8 Unpretentious Towns To Visit In Washington
If you feel like you have to dress up to visit a certain town or attraction, chances are you are going to worry more about fitting in than enjoying yourself. In Washington State, you never have to give your outfit a second thought if you visit some of the most unpretentious small towns here. Instead, you can let it all hang out (figuratively speaking) and just take in every beautiful moment. So, if you are planning a trip to Washington, prepare to experience genuine interactions and the simple pleasures of life in the following places.
Port Gamble
Port Gamble looks like it has a reason to be pretentious. After all, it sits right within the mind-blowingly beautiful Olympic Peninsula. But this small town has never forgotten its humble start as a mill town in 1853. There are stunning New England-style houses here and never-ending views of the bay. You will meet all kinds of friendly locals at the Olympic Outdoor Center, where you can book a kayaking or paddleboarding tour. You can also opt for a bioluminescence tour.
If you want to do some shopping, be sure to check out the second-largest private seashell collection in the U.S. at the Port Gamble General Store. And, at Butcher & Baker Provisions, you will find some of the best coffee in the state along with sandwiches, baked goods, and hearty breakfasts.
Goldendale
In Goldendale, you can pull on your most comfortable shoes and take a walk to the Goldendale Observatory State Park. There is a massive telescope here that allows you to view the sun, Saturn, Jupiter, and more. If space does not interest you, you can visit the Presby Mansion Museum to learn more about the town’s pioneer history. You can tour exceptionally detailed exhibits and view a large collection of artifacts and photographs.
Goldendale also has a reindeer farm where you can see these gorgeous animals up close (by appointment only). Before you go in search of lunch, remember to stop by Brooks Memorial State Park, where you can hike or watch the birds. When you get hungry, grab some lunch at the Honkytonk Bar and Restaurant on West Main Street. They serve everything from starters to ‘tarters’, lunch and dinner entrees, burgers, and salads.
Tonasket
If you decide to visit Tonasket, located in Okanogan County, your first stop should be the Chief Tonasket Park. You can relax here, especially if you've had a long drive. There are multiple playing and walking areas, river access, and lots of green spaces. A forty-minute drive away, if you are up for it, you will find Lake Osoyoos, where you can fish for a couple of hours or go for a swim. If you visit during September, you can join residents for the quirky Tonasket Garlic Festival. In July, the Tonasket Rodeo is held here, one of the most unique events in town. For food, you can visit the Iron Grill for an excellent dinner or the Creekside Kitchen for a traditional American meal.
Lynden
The quaint town of Lynden is home to Washington’s largest Dutch settlement. It is also the country's largest raspberry producer. Start your visit on the best note with a visit to Lynden Dutch Bakery, where you can enjoy Oliebollen, Poffertjes, Stroopwafels, and Speculaas cookies. After a sweet breakfast, you can head to the Lynden Heritage Museum to see the largest horse-drawn buggy collection to the west of the Mississippi before spending a couple of hours picking apples at Bellewood Farms.
At Berthusen Park, you can hike in the old-growth forest and view a collection of antique tractors. And, if you want to get your adrenaline pumping for a bit, you can join a baseball or soccer game at Bender Fields. There is also a pump track and plenty of picnic tables.
Twisp
Twisp was founded in 1897 and was originally named Glovers-Ville. After being renamed Twisp in 1898, this small town was finally incorporated in 1909. A terrible fire left only two buildings standing in 1924, but the community was determined to rebuild, and they did. The population also grew to nearly 1,000 by the 2020 census, and today, Twisp is an unpretentious town offering excellent outdoor recreation opportunities.
The Pacific Crest Trail is one of the most popular attractions in Twisp, particularly for its unmatched views of the North Cascades. If you visit during the summer, you can join the locals for water sports on the Methow River. You can also fish, kayak, and rub here. After all the exertion and fun, you will likely be very hungry by the time the sun sets. You will find hearty comfort food at 1908 BBQ & Bourbon. If you are in the mood for Italian fare, there are great options and even better wine on offer at Tappi.
Marblemount
Marblemount itself is an almost nondescript town on the Skagit River. But you will go a very long way to find better views anywhere else in Washington. Everywhere you look, you will see blue-green lake waters, crystal-clear streams, waterfalls, mountains, and wildlife. Marblemount is also a gateway town to North Cascades National Park. The park features forests, lakes, and over 300 glaciers, so you should plan on staying at least a couple of days to explore some of them. The Lookout Mountain Trail is challenging but rewards you with panoramic views of the Cascades. If you happen to be the first one at the Fire Lookout Tower, you can stay overnight for free (first-come, first-served on a daily basis).
When you get back to town, you can have a delicious burger and fries at the popular Mondo Restaurant. Remember to stop by Karina’s Deja Brew at some point during your visit to get a ‘walk-up espresso.’
Dayton
Dayton is one of the most down-to-earth towns in southeastern Washington. The best way to take in the atmosphere and experience the character of this town is to take a walk down Main Street as soon as you get there. Tree line both sides of the street, framing the historic buildings. These trees calm traffic and reduce noise while beautifying this small area.
If you want to stroll in a beautiful garden and see historic Victorian architecture, visit the charming Boldman House Museum. And do not forget to pass by Dumas Station Wines, where you can enjoy a wine tasting in a former train station. You can also relax for a couple of hours at the Dayton Historic Depot while looking out over the beautiful Touchet River.
Concrete
While it has a somewhat unusual name, tiny Concrete offers breathtaking natural beauty, views, and outdoor activities. There are approximately 700 permanent residents here, making it one of the most serene, unpretentious towns in Washington State. It is also a gateway to North Cascades National Park and offers magnificent views of Mount Sauk.
For kayaking, water rafting, canoeing, and fishing, you can drive to the nearby Baker Lake or Lake Shannon. Stopping at 5 B’s Bakery for breakfast is a must; otherwise, you will miss out on some of the best baked goods in the area. You can also have excellent pizza for dinner at Annie’s Pizza. Before you leave this charming little place, pass by the Henry Thompson Bridge, which opened in 1917 and was once the world’s longest single-span concrete arch.
Experience The One And Only Evergreen State
The unpretentious towns in the Evergreen State will never go out of style. While Washington is often celebrated for its iconic city skylines, many people long to experience the warm welcome in these beautiful places. You do not need to be ‘fancy’ or stick to a ‘popular’ itinerary when visiting the eight towns mentioned above. All you need to do is hold out your hand, smile, and the rest will happen as it should. The residents in these small towns will love showing you around while they get to know you better. So, pack a bag, put on your most comfortable outfit, and hit the road to the Pacific Northwest.
