6 Most Eccentric Towns in The Pacific Northwest
What do dog sledding races, Norwegian meatballs, hot air balloons, and Wild West saloons have in common? Surprisingly, all of these experiences can be found in the small towns of the Pacific Northwest. Whether you are looking for a quick vacation to escape the winter blues, or are planning ahead for spring break or summer, there is no need to leave the country—or even the Pacific Northwest. Get ready to experience the unexpected in these six towns of the region.
McCall, Idaho
While many towns across the country quiet down in winter, McCall, Idaho comes alive with hot springs, ski slopes, and snowmobile trails. Gold Fork Hot Springs is a popular spot to warm up, offering six clear pools with different temperatures. Burgdorf Hot Springs provides a cozy escape with three rustic hot spring pools nestled in Payette National Forest. Ski enthusiasts can enjoy groomed trails at Bear Basin, Ponderosa State Park, Tamarack Resort, and Jug Mountain Ranch.
After a morning at the hot springs or on the slopes, hungry visitors can enjoy a meal at Lardos Grill & Saloon, a western-themed restaurant serving American dishes since 1973. From February 21st to 23rd, visitors can also experience McCall's lively Winter Carnival, featuring over 100 events such as colorful parades, live music, fireworks, and dog sledding.
Poulsbo, Washington
Poulsbo, Washington, was founded by Norwegian immigrants in the mid-19th century and is now known as “Little Norway” due to its rich Norwegian heritage. To honor this history, the town hosts several Norwegian-themed events annually, such as Julefest, a holiday celebration with Norwegian cuisine and Scandinavian vendors; Viking Fest in spring, which includes a parade, street dance, and road race; and the Annual Lutefisk and Meatball Dinner each January, a community gathering featuring traditional Scandinavian dishes.
With winter in full swing, visitors can explore Poulsbo’s charming breweries or wineries, like Details Wine Bar and Echoes Brewing Company, both close to Liberty Bay. After sampling a drink, they can visit Liberty Bay Marina to begin a boat trip or enjoy the scenic bay views.
Joseph, Oregon
After visiting “Little Norway” in Poulsbo, consider a stop in Joseph, Oregon to continue the international-themed adventure. Situated in the lush Wallowa Mountains, Joseph proudly carries the nickname "Little Switzerland of America." Just a short 10-minute drive from downtown, Wallowa Lake draws over 800,000 visitors each year to its glacial waters, perfect for fishing, kayaking, and lakeside picnics. Nearby, there is no shortage of trails to explore, with the Iwetemlaykin State Heritage Site offering hikes near ponds and meadows, and the Wallowa Lake Trailhead near alpine lakes, streams, and waterfalls.
Winter in Joseph is just as enchanting. January features the exhilarating Eagle Cap Extreme Sled Dog Race, a 200-mile expedition through the Wallowa Mountains that energizes the whole town. For a more relaxed experience, Alder Slope is ideal for sledding, drawing both residents and visitors to the snowy hill every winter.
Sandpoint, Idaho
Nestled in northern Idaho, near the Rocky Mountains and just 60 miles from the US-Canada border, Sandpoint is one of Idaho’s hidden gems. During summer, Lake Pend Oreille—the largest in the state—provides abundant recreational activities such as fishing, camping, hiking, and horseback riding. In winter, Schweitzer ski resort draws many visitors with its 92 trails and an average snowfall of 300 inches annually. Pine Street Woods is another favored outdoor spot, offering hiking and biking in warmer months and cross-country skiing in winter.
Prefer to stay warm indoors? Sandpoint has a rich art and history scene, with visitors able to explore local Native American and pioneer history at the Bonner County Historical Museum, appreciate the historic 1927 Panida Theatre during a live performance, or shop for their next masterpiece at the Art Works Gallery.
Bandon, Oregon
A weekend in Bandon offers an unconventional escape for outdoor enthusiasts, complete with hiking trails, horseback adventures, and birdwatching. Just six minutes from the city, Bandon visitors can spend a day at the Bandon Marsh, where they will find forested wetlands, salt marshes, and mudflats, inhabited by native birds including shorebirds, waterfowl, and songbirds.
The historic lighthouses of the area, such as Cape Blanco, Cape Arago, and the Umpqua River Lighthouse, offer travelers a glimpse into Bandon’s maritime past. In downtown Bandon, visitors can explore a charming assortment of art galleries, toy stores, gift shops, and seafood restaurants like The Wheelhouse & Crowsnest, ensuring an engaging day in town. For overnight accommodations, the Lighthouse River Inn, a locally owned and recently renovated hotel, provides scenic views of the Coquille River and Bandon Harbor.
Winthrop, Washington
Over the centuries, Winthrop has been home to Native Americans, trappers, and gold rush settlers, a history that inspired the town to embrace Wild West-style architecture in its downtown district in 1971. Strolling in and out of local businesses, visitors will come across local gift stores, such as Glassworks of Winthrop and Methow Valley Goods, and historical attractions, such as the 1926 Merc Playhouse, which puts on periodic theatrical and musical performances. The Shafer Museum is another important historic landmark, hosting a collection of Western artifacts and historic buildings.
With some of the darkest skies in the contiguous United States, the Methow Valley offers incredible stargazing, with the Milky Way shining brightly on moonless nights. By day, visitors can take to the skies on a hot air balloon tour with agencies like Snohomish Balloon Ride, soaring above the valley for breathtaking views.
Final Thoughts
In this day and age, with so much travel information at our fingertips, it can be difficult to pick a vacation destination, especially when family members have different interests. However, in these six eccentric towns, there is truly something that every member of the family will enjoy, taking the stress out of the vacation planning and giving you more time to enjoy new experiences, whether that be cross-country skiing, hot air ballooning, or hot spring hopping.
