Few places in the world boast more awesome sites on both land and water than the Pacific Northwest. A playground for nature lovers, the region’s bounty of rivers, lakes, beaches, forests and mountain ranges creates a feeling of modern-day exploration. When the route is as rewarding as the destination, it only makes sense to hitch your Boston Whaler to your GMC and take in the tree-lined roadways, historic waterways and rugged terrain of a Pacific Northwest road trip.

Keep in Mind:
Follow these trailering tips from the experts at GMC to ensure a smooth journey. (For more helpful advice, head to the Trailering section of GMC.com or consult your local Boston Whaler dealer.)

• First things first: As you perform maintenance and safety checks before setting out, include the tow vehicle. Inspect fluids, battery and lights. Most importantly, check your tow vehicle’s brakes, which provide primary stopping power even if your trailer has its own braking system.
• Attaching your trailer properly to your tow vehicle is crucial. Be sure the trailer coupler fits properly on the trailer ball and the latch is in the down, or locked, position.
• When you arrive at the launch ramp, slow and steady wins the race. Give yourself as much room as possible when turning while reversing. Go slowly and try to make lots of small corrections rather than a few large ones.

Portland, Oregon:

On the Willamette River, you can hook Chinook, steelhead and other big-river fish or explore downtown Portland through one of the city’s most unique vantage points—your own Boston Whaler. The nearly 200-mile-long Willamette moves at a relaxing pace. Coast along its wild edges to spot great blue heron or take in Oregon’s largest city via the Riverplace Marina, a 24-hour public dock within walking distance of downtown Portland.

Renton, Washington:

As you head north of Portland, the state of Washington teases views of snow-capped Mount Rainier. Continue less than three hours to discover the small-town charm of Renton, Washington. Its key location drops you and your crew in the center of terrific freshwater fishing and water-sports fun at the southeastern edge of the 22-mile-long Lake Washington. Stretching from North Seattle southward, Lake Washington is accessible to the public via Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park’s eight boat launch lanes. Picnic shelters, golf and tennis, a swimming beach and a botanical walk provide additional entertainment.

San Juan Islands via Anacortes:

The boutique village of Anacortes sits 85 miles north on Fidalgo Island and proves an excellent lunch-and-launch spot for the San Juan Islands. Savor the flavors of one of the many specialized local bistros, station your trusty GMC in the Anacortes Ferry Terminal parking lot and hit the water for the destination of your choice. Stretch your legs on Orcas Island’s hiking trails in Moran State Park, tour San Juan’s Friday Harbor by foot or get close to the National Wildlife Refuge of Lopez Island by kayak. Whichever island you choose and whichever way you choose to explore it, GMC and Boston Whaler will make the San Juan Islands’ peaceful views of lush forests abreast the Pacific’s blue waters yours to explore.