6 Bucket-List Small Towns In Washington

There is no place quite like Washington State. It is a place where wild and untamed beauty feels close enough to touch. Salt air continuously drifts in from the Pacific, before weaving through evergreen forests and glacier-fed lakes. Magnificently rugged mountain ranges guard these lakes.

When you look up, you might spot a volcano peak piercing the horizon. And, depending on which part of Washington you find yourself in, you may even happen across desert sands shimmering in the hot sun.

Even in a photograph or on a postcard, Washington is instantly recognizable — miles apart from the almost-manufactured and showy landscapes of other states. If you crave something real and soul-inspiring, The Evergreen State belongs at the top of your travel bucket list.

And the place to start exploring is within the dozens of charming small towns that capture the soul of this one-of-a-kind place.

Vashon

Vashon is a 13-mile-long island, accessible by a 20-minute ferry ride from Seattle. It lies in Puget Sound, is home to approximately 11,000 permanent residents.

Ideally, you want to visit during the summer when the weather is mild. It is rainy and cool during winter, which means that some attractions are only open during the warmer months.

The island’s beaches, especially Point Robinson, are perfect for picnics with stunning views of Mount Rainier in the distance. If you are an outdoor lover, Maury Regional Park offers both beach and hiking trails, or you can rent a bike to take to the trails faster.

Make some time for the Vashon-Maury Island Heritage Museum, where you can learn about the island’s early settlers and maritime past. And remember to stop at the site of the infamous Bicycle Tree.

Local folklore claims a young man left his bike chained to a tree before departing to fight in WWI. However, the real story is that a man abandoned his bike by the tree in the 1950s. As the years passed, the tree enveloped the bike, which is now around 7 feet in the air.

Stanwood

Stanwood, located 50 miles north of Seattle in Snohomish County, also boasts a fascinating history. The area is still home to the Stillaguamish people and has been for years. It was also mainly inhabited by Scandinavians at one point, and most of them worked at food processing plants.

Today, Stanwood is known as a coastal farming area with picturesque views of the ocean, lakes, and woods. You can hike in Kayak Point Regional Park, or take a short trip to Camano Island, where you will find dreamy beaches, more trails, and tree-filled parks.

Back in town, you can shop for home essentials at Vida Verde Home Mercantile and Candle Shop. You can even try on wedding dresses at Stilly Lilly Bridal.

Forks

A decade or so ago, Forks was overrun with tourists who wanted to inhale the "Twilight" atmosphere.

But this tiny town is so much more than the filming location of a vampire/werewolf saga. For one, it is one of the most beautiful places in Washington State, tucked away in the northwest region. Additionally, it is an excellent place to learn more about the real-life Quileute people.

A must-stop on your trip through Forks is La Push. The area has three gorgeous beaches: First Beach, Second Beach, and Third Beach. You will need a day permit, which can be purchased from the Lonesome Creek Store, to visit First Beach, as it is located on the Quileute Reservation. Keep in mind that Second, Third, and Rialto Beach are located inside the Olympic National Park, so you will need a National Parks Pass to access them.

At Rialto Beach, you can see the dramatic ‘Hole-in-the-Wall’ rock. At the end of the hiking trail here, you will find fairytale-like tide pools teeming with ocean life.

Leavenworth

If you have ever wanted to visit Germany without incurring the expensive airfare, Leavenworth is an excellent alternative. Located in the Cascades, Leavenworth exudes a distinct German culture and atmosphere. The town reinvented itself in the 1960s, shedding its struggling logging history to become one of the most popular destinations in the Pacific Northwest.

Many visitors come for a weekend or longer, especially if they plan on hiking in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. The trail that leads to Colchuck Lake is very popular, as is the Enchantments. Keep in mind that the Colchuck hike is for experienced hikers as it is quite challenging.

If you visit during the height of summer, you can cool off by floating in the Icicle River. You can rent a lifejacket and an inner tube before heading out on the water. This is a great activity for the whole family, but should you want something more challenging, you can go whitewater rafting on the Wenatchee River.

Winthrop

You will find excellent local wine, beer, and cider at The Old Schoolhouse Brewery in beautiful Winthrop. There is also great food to try at the Rocking Horse Bakery.

You can visit Winthrop all year round, although many prefer to go over the festive season. If you don’t want to visit during winter, consider timing your trip for spring or summer to enjoy the sights in Pearrygin Lake State Park. You can camp inside the park or hire a cabin if you want to stay for longer than a weekend. The park is laid out around Pearrygin Lake, so you can also fish and swim.

Not far from Winthrop lies North Cascades National Park, a great location for both short and long hikes during the summer and fall. Hiking in the North Cascades during the fall also means you will experience magical fall foliage as the alpine larch trees turn a deep gold.

Ellensburg

Ellensburg lies in Central Washington and is one of those unique places where you can find great food, unmatched scenery, and some of the best art in the state. If you are an artist or art enthusiast, the paintings and sculptures at Nuwave Gallery are not to be missed.

If you want to explore the outdoors, you can start at the Irene Rinehart Riverfront Park by strolling along the Yakima River. You can also hike the Manastash Ridge trails if you want a bird's-eye view of the valley.

If you happen to be a fan of barn quilt trails, you’ll be happy to know that Ellensburg is part of the Barn Quilt Trail. There are more than 100 murals to see, with each quilt block telling its own story.

Ten minutes south of downtown Ellensburg, you will find Olmstead Place State Park. The park is a historic homestead that preserves the original buildings and farmlands once occupied by settlers in the Kittitas Valley.

Start Your Next Adventure in Washington State

Each of these six towns offers a unique snapshot of the best that Washington State has to offer. If you long to escape the crowds, but still want to experience a trip to remember, these towns are a great starting point. Whether you wander along an island harbor or a historic main street, each town will leave an indelible imprint on your heart and soul.