6 of the Most Overlooked Towns in Washington
From popular destinations like Puget Sound to the Olympic Peninsula, amid bigger cities and countless landmarks, the Evergreen State epitomizes the vastness of the Pacific Northwest. Full of allure for travelers, small towns often astound the most, thanks to their pristine nature and an impressive list of attractions relative to their size, as well as lower crowds. Washington, arguably one of the most naturally scenic, diverse, and adventurous states, is also home to Mount Rainier.
Being its highest and most topographically prominent peak in the Cascades, Mount Rainier is where three of its most overlooked towns are found. Among the other hidden gems, there's Port Gamble, a vision of New England in the Evergreen State. Twisp, nestled at the confluence of two rivers, offers incredible views while exploring downtown, while Kettle Falls, situated along the rushing Columbia River, has the Colville National Forest as its backdrop.
Cashmere
Cashmere is tucked along the Wenatchee River. Known as the geographic center of Washington State, it is rich in history. A stroll along its shady sidewalks reveals turn-of-the-century craftsman homes, marking it as a long-time favorite spot in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, an outdoor enthusiast's playground. Nearby, the 34-acre Peshastin Pinnacles State Park beckons rock climbers, hikers, and bird watchers with its steep trails and lookout points over the Wenatchee Valley. The town's own Cashmere Riverside Park offers incredible opportunities for whitewater rafting, kayaking, and fishing. When enjoying a Washington pear, it's likely from the hills around this town, carefully tended and harvested for worldwide export.
Tourists can visit the surrounding pear and apple orchards to experience Cashmere's legacy in the fruit-growing business, and enjoy its vibrant downtown with thriving shops, markets, and restaurants offering delicious meals garnished with fresh produce or a pastry straight from the oven. Just across the river from downtown, the Cashmere Museum and Pioneer Village offer a glimpse two centuries back with a world-class collection of unique Native American artifacts and a settlement. From pottery and artifacts to authentic log cabins, visitors will find 20 original pioneer buildings furnished with late 19th and early 20th-century antiques, as well as geological specimens, taxidermy, and ornithology.
Issaquah
Issaquah, just 17 miles from Seattle, is a beloved escape for locals, yet remains under the radar for many. Known for its innovative and exciting atmosphere, it attracts professionals who appreciate living in this town while commuting to their jobs in the city and enjoying nature trails on weekends at Squak Mountain State Park Natural Area, just minutes away. South of Lake Sammamish State Park and at the foot of the Cascade Mountains, Issaquah offers a world of its own, despite its proximity to I-90.
With all the comforts and attractions for an ideal weekend getaway, Issaquah serves as a perfect base camp for adventures in the Northwest, including Tiger Mountain State Forest to the south. Visitors from out of state can enjoy nature while having easy access to explore big cities, including Bellevue. Issaquah is home to the Cougar Mountain Zoo and the family-friendly Jakob Two Trees, a must-see landmark. For hikers, the popular Highpoint Trailhead leads into Grand Ridge Park to the east, featuring a photogenic wooden boardwalk through ancient trees.
Kettle Falls
Kettle Falls is a city in northeastern Washington, notable for being one of the most significant Indigenous fishing sites in the past, set against the backdrop of the stunning Selkirk Mountains. Located right on the rushing Columbia River, just below where it meets the Kettle River and not far from the Idaho border, this area was historically used for fishing by the Colvilles, Spokanes, San Poils, Okanagons, and Kootenais before the arrival of David Thomson and other European settlers. They referred to the falls along the Upper Columbia River as "san-ate-koo," meaning "deep-sounding waters," a name that influenced the town's naming. Today, Kettle Falls boasts a cozy downtown area that contrasts with the expansive outdoor scenery, drawing adventurers with its fresh mountain air.
The town offers a tranquil riverside lifestyle that appeals to nature enthusiasts, with opportunities for fishing and rafting right from its doorstep. Tourists can find numerous camping sites, hiking trails of all levels, and scenic backroads that wind through forests and lakesides, including the nearby Colville National Forest. A notable sight is the steel-truss Columbia River Bridge at Kettle Falls, built in 1941, which spans the river between Ferry and Stevens counties over the site of the now-inundated falls. With a vibrant local industry, Kettle Falls hosts regular events and offers amenities for a year-round getaway, including local favorites like Happy Dell Park and Sandy's Drive-In, as well as the historically significant St. Paul's Mission just minutes to the north.
Naches
Naches, nestled in the foothills of the Cascades along the Naches River, is a hidden gem surrounded by striking natural beauty. Best visited from June through October, this small town of just over 1,000 residents offers a peaceful setting for outdoor adventures. It provides easy access to more than ten spectacular hiking trails and proximity to Mount Rainier National Park, with popular routes like the Tieton Nature Trail, Bear Creek Mountain, Goat Peak, and Crystal Lake. Naches is a destination for warm-weather activities such as fishing, rafting, and kayaking, and in winter, it becomes a gateway to the White Pass Ski Area.
The town is set within a rich agricultural area known for producing apples, cherries, pears, and other fruits, yet it remains an overlooked tourist spot. Naches charms visitors with its small-town feel, where every business has its own unique personality. A weekend here offers a chance to indulge in a slow-paced, riverside lifestyle, complete with quaint coffee shops, the Naches Fruit Stand, and the Naches Trading Post. For a memorable experience, visit the local favorite Laredo Drive-In, explore the Naches Peak Hiking Trail, and cross the Tieton Nature Trail Suspension Bridge for a scenic memento.
Port Gamble
Port Gamble, perhaps the most underrated town on this list, is Washington State's oldest company-owned town. Originally modeled after a town in Maine in 1853, it is located on the Hood Canal’s Kitsap Peninsula. Driving along WA-104 through bigleaf maples, you are welcomed by green structures at the town's entrance. Beyond this point, steepled churches and clapboard homes with bright white trim and picket fences resemble a New England village nestled in the Evergreen State. Once a bustling logging town, Port Gamble has been designated a National Historic Landmark in its entirety and retains many original New England-style homes and buildings. These include unique textile businesses, antique and gift shops, a tea shop, an old-fashioned general store, and a historic theater.
Its oldest continuously operating sawmill in North America ceased operations in 1995. However, the Masonic Lodge, the state's oldest active lodge established in 1859, still welcomes tourists. The town blends authentic New England vibes with the best of the Northwest, from spectacular autumn foliage to ferry rides and excellent dining options, offering a cozy hygge feeling. Just south lies the 4,300-acre Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park, the town's former tree farm, now featuring miles of wildlife trails for hiking, biking, and water trails. The hilltop cemetery is the final resting place of the first US sailor killed in battle in the Northwest, and the town also hosts an annual Ghost Conference in November, a nod to its rich history and associated hauntings.
Twisp
Twisp, nestled in the Methow Valley at the confluence of the Twisp and Methow rivers, derives its name from the native Methow language, meaning wasp or hornet. Surrounded by rolling hills and meandering rivers, this overlooked town often appears in landscape photographs on social media when travelers pass through. The Methow Suites Bed and Breakfast offers a homey place to stay, embodying the active community spirit of Twisp. The town's population of just over 1,000 includes families, ranchers, and artists who appreciate living close to nature.
Twisp has become a dynamic center for art, culture, and adventure, with tourists welcomed to explore and then return to its cozy, down-to-earth atmosphere downtown. From waterside strolls to activities like swimming and fishing, the scenic confluence looks particularly stunning from Twisp Park. The surrounding national forests offer trails like Lookout Mountain, a challenging hike that rewards with a 360-degree panorama. Dining options include Tappi, a local Italian restaurant with a wood-burning oven, and the must-visit Cinnamon Twisp Bakery. TwispWorks, a 6.4-acre campus, features gardens, trails, art studios, and local artisans, creating a hub of creativity and community with family-friendly live music and shows.
These six overlooked towns in Washington offer unique experiences off the beaten path throughout the year, each with its own history and charm. Naches and Cashmere are hidden among fruitful orchards, while Issaquah, just 15 minutes east of Seattle, serves as a gateway to the Cascades, complete with its own Cougar Mountain Zoo.
Exploring Washington State beyond its famous city skylines reveals a diverse array of attractions. With a town for every preference, visitors can delve into the Evergreen State's blend of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and modern conveniences, all without the crowds.
