10 Best Small Towns To Visit In Oregon
The fragrant smell of freshly baked Voodoo Doughnuts might be what brought you to "The Beaver State," but indulging in the delightful Tillamook cheese will leave you craving more Oregon delicacies. Washed by the Pacific Ocean, Oregon is famous for the rugged coastal beauty of spots like Cannon Beach and the striking wilderness of Jacksonville. These towns deserve to be highlighted for their strong character that shines brightly through the dense natural landscapes. Besides, don't hesitate to obtain as many souvenirs as you want; there is no sales tax here!
Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach embodies the soul of a beach town. Stretching along the West Coast, this iconic settlement salutes Haystack Rock as it emerges from the Pacific. National Geographic Magazine featured Cannon Beach as one of the most beautiful beaches in the World in 2013. Furthermore, Haystack Rock is a coastal landmark with a magnificent presence; standing 235 feet tall, this towering monolith provides breathtaking vistas of the Ocean. Neighboring sea stacks accompany it, and locals refer to these lofty rocks as "The Needles." Moreover, the nearby Ecola State Park on the headland's edge grants visitors breathtaking coastal views, accessible walking paths, convenient picnic spots, and many hiking trails to explore. Additionally, strolling through the lovely streets of Cannon Beach, several fine eateries can be found and experienced, such as Driftwood Restaurant & Lounge, which serves delicious halibut baked in dill sauce on a bed of onions.
Florence
Florence lies at the mouth of the Siuslaw River, where it flows into the Pacific Ocean. Standing on the banks of the Siuslaw's delta, the town offers an extraordinary view, with spectacular dunes and crystal-clear water. It draws tourists with its many attractions, including swimming, kiteboarding, and surfing along the miles of beach Florence offers. Moreover, Darlingtonia State Natural Site is home to extravagant plant life, including the rare cobra lily, a fascinating carnivorous plant. Additionally, visitors and locals frequently venture into the wilderness to engage in thrilling activities such as riding dune buggies and ATVs or sandboarding on the nearby dunes. Besides, Florence's Old Town district is brimming with interesting shops, the Siuslaw marina, many lodging options, and restaurants, such as Mo's Restaurant, widely appreciated for its fresh clam chowder.
Pacific City
The Nestucca River separates Pacific City's township as it flows towards the Ocean, joined by its tributary. McPhillips Beach offers spectacular views, gentle dunes, and an ideal setting for surfing, fishing, and swimming. Nearby Cape Kiwanda, a notable headland, provides activities like hiking, bird watching, and hang gliding. For a more relaxed experience, the Nestucca River Paddle offers breathtaking scenery, perfect for kayaking or canoeing, with equipment rentals available at Nestucca Adventures. In downtown Pacific City, visitors can explore numerous shops, souvenir stores, and eateries such as Oar House Bar & Grill, known for its tasty fish and chips.
Mosier
Mosier overlooks the Columbia River, which borders Oregon to the south and Washington to the north. The Mosier community has cultivated a distinctive atmosphere where lavender fields meet vineyards, a landscape that draws many travelers. Home to three prolific vineyards in the Columbia River Gorge, Mosier is a destination wine enthusiasts will love. Moreover, wineries like Idiot's Grace Wines offer tasteful meat-based dishes paired with their best self-produced organic wines in a modern setting beside a vineyard. Furthermore, the nearby Memaloose State Park combines prairies with a dense forest along the river. It offers visitors campsites and hiking opportunities along paths that immerse them in breathtaking vistas.
Brownsville
Brownsville was established in 1846 by Oregon Trail settlers, serving as a key crossroad by the Calapooia River. It's famously known as the filming location of Castel Rock in the 1986 movie "Stand by Me." History enthusiasts can explore the Linn County Museum to learn about Brownsville’s early European settlers and the Native American Kalapuya tribe. The nearby Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway offers cyclists a scenic route through the region, while the Willamette River National Water Trail is perfect for canoeing and kayaking. Additionally, Brownsville hosts various festivals, including the Brownsville Antique Faire in early August, a one-day event featuring numerous vendors with vintage items and collectibles.
Yachats
Where the green of Cape Perpetua meets the blue of the Pacific Ocean, the settlement of Yachats borders the calm waters of the Yachats River as they form a delta. The name 'Yachats' originates from the Siletz tribe of Native Americans and means "dark water at the foot of the mountain.' Cape Perpetua Scenic Area is a key highlight, covering 2,700 acres of coastal forest and offering hiking trails, tide pools, and viewpoints with stunning views of the Oregon Coast Range. It hosts some of the coast's most remarkable natural phenomena, including the Spouting Horn, a blowhole that erupts water up to 60 feet high, and Thor's Well, a sinkhole creating a striking whirlpool. Additionally, Yachats features diverse dining options, such as Luna Sea Fish House, a rustic eatery serving fresh seafood like salmon and crab, along with crispy fries.
Silverton
Nestled amidst wetlands and Pudding River rapids northeast of Salem, Silverton is located on the alluvial plain of the Willamette Valley. Known as Oregon's "Garden City," it features lush vegetation, numerous waterfalls, and a charming rustic atmosphere, all surrounded by tulip prairies. Silver Falls State Park is a must-see, famous for its ten stunning waterfalls that tumble down the rocks. The park also offers thrilling tree climbing experiences, where guided instructors help you ascend and descend giant trees up to 300 feet tall, some among the tallest in the world. Additionally, The Oregon Garden is a major highlight, spreading over 80 acres as a lush botanical park with a wide variety of rare and beautiful plants. It includes a dedicated children's area and a pet-friendly zone.
Jacksonville
At the feet of Miller Mountain and Bellinger Hill, Jacksonville welcomes every visitor in the Rogue Valley. Moreover, this town is surrounded by green hills and forests like Jacksonville Forest Park, where one can enjoy hiking, biking, or horseback riding. Furthermore, Jacksonville is steeped in history, from the early days of the 1850s gold rush to now, and you can explore the evolution of this settlement through a variety of historical tour options, such as self-guided walking tours, the Jacksonville Trolley, and haunted history tours. Besides, the Britt Festival provides an eclectic mix of live music and wine with a wide range of musical performances for culture seekers visiting this town from June to September. Talking wine, the nearby Applegate Valley Wine Trail grants vino enthusiasts 20 small wineries to discover, along with five tasting rooms.
Tillamook
As the Pacific infiltrates inside Tillamook Bay to reclaim its inland waters, the quiet town of Tillamook provides a scenic backdrop for hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, and surfing. Within this fertile river valley, Tillamook is renowned for its agriculture and possesses a highly successful dairy industry, making creameries one of the most popular attractions in town. For example, the Tillamook Cheese Factory provides visitors with every dairy product one can imagine, and it is available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner as a diner. Furthermore, Tillamook has a long history of aviation dating back to World War II. Today, Tillamook has its own public airport, and the extensive Tillamook Air Museum features blimps, pilot equipment, and historic airplanes to explore.
Astoria
Astoria accompanies the Columbia River as it meets the Ocean at the northwesternmost tip of Oregon. Founded in 1811, this vibrant waterfront town is the oldest city in Oregon. Astoria is also famous for its iconic shipwrecks, like the nearby skeletal remains of Peter Iredale, which stick out of the sand on the west coast. Here, the Astoria Riverfront Trolley grants a fascinating tour of the breathtaking scenery. Furthermore, the nearby Oregon Film Museum highlights and celebrates movies that were made in the U.S. state of Oregon. Moreover, the Astoria River Trail provides a laid-back experience through the area's ports, ferries, and lighthouses. Additionally, Astoria is often referred to as "little San Francisco" for its vast bridge, the Astoria-Megler Bridge, which is the longest continual truss bridge in North America, with a length of 4.067 miles.
Ultimately, these Oregon towns have shown that locals are determined to savor a leisurely lifestyle amidst the incredible scenery. But they are always ready to welcome visitors with their delectable seafood cuisine and attractions for all tastes, from riding dune buggies on Florence's dunes to tree climbing at Silver Falls near Silverton. The relaxing and refreshing respite of breathing in the salt air on the West Coast of Oregon will convince you to venture deeper into the fascinating land of this state.
