This is another outstanding travel guide from our friends at Lonely Planet. This book is primarily aimed at budget travelers, and contains a host of practical information on places, lodgings, climate, and things to do. Many consider the Pacific Northwest to be the most appealing part of the USA, and this guide provides excellent information on its prime attractions. First, readers will learn about the area's two large cities (Seattle, Portland), both of which are worth a major look. There is also a host of information on superb outdoor sights and activities, including Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens, and Olympia National Park in Washington, the Columbia River Gorge (forming the border of the two states), plus Oregon's Mount Hood and Crater Lake. As the book suggests, hikers, campers, and outdoor types should enjoy the enticing landscape but exercise normal caution on potential hazards from weather, terrain, animals, etc. The book also covers a nearby slice of British Columbia, Canada (including Vancouver), and those wishing to visit should bring their passport. If this guide has a downside, it's relative compactness means imperfect maps and a lack of complete coverage on several interesting locations. Still, this is an excellent overall guide to a very attractive destination.