8 Stunning Small Towns In Oregon
Oregon also has an abundance of small towns sporting some truly stunning scenery. Out at the Columbia River Gorge near The Dalles, folks can take in the dramatic canyon views and try everything from trout fishing to whitewater rafting and windsurfing. Meanwhile, the Willamette Valley around Newberg has grown a storied reputation for world-class wines. And along the coast, visitors in places like Yachats can reach dramatically beautiful natural landmarks like Haystack Rock, Devils Churn, and Thor’s Well. For more on what to see and do across this stretch of the Pacific Northwest, below are eight truly stunning small towns in Oregon.
Joseph
Sitting at the base of Eastern Oregon’s ruggedly beautiful Wallowa Mountains, Joseph is a tiny town with a wide array of possibilities for amazing adventures. To the south of town, Wallowa Lake State Park includes a beach area and (seasonal) marina that make great launchpads for exploring the majestic waters of this glacial lake. A little farther south, Mt. Howard is serviced by a tramway that carries visitors up about 3,700 feet to its 8,150-foot summit, which features a fascinating alpine ecosystem and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. And for those wanting more challenging hikes, the Falls Creek Trail offers stunning forest and waterfall views, while the Sacajawea Peak Trail offers 5,000 feet of elevation gain and requires advanced-level scrambling in some areas.
For anyone who really wants to experience the Wallowa Lake area near Joseph “like it used to be,” a stay at Trouthaven Cabins on the shore of Wallowa Lake, about 2.5 miles from Joseph, might be just what’s needed. This locally run establishment has 10 cabins that combine rustic design, essential creature comforts (like plush bedding and plenty of cookware), and a prime location near Wallowa Lake.
The Dalles
Sitting near the confluence of the Columbia and Deschutes Rivers is The Dalles, a picture-perfect place for experiencing the wonders of the Columbia River Gorge. A short drive east from town leads to the Deschutes River State Recreation Area, an inviting hub for hiking, biking, whitewater rafting, camping, and fishing for steelhead and trout. Then, to the west, Mayer State Park is perfect for boating, windsurfing, and swimming in the Columbia River. And in town, there are a few more interesting gems, including the wealth of 19th-century pioneer-era artifacts at Fort Dalles Museum and Anderson Homestead, and perhaps the region’s best Mexican cuisine at Rio Grande Restaurant.
Whatever one decides to do around The Dalles and the Columbia Gorge, the Rayland Hotel makes a very convenient and comfortable nest in town. This independent boutique hotel sports recently remodeled guest rooms, tasty dining on site, and ample meeting space for intimate family and corporate gatherings.
Newberg
It’s only about a 25-mile drive from Portland to Newberg, yet the journey leads to a refreshingly laid-back and creative Willamette Valley wine country town that’s always growing something good. While here, folks can take their pick of exceptional wineries to visit, from the Potter’s Vineyard and their highly acclaimed Vino Vasai Pinot Noir wines, to Chehalem and their selection of fine Pinot Noir Rosé and Pinot Gris wines. A little farther out, Knudsen Vineyards is another top-tier winery crafting fantastic Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Blanc de Blancs sparkling wines. And in case anyone needs a little break from the winery tours, Chehalem Glenn Golf Course offers 18 holes to play in a lush and beautiful forest-like environment.
While there’s a lot to experience all around Newberg, the one place that makes this town even better to visit is The Allison Inn & Spa. This five-star luxury boutique resort sits on 35 acres of spectacularly manicured grounds, features some 85 opulently appointed rooms and suites, serves fine wine country cuisine at its JORY restaurant, and has a full menu of treatments available at The Allison Spa.
Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach may be around 80 miles northwest of Portland, yet this beach town looks and feels a world away from the ordinary thanks to its unique land and seascapes. The main draw here is Haystack Rock, the 235-foot-tall sea stack that towers over Cannon Beach’s main beach and provides critical habitat for native wildlife like tufted puffins, sea stars, crabs, and anemones. Meanwhile, on the north end of town, Chapman Point offers a pleasant stretch of white sand beach, a great view of the offshore Bird Rocks, and prime opportunities to spot birds like common murres and bald eagles. And heading inland, Klootchy Creek County Park is home to the remains of the famous Klootchy Creek Giant Sitka Spruce—once one of Oregon’s largest and oldest trees—and it also serves as the gateway to the Klootchy Creek mountain bike trail network.
Back in town, Anna’s Table is a fabulous restaurant worth booking a table to taste their take on Pacific Northwest-style farm-to-table cuisine. And back near Haystack Rock, the Hallmark Resort & Spa Cannon Beach offers an idyllic oceanfront setting, comfortable kid and pet-friendly rooms and suites, the full-service Elements by the Sea Spa, and additional perks like an indoor swimming pool and complimentary freshly-baked cookies.
Yachats
The name Yachats originates in the Siletz language and means “dark water at the foot of the mountain,” and a visit to this village reveals a stunning natural wonderland where the Oregon Coast Range meets the Pacific Ocean. Just south of town, Cape Perpetua Scenic Area abounds in jaw-dropping natural landmarks like the rugged lava-formed coastal inlet at Devils Churn and the “Drainpipe of the Pacific” at Thor’s Well. Shifting east, the Cummins Creek Wilderness includes the state’s only federally-protected old-growth Sitka Spruce forest and makes the ideal backdrop for backcountry forest hiking. Returning to the coast, Neptune State Scenic Viewpoint protects a nice stretch of pristine beach and coastal wilderness areas that are particularly great for tidepooling, birdwatching, and whale watching. And right in the heart of town, Yachats State Recreation Area has a scenic collection of beach and tidepool areas worth strolling and exploring.
Once visitors are ready to settle down, Overleaf Lodge provides a very warm welcome and a very special oceanfront setting. Even better, this hotel offers cozy, beachy-chic guest rooms with oversized jetted tubs, a delectable breakfast spread every morning, an on-site gallery and gift shop that stocks unique souvenirs made by Oregon artists, and soothing treatments and amenities at the Overleaf Spa.
Sisters
While Sisters is named for a nearby set of mountains in the Cascades Volcanic Arc, it’s also a fitting name for this town thanks to their cozy and close-knit atmosphere. Speaking of those mountains, the Three Sisters Wilderness area includes the three iconic 10,000-foot-plus peaks alongside 14 glaciers (including Oregon’s largest ice sheet), multiple waterfalls, lava fields, and roughly 260 miles of hiking trails. A little farther north, the Mount Washington Wilderness extends for some 75 square miles of black lava-formed plains, the 6,873-foot cinder and ash volcanic cone at Belknap Crater, and over 16 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail. Then, for a more tranquil corner of wilderness, Suttle Lake offers a great family-friendly environment for fishing and birdwatching. And closer to town, Camp Polk Meadow Preserve protects 151 acres of gorgeous meadows, wetlands, aspen groves, and ponderosa pine forest that native wildlife like owls, deer, cougars, otters, and elk call home.
After a long day exploring around Sisters, visitors can settle down without settling for less at FivePine Lodge & Cabins. This resort not only offers a convenient “base camp” about 23 miles from Bend, but it also features 36 cabins and 8 lodge suites with comforts like oversized soaking tubs and luxury pillow-top beds.s
Summer Lake
Reaching out to Southern Oregon, we reach the appropriately named village of Summer Lake on the eastern slope of Winter Ridge. A major highlight here is Summer Lake Wildlife Area, a prime nature preserve for spotting migrating birds, including bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, blue herons, and white-faced ibis. Then, for folks wanting more active recreation in open nature, the Fremont Tier of the Oregon Timber Trail offers some 207 miles of excellent cycling terrain. There’s also the Slide Lake Trail for over eight miles of challenging hiking. And farther out, the Gearhart Mountain Wilderness extends across 22,684 acres of volcanic peaks, high alpine meadows, and undisturbed ponderosa pine, whitebark pine, and white fir forest.
While Summer Lake is surrounded by plenty of exciting parks and public land areas to experience, it’s also possible to unwind nearby at Summer Lake Hot Springs, a retreat located six miles west of Paisley on Highway 31. This hidden gem of a retreat space offers perfectly quiet guest cabins alongside access to artesian hot spring soaking areas, lovely walking trails, and ancient petroglyphs and other archaeological sites.
Brookings
Perched just above the California state line is Brookings, the picture-perfect springboard for exploring Southern Oregon’s Wild Rivers Coast. At the north end of town, Harris Beach State Park is ideal for birdwatching and for spotting other marine wildlife like gray whales, harbor seals, and California sea lions. Then, heading down towards the state border, McVay Rock State Recreation Site has a pretty beach to stroll and an oceanfront lawn with a nine-hole disc golf course. And for those wanting the full golf experience, Salmon Run is an 18-hole championship golf course that lets guests play right by the stream where chinook and steelhead spawn.
Even in the middle of town, it’s easy to escape to an enchanting coastal environment at Chetco Point Park, a rocky peninsula that drops to a set of ruggedly beautiful beaches and tidepools. And mere blocks away from Chetco Point, travelers can stay at Mermaid’s Muse Bed & Breakfast and enjoy a guest room with jaw-dropping Pacific Ocean views, a freshly prepared hot breakfast every morning, and even their own private hot tub set just above the beach.
There’s Never a Dull Moment at These Stunning Small Towns
Throughout Oregon, visitors will find all sorts of stunning landmarks and unique attractions that invite them to drop everything and savor the scenic surroundings. To the east, Joseph has no shortage of daring hiking trails and rugged alpine wilderness, while Sisters sports the perfect balance of daring mountain paths and easygoing meadow parks. Then, in the heart of the Willamette Valley, Newberg overflows in highly acclaimed wineries and luxurious hospitality. And down at the coast, Yachats has jaw-dropping landmarks like Devils Churn and Thor’s Well, while Brookings has plenty of laid-back beaches to stretch out and take in the dramatic ocean views. You can say plenty about Oregon’s diverse array of landscapes, but one thing we can never say is that this state is boring to look at.
