Natural and architectural aesthetics play a major role in many students’ choice of college. Of course the choice of each individual comes down to taste. Some students prefer ivy-covered brick buildings. Others enjoy more modern, state-of-the-art construction. There’s a lot between as well. Nobody is suggesting that aesthetics are the most important factor for most students. However, when choosing between two similar schools, most will choose the one they find beautiful.
Great College Deals has identified the following ten colleges as the most beautiful in the Pacific Northwest. The northwest is Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. There are more than ten beautiful colleges in this part of the country. These ten colleges represent what the northwest has to offer. The following schools were chosen and ranked based on specific criteria.
Methodology for Beautiful Pacific Northwest Colleges
Coming up with a ranking of “the most beautiful” presents some inherent challenges. For instance, what one person finds beautiful won’t necessarily be the case for others. Therefore, we used a holistic approach to determine our top 10 from more than 25 contenders. We based our decision on a series of factors, including:
- architectural awards & recognition
- student enjoyment
- notable features
- historical significance
Keep scrolling for the 10 most beautiful college campuses in the Pacific Northwest!
Ranking the Most Beautiful Colleges in the Pacific Northwest
1. Lewis & Clark College
Portland, Oregon
Lewis & Clark College in Portland has a campus designed to inspire students to get outdoors. The small liberal arts college boasts 130+ acres atop Portland’s Palatine Hill. Lewis and Clark College offers stunning views of Mt. Hood. Attached to the campus is the Tryon Creek State Natural Area. It’s a nature reserve that has become the focal point of Lewis & Clark College’s green efforts. The campus is full of unique structures. Many of the most recent additions are LEED-certified buildings. Many others are original and historical buildings. The campus has been called one of the prettiest in the country by design experts at Princeton Review.
2. Willamette University
Salem, Oregon
Willamette University’s historic campus sits south of the Oregon State Capitol building. Despite its urban setting, Willamette’s campus feels a bit like a rural hideaway. There are many tree-lined walking paths. Students can visit the campus botanical garden. There’s even a W-shaped stream. There are many architectural gems on campus. Eaton Hall was built in 1909, an example of the Late Gothic Revival style. Waller Hall opened in 1867. It is the oldest educational building west of the Mississippi that is still in use. Lausanne Hall was built in 1920. It was the original site of the school’s Women’s College.
3. Whitworth University
Spokane, Washington
Whitworth University consistently ranks as one of the best colleges. This in addition to being considered one of the most beautiful. The school is situated on 200 pine-covered acres in Spokane, Washington. Much of the campus features red-brick, collegiate-style buildings. A prime example is McMillan Hall, built in 1913. In the last two decades, Whitworth has spent upwards of $100 million in renovations. These include a new state-of-the-art science center, a center for the visual arts, and a student rec center.
4. Western Washington University
Bellingham, Washington
Located 90 miles from Seattle, Western Washington University is a peaceful Pacific Coast refuge. The campus has been described by current and former students as “magical.” Red-brick pathways wind through the conifer-scented campus, enjoyed by students and deer alike. Campus gems include the Wilson Library Reading Room (nicknamed “The Harry Potter Room”). Haskell Plaza has grassy mounds organized into a rough map of the San Juan Islands. And then there is impressive Performing Arts Center Plaza. Views of the islands and Bellingham Bay are available from most of the campus. The nearby town of Bellingham boasts pubs, living music venues, and great restaurants.
5. University of Washington
Seattle, Washington
To quote Forbes Magazine on UW’s Seattle campus, “Snow-capped mountain views in an urban setting is a sweet deal.” Indeed, the University of Washington boasts impressive natural beauty. From much of the 703-acre campus, students and visitors can take in the inspiring views of the Olympic Mountains and the Cascade Range. As if that weren’t enough, the main quad area is ringed with cherry trees that blossom during the spring months. But it’s not just natural beauty that this public state university can be proud of. Imposing Denny Hall is arguably the most impressive building on campus. Designed by Charles Saunders and opened for classes in 1895, Denny Hall is a perfect example of French Renaissance style.
6. Gonzaga University
Spokane, Washington
Gonzaga University’s main campus is in Spokane, Washington. The campus is 152 acres of manicured lawns, colorful gardens, and traditional red-brick buildings. Though Gonzaga is home to several notable buildings, the centerpiece is St. Aloysius Church. The church’s spires are a Spokane landmark. To get a good look at the Gonzaga campus, follow the route of statues that includes St. Aloysius, St. Joseph, St. Ignatius, and even Bing Crosby.
7. Whitman College
Walla Walla, Washington
Whitman College is in Walla Walla, Washington, which is just fun to say. The school is built around the Pacific Northwest’s natural beauty. Whitman’s campus consists of trails, streams, ponds, and outdoor sculptures. Many of the campus’s buildings were built in the Victorian style. This is complemented by a number of modern structures developed in recent years. Ankeny Field is one of the main gathering spaces on campus. It doubles as a local nature preserve called the Johnston Wilderness Campus. This is used for social events, research purposes, and relaxing.
8. University of Puget Sound
North Tacoma, Washington
The University of Puget Sound’s North Tacoma campus sits just a few minutes’ walk from downtown. The school is located in a mainly residential area. This means students here have the best of both worlds when it comes to their surroundings. Three grassy quads provide ample space for students to take advantage of Washington’s sunny days. The views of Puget Sound never fail to inspire. The English Tudor-Gothic buildings mean the University of Puget Sound resembles one of Great Britain’s charming old universities.
9. Seattle Pacific University
Seattle, Washington
Seattle Pacific University is in and near the historic Queen Anne Hill neighborhood. The 43-acre campus is home to charming brick buildings, state-of-the-art facilities, and some of the oldest trees in Seattle. The most iconic building on campus is surely Alexander Hall. Its original name was the “Red Brick Building” when it was first built to house the Seattle Seminary. Alexander Hall is now the oldest building on campus and is included on the National Register of Historic Places. Students of the main campus may also enjoy taking the occasional trip to Seattle Pacific’s two satellite campuses. These are located on Blakely Island and Whidbey Island. Despite the university’s location in urban Seattle, students often visit nearby Alki Beach and Madonna Beach. There they can engage in fishing, boating, and scuba diving.
10. Reed College
Portland, Oregon
The campus design of Reed College was inspired by St. John’s College at England’s University of Oxford. Today, brick Tudor-Gothic buildings like Eliot Hall comingle with Modernist-style buildings. An example of which is The Psychology Building. Students who want to escape the college’s more urban surroundings can take a walk through The Reed College Canyon. This is a natural wildlife preserve that separates the dorms from the academic buildings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best school in the Pacific Northwest?
Currently, U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Washington as the best university in in the region. Forbes has also declared the University of Washington, Seattle as one of the best of the West. Still, it’s worth mentioning that “the best school” for one student may not be the best school for another.
What is the most prestigious college in Oregon?
In terms of accolades, Oregon State University and Pacific University often rank as the best colleges in the state. Reed College, Willamette University, and Lewis & Clark College are also included high up in Oregon school rankings.
What are the pros and cons of living in the Pacific Northwest?
High cost of living, increasing traffic, and frequent rain are considered the major cons of living in the Pacific Northwest. The pros include abundant natural beauty. This increases the popularity of an outdoorsy lifestyle. It’s also considered to have a friendly population.
What are the best places to live in the Pacific Northwest?
The best places to live will largely depend on your interests. If good weather is important to you, then central Oregon may be the best place for you to live. If you enjoy sea views, then consider Washington’s Olympic Peninsula.
GCD Staff, Updated October 2022
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