Pacific Northwest

• Be prepared for weather changes. Depending on the region, you could be on dry, dusty trails in Central Oregon to damp, wet forest trails in Seattle. Make sure you're bringing several layers, rain jacket, long pants, and plenty of changes of clothing to make sure you are prepared. There is a huge range of conditions, and it's better to bring more than less. 
• Can you book a private group? If your group size is large enough, you can book a private guided tour. This is the ideal way to experience the region, as you can tailor the trip to your specific groups ability level. There is so much riding in the Pacific Northwest that you can be on really advanced, technical trails all the way to easy stuff for new riders. Make sure you get the most out of your trip by booking a private when possible. 
• Hit a local brewery after your ride. The region is known for great food and even better beer and cider. Be sure to take advantage of the local scene. Bend, Leavenworth, and Oakridge are known as much for their food and beer scene as they are for being mountain biking destinations. 

Trail conditions are the name of the game here. Because of the different climates, you can have good riding nearly all spring, summer and fall. The drier regions will be ready in early spring and ride well through the fall. Most of the trail networks will remain dry as you get further away from the coast and into the central parts of Oregon and Washington and all the way into the southern parts of Idaho. Good sunshine and great riding weather all season long. 

In the more coastal regions you'll find conditions similar to Coastal BC. The dirt is a mixture of damp wood rot or mulch and sand or clay, that results in very dark, rich dirt that mountain bike tires can really grab onto. Some call it hero dirt. It will often be found in more humid climates and deeper forested areas, but these are the iconic trails that most people think of when they head to the Pacific Northwest. 

The other major perks is the mountain bike culture in the towns near large trail networks. Even Seattle and Portland, though major city, boast a solid bike culture and scene. The small towns live and die by bike culture. There is something incredible about being in a town like Oakridge, Oregon where town murals depict mountain bikers and famous trails, and the downtown is packed with bike shops, coffee shops and breweries.