10 Off-The-Grid Towns In The Pacific Northwest To Visit In 2025
The Pacific Northwest is one of the most scenic and ecologically diverse regions in the United States, home to the mainland's only temperate rainforest, hundreds of miles of wild coastline, and rugged mountain ranges like the Cascades and Olympics. There is something renewing about escaping the chaos of modern life, its hectic pace, and unfulfilling pursuits, and enjoying life where you can wake up every day surrounded by the beauty of nature in all its glory and grace. In such a place, the relentless demands of technology often give way to the restful rhythm of the immediate environment. From Joseph, Oregon, to Omak, Washington, discover below ten off-the-grid Pacific Northwest towns to visit in 2025.
Joseph, Oregon
Your heart will swell with amazement at your first step into Joseph, a small, under-the-radar town backdropped by the stunning Wallowa Mountains. You will see mountains rising from rolling prairies in a landscape that is still largely raw and unspoilt. The Jennings Hotel, an eye-catching red-brick on Main Street, is a hip, stylish space that uniquely operates as a contactless, self-check-in hotel. Although you will not find a front desk, this property is historic and boasts refined modern aesthetics and amenities, including a sauna.
Just south of town is the well-maintained Wallowa Lake State Park. It is nestled in a canyon on the southern end of Wallowa Lake, where people boat, swim, and fish. You will enjoy the quiet company of towering pines here, as you enjoy a moment of beauty and incredible tranquility. Take the short trip to the Zumwalt Prairie Preserve, especially if you want to have a front-row seat at the area’s rolling scenery.
Stehekin, Washington
Stehekin is among the most isolated towns in the contiguous United States. Although it is by all scores a breathtaking destination, there are only three ways to get there: by boat, plane, or on foot. A good way to get there is by taking the Lady of the Lake ferry that runs from Chelan, where the spellbinding beauty of Lake Chelan follows you the entire journey. Another option is to hop on a float plane and land on Lake Chelan. The good thing is that there is a marina where you can dock. If you have the time and energy, you can hike your way to Stehekin via the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT).
Stehekin Pastry Company serves some of the most delicious cinnamon rolls in the world, along with several mouthwatering items. A morning here should pave the way for other fun touchpoints, including Buckner Orchard, where you will have fun picking fresh and ripe apples. From here, the Rainbow Falls Trailhead is a jaunt away. Brace yourself for a short, easy walk to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the state. Spend the night at Stehekin Lake Cabin, a secluded property with a tranquil atmosphere.
Twisp, Washington
Twisp is a beautiful mountain town with a good number of traditional cowboys and Bohemian artists. Although it is not known in the art world, like New Mexico’s Santa Fe, Twisp is a designated Creative Arts District, a prestigious title bestowed by the Washington State Arts Commission (ArtsWA). The trick, therefore, is to make the Methow Valley Community Center your ground zero. This is a cultural landmark with a history that predates the First World War. You will find a basketball court, a library, and a farmers market. Taking the same cue, The Confluence, just a step away, is a fantastic gallery with an awesome selection of gifts made by local artists. The Methow Arts Fest in Twisp, typically held on July 4th, is a full-blown carnival with live music, mural paintings, and interesting art displays.
Brookings, Oregon
Brookings is a small, storybook town with many white-sand beaches and beautiful rivers. It is tastefully positioned on the southern extremes of the state, close to the California border. Although not as famous as Cannon Beach, Brookings exhibits the unparalleled beauty of the Southern Oregon Coast, a shoreline known for its heart-gripping vistas. Speaking of views, the highway from Port Orford to Brookings runs along some of the most dramatic and rugged coastlines in the Pacific Northwest.
The Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, which stretches more than ten miles, is also speckled with several panoramic lookout points. Also, Harris Beach State Park, a pristine wonderland, is the perfect place to watch gray whales on their winter and spring migrations. Don't miss Capella By The Sea, a beautiful chapel that a decorated filmmaker built to honor the memory of his devoted wife.
Priest River, Idaho
Priest River is a beautiful town (think Norman Rockwell) with many nearby rivers and lakes full of fish to catch and other types of wildlife. It is delightfully quaint and loved for its small-town feel. Priest River and the nearby Priest Lake are some of the clearest water bodies in the entire state. You can float down the 68-mile Priest River, paddle Priest Lake, or sip in the heart-ravishing scenery around the Pend Oreille River, a habitat for the highly prized Kamloops rainbow trout. The other attractions you will not want to miss include the Priest Lake Indian Rock pictographs and the nearby Roosevelt Grove of Ancient Cedars. The latter is home to imposing cedar trees, some of which are 2,000 years old.
Winthrop, Washington
Although it is not completely off the grid or in the middle of nowhere, Winthrop is a remote mountain town with a strong emphasis on the outdoors. It is in a remote location in the Methow Valley, an area surrounded by pine-speckled forests and untouched wilderness areas. Pick a two-wheeler at the Methow Cycle & Sport just off the highway, and enjoy a memorable mountain biking experience at Pipestone Canyon, a scenic nine-mile singletrack close to town.
You can also paddle the nearby Patterson Lake — if water makes you beam — or enjoy a round of golf at Bear Creek Golf Course, a fun, lovely course, whose greens and fairways are always in excellent shape. Crown your visit at the Old Schoolhouse Brewery, an award-winning brewpub with unique outdoor seating and river scenery.
Omak, Washington
Omak is a lovely rural town located in an area that is well known for its red delicious apples. Speaking of apples, there are several orchards to work with, all of which have them full, ripe, and delicious. These include Iron Root Orchards at Grandpa's Home Place, Smallwood Farms down in Okanogan, and Filaree Fruit. The Okanogan River flows through the town and gives it a tint of countryside charm. Of course, it also serves as the site for several recreational activities, including kayaking. If you want to experience a nice drive with a sumptuous view, consider exploring a portion of the Okanogan Trails Scenic Byway, which passes through the town. That said, the annual Omak Stampede and its unique races remain Omak’s stand-out attractions. All you will need is some idle hours and a steady heart.
Enterprise, Oregon
Just like Joseph, Enterprise is a small, slow-paced town in the Wallowa Valley. It is unique in the way it boasts a wild, isolated mountain backdrop. Time stops or slows down considerably as you sip the beauty of a rural town and move at its restful rhythm. To the east of town is one of the world’s deepest gorges: Hells Canyon. The Hells Canyon National Recreation Area is a vast, swoon-worthy space that offers fantastic hiking, camping, and horseback riding opportunities.
Downtown Enterprise is unique in that it is a designated "Preserve America Community.” The historic red-brick buildings that dot the town, including the county courthouse, speak to this fact. Other fun touch points around town include the Alpine Meadows Golf Course, a nice place to tee off on a lazy afternoon. If hunger pangs begin to set in, a delicious Elk Burger (with fresh vegetables) at the aptly named Heavenly's will rescue the situation.
Bonners Ferry, Idaho
Bonners Ferry is off the grid in the sense that it is tucked away near the Canadian border in a landscape surrounded by quiet forests and tumbling rivers. Depending on the season, residents often spend time on the river, mostly fishing or enjoying the views. Speaking of views, the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge features some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Pacific Northwest. There is no doubt that this is one of the prettiest corners of America. A visit here often involves enjoying the swift, graceful flight of eagles, inhaling delicious mountain views, and a short hike to Myrtle Falls. On a different note, you can browse interesting antiques at the 3-Mile Antique Mall, enjoy a tremendous performance at the Pearl Theater, or learn tidbits of fascinating local history at the Boundary County Museum.
Forks, Washington
Forks is a small town of less than 5,000 residents located in the heart of the Olympic Peninsula, between the Olympic Mountains and the white-sand beaches of the Pacific Ocean. Fans of Twilight, Stephenie Meyer's vampire series, particularly have a fondness for Forks. Since the book was released almost 20 years ago, this town has done a tremendous job curating attractions and events themed around the wildly popular series. These include the annual Forks Twilight Forever Festival, a fun-filled carnival that brightens the town every year in September. Avid Twilight fans come from as far as Tahiti, Brazil, and even the UK. No problem if you can't make it in September. Forever Twilight in Forks Collection has original clothing items worn for the film and is always a fun place to visit. However, if this is the first time you have heard about Twilight, Forks offers other surprisingly beautiful attractions. There is Cape Flattery, the most northwestern point in the lower 48, and the infamous La Push beach.
The Takeaway
Escape the noise, the hassle, the rat race. There is a time to wake up early so you can beat the traffic, and a time when you decide there is more to life than bills or bosses. If anything, who said you cannot live life on your terms? If you are still wondering about where to make this dream a reality, it is time you started paying attention to the Pacific Northwest, one of the best regions in America for off-the-grid living. Think of misty forests, coastal cliffs, and alpine lakes. For now, you can make do with a visit.
