10 Most Breathtaking Towns In The Pacific Northwest
The Pacific Northwest abounds in natural beauty and unique culture that are so spectacular that they might just take one’s breath away. Across the region, travelers will find a surprising variety of landscapes, from mighty mountains and vineyard-adorned golden hills inland to lush rainforests and charming coves on the coast. In addition, the Northwest has plenty of interesting towns, including wine country havens, family farm communities, and even that one town that takes center stage in the Twilight series.
For a better sense of what towns to seek in the area, here are 10 of the most breathtaking ones in the Pacific Northwest.
Forks, Washington
Let’s get this out of the way now: Forks is the perfect place for any fan of the Twilight books and films to visit. Since author Stephenie Meyer chose this Washington town as the setting for her supernatural love stories, fans have been flocking here for a taste of its otherworldly spirit. The Rainforest Arts Center (RAC) hosts a year-round collection of costumes and props from the Twilight movies, and the town hosts a fully immersive fan festival every September. And for the real story of this town, there’s the Forks Timber Museum and its extensive collection of historic artifacts dating back to Forks’ heyday as the “Logging Capital of the World” in the 20th century.
For something truly spectacular, one can do the scenic drive out to Olympic National Park to discover gorgeous gems like the Hoh Rain Forest, one of the rainiest places in the continental United States (sporting an average of 168 inches of annual rainfall) and a prime example of a native temperate rainforest with its wild waterfalls, free-flowing rivers, and old-growth tree groves. Upon returning to town, it’s never a bad idea to check into the Woodland Inns for a warm welcome and a cozy “home away from home.”
Friday Harbor, Washington
On San Juan Island is the maritime village of Friday Harbor, the ideal launchpad for all sorts of exhilarating adventures across the San Juan Islands. Visitors often head out to sea with San Juan Safaris (on one of their whale watch boat tours) to spot some native orcas, as well as other local wildlife like sea lions, bald eagles, and peregrine falcons. Upon returning to dry land, it’s an easy walk from the harbor to The Whale Museum to learn more about the region’s famous whales and the larger Salish Sea ecosystem.
Speaking of the ecosystem, visitors can see another side of the local environment at Lime Kiln Point State Park, one of the best land-based vantage points for whale watching and a ruggedly beautiful stretch of shoreline worth experiencing on its own. After a long day exploring at land and sea, it’s nice to return to town when one has a stay booked at the top-rated Tucker House Inn & Harrison House Suites boutique bed-and-breakfasts.
Oroville, Washington
On the south shores of Osoyoos Lake, the Washington town of Oroville is a multinational body of water that extends into British Columbia. Osoyoos Lake Veteran’s Memorial Park is a great place in town to access the lake and admire its tranquil beauty. Oroville also has plenty of inviting hiking trails, including the Similkameen Trail that offers phenomenal views of the Similkameen River, the deep gorge it runs through, and the seasonal salmon and steelhead runs.
Even for travelers looking for a more easygoing day outside, Oroville still aims to please, and the Oroville Golf Club is quite the pleasant place to tee off with its stunning mountain views. Back at the lake, Veranda Beach is a wonderful place to stay with its charming old-school lakeside and vineyard cottages.
Walla Walla, Washington
Anchoring the Walla Walla Valley of southeastern Washington State is Walla Walla, a wine country town that simply must be seen (and tasted) to be believed. Before one embarks on any winery tour (with a designated driver), it’s worth a stop at the Fort Walla Walla Museum to tour this well-preserved 19th-century military fort that now houses a rich array of artifacts detailing the area’s Native American indigenous heritage and the early days of white settlers’ colonization. A short drive away is Walla Walla’s historic downtown, a central hub for winery tasting rooms, such as the one for Spring Valley Vineyard, where visitors can try their 100% local estate-grown wines.
For a deeper journey into wine country, it’s an easy drive south to Doubleback, the winery by NFL veteran and local legend Drew Bledsoe that’s now famous for its world-class Cabernet Sauvignons. In addition, one can not only visit the beautiful vineyards at Yellowhawk, but also book a stay at their on-site micro-resort and enjoy their shining selection of sparkling blanc and rosé wines.
Ashford, Washington
About 85 miles south of Seattle is the alpine village of Ashford, a tiny town that sits at the foot of perhaps the Pacific Northwest’s most iconic volcanic peak. Yes, really, Ashford is just west of the Nisqually Entrance to Mount Rainier National Park, the home of its namesake 14,410 foot-tall stratovolcano that marks the highest point of the Cascade Range. This park has a number of thrilling hiking trails and bike paths, as well as incredible opportunities for Nordic skiing and snowshoeing during winter. For some more backcountry excursions, the nearby Teeley Creek Trail at Gifford Pinchot National Forest offers a beautiful path to Bertha May Lake.
If anyone’s looking for a different kind of local landmark, it’s a quick drive west to reach the Recycled Spirits of Iron Sculpture Garden, where a fascinating collection of found objects got transformed by local artist Dan Klennert into a whimsical wonderland of a sculpture park. Whatever one decides to do on and off the mountain, Nisqually Lodge is the ideal place to rest and relax after wandering around the Rainier wilderness.
Newberg, Oregon
Newberg may only be around 25 miles southwest of Portland, yet this Willamette Valley town feels a world away from the troubles of the world. After all, this town is part of Oregon’s most beloved wine country region, and visitors can get a great taste of the nearby Dundee Hills’ bounty at the beautiful and sustainable Lange Estate Winery in Dundee.
While there are plenty of winery vineyards and tasting rooms to try all over Newberg, there are a few more things to see and do around town. For one, Chehalem Glenn Golf Course is a fantastic 18-hole course that’s picture-perfect for an easy-breezy golf day. Newberg also has The Allison Inn & Spa, a luxury resort set on 35 acres of land by working vineyards, and one complete with the refined JORY restaurant, the full-service Allison Spa, and generously sized rooms and suites.
Hood River, Oregon
Just 64 miles east of Portland is Hood River, a playful Oregon town that takes farm-to-table life quite seriously. A road trip on the Hood River Fruit Loop is always a great idea, especially if one craves the kind of fresh fruit (such as pears and apples) that’s available at Pearl’s Place. For a different kind of farm experience, there’s also The Gorge White House, an elegant family farm estate featuring local wines, house-made hard ciders, and even an on-site, chef-run gourmet food cart!
Back in town, there’s even more to experience, especially along the Columbia River shore. An outing to Hood River’s Waterfront Park that’s the ideal launchpad for windsurfing and paddleboarding expeditions on the open river, as well as easier strolls and bike rides landside. From there, it’s a few blocks inland to Thistledown on Oak, a unique boutique hotel housed in the historic (1910) First National Bank Building that offers some of the snazziest loft-style rooms and suites in town.
Sisters, Oregon
It’s an easy 23-mile drive from Bend to Sisters, a lovely mountain town that keeps visitors booked and busy (in the best possible ways) year-round. For those seeking thrills on two wheels, the Sisters to Smith Rock Scenic Bikeway offers spectacular views of the Cascades, the Deschutes River, and the high desert along the way from Sisters to Smith Rock State Park. Meanwhile, for those craving proper wintertime chill, Hoodoo Ski Area provides 32 runs on some 800 acres of family-friendly skiable terrain.
After a long day on the road or up the mountain, a return to town is in order for some classic Old West-style food, drinks, and hospitality at the Sisters Saloon. And for a more elevated stay in Sisters, FivePine Lodge & Cabins offers stately cabins and suites set in a secluded-feeling pine forest, along with the full-service Shibui Spa.
Yachats, Oregon
Around 86 miles west of Eugene, Yachats, the “Gem of the Oregon Coast” shines bright with its breathtakingly beautiful beaches. Right in town, Yachats State Recreation Area is a convenient park to experience a beach full of vibrant tide pools teeming with sea anemones, crabs, starfish, and other marine life. A short drive south, Cape Perpetua Scenic Area has the Oregon Coast’s highest viewpoint accessible by car, the famed waves of Devil’s Churn, and the “Drainpipe of the Pacific” at Thor’s Well. And a little farther south, there’s Neptune State Scenic Viewpoint and its quiet, secluded beaches.
If one still desires a little more quality time by the Pacific Ocean, Overleaf Lodge & Spa is a rock-solid lodging option with its prime oceanfront location in town and beachy chic rooms and suites (several of which offer fantastic ocean views).
Ashland, Oregon
Anchoring the south end of Southern Oregon’s Rogue River Valley is the town of Ashland, a sporty college town that also happens to be a sophisticated wine country community. At the Southern Oregon University campus, visitors can find cutting-edge visual art at the Schneider Museum of Art, as well as incredible live acts at the Oregon Center for the Arts. Meanwhile, a short drive south leads to Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, the rugged intersection of the Cascade Range, the Klamath Mountains, and the Great Basin with a stunning diversity of landscapes and wildlife, including yellow-bellied marmots, river otters, black bears, and northern spotted owls.
Over the years, the Rogue River Valley has gained a reputation as a top-notch wine region, and a visit to Weisinger Family Winery will really explain why with their small-lot artisan wines made exclusively from locally grown grapes. And for the ultimate wine country experience, Country Willows Inn & Estate provides classy yet comfortable accommodations on its five-acre farmstead estate that’s so beautiful that it might feel like a chore to leave for anywhere else.
Landscapes That Define the Pacific Northwest
The Pacific Northwest may have a lot of beautiful locations, but it also has a few special towns that are so scenic that they truly take visitors’ breath away. Forks may be Twilight famous, but it’s also the gateway to the marvelous mountains and rainforests of Olympic National Park. Walla Walla is a burgeoning wine country town full of bold flavors. Ashford sits right by the Cascades’ crown jewel of Mount Rainier. Hood River is the ideal town to experience authentic Pacific Northwest farm-to-table culture. And for a coastal escape, it’s hard to beat the glorious beaches of Yachats. With so much beauty to behold throughout the region, it’s no wonder visitors are often left breathless once they start to discover it.
