7 of the Quirkiest Towns in the Pacific Northwest
Did you know that the PNW region is sometimes referred to as Cascadia? This nickname is partly due to many towns in the region, like Cottage Grove and Yachats in Oregon, being nestled near or around the Cascade Mountains. Featuring a multitude of magnificent landscapes, there's a beautiful temperate rainforest around Yachats. In Rockaway Beach, whales can often be seen breaching the ocean's surface while old-growth coastal trees fringe its boardwalk.
So take it with a grain of salt because these are the PNW's quirkiest towns! Rock away to your own beat in Rockaway, a still lesser-visited town boasting seven miles of beach, or visit Sandpoint, known for its relaxed pace and natural beauty, perfect for those looking to connect with nature. For sand dune buggy rides, head to Florence, and wine enthusiasts will find their paradise in Walla Walla, with even more to explore in Zillah—seriously! These beautiful PNW towns, each with their unique personality quirks, are sure to catch your eye!
Cottage Grove, Oregon
Cottage Grove, a two-time prestigious award winner of the All-America City Award in 1968 and 2004, has its quirks, as do all truly captivating towns! Standing out with something for everyone, visitors can discover live music, theater arts, and beloved eateries—the little things that turn new faces into regulars. Bordering Oregon Wine Country, you're in for vineyard wanderings during the day and fun evenings aplenty after wine tastings lead you to the local bars. On the other side, the Cascade foothills teem with wildlife along rushing rivers and photo-worthy waterfalls, making Cottage Grove a haven for outdoor explorers and photography enthusiasts!
Even if you're not the adventurous type to explore all the stunning waterfalls within a 5-mile radius, you can surely stroll to one and drive around the six scenic, historic covered bridges near downtown. A movie star in Buster Keaton's film "The General," Cottage Grove also appeared in old-time favorites "Animal House" and "Stand By Me." Home to over 20 outdoor murals depicting the small town's illustrious past, Cottage Grove keeps you sightseeing in between food breaks and wine sipping. Imagine a day trekking through gorgeous woods, hiking or horseback riding, taking a dip at Wildwood Falls, and ending in the charming red barn at Saginaw Vineyards or Coast Fork Brewing. Don't forget to stop by Territorial Seed Company to plant a memory back home of this storybook-like town!
Florence, Oregon
The beautiful town of Florence, steeped in history, is perfect for indulgences like shopping and dining in its Historic Old Town, set against a coastal ambiance. From spotting migrating whales offshore to exploring the interactive exhibits at Whale Park, water enthusiasts will enjoy paddling and swimming at Cleawox Lake, exploring the dunes, or windsurfing at South Jetty Beach. Whether you prefer crabbing for a fire-cooked dinner or savoring a warm bowl of clam chowder at Mo's, Florence, Oregon's Coastal Playground, invites you to experience everything along its miles of beaches and charming downtown. How about a quirky—and unforgettable—stay at a historic lighthouse keeper's house B&B, complete with a friendly resident ghost story?
Explore tide pools teeming with marine life or descend 200 feet (61 meters) into North America's largest sea cave, home to the bellowing, beloved sea lions, via an elevator. Thrill-seekers can rent dune buggies and traverse forty miles of coastal sands, then unwind with live entertainment at the Florence Events Center or the Three Rivers Casino Resort. Those seeking relaxation can opt for a riverfront hotel and dine at exquisite seafood restaurants, while others might prefer lakeside cabins, horseback rides, or comfortable camping. If you're in town for events like the Annual Wiener Dog Race or the Annual Rhododendron Festival, you're in for a treat!
Rockaway, Oregon
This epically named town has long been a favorite coastal retreat from city life. Even before highways, families in the 1920s traveled here by train, drawn to its sprawling, picturesque beach. Although more accessible and popular today, Rockaway still offers a unique charm amongst Oregon's polished beachscapes. With hundreds of vacation rentals and hotel rooms offering beach access, it's the ultimate destination for adventures along the vast coastline. The towering Twin Rocks, perfect for a picnic backdrop, stand tall on the horizon, offering unmatched photo opportunities. Visitors can enjoy a scenic journey aboard a steam engine train, traveling a route with views of Tillamook Bay, where the tide pools and ocean seem untouched by time.
This scenic slice of history is more than just your average beach town. Home to locals with vibrant personalities, expect adventures and sights along the seven miles of uninterrupted, sandy beaches. Enjoy authentic experiences like beach bonfires and stargazing. With whales occasionally breaching in view and old-growth coastal trees lining the Rockaway Beach boardwalk, the town offers a unique experience. Despite the summer tourist influx and some of the state's greatest festivals, Rockaway retains an intimate feel, perfect for outdoor activities like bird watching and hiking. The local museums showcase the town's unique and intriguing heritage. Downtown Rockaway welcomes visitors with a distinctive shopping and dining scene, infusing local flavors and flair into delightful and fun offerings.
Sandpoint, Idaho
Dubbed "the most beautiful town in America" by USA Today and Rand McNally, Sandpoint is enveloped in nature, nestled along three Rockies mountain ranges at the foot of Schweitzer Mountain, Idaho's largest ski and board resort by area. Offering vast snowy terrain for skiing or snowboarding, it maintains an uncrowded atmosphere, much to the delight of snow enthusiasts. Sandpoint takes pride in both its "pace" and "place," boasting a vibrant arts community brimming with entertainment and events, yet retaining an authentic small-town feel. Without resorting to a typical resort vibe, it offers a wealth of outdoor activities, including lake and mountain adventures, complemented by acclaimed culinary establishments. With over 40 fine restaurants and a variety of lodgings, visitors can choose accommodations to suit their style, comfort, and budget.
At the northern tip of Idaho, just 60 miles from Canada, Lake Pend Oreille lies beneath the towering Selkirk and Cabinet mountains, encompassing this stunning community that invites you to stay outdoors even at night. In the summer, families can enjoy the Arts and Crafts Fair, lakeside camping, or winter sleigh rides, coupled with evening theatrical performances at the Panida Theatre and locally crafted gifts. Whether it's a lakeside weekend getaway or a weeklong family vacation on the shores of Idaho's largest lake, Lake Pend Oreille, visitors are encouraged to explore at their own pace. This majestic place has a way of slowing down even the busiest city dwellers to appreciate its beauty.
Walla Walla, Washington
Walla Walla Valley is an essential destination, especially in autumn when the town invites visitors to relax and socialize in pleasant weather. During harvest, the valley is dotted with wineries and lush vineyards, and the calendar is packed with family-friendly events such as the Walla Walla Fair and Frontier Days, The Grit, and Wheelin’ Walla Walla Weekend. With culture and scenic views everywhere, the year-round sunshine encourages sightseeing all day. Activities range from hiking, biking, and golfing to exploring boutiques and art galleries for unique souvenirs. Visitors can enjoy spas, museums, and evening theater shows, making for memorable experiences and a variety of local highlights.
Walla Walla welcomes wine lovers, nature fans, and culture seekers, offering a lively and surprising small town. It features mountain views and riverside scenery, providing outdoor activities suitable for everyone, regardless of age or skill level. Explore various restaurants for each day and find a perfect tasting room to pair with riverside dining. With numerous wineries lining the famous river in the valley, Walla Walla is famous as a top wine destination in the U.S., with over 130 wineries and 3,000 acres of grapevines. Visitors can come as they are and enjoy the rich flavors of this growing area, with accommodations available in the friendly downtown or among scenic vineyards and vast nature trails.
Yachats, Oregon
Yachats, pronounced YAH-hots, is a small town that makes a powerful statement with its natural beauty. Located in a unique spot, it offers more than just typical soft-sand beaches. Nestled between the hazy Cascade Mountains and the rolling ocean, Yachats features black basalt sands and tide pools along its shoreline that showcase sea landmarks. A true gem on the Oregon Coast, it is home to natural wonders such as Devil’s Churn, Spouting Horn, and Thor’s Well, providing both thrilling adventures and peaceful sights along the tranquil beach just nearby. For expansive, breathtaking views, Cape Perpetua, south of town, offers some of the best vantage points on the Oregon Coast.
The downtown area aims to impress visitors with top-tier art galleries, popular restaurants like Ona Restaurant, and shops and breweries known for quality. The botanical preserve offers a peaceful retreat, while the city park, developed on reclaimed marshland, enhances the town's appeal. Surrounded by lush temperate rainforest and the Pacific Ocean, Yachats presents a stunning landscape of greenery and blue waters. Thor’s Well, a massive sinkhole along the coast, stands out as a uniquely striking natural feature in the country.
Zillah, Washington
Zillah, known for its lively character, delights visitors with quirky attractions such as the Chamber-operated Teapot—originally a gas station handcrafted by Jack Ainsworth in 1922. After many years along the freeway, the Teapot was moved to town in 2012 and now serves as a restored visitor center. This distinctive piece of American history features an Instagram-worthy Teapot Dome, merchandise for sale, and the Teapot Dome Historical Site, which commemorates the Teapot Dome oil scandal during President Warren Harding's administration. Nearby, visitors can see the Fallen Firefighter Memorial and the Zillah Veterans Memorial. Just off I-82, Zillah is situated in the heart of Yakima Valley's wineries, with over 20 wineries along the Rattlesnake Hills Wine Trail.
Visitors can enjoy outdoor concerts during summer or attend events at Old Warehouse’s Perham. The Rattlesnake Hills Wine Trail offers popular wine tastings throughout the year, while other wineries host art classes, winemaker dinners, flower arranging, and comedy shows. Ben’s Strip, one of Central Washington's largest airfields, hosts the non-profit Yakima Valley Aero Modelers, with Sunday fly-ins and special events. Explorers can tour the trail on horseback, bike, motorcycle, or vintage car, and farm stands like Jones Farms provide fresh produce and a fall pumpkin patch. Just off I-82 in Yakima Valley, Zillah's giant teapot replica invites visitors, and if you’d rather coffee—just kidding—then the local wineries are nearby, waiting to be explored.
In the PNW, the beachscape of Rockaway meets the mountainous backdrop of Sandpoint, Idaho. Whether it's the soaring mountains, extraordinary water views, or tantalizing sea landmarks visible through black basalt sands, one of these towns is sure to capture your eye.
From Washington to Oregon to Idaho, each town in the Pacific Northwest boasts its own attractions and quirks. Whether hidden or obvious, these treasures are waiting to be discovered, no matter the weather or time of year!
