Compass American Guides: Pacific Northwest

I have used the author's guide to Coastal California as well. Both of these are pretty good books. This author truly knows these regions, gives good advise and accurate descriptions. The problem is that it needs to be updated. The prices for the hotels are grossly inaccurate and many of the recommended restaurants have long gone out of business.Additionally, there is an error in the book. There are detailed directions to get from Portland to the Columbia Gorge Scenic Hywy. and they are WRONG!These detractors aside, this is a very well laid out and comprehensive book. When you read the book you will get a very good sense of what to expect. There is also some neat historical info. heading each region's sections. That is a nice way to introduce the next area. The maps are great and the tours are fun. The gift of this book and the other I mentioned by Dorper is that I think he really knows the area. It is not a quick or glossy overview of the area, but more of a feel of what a person who has lived and loved that place would tell you about it. It also benefits from the author's gifted and colorful writing style... never dry! The pictures are spectacular and do the area justice. A very good guide and a very beautiful place to visit.