
Staying close to home this summer, and looking for some good Pacific Northwest beers to get you through? If road trips and breweries are your thing, these five hoppy destinations are worth the drive. So pack up the car, grab an empty growler (or two), and hit the road for an epic beer-centric staycation. Whether you’re craving a hazy IPA or a dark and stormy Porter, we’ve found the answer to your beercation dreams.
As always, have fun but please drink responsibly. And we suggest checking each brewery’s Yelp page for current covid precautions and a website link to their most up-to-date tap list.
1. Astoria, Oregon
Home to Goonies fans and the end of the Lewis & Clark Trail, this historic town has become a destination for beer enthusiasts too.
Beers worth the trip: Fort George Brewery’s 3-Way IPA and the Passion Fruit Sour at Astoria Brewing Company.
Best brewery bite: Fried oysters at Buoy Beer.
Beer to take home: Fill ‘er up at The Growler Guys.
Where to stay: Grab a hot tub suite at the Cannery Pier Hotel & Spa.
Hoppy side trip: Cross the Columbia River for a Leadbetter Red Scottish Ale at North Jetty Brewing.
More Astoria breweries.
2. Vancouver, Washington
While many beer-lovers flock to nearby Portland to get their hops fix, Vancouver boasts a strong craft beer scene of its own.
Beers worth the trip: The Loowit Lager at Loowit Brewing and Brothers Cascadia Brewing’s You Like ‘A Da Juice Hazy IPA.
Best brewery bite: Breakfast tacos at Heathen Brewing Feral Public House.
Beer to take home: Choose from dozens of beers, ciders and kombucha at Taps Growler House.
Where to stay: Unwind at the historic Camas Hotel.
Hoppy side trip: Head east to Hood River, OR for a cold Pilsner at Pfriem Family Brewers.
More Vancouver breweries.
3. Coeur D’Alene, Idaho
Situated along the shores of beautiful Lake Coeur d’Alene, this popular resort destination boasts a strong craft beer scene too.
Beers worth the trip: The new Cryopop Hazy IPA at Daft Badger Brewing and Paragon Brewing’s Haymaker Hefe.
Best brewery bite: Eggs Benedict Pizza at Trails End Brewery.
Beer to take home: Stock up on bottles of local and regional faves at Crafted Tap House.
Where to stay: Soak in an antique clawfoot tub at The Blackwell.
Hoppy side trip: Head to nearby Spokane for the Czech Pilsner at Perry Street Brewing.
More Coeur D’Alene breweries.
4. Skagit County, Washington
The area may be most famous for the annual Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, but its growing brewery scene is becoming a destination of its own.
Beers worth the trip: Terramar Brewing’s Maker Mark Saison and the Goosetown Brown at North Sound Brewing.
Best brewery bite: Mango Curry Chicken Wings at Bastion Brewing.
Beer to take home: Grab a bottle (or two) of the legendary sours at Garden Path Fermentation Project.
Where to stay: Enjoy the hospitality at Whispering Firs Bed & Breakfast Lodge.
Hoppy side trip: Take the ferry to Friday Harbor for a pint of San Juan Island Brewing’s Bull Kelp ESB.
More Skagit breweries.
5. Bend, Oregon
It may be a bit of a haul to get there, but it wouldn’t be a true beer pilgrimage without a trip to Central Oregon’s self-proclaimed beer capital.
Beers worth the trip: Crux Fermentation Project’s Solar Sailor Juicy IPA and the Peppercorn Imperial Wit at Monkless Belgian Ales.
Best brewery bite: The Elk Burger at Deschutes Brewery.
Beer to take home: Grab a growler of local goodness at Big Dog Growlers.
Where to stay: Enjoy a casual, hostel (and beer) experience at Bunk + Brew Historic Lucas House.
Hoppy side trip: Head north to Redmond for Wild Ride Brewing’s Nut Crusher Peanut Butter Porter.
More Bend breweries.