9 Most Walkable Town Centers In The Pacific Northwest
The best road trips lead to a spot where you can park the car, stretch your legs, and explore your destination on foot. This is particularly true in the Pacific Northwest. In towns like Friday Harbor, Washington, the ferry docks in the heart of it all, a stone's throw from all the local hot spots. Astoria, Oregon, invites you to stroll its Riverwalk along the Columbia River, where fishing boats unload the day's catch alongside touring cruise ships. In Sandpoint, Idaho, you can browse the small shops inside the Cedar Street Bridge before following the trails along Sand Creek to City Beach and its views of Lake Pend Oreille. These small towns have the most walkable town centers in the Pacific Northwest.
Friday Harbor, Washington
A favorite vacation spot for both residents of Washington state and visitors from other places is the San Juan Islands, known for their spectacular beauty and distant mountain views. Although you can take your car on the ferry, you can also enjoy a long weekend in the town of Friday Harbor with no automobile at all because almost everything is within walking distance of the harbor.
After stepping off the ferry, make a reservation at one of the whale watching cruises and then head to Leaven on Spring Street for coffee and a homemade pastry. After this delicious beginning, you'll be ready to visit the Whale Museum and learn about the famous local orca pods that you will see on your boat tour. After the whale watching adventure, sample some of the wines at Madrone Cellars & Cider before having dinner at one of the many restaurants in town.
Port Townsend, Washington
The lovely town of Port Townsend, on the Olympic Peninsula, will send you back to the graceful era of Victorian architecture and maritime history. The entire core downtown is a National Historic Landmark District. A walk along Water Street, which does indeed follow the water, is a great way to soak in the atmosphere of the pier, vintage brick commercial buildings, and grand homes. Stroll past all kinds of boutiques, antique shops, and eateries. At the very end of the street is the Northwest Maritime Center. You can watch wooden boats being built by hand. On a hill overlooking town is the Rothschild House Museum, built in 1868 by D.C.H. Rothschild, a Bavarian immigrant and merchant. You can visit it by climbing up a historic set of stairs from downtown.
Bainbridge Island, Washington
Between the Olympic Peninsula and Seattle is Bainbridge Island. It's 35 minutes by ferry from Seattle, making it a great day trip with no need for a car. The town center begins at the ferry dock, so you can walk right to the main strip, Winslow Way. Stop first at the free Bainbridge Island Museum of Art (BIMA), and after that, it's just a block to the Kids Discovery Museum. Along Winslow Way to the west, you can find all kinds of shops, including the Eagle Harbor Book Co., a popular independent bookstore.
There are restaurants galore right in town, including Proper Fish, if you crave fresh fish and chips. There are also wineries and cafes. A block off Winslow Way is the Bainbridge History Museum, built in a 1908 schoolhouse. If you need a break, stop at Waterfront Park and rest a bit. Before getting back on the ferry, grab a treat at Island Cool Ice Cream.
Leavenworth, Washington
Leavenworth is a tiny village of just 2,500 people, but it packs such a visual punch that you may not even notice its size. Tucked into the Cascade Mountains east of Seattle, you will be convinced that you have stepped into a Bavarian village in Germany. In the 1960s, town leaders searched for a way to save their dying town and hit upon a theme that would blend perfectly with the surrounding alpine scenery. Today, there are shops, restaurants, festivals, and anything else you can think of that fit into the Bavarian theme.
Start with a walk down Front Street and visit cuckoo clock shops and boutiques as you go. Next, pay a visit to the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum. Inside, you will find thousands of historic nutcrackers. You might need a short break from shopping, so take a walk through the paths in Waterfront Park, just behind the Front Street shops. After that, you will be ready for a beer, and there is no lack of choices when it comes to that. Grab one along with a giant pretzel at München Haus.
Astoria, Oregon
Astoria is a working waterfront town in northwestern Oregon, where the mouth of the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean, and it has a rich history. Astoria was the first permanent American settlement west of the Rockies and Oregon's oldest city. Begin your walking tour of the town along the Astoria Riverwalk and look at the huge cargo ships and canneries. Fishing boats unload that day's catch right alongside touring cruise ships. Hop on the historic trolley that follows the river. Learn more about what you've just seen at the Columbia River Maritime Museum. After that, enjoy fresh seafood at Mo's Seafood & Chowder.
As with so many old maritime towns, there is a great deal of historic architecture. Visit the Queen Anne era Flavel House, built in 1885, by Captain George Flavel, who made his fortune as a bar pilot and businessman. It features unique hardwood details and is fully furnished as it would have been in its heyday. There are numerous other museums to visit, including the Oregon Film Museum, the Heritage Museum, and several others.
Cannon Beach, Oregon
Cannon Beach is one of the most popular towns along the breathtaking Oregon Coast. The village area is highly walkable, exuding a quintessential beach atmosphere with cedar-shingled buildings along Hemlock Street. Cannon Beach is also one of the more upscale communities along the coast, filled with art galleries, restaurants, and boutiques. Start out with a pastry at one of several cafes, such as the Cannon Beach Bakery.
But the best thing about Cannon Beach's walkability is that you can just step right down to the sand and water. Almost any side street will lead you right there in a couple of blocks. Grab a book at the independent bookstore, Cannon Beach Book Company, and some sandwiches, and relax by the water. Monolithic stone stacks dot the shore. One of them, Haystack Rock, was famously featured in several films, including The Goonies. The beach is also a great spot for bird watching. Right on Haystack Rock is one of the best spots in the Pacific Northwest to see the tufted puffin.
Cottage Grove, Oregon
Cottage Grove, in the southern Willamette Valley, has a compact, historic downtown that makes it easy to park and wander. It's a National Register Historic District packed with buildings from the early 1900s. Have coffee at Slabtown Coffee or Pour 818 first, and then browse the antique shops. 5 Flying Monkeys is a popular one, along with Apple Pie Antiques and Mother-Load. They're all right on Main Street.
Next, walk to the Centennial Covered Bridge, right in town. A half mile along the river from here is the Chambers Railroad Bridge, the only remaining covered railroad bridge in the state. The multitude of covered bridges in this area is why it is known as the "Covered Bridge Capital of the West." If you are staying overnight, you may want to tour some of the others, but you will need to get back into your car to do that. Once you are done wandering the shops and walking along the river, have lunch or dinner at Oba Ramen or another downtown restaurant.
Hood River, Oregon
Hood River's main town is divided into two distinct areas, accessible to each other via a short walk. Park downtown first and start your day by wandering around the Oak and State Street areas. Visit the Art On Oak - Artists Cooperative Gallery, which features the Columbia River Gorge artists. The Mount Hood Railroad's historic depot is also right in town, and if the timing is right, take one of their excursions. You will pass by the Hood River Valley's many orchards and take in the mountain views.
After lunch, walk a half mile down the hill to the Waterfront Park. On a nice day, you will see windsurfers enjoying one of the most popular spots in the Pacific Northwest for this activity. Right there is the History Museum of Hood River County. A short visit provides context for how the town developed with its rich history of fruit growing, the timber industry, railroads, and Japanese American settlers. Stop at the Ferment Brewing Company or the Hood River Distillers to sample local creations and toast your day in Hood River.
Sandpoint, Idaho
A beautiful little gem of a town in northern Idaho is Sandpoint, built along the shores of the winding Lake Pend Oreille. Depending on what time of day you arrive, you might want to start with a visit to Paneah's Bistro for a full breakfast or lunch, or just coffee. It is built inside the Cedar Street Bridge, where there are several small shops to explore as well. You are already close to the waterfront, so cross to the other side of the bridge and over Sand Creek. The trails along the creek's edge will lead you to City Beach and the marina. The views of Lake Pend Oreille and the mountains from here make a walk along the water very worthwhile.
After you've had your fill of the water, take the pedestrian bridge back two blocks into town. Visit the independent bookstore, Sandpoint Books, or grab ice cream at Panhandle Cone & Coffee. There are more boutiques, galleries, and restaurants to explore as well. If you parked near the Cedar Street Covered Bridge at the start of your visit, go to the Blue Lizard Native American Gallery to buy authentic craftwork and art on the way back.
Walk the Streets of the PNW
Not everyone wants to spend their entire vacation or day trip getting in and out of the car and staring at their GPS. If your intention is a little respite and relaxation, look for a small town with a great walkable downtown in the Pacific Northwest. These nine sweet spots are great places to start.
