9 Most Hospitable Towns In Oregon
Situated between Washington and California on the United States’ Pacific Coast, Oregon is a vast state with a fascinating array of landscapes. From the high mountains and arid desert in the east to the verdant coastline out west, Oregon abounds in colorful scenery throughout. This state is also a very welcoming one, with open invitations for visitors to experience fine wines, farm-fresh treats, cool art, and plenty of exciting outdoor adventures.
Whether you seek a down-home country retreat, a refined wine country vacation, or some other kind of unique trip, here are nine of the most hospitable towns in Oregon that can make it happen.
Joseph
The village of Joseph might be almost as far east as one can go in Eastern Oregon, yet this town has gained a reputation as the “Little Switzerland of America” for its dramatic collection of tall peaks in the Wallowa Mountains and tranquil glacier-fed lakes. Just beyond town, Wallowa-Whitman National Forest has a plethora of year-round hubs for outdoor activities, including Anthony Lakes Ski Area, and hiking trails like Hurricane Creek, Maxwell Lake, and Ice Lake.
Closer to town, Wallowa Lake State Park has boats available for rent at its on-site marina, which makes boating excursions at the lake that much easier. In addition, the lake is great for kayaking, paddling, and fishing. For even more quality time at the lake, check into the Wallowa Lake Lodge and enjoy the gorgeous views.
Hood River
Sitting where the Cascade Range meets the Columbia River, the town of Hood River is always growing something good. The special geography makes for an incredibly fertile climate, and this makes Hood River a hotspot for farm-to-table foodie delights. Yes, Hood River has some great wineries worth visiting, including Cathedral Ridge Winery and Marchesi Vineyards. In addition, farms like Pearl’s Place and Draper Girls offer fresh fruit and farm-made goods like ciders and pancake mixes.
When you’re looking for more things to do around town, book a tee time at Indian Creek Golf Course, and embark on a number of aquatic excursions (including kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and windsurfing) at Waterfront Park. After a long day of touring around Hood River, settle down for a relaxing stay at the stately yet cozy Columbia Gorge Hotel & Spa.
Astoria
Close to where the Columbia River flows into the Pacific Ocean, Astoria combines working fishing village sensibility with Victorian-style storybook charm and Hollywood lore. For glimpses into Astoria’s past, visit the Columbia River Maritime Museum to see the “floating lighthouse” that is the Lightship Columbia, and get hands-on with the interactive programs at the Barbey Maritime Center. If you’re curious to see different aspects of Astoria’s history, stop at the Flavel House Museum for one of the Pacific Northwest’s best-preserved Queen Anne Victorian homes. Also, check out the nearby Oregon Film Museum to step into a filming site for classic movies like The Goonies (1985) and Short Circuit (1986).
Beyond downtown, there’s even more to experience around Astoria, such as the historic military fixtures and the pristine ocean beaches at Fort Stevens State Park. Yet once you’re ready to return to town, the Cannery Pier Hotel & Spa is a solid pick to stay with its prime waterfront location and incredible array of amenities for guests.
McMinnville
About 39 miles southwest of Portland, McMinnville marks a very inviting portal into the Willamette Valley wine country region. Of course, McMinnville has an abundance of top-notch Pinot Noirs and other fine wines to taste, including at the tasting rooms for The Eyrie Vineyards, Lundeen Wines, and Pike Road. For further exploration, try some more Willamette Valley wines and pair them with delicious, locally sourced foods at HiFi Wine Bar and Humble Spirit.
Need a break from all that good food and fine wine? If so, head to the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum to see the largest wooden airplane ever built (the Spruce Goose) and plenty more aviation-centric artifacts and archives. Or, for a more natural escape, go to Miller Woods Conservation Area for scenic hikes and prime wildlife watching. To complete your McMinnville trip, book a stay at the Michelin key-awarded Atticus Hotel for an extra luxurious take on Oregon wine country hospitality.
Pacific City
With a name like Pacific City, it’s easy to envision a great beach town with lovely stretches of sand by the Pacific Ocean. Indeed, Pacific City is home to Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area, a park with gorgeous beaches, lively tidepools, and an array of massive sand dunes that must be seen to be believed. If you’re down to ride some waves, Cape Kiwanda is also one of Oregon’s top beaches for surfing. And for more shore to explore, head south to Bob Straub State Park to hit the coastal hiking trails, discover more sand dunes, and even try some horseback riding or ocean fishing.
For another perspective on this region’s natural environment, go to Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge, hit the scenic walking trails, and look out for a wide variety of wildlife, including deer, geese, salmon, trout, and even the threatened Oregon Silverspot Butterfly. Once you’re done roaming the coast, spend the night at Hart’s Camp, a collection of cabins, cottages, and refurbished Airstreams offering “offbeat luxury lodging” just steps from the beach.
Sisters
Named for the three peaks of the Cascades just west of town, Sisters makes for a very hospitable mountain town just 25 miles northwest of Bend. To get up close and personal with these 10,000 foot-plus mountains, go west to Three Sisters Wilderness and hike trails like Pole Creek and Southern Three Sisters Loop. If you’d rather traverse on two wheels, Sisters has many more bike trails around town, including the Peterson Ridge Trails and the Sisters to Lower Black Butte Loop.
While Sisters offers plenty of adrenaline-pumping activities outside, it’s also possible to enjoy a more laid-back day fishing and boating at Suttle Lake, and to play some golf at Black Butte Ranch’s Big Meadow and Glaze Meadow courses. Or, simply head back into town and settle into a cozy cabin at FivePine Lodge & Cabins.
Florence
Nestled in the heart of the Oregon Coast, where the Siuslaw River meets the Pacific Ocean, Florence makes the ultimate coastal playground. To the south of town, wander the Oregon Dunes, North America’s largest expanse of coastal sand dunes. On the other side of the dunes, South Jetty Beach is a great spot for adventurous surfing or more easy-going beachcombing. Meanwhile, to the north of Florence, Sea Lion Caves is prime territory to spot the rare Steller sea lions and migrating whales.
Back in town, there’s even more to do, including 18 holes of scenic golf at Ocean Dunes Golf Links. And at Three Rivers Casino Resort, you will find a comfortable full-service hotel alongside an exciting casino floor with a wide array of slots and table games.
Jacksonville
Just west of Medford in Southern Oregon’s Rogue River Valley, Jacksonville is a historic gold rush town that still abounds in delectable treasures. To get a sense of what Jacksonville was like as a 19th-century gold mining town, mosey over to the Beekman Bank Museum to tour the Pacific Northwest’s first established financial institution (in 1863). For more history, walk a few short blocks to the Beekman House that local banker and politician Cornelius C. Beekman built for his family in the 1870s. And all around the historic downtown, keep your eyes out for more historic landmarks.
Though Jacksonville’s mines ran out of gold long ago, this town has found new fortune thanks to the Rogue River Valley’s emergence as a prestigious wine country region. Head out to Daisy Creek Vineyard to see where their grapes are grown and taste some Chardonnays, Viogniers, and Syrah Rosés, or stay in town and hit the downtown tasting rooms for Somar Family Vineyards and South Stage Cellars. (Jacksonville even provides trolley tours for safe and fun wine country excursions!) And for a fully immersive wine country weekend, book a suite at the Orth House to stay at a historic 1880 Victorian manor that also houses Remotion Wines’ tasting room.
Brookings
Close to the California state line and far from the worries of big city life, Brookings makes it easy to relax with some of the Pacific Coast’s most breathtaking natural scenery. Start at Chetco Point, a glorious park with protected tidepools at the beach and bluff-top trails offering views all the way to Crescent City. A little ways north, Harris Beach State Park features a rugged expanse of sea stacks, tidepools, long sandy beaches, and great opportunities to spot wildlife like tufted puffins, gray whales, harbor seals, and California sea lions.
Going south towards California, Crissey Field is Oregon’s southernmost state park land with 40 acres of sandy beaches, well-preserved coastal wetlands, and inviting hiking trails extending from the Winchuck River to the coast. After spending the day exploring Brookings’ beautiful beaches, check into the Mermaid's Muse Bed & Breakfast and enjoy cozy oceanfront accommodations with private hot tubs and a freshly cooked hot breakfast every morning.
From the Cascades to the Coast, Oregon Provides the Warmest of Welcomes
When you seek hospitable towns for your next trip, look up to Oregon. Consider trekking to Joseph to navigate the mighty mountains of the Pacific Northwest’s “Little Switzerland,” or venture to Pacific City and feast your eyes on their tremendous sand dunes and pristine beaches. Also keep in mind Oregon’s highly esteemed wine country towns like McMinnville and Jacksonville, towns surrounded by leafy vineyards making incredible world-class wines. However you prefer experiencing some authentic Oregon hospitality, the Beaver State is always happy to help you feel right at home.
