In an article posted by National Geographic Traveler the Columbia River Gorge Region scored 77 points along with the Swiss Alps Germany.  A panelist with the National Geographic is quoted by saying

“Burgeoning wine industry is bringing a new kind of cultural and environmental awareness to the area that is certainly going to be a boon for tourism and for the area’s prospects. Major issue to be negotiated is viability of the salmon habitat….”

Read the entire article at http://traveler.nationalgeographic.com/2009/11/destinations-rated/list-text