The West Coast region is made up of three states, California, Oregon, and Washington, well-known for their natural beauty. Their coastal location invited early settlement, and the region's natural wonders are arguably matched by its many manmade ones. The Golden Gate Bridge and the streetcars rolling up and down the hills of San Francisco evoke times past, and the Space Needle in Washington is a testimony to human ingenuity. With a true mix of cultures brought to the area by enormous opportunities there, the West Coast has many large cities and a thriving economy. Yet the people in the region value the outdoors and spend time swimming, surfing, biking, hiking, and skiing. Readers will gain a comprehensive view of the region and how geographic features shape human settlement and culture.