7 Offbeat Towns to Visit in The Pacific Northwest
The Pacific Northwest is a region that includes Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, bordered by the Pacific Ocean and Cascade Mountains. The area is well known for its dramatic coastline, snow-capped mountains, and lush forests, not to mention welcoming and gorgeous small towns. The Pacific Northwest is the ideal destination for a scenic road trip, treks through national parks, and stargazing in some of the best spots in the country, and its most offbeat towns promise a unique adventure and cozy places to stop and stay a little while.
Ellensburg, Washington
Ellensburg is one of the most quaint small towns in Washington, situated east of the Cascade Range along the Yakima River. There are hiking and biking trails scattered all throughout town, while travelers may also enjoy camping, rafting, and fly fishing in the Yakima River Canyon. Popular annual events include the Ellensburg Winterhop Brewfest, the First Friday Art Walk each month, and Junk-tiquen in the Burg Vintage Show. The Ellensburg Rodeo is not to be missed, occurring each year during Labor Day weekend, having been a tradition since 1923 and recreating the "Wild West." Before leaving town, be sure to enjoy a scenic drive along the Barn Quilt Trail, which honors the agriculture industry and the farmers who settled in the area.
Astoria, Oregon
Astoria is one of the cutest small towns in Oregon, situated on the Oregon coast and the mouth of the Columbia River. Though the town is beautiful in itself, it is most famous as the set of the 1985 film The Goonies. The Oregon Film Museum is an excellent and quirky destination, with many exhibits focused on The Goonies, as well as National Lampoon’s Animal House and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. Of course, the Goonies Road Trip is essential for anyone looking to check out all of the filming locations. Other attractions include the Sunday Market from May through October, the Columbia River Maritime Museum, and paragliding on the Oregon Coast. A trip along Astoria's Backdoor Byway includes mini trails, rushing waterfalls, and views of the state's towering Douglas Fir, Hemlock, and Spruce trees.
Garden Valley, Idaho
Garden Valley is one of the coziest small towns in Idaho, tucked along the shoreline of the Payette River and only 45 minutes from the state capital of Boise. It is an excellent destination to escape city life, surrounded by hot springs, wildlife, and access to hiking trails. Travelers may immerse themselves in the beauty of the great outdoors, with opportunities for ATVing and offroading, not to mention horseback riding, stargazing, and camping. Nearby hot springs, perfect for relaxation, include Pine Flats Hot Springs, Rocky Canyon Hot Springs, and Kirkham Hot Springs. Movie buffs must check out the enchanting Starlight Mountain Theatre, while adventurers are sure to find excitement with white water rafting on the Payette River.
Sequim, Washington
Sequim, Washington, is one of the most adorable small towns in the Pacific Coast, located along the Dungeness River and close to the foothills of the Olympic Mountains. It is also the lavender capital of North America, hosting the Sequim Lavender Festival Weekend in July because of its beautiful lavender fields. Other local festivals include the Sequim Sunshine Festival, the Olympic Peninsula Birdfest, and the Sequim Irrigation Festival. Sequim Bay State Park is the ideal destination for year-round camping, as well as birdwatching and hiking. Olympic Coast Sailing Charters are a great way to get a taste of the area on the water, while geocaching in the Sequim-Dungeness Valley provides the opportunity to get up close to the natural scenery and a unique adventure.
Cottage Grove, Oregon
Cottage Grove is one of the best small towns in Oregon to chill out, most famous for its six covered bridges, and locals brand the area the "Covered Bridge Capital of Oregon." Visitors may enjoy a self-guided tour through the town's historic sites, such as its covered bridges, and local murals, or even sites from movie scenes such as The General, Animal House, and Stand By Me. Waterfall chasers are sure to find excitement along Trestle Creek Falls and Brice Creek Falls and Moon, Pinard, and Spirit Falls. Water adventures do not end with rushing falls, though, as travelers may also check out popular water skiing lakes such as Fern Ridge Reservoir. The Row River Trail is a great stop for families and cyclers, featuring beautiful scenery and passing through several of the historic covered bridges.
Sandpoint, Idaho
Sandpoint is one of the most scenic Idaho towns, nestled between the Rocky Mountains and the shores of Lake Pend Oreille, one of the most beautiful lakes in Idaho. Its proximity to water and mountains makes it an excellent destination for hiking, biking, camping, and water sports, but the fun does not end there. Travelers may enjoy a winter trip to Schweitzer, a mountain resort, partaking in skiing, snowshoeing, or snowboarding. Popular annual events include the Festival at Sandpoint, which is the biggest musical event of the year, the Winter Carnival, Lost in the 50s, and the Schweitzer Fall Fest.
Leavenworth, Washington
Leavenworth, Washington, is a picture-perfect town, well known as the Bavarian-style village in the Cascade Mountains. The architecture is what makes the area especially unique, featuring Alpine-style buildings reminiscent of a European alpine town, transporting visitors to another land without ever having to leave the US. Aside from exploring the beautiful local streets, travelers may delve into the scenery of the area, strolling the Waterfront Park on the Wenatchee River. The nearby Icicle Gorge Trailhead traverses the banks of the Icicle River, immersing visitors into the magic of the Icicle Valley. Those looking to delve into the town's history may pay a visit to the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum or the Greater Leavenworth Museum.
Enjoy a Trip to the Pacific Northwest!
An appetite for the great outdoors is a must-have when visiting the small towns of the Pacific Northwest, and these offbeat towns are sure to impress. The region explodes with natural scenery, from the ocean to state parks and towering mountains. From the Bavarian-themed village of Leavenworth to the scenic lavender farm in Sequim, beauty abounds in the Pacific Northwest, with endless activities, local events, and places to explore.
