Pacific Northwest

The Pacific Northwest (PNW) is an area often defined as northwestern corner of the continental United States. Its boundaries are imprecise: the Pacific coast states of Washington and Oregon are always included, with northern Idaho and northern California a common addition, although extreme eastern Oregon near Boise may be excluded because of the Rocky Mountain influence. Montana west of the Continental Divide, esp. the extreme west near Missoula is sometimes also included.

Related Topics:
Continental United States - Pacific - Washington - Oregon - Idaho - California - Boise - Rocky Mountain

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A multinational view of PNW leads to the inclusion of southwestern British Columbia. This broader view may relate to the region's modern origins in the former Oregon Country.

Related Topics:
British Columbia - Oregon Country

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In ecology, the PNW is restricted to the coastal region from Kodiak Island in Alaska south to northwest California, but not extending more than 50-100 km inland. That region is characterized by high rainfall and an oceanic climate with mild winters.

Related Topics:
Ecology - Coastal region - Kodiak Island - Alaska - California - Climate

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