The Pacific Region of the The Pacific Region of the United StatesUnited States

California, Oregon, California, Oregon, Washington,Washington,

Alaska, and HawaiiAlaska, and Hawaii

Three Main Mountain Ranges: Coast Range: Mountainous coast along most of

three states; extends from Canada to Mexico Sierra Nevada Range: One of the longest and

highest ranges in the US; located in the eastern region of California

(Mt. Whitney) Cascade Range: Begin in northern Washington

and continue to northern California. These are active volcanic (Mt. St. Helens) and dormant volcanic

(Mt. Ranier) mountains.

Terrain of the Pacific Coast Region

Climate of the Pacific Coast Region

Generally mild Moderate to extreme

precipitation depending on closeness to the ocean

Some inland areas are dry with extreme temperatures

PACIFIC COAST STATES

State Capital Abbreviation

California Sacramento CA

Oregon Salem OR

Washington Olympia WA

Alaska Juneau AK

Hawaii Honolulu HI

California California is the most

urbanized state in the US.

The Central Valley is located in between the Coast Mts.(west) and the Sierra Nevada Mts. (east).

The Mojave Desert is located in the south central part of CA.

Death Valley is north and east of the Mojave Desert and is the hottest and lowest point in the US.

CA

Los Angeles Los Angeles is the

largest city in California and the second largest city in the US.

It is the financial, industrial, and trade center of the western US.

San Francisco San Francisco is

the second largest city in California.

It has the largest Asian population on the mainland US.

San Diego San Diego is the

third largest city in California.

It is a naval and aerospace center for the US.

Agriculture is the main industry in California, especially fruit, vegetables, and

wine.

Tourism is an important industry in California.

OREGON The most

populated area is in the fertile Willamette Valley that lies along the Willamette River in the northwestern area of the state.

Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the US.

Portland Portland is the

largest city and a major center for industry and trade.

Lumbering and Fishing Lumbering is the

most important industry in Oregon.

It is the main timber-producing state in the US.

Fishing is the main industry in the western part of Oregon, especially trout and salmon.

WASHINGTON Washington is the

gateway for sea, air, and land travel to Alaska and onto the Pacific.

Two-thirds of the state is covered with national forests and parks.

Aluminum, lumber, and paper are the largest industries.

Washington is the nation’s largest producer of hydroelectric power from the Grand Coulee Dam.

Seattle Seattle is located on

the eastern shore of Puget Sound in the northwestern part of Washington.

It is the manufacturing, trade, and transportation center for the Pacific Northwest.

ALASKA Alaska is the largest state

in area, but one of the smallest in population.

The Arctic Ocean is the northern border, and the Pacific Ocean is the southern border.

The Bering Strait separates Alaska from Russia.

The Aleutian Islands extend west from the southern tip and include many active volcanoes.

Alaskan Mountains The Brooks

Mountain Range stretches across northern Alaska.

Mt. McKinley, the highest peak in North America, is part of the Alaskan Range.

Resources and Industries of Alaska

Alaska is the largest gold producing state in the US. Gold is found in the Yukon River near Fairbanks and Nome on Seward’s Peninsula.

Oil and natural gas are other major resources.

Fishing is a major industry.

“Land of the Midnight Sun” In Barrow, Alaska

the sun shines constantly for 84 days: (May 10-Aug.2).

There is no sun

for 67 days: (Nov. 18 - Jan. 24).

HAWAII Hawaii is the only state

not on the continent of North America.

Hawaii consists of 132 volcanic islands in the Pacific Ocean.

There are 8 major islands. The state capital is located

on the island of Oahu. The island of Hawaii is

called the “Big Island” because it is the largest island.

Hawaii’s Active Volcanoes The “Big Island”

of Hawaii has two active volcanoes. They are Mauna Loa and Kilauea. They are part of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Tourism is an Important Industry in Hawaii.

The USS Arizona Memorial is located in Pearl Harbor on the island of Oahu.

Waikiki is a famous resort area on the island of Oahu.

Hawaii’s Major Exports Sugar cane is

Hawaii’s most valuable crop.

Pineapple is Hawaii’s second most important product.