8 Small Towns In Oregon With Big Charm
Oregon might be famous for its leafy evergreen forest and the innovative “Silicon Forest” of the Portland metro region, yet that’s only the start of what this Pacific Northwest state has to offer. There’s also a vast array of mighty mountains, including a volcano where visitors can actually go skiing. Along the coast, folks will find an abundance of ruggedly beautiful beaches and uniquely alluring natural landmarks.
And in between, Oregon has some of the West Coast’s most beloved wine country regions growing some phenomenal varietals. So, where should one travel to experience these and the other unique wonders of Oregon? Fortunately, we have some appealing answers. For some great ideas for your next Oregon getaway, here are eight small towns in Oregon with big charm.
Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach is home to what might be the West Coast’s most famous rock that soars above the shore, and it has plenty more coastal treasures worth discovering. A short stroll from Cannon Beach’s central village reveals the beach with the best views of Haystack Rock, the 235 foot-tall monolith and sea stack that’s adorned with tide pools that support wildlife like starfish and sea anemones, and this is a great beach to see birds like tufted puffins and cormorants. Meanwhile, to the south lies Arcadia Beach State Recreation Site, a pleasant and laid-back beach to explore the unique rock formations and tide pools.
A little farther south, visitors can reach Oswald West State Park, a four-mile-long stretch of ruggedly beautiful coastline and rainforest that’s perfect for hiking, surfing, and picnics. Once one’s ready to return to town, Hallmark Resort & Spa Cannon Beach makes a comfortable and convenient “base camp” with its picture-perfect location near Haystack Rock, a full-service spa on site, a year-round indoor heated pool, and a lovely collection of beachy-chic rooms and suites.
McMinnville
The Willamette Valley may be Oregon’s most famous wine country region, and this town that’s about 39 miles southwest of Portland makes a great launchpad for all sorts of flavorful adventures. In McMinnville, travelers can stop at Brittan Vineyards’ tasting room and try their illustrious array of estate-grown chardonnays, pinot noirs, and syrahs. There’s also HiFi Wine Bar, a fun and funky spot to try local wines, nosh on elevated bar food, and catch cool DJ spin sessions on weekends.
In case anyone wants a more fully-immersive wine country outing, it’s a short drive out to J.L. Kiff Vineyard, a family-owned winery with nine acres of vineyards and a delectable lineup of pinots and chardonnays. Whatever one decides to do in and around town, it’s always a good idea to retreat to the Atticus Hotel, McMinnville’s premier luxury hotel with a posh array of well-appointed rooms and suites, as well as the delicious Cypress Restaurant on site.
Mt. Hood Village
How often does one get to ski down a volcano? At Mt. Hood Village, it’s not only possible, but also a whole lot of fun! This town is named for Mount Hood, the 11,249 foot-tall stratovolcano that marks Oregon’s highest summit, and this volcano also hosts several ski areas. One top highlight is Mt. Hood Meadows, an impressive ski resort sporting 87 trails across 2,150 acres that average 348 inches of annual snowfall and offer up to 2,777 feet in vertical. Another is Mt. Hood Skibowl, the United States’ largest nighttime ski area and a fun spot to ski during the day with 69 trails across 960 acres.
For something different, visitors can check out Teacup Lake Nordic Club’s 24 kilometers of groomed trails that are picture-perfect for cross-country skiing. And for the ultimate winter wonderland at Mount Hood, folks can stay and play at Timberline Lodge. Not only does Timberline have its own ski resort with a staggering 413 inches of average annual snowfall and an astounding 4,540 feet in vertical, but also a vintage 1930s lodge that’s been reimagined into a contemporary hotel full of cozy and comfy guest rooms.
Sumpter
Tucked into a rugged, semi-arid expanse of Eastern Oregon, around 157 miles northwest of Boise (Idaho), is the historic village of Sumpter. At its heart is the Sumpter Valley Dredge, a fascinating state park where visitors can observe this “ship on dry land” that extracted over $4 million worth of gold from 1935 to 1954, then explore its 1.5 miles of trails to see how nature has gradually been reclaiming the land since the mine was abandoned. Right next door, the Sumpter Municipal Museum (housed at the local library) has a treasure trove full of historic mining artifacts and photos detailing the area’s deep mining and logging heritage.
Though Sumpter lost its luster as a gold mining destination in the mid-20th century, it’s since evolved into a prime location for outdoor recreation. During winter, the nearby Blue Mountain OHV Trail offers the longest snowmobile and ATV-suitable trail (at 50.6 miles) at Wallowa-Whitman National Forest, and one that winds its way through a scenic stretch of ponderosa pine and fir forest with open streams. After a long day exploring the mountains and wandering around town, folks can check into Sumpter Bed & Breakfast and discover a restful oasis near the state park.
Sisters
Only about 22 miles northwest of Bend is Sisters, a town that makes sure travelers feel like family with its warm hospitality, wondrous natural scenery, and unique “Old West” style charm. A short drive west of town leads to Hoodoo Ski Area, a great family-friendly ski resort with a balanced mix of easy, intermediate, and advanced runs across 806 acres. Also nearby is the Mount Washington Wilderness, a 54,406-acre expanse of rugged peaks, including the Belknap Crater and the namesake 7,794-foot Mount Washington, a prominent shield volcano in the Cascade Range.
Once folks return to town, they can stop at The Barn in Sisters to find a unique food hall with tasty adult beverages at the Tap House, vegan fare at Rootbound, hearty pizzas at Boone Dog, and delectable Mexican food at Carmelita’s. From there, it’s a short hop over to FivePine Lodge & Cabins, a romantic hotel with luxurious cabins and suites situated right on the edge of Deschutes National Forest land.
Union Creek
With the United States’ deepest lake right at its doorstep, it should come as no surprise that there’s no shortage of opportunities for amazing adventures in and around Union Creek. Speaking of the lake, Crater Lake National Park is centered around its namesake lake that fills a volcanic caldera that formed over 7,500 years ago, and it’s a wondrous place to go for wintertime hiking, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, skiing, and even snowboarding.
Outside the national park, there’s plenty more to explore in the area, including the majestic 30-foot cascade at Rogue River Gorge Falls, and the fascinating lava tube and forest ecosystem at the Rogue River Natural Bridge. While the Crater Lake region is quite rural and sparsely developed, there is a solid option for accommodations near the park at Union Creek Resort. This resort has a variety of rooms, cabins, and larger vacation rental units to suit groups large and small, and Beckie’s Café is located right on site.
Ashland
Around 17 miles southeast of Medford lies Ashland, a curious college town that overflows in good wine and spectacular scenery. During the winter season, Mt. Ashland Ski Area provides 44 trails across 240 acres for adventurous skiers and snowboarders. Meanwhile, Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument protects a critical ecosystem at the intersection of the Klamath Mountains, the Cascades, and the Great Basin, and it offers numerous options for beautiful hikes. (Even the Pacific Crest Trail runs through it.)
Over the years, Southern Oregon’s Rogue River Valley has grown a reputation for crafting exceptional wines, and Irvine & Roberts is a fantastic winery to visit for its gorgeous vineyard vistas and its all-star lineup of cool-climate wines like pinot noir and chardonnay. And to complete a delightfully chill wine country experience, one can stay at Country Willows Inn and Estate, a five-acre homestead farm that exudes peace and quiet while also keeping visitors close to the region’s top attractions.
Brookings
Brookings sits at the southernmost edge of the Oregon Coast, a stretch of coastline that abounds in breathtakingly beautiful beaches and enticing options for outdoor recreation. At the north end of town, Harris Beach State Park has some of the state’s most striking sea stacks offshore, and it’s a great place to spot local wildlife like tufted puffins, gray whales, California sea lions, and harbor seals.
Meanwhile, by the California state line is Crissey Field State Recreation Site, which includes a wide, sandy beach that’s ideal for surf fishing, hiking, and easy strolls by the sea. And at the heart of town lies Chetco Point Park, a rugged yet magnificent space to take in the panoramic Pacific Ocean views, explore the tide pools at the beach, and even spot migrating whales.
A short stroll from Chetco Point leads to Mermaid’s Muse Bed & Breakfast, a boutique oceanfront lodge with secluded-feeling rooms and suites, private outdoor hot tubs, high-speed Wi-Fi, and a full breakfast every morning.
These Small Towns Go Big in Natural Beauty, Vibrant Culture, and Exciting Adventures
It’s easy to feel charmed while exploring around Oregon. After all, this is the state that has striking volcano-formed natural landmarks like Mount Hood, Haystack Rock, and Crater Lake. Plus, Oregon offers world-class wines in enchanting towns like McMinnville and Ashland. And for a vast and glorious expanse of ruggedly scenic mountain wilderness paired with family-style hospitality, it’s hard to beat a town like Sisters. Across this magically beautiful state, visitors will find plenty of reasons to stick around to take in the wonder of it all.
