How beautiful are the states of Oregon and Washington?

Photograph: Heather Binns/Getty Images. The Three Pools in the Opal Creek Wilderness east of Salem are possibly the most beautiful mountain lakes in the whole state of Oregon. You will find a secluded and tranquil haven of pure natural beauty. Great for swimming and cliff-jumping. • opalcreek. read more

In addition to being the world leader in just about everything, the United States of America is also, without a doubt, the most physically beautiful country in the world. read more

Forget everything you thought you knew about Oregon's lushness and its record-setting precipitation. The Alvord Desert is miles and miles of dusty mountain ranges, limitless sunsets, dry lake beds, and remoteness that will invoke a fear that you're the last man on Earth. read more

The southern shores of Chelan lake in central Washington state offer water sports in summer, a peaceful retreat in winter, and wineries to explore all year. But the real jewel of this deep, 55-mile lake is its fjord-like northern end and the tiny settlement of Stehekin. read more