7 Most Beautiful College Towns In Washington

The crown jewel of the Pacific Northwest, Washington has much to boast about. The state’s versatile landscapes make it a major contributor to industries ranging from lumber to apples. Its largest city, Seattle, is a thriving sprawl with leading tech companies like Microsoft and Amazon basing operations there. The geological diversity of Washington is undeniably beautiful; mountain ranges like the Cascades and the Pacific coastline draw in thousands of tourists each year. Attending college in Washington state is a dream for any outdoor enthusiast. There is no shortage of excellent schools in smaller populations to choose from.

Pullman

Home to Washington State University, Pullman is a small town with much to offer in terms of things to see and do. For art lovers, the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art houses over 4,000 permanent pieces of art alongside seasonal exhibitions. Live theater is also a Pullman pastime at the Regional Theatre of the Palouse and Pullman Civic Theatre. For a leisurely activity, visitors will enjoy the Palouse Scenic Byway. Green, flowing hills formed by prehistoric glacial flooding provide an excellent view for photographers and nature enthusiasts. In the summers, Music on Main entertains downtown every Thursday.

Ellensburg

Two hours east of Seattle, Ellensburg is best known for Central Washington University. It’s located just east of the Cascade Mountain Range, offering a plethora of outdoor recreation opportunities. Hikers will love Manastash Ridge or the Rattlesnake Dance Ridge Trail for elevation gain and manageable day excursions. In the summer months, the Yakima River is a popular spot for floating or fishing. For a leisurely activity, the Ellensburg Farmers Market is a must in the warmer months. Downtown Ellensburg is filled with local produce, baked goods, and hand-crafted products every Saturday from May to October.

Walla Walla

Walla Walla is well known for its stunning scenery and thriving wine region, featuring nearly 3,000 acres of vineyards and more than 120 wineries. While wine is a big draw, there is plenty more to enjoy in town. If you’re in the mood for something different, stop by Hop Thief Taphouse and Kitchen, a self-pour tap house offering everything from beer to kombucha.

The town is also home to Whitman College, a highly regarded liberal arts college in the heart of the city, and Walla Walla University, a private Christian liberal arts school. Golfers love Walla Walla, too, thanks to the scenic courses spread throughout wine country. Wine Valley Golf Club is a popular choice, known for its top-notch stay-and-play packages that pair perfectly with a weekend of tasting and relaxing.

Parkland

Home to the private Pacific Lutheran University, Parkland is a small suburb of Tacoma. Outdoorsy types love this area for Spanaway Park, a 135-acre park featuring a lake, walking trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas. It is a local favorite for summer swimming, fishing, or launching a kayak. Parkland Prairie and Nature Preserve is another excellent choice for wandering trails, enjoying native wildflowers, and birdwatching. Visitors with kids will enjoy Debbie Dolittle's Indoor Petting Zoo. The facility features a myriad of animals like llamas, donkeys, sheep, and goats, as well as exotic birds like macaws and toucans.

Cheney

Eastern Washington’s small-town gem, Cheney, is a small farming town and home to Eastern Washington University. It is full of local shops like The Mason Jar, which serves up fresh pastries, coffee, and cozy breakfasts, and Roast House Coffee, known for its locally roasted blends and warm community vibe. Those looking for immersive nature experiences will enjoy Fish Lake Regional Park for swimming and boating. History enthusiasts will enjoy the Cheney Historical Museum or strolling through the downtown district. Visiting the Eastern Washington University campus is also a local favorite walking tour.

Port Angeles

Although not necessarily known as a college town, Port Angeles has plenty of postsecondary options at Peninsula College. It is an excellent community college that offers Bachelor of Applied Science programs in management and behavioral healthcare. They also have transfer associate degree programs for larger schools. The city is a gateway to Olympic National Park. It offers nearly one million acres to explore. There are multiple hiking options within the park, offering easy, moderate, and hard trails. Hurricane Ridge is a favorite for its peak above the clouds.

Port Angeles is between the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic Mountains, providing ample opportunities to enjoy water activities. Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding on Lake Crescent or surfing at Clallam Bay are all popular choices for locals and visitors to the city. In winter, the Hurricane Ridge ski area becomes a lively spot for skiing, snowboarding, and tubing.

Lacey

Saint Martin’s University and South Puget Sound Community College both reside in Lacey. Saint Martin’s is a private, Catholic Benedictine university, while South Puget Sound Community College is open to the public. The city is situated on the western edge of the Cascade Mountains and along the Puget Sound. As for activities, Indian Summer Golf & Country Club is highly regarded in the golf world. It has a 33,000-square-foot clubhouse with several amenities, including locker rooms, saunas, and a full-service restaurant. Downtown Lacey also has a budding local food scene, with cozy spots like Ricardo’s Kitchen & Bar serving prime steaks and local brews. In winter, visitors can ice skate through the holiday season at Oly on Ice in nearby Isthmus Park.

Concluding Thoughts

Washington state doesn’t lack beauty. The majority of the state is filled with lush, green vibrancy. It’s a versatile state with crucial resources. These seven college towns are versatile in what they offer visitors and locals alike. These towns offer everything from wine tours and hiking adventures to historical insight and coastal activities. Whether you’re looking to relax amongst an artsy collective or adventure within forested trails, Washington state will deliver.