaska
Hiking Alaska: A Guide to Alaska’s Greatest Hiking Adventures
Hiking Alaska’s Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve
Alaska special Interest guidebooks
Vagabonding with Kids: Alaska – Sea Lions Aren’t Cuddly and Other Truths of the Last Frontier
Taken by the Wind: The Northwest Cost – A Guide to Sailing the Coasts of British Columbia and Southwest Alaska
Kayaking the Inside Passage: A Paddler’s Guide from Puget Sound, Washington to Glacier Bay, Alaska
British Columbia guidebooks
General guidebooks
Moon British Columbia: Including Alaska Highway
Moon Canadian Rockies including Banff and Jasper National Parks
Lonely Planet British Columbia and the Canadian Rockies
British Columba city and regional guides
Vancouver Marco Polo Travel Guide
Fodor’s Vancouver and Victoria: with Whistler, Vancouver Island, and the Okanagan Valley
Lonely Planet Vancouver
Lonely Planet Vancouver and Victoria
Lonely Planet Pocket Vancouver
Moon Victoria and Vancouver Island
Insight Guides Explore Vancouver and Victoria
Moon Vancouver & Canadian Rockies Road Trip
Vancouver: Cities, Sights, and Other Places You Need to Visit
Victoria B.C Travel Guide: Where to Go & What to Do
Greater than a Tourist – Vancouver British Columbia Canada – 50 Travel Tips from a Local
251 Things to Do in Tofino: And it is NOT just about Surfing (older – 2016)
Lonely Planet Banff, Jasper, and Glacier National Parks
Frommer’s Banff and the Canadian Rockies Day by Day
Moon Glacier National Park
Moon Banff National Park
British Columbia outdoor guidebooks
105 Hikes in and Around Southwestern British Columbia
British Columbia special interest guidebooks
Vancouver Restaurant Guide 2020
Gold Panning in British Columbia (older)
To the Lighthouse: An Explorer’s Guide to the Island Lighthouses of Southwestern BC
Idaho guidebooks
General Interest
Moon Idaho
Greater than a Tourist – Boise, Idaho USA: 50 Travel Tips from a Local
Idaho Off the Beaten Path – Discover Your Fun
Discovering Idaho’s Scenic Drives and Backroad Treasures
Backcountry Roads Idaho
Idaho outdoor guidebooks
Hiking Idaho: A Guide to the State’s Greatest Hiking Adventures
Moon Montana, Wyoming and Idaho Camping
Special interest guidebooks
Idaho: A Climbing Guide (older – 2000)
Flyfisher’s Guide to Idaho (older – 2013)
Gem Trails of Idaho & Western Montana (older – 2012)
Rockhounding Idaho: A Guide to 99 of the State’s Best Rockhounding Sites (older – 2010)
Foraging Idaho: Finding, Identifying and Preparing Edible Wild Foods
Paddling Idaho: A Guide to the States Best Paddling Routes
Backpacking Idaho: From Alpine Peaks to Desert Canyons
Lekuak: The Basque Places of Boise, Idaho
Boise Restaurant Guide 2020
Oregon guidebooks
General guidebooks
Moon Oregon
Fodors Oregon
Oregon Off the Beaten Path
Weird Oregon: Your Travel Guide to Oregon’s Local Legends and Best Kept Secrets
Oregon Road Trip Series:
Oregon Road Trips – Southwest Edition
Oregon Road Trips – Southeast Edition
Oregon Road Trips – Northeast Edition
Oregon Road Trips – Columbia River Gorge
Oregon Coast Road Trip – Mt. Hood Edition
Oregon city and regional guides
Moon Coastal Oregon
Ultimate Oregon Coast Travel: Lincoln City
The Oregon Coast Guide: Where to Go When You Go to the Coast
Oregon Coast Access Guide: A Mile by Mile Guide to Scenic and Recreational Attractions (older – 2008)
Columbia River Gorge – An Explorer’s Guide
Moon Portland
Portland Oregon: The Delaplaine 2019 Long Weekend Guide
Walking Portland: 33 Tours of Stumptown’s Funky Neighborhoods, Historic Landmarks, Park Trails, Farmer’s Markets, and Brewpubs
Portland Hill Walks: 24 Explorations in Parks and Neighborhoods (older – 2013)
Portland Stair Walks: Explore Portland Oregon’s Public Staircases
The Zinester’s Guide to Portland: A Low/No Budget Guide to the Rose City
True Portland: The Unofficial Guide for Creative People
100 Things to Do in Portland, Oregon Before You Die
Frommer’s Portland Day by Day
Lonely Planet Pocket Portland & Willamette Valley
Oregon outdoor guidebooks
100 Hikes/Travel Guide: Eastern Oregon
100 Hikes/Travel Guide: Oregon Coast & Coast Range
100 Hikes/Travel Guide: Southern Oregon & Northern California
50 Hikes with Kids: Oregon and Washington
Day Hiking Oregon Coast: Beaches, Headlands, and Oregon Trail
Day Hiking Mount Hood: A Year-Round Guide
Rail-Trails: Washington and Oregon
60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Portland: Including the Coast, Mount Hood, Mount St. Helens, and the Santiam River
Moon Oregon Camping
Best Tent Camping: Oregon: Your Car-Camping Guide to Scenic Beauty, the Sounds of Nature, and an Escape from Civilization
Best Easy Day Hikes Portland, Oregon (older – 2014)
Oregon special interest guidebooks
Oregon Festivals: A Guide to Fun, Friends, Food & Frivolity
The Lewis and Clark Columbia River Water Trail: A Guide for Paddlers, Hikers, and Other Explorers (older – 2004)
One Night Wilderness: Portland: Top Backcountry Getaways Within Three Hours of the City
Best Trail Runs – Portland, Oregon
Best Bike Rides – Portland, Oregon
Portland Family Adventures: City Escapades, Day Trips, Weekend Getaways, and Itineraries for Fun-Loving Families
Walking with Ramona: Exploring Beverly Cleary’s Portland
Portland, Oregon Food Crawls: Touring the Neighborhoods One Bite and Libation at a Time
Unique Eats and Eateries of Portland, Oregon
Portland – 2019 – The Food Enthusiast’s Complete Restaurant Guide
Washington guidebooks
General guidebooks
Moon Washington
Weird Washington: Your Travel Guide to Washingtons Local Legends and Best Kept Secrets
111 Places in Washington You Must Not Miss
Lonely Planet Washington, Oregon & the Pacific Northwest
Washington city and regional guides
Lonely Planet Seattle
Lonely Planet Pocket Seattle
Fodor’s Seattle
Frommer’s Seattle Day by Day – 28 Smart Ways to See the City
Insight Guides City Guide Seattle
Easy Weekend Getaways from Seattle
Seattle Walks: Discovering History and Nature in the City
Walking Seattle: 35 Tours of the Jet City’s Parks, Landmarks, Neighborhoods, and Scenic Views
Urban Trails Seattle: Shoreline, Renton, Kent, Vashon Island
Seattle Townscape Walks: 210 Miles, 52 Maps
Monumental Seattle: The Stories Behind the City’s Stature, Memorials, and Markers
Moon San Juan Islands
Moon Olympic Peninsula (older – 2015)
The North Cascades Highway: A Roadside Guide (older – 2013)
Washington outdoor guidebooks
Hiking Washington: A Guide to the State’s Greatest Hiking Adventures (older – 2014)
100 Classic Hikes: Washington
Hiking Through History Washington: Exploring the Evergreen State’s Past By Trail
Hiking Washington’s History
Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail: Washington
Urban Hikes Washington
Washingtons Pacific Coast: A Guide to Hiking, Camping, Fishing & Other Adventures
Day Hiking Snoqualmie Region (older – 2011)
Day Hike! Central Cascades
Day Hike! Olympia Peninsula
Hiking Olympic National Park
Hiking the North Cascades: A Guide to More than 100 Great Hiking Adventures
Moon 75 Great Hikes Seattle
Best Hikes with Kids: Western Washington
100 Hikes in the Inland Northwest – Eastern Washington, Northern Rockies, Wallowas
Waterfall Lover’s Guide: Pacific Northwest (older – 2013)
Hiking Waterfalls in Washington: A Guide to the State’s Best Waterfall Hikes (older – 2015)
Rail-Trails Washington & Oregon
Camping Washington: The Best Public Campgrounds for Tents & RV’s
Moon Washington Camping: The Complete Guide to Tent and RV Camping
Best Tent Camping: Washington: Your Car-Camping Guide to Scenic Beauty, the Sounds of Nature, and an Escape from Civilization
Washington special interest guidebooks
Rockhounding Washington: A Guide to the State’s Best Sites
Rock Climbing Washington
Biking Puget Sound: 60 Rides from Olympia to the San Juans (older – 2014)
Backpacking Washington: Overnight and Multi-Day Routes (older – 2011)
Foraging Washington: Finding, Identifying, and Preparing Edible Wild Foods
Flyfisher’s Guide to Washington (older – 2013)
Snowshoe Routes Washington (older – 2015)
Seattle Food Crawls: Touring the Neighborhoods One Bite and Libation at a Time
Other Jaunty posts on the Pacific Northwest:
Pacific Northwest Itinerary: 12 Day Road Trip
What is the Pacific Northwest {for travelers}
A Weekend in Bend, Oregon- In Summer
How to Make the Most of Your Trip to Oregon Caves Monument
Cottage Grove Covered Bridge Trail – Oregon
How to Make the Most of Your Trip to Crater Lake National Park
A Weekend in Eugene: Choose Your Own Adventure
A Weekend in Ashland, Oregon: Choose Your Own Adventure
Latourell Falls Loop Trail, Columbia River Gorge, OR
Did we miss one? Let us know in the comments, and we will check it out.
