6 Most Overlooked Washington Towns For 2025
Washington State draws more than 100 million visitors annually. People come for the beaches, Seattle coffee, lush rainforests, and Mount Rainier. Those who really want to experience all the Evergreen State has to offer, however, should go road tripping or day tripping off the beaten path. Washington’s heart and soul lie in its hidden gems, especially the more underrated. From wine tasting in the Yakima Valley and hiking in the foothills of the North Cascades to kayaking off Whidbey Island and exploring the beaches of Westport, these 6 small towns deserve a spot on your itinerary.
Eastsound
Eastsound is the largest town on Orcas Island, but still only has around 4,300 permanent residents. This gorgeous island town is entirely walkable, so you can explore every inch of it over a couple of days. Eastsound is also one of the least crowded towns in Washington when it comes to tourists, which means you do not have to queue or stand in line to visit the town's most beautiful spots.
If you'd rather not stand around at all, you can tour the surrounding waters via sea kayak or charter a boat for a tour of the San Juan Islands. There are many companies to choose from, depending on your budget and itinerary, and some even include a trip around the Canadian Gulf Islands. While on a boat, you may spot an orca or two, as they are seen year-round. If you visit Eastsound during April through October, you may also see humpbacks and minkes.
In town, you can explore the historic homes and buildings dating to the 1880s. There is a lot to see and learn at the Orcas Island Historical Museum, and if you prefer driving, you can enjoy the island's many scenic byways, including the stunning drive to Roche Harbor on San Juan Island via ferry.
Cle Elum
Cle Elum is situated in Kittitas County along the Yakima River. This beautiful small town makes for a fine base for outdoor activities, including hiking and biking in the nearby foothills and trails. One of the hikes includes the Coal Mines Trail, which stretches from Cle Elum to Roslyn. You can continue on to Ronald if you want a longer hike. Not far from Cle Elum, around 10 miles northwest of downtown, is Cle Elum Lake, which lies at the foot of the Cascades and is surrounded by the Wenatchee Mountains. The calm waters here are perfect for fishing, wakesurfing, boating, and swimming.
Even closer is Suncadia. This resort is a popular Pacific Northwest attraction for those who want to enjoy golf, hiking, biking, and wine tasting. At Suncadia, you can also take a day and book a massage at the renowned spa.
Prosser
If a magnificent vineyard view and excellent wine are what you’re after, look no further than Prosser. This small town, situated within the Yakima Valley, is renowned for its award-winning wines. As such, there are more than 20 wineries to explore here, all of which have tasting rooms. Wine tastings are available throughout the year, both indoors and outdoors. From the beginning of summer to the start of winter, the weekly farmers market offers fresh, seasonal produce to complement these fantastic wines.
For an outdoor adventure that still includes winery visits, consider hiking the Lower Yakima Valley Pathway. This trail is level and paved and snakes through more vineyards and orchards. Crawford River Front Park offers plenty of recreation opportunities on the Yakima River with a spectacular sunset view over the Horse Heaven Hills.
During the fall, Prosser comes alive for the Harvest Festival and Great Prosser Balloon Rally. There is also the tradition of Christmas tree lighting to look forward to if you visit during the month of December.
Westport
Westport is a sleepy little town on the Washington coast. It is not far from Seattle, but it often gets overlooked as travelers drive past to bigger towns. In Westport, Twin Harbors State Park offers access to miles of sand dunes and surf with opportunities for fishing, clam digging, and birdwatching, as well as camping among the trees or staying in one of their rustic cabins or yurts. There is even more shoreline to explore at Westport Light State Park, a few minutes away from Twin Harbors and accessible via a 1.3-mile paved trail that stretches from Westport straight into the park.
Another must-do activity is exploring the Westport Viewing Tower, which stands near the marina. There is no entry fee, and when you climb to the top, you can see all the way to the Olympic Mountains. This vantage point also offers unmatched panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. For a more educational visit, the Maritime Museum in downtown Westport features several exhibits about the marine mammals of the Puget Sound. These include sharks and minke whales. You will also learn more about the fishing industry and the shipwrecks that still dot the coastline.
Twisp
Twisp sits inside the Methow Valley, where the Twisp and Methow Rivers converge. The North Cascades guard the town, and it is also surrounded by parkland and wilderness areas. During the spring, the trails along the Methow Valley foothills bring the surprise of new, budding wildflowers. During summer, pink phlox takes over the peaks at the highest elevations.
If you decide to stay for a night or two, opt for camping. You may just see the Milky Way stretching overhead or even a meteor shower. Some visitors have even been lucky enough to witness the Northern Lights from this part of the US. Other activities include skiing or snowboarding across the Methow Trails and in the Loup Loup Ski Bowl during winter. You can even book a helicopter trip to take in the sight of the North Cascades from the air, before landing in the wilderness for a backcountry trip.
Coupeville
Coupeville is Washington State’s second-oldest town, and lies on the shores of Penn Cove on Whidbey Island. The historic Coupeville wharf is a must-see, with a gift shop and restaurant to complement the incredible panoramic vistas. Coupeville also boasts dozens of trails that crisscross inside and around it, each offering wonderful views of the ocean and the island. The Fort Ebey State Park Loop is appealing to those seeking a moderately challenging hike, while the Fort Ebey Bluff Trail offers an easy walk from the parking lot with a picnic area.
You can also rent a kayak from Wharf Dog Paddle Co. to explore the waters of Penn Cove while keeping an eye out for harbor seals. Meanwhile, at Fort Casey State Park, you will find hundreds of acres of shoreline along Puget Sound to explore, as well as a campground and dive park. You can also visit the remains of the historic fort that once stood here. For a view from the top, you can climb Admiralty Head Lighthouse, or you can take in the sights from the ground by hiking the 1.8 miles of trails within the park.
If you want to experience slow travel, these small towns are a must-visit. You get direct access to nature, including dramatic coastlines and mountains. You will also find a great sense of community running like a gold thread through each small settlement. Each time you explore a new underrated town, you will find something new to add to your list of memorable experiences, away from the usual Washington small-town map.
