Costs are as per national averages (except for Alaska) though mountain areas in the contiguous 48 states experience their high season in winter. Costs in Alaska are, surprisingly, higher than in the "lower 48," but not by much. The high season in Alaska also is summer.
Weather
The moderate temperatures of the Japan Current (similar to the Atlantic's Gulf Stream) warm the northern parts of this coastline (from Seattle down to San Francisco, and even influencing Alaska's coldest days), while the cold Humboldt Current sweeps up from the South Pacific and makes southern California waters cooler than you would think them to be, otherwise. You have several mountain ranges (such as the Sierras) affecting the weather, with deserts, huge forests and valleys (think Death Valley) also acting to make things different from other parts of the country.
Alaska is best in late spring, as well as all summer and into early autumn. In southern Alaska (the Panhandle), summer temperatures average just under 60°F in summer. The Panhandle is always warmer by far than areas in the interior of the main portion of the state, which is huge. And no, "summer" isn't just a few days long, its warmer weather may last as much as six weeks or more up there.
Northern California is best in summer, when temperatures average around 60°F in the daytime.
Southern California is good year round, though January through March can be cold and windy along the coast.
Idaho, Oregon and Washington State are all best from late spring through early fall.
Nevada is best from October through April, when desert temperatures are at their lowest.
Activities in the Far West
In Alaska, if you're not fishing, you are missing a great opportunity. But there are plenty of other outdoor opportunities, ranging from hiking to glacier-viewing, from puddle jumping in a float plane to photographing wild animals throughout the state. Since Alaskans have to stay indoors much of the year, they don't like to remain there during good weather. But you can find a few museums and galleries to keep you happy, especially in Juneau. Best of all, take a Glacier Tour on one of the big cruise ships, and enjoy the outdoors while sitting comfortably in your cabin or lounge, or even on the open deck. The Great Outdoors takes precedence over everything else here, affecting people's lives much more directly than it does in any other state, as the elements can be cruel and unforgiving in winter. This is the place to go fishing, whether it be inland on a rushing creek, or on an ocean-going boat, where you look for salmon or halibut. Be sure to visit the fjords and glaciers, and observe the amazing variety of wildlife here, from the bald eagle to the whales, from polar bears to moose. Indoor activity is mostly centered around small museums, including places such as the Last Chance Mining Museum in Juneau and the Alaska Wildlife Museum in Skagway. Keep an eye out for Russian Orthodox churches, too, remembering that we bought this part of the world from Russia during the Lincoln Administration for a song.
Outdoors in California, look for everything from surfing in the southern part of the state to skiing in the Sierras, something you can accomplish within one day (according to the glitzy travel brochures), perhaps true if you helicopter from one place to another or drive like hell between sea and mountain peak for half the day or more. In the Bay area, you can kayak or go horseback riding, then travel a bit eastwards to hike in Yosemite. Indoors, you can visit the state's many amusement or theme parks (Disneyland for starters?), or investigate the arts in the many museums and performance halls to be found here. At all times, be prepared for a picnic, as the weather is almost always suitable for dining on the grass, with a view.
Idaho and the word "outdoors" are nearly synonymous with residents and visitors alike. Fishing is the great sport here, but hiking, horseback riding, camping and the like follow closely behind. The sheer beauty of the state can't be beat, but if you really want indoors activities, think of Boise's museums and galleries, or just flake out on a resort's front porch.
In Nevada, the big problem with being outdoors is the harsh and dry desert weather. Enjoy a trip to such sites as the Hoover Dam or Lake Mead, keeping as close to water as you can. Houseboating on the lake is popular and not very expensive, and you can also rent speedboats, personal watercraft, canoes, kayaks and sailboats there, many at moderate prices. Similar activities are available on Lake Tahoe, near Reno, where hiking can be enjoyed in the mountains nearby. Indoors, enjoy the casinos of Reno and Las Vegas, including some fine artwork in the latter's Bellagio Hotel.
Up in Oregon, just watching the amazing coastline is enough reason to visit, the ragged coastline being both beautiful and dangerous. You don't want to lie on the beach if rushing waves threaten to carry you away or dash you against the rocks. But hiking and camping in the mountains here can be magnificent experiences, as is fishing on the state's several rivers and many streams. Indoors, take a look at Portland's nation-leading experiments in social responsibility, from its housing policy to the use of transportation (free bus fare downtown) and design of center-city areas. There are also more museums and galleries in this state than one might be led to believe, so be sure to check them out. Don't miss the Japanese and International Rose Test gardens, either.
Washington State is proud of its many outdoor activities, from salmon fishing off boats to trout angling in river, stream and lake. The Olympic Peninsula with its rain forest (yes, way up here in the northwest) is home to a nearly pristine national park (Olympic N. P.), and Puget Sound is dotted with dozens of small islands, where water sports of the quiet kind are encouraged. Across the Cascades to the east is a vast stretch where hiking, snowmobiling and riding are actively promoted throughout all seasons of the year. Indoors, you can listen to the Seattle Symphony, visit four excellent museums in the city (including the Experience Music Project), hit a few of the dozens of art galleries, and take in the Seattle Center, where the tall Space Needle remains a landmark some 25 years after it denoted a world's fair on the site.
