The Pacific Northwest

The Pacific Northwest, which lies between the Pacific Ocean and the Rocky Mountains, has no official boundaries, except for the states of Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia. Included is Alaska and Yukon and the mountainous regions of California and east Idaho. The term "Pacific Northwest" should not be confused with the Northwest Territories in Canada. In comparison to Chicago, Illinois, the greater metropolitan areas include Seattle, Washington, Vancouver, British Columbia, and Portland, Oregon. 

The Climate of the Pacific Northwest varies within the areas. An Alpine Climate resides in the high mountains, especially in the rainshadow areas. An Arid climate is found in Oregon, and a Humid continental climate occurs in British Columbia. A subarctic climate is also found in Yukon and Alaska.

Most of the population of the Pacific Northwest is concentrated in the Portland-Seattle-Vancouver corridor. This area is sometimes seen as a megacity (similar to Chicago and it's surrounding cities) that stretches along interstate 5 in the states of Oregon and Washington and Highway 99 in Canada. Vast areas of the region may not have any population at all, because of the large mountains and forests that make them inhabitable.