9 Prettiest Small Towns In Oregon
Oregon’s small towns each work a different stretch of landscape. Ashland turns gold in fall when the Siskiyou and Cascade foliage lights up around the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Cannon Beach pairs Haystack Rock with the trails of Ecola State Park. Yachats runs an Agate Festival in January and a Mushroom Festival in fall along the same coastline. Astoria sits where the Columbia River meets the Pacific, with a six-mile riverwalk and the Astoria Column for the climb. Each Oregon town ahead earns its place on the list differently.
Ashland
Ashland, a historic railroad and theater town in southern Oregon, is known for its golden fall foliage and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. With views of the Siskiyou Mountains and the Cascade Range, North Mountain Park has plenty of trailheads for hikers and cyclists, plus sports fields and a nature museum. A little farther out, the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument and Mount Ashland Ski Area offer more space to roam. Ashland has preserved its history well, with boutique hotels like the Winchester Inn and The McCall House for visitors to spend the night. Lithia Park, the city’s biggest, is home to the Ashland Japanese Garden. For shopping, thrifters should check out Ashland’s Artisan Emporium and the independently run Bloomsbury Books.
Astoria
On the south side of the Columbia River, where it flows out into the Pacific Ocean, lies Astoria. Film buffs may know Astoria from movies like The Goonies (1985), where the house still stands at 368 38th Street, although it isn’t available for tours. There are plenty of places to stretch your legs along the six-plus miles of the Astoria Riverwalk on the waterfront. Fort Stevens State Park works for a couple hours’ day trip with a famous shipwreck nearby. Visitors can drive across the Astoria-Megler Bridge connecting up into Washington, which is open for pedestrians once a year in October for the Great Columbia Crossing 10k. For local history, the Victorian-era Flavel House Museum and a trip to Astoria’s Downtown Historic District are both worth the time. The Astoria Column climb is also worth it for the view at the top.
Bandon
For a classic maritime location, Bandon is the place to go. Formerly known as a major cranberry producer, Bandon on the Oregon coast is best known for its Coquille River Lighthouse and surrounding trails. While in Bandon, take a stroll to check out Elephant Rock and Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint, and join the sand labyrinth project Circles in the Sand in the warmer months. The Bandon Historical Society Museum and some of the local art galleries, like Second Street Gallery, are worth seeing. On Saturdays, the Bandon Farmers Market is up and running with a selection of local goods. For bookworms, Winter River Books & Gallery and Kimberly’s Book Nook are good stops to make the suitcase a little heavier on the way home. Bandon is ideal for those who enjoy slowing down on the coast.
Cannon Beach
Haystack Rock makes this Oregon beach town quite possibly the most identifiable on the list. With plenty of trails and parks like Indian Beach Trailhead at Ecola State Park, Cannon Beach works for those seeking natural beauty. The Cannon Beach History Center & Museum is rich with historical and artistic artifacts. There is also a Sandcastle Contest each June, bringing in locals and out-of-towners to admire the artistry before it’s all swept away with the tide. For dinner, Anna’s Table or Mo’s Seafood & Chowder are both reliable options. Cannon Beach stands out for the rock formations and the Pacific views the trails open onto.
Depoe Bay
With craggy rocks along its Oregon coastline and just a few hours from Cannon Beach, Depoe Bay has plenty to offer. Visitors hoping to see the largest marine mammals in their natural habitat will enjoy Depoe Bay’s Whale Watching Center and being in town during Oregon’s Whale Watch Week in March. This seaside town is also home to the world’s smallest harbor, with Devil’s Punchbowl State Natural Area a short drive away for exploring tide pools and looking for crabs at low tide. Restaurants Gracie’s Sea Hag and Tidal Rave are well-regarded for seafood and cocktails. Purple Starfish Gift Gallery has artisan gifts to take home. Depoe Bay is a private spot for visitors to take in the local marine life and the food.
Grants Pass
Grants Pass sits in the heart of the Southern Rogue Valley, with wine country and Medford only a short drive away. Cathedral Hills hiking area south of town has good vantage points, while Tom Pearce Park to the east works for a day spent golfing or walking surrounded by greenery. For local history, the Croxton House, bought by a Methodist preacher in 1857, may be a point of interest. The Art Deco Rogue Theatre always seems to have a good selection of entertainment scheduled. Grants Pass is also home to wineries with sweeping valley views at Del Rio Vineyards and DANCIN Vineyards. Whether down in the valley, on the river, or up high taking in the views, Grants Pass has rustic character that holds up.
Jacksonville
Just a few miles from Medford, Jacksonville is another Southern Oregon town with a significant past in the American Gold Rush. Local landmark Beekman House offers tours to those curious about the wealthy pioneer family, including special Victorian Christmas tours over the holidays. Narrated History Trolley Tours and a Haunted History Walking Tour are available in the summer and around Halloween, along with the Nunan Estate. Jacksonville has its own trail network of over 16 miles through the woods, part of the Jacksonville Woodlands Association. Linking up to the trail system is the grand pavilion that hosts the annual Britt Music & Arts Festival, which brings big-name artists to play in the Rogue Valley. Finally, Dos Mariposas Vineyards & Lavender is worth a stop for a walk through the lavender field.
Port Orford
Being the kind of town where everyone knows everyone, with a population just shy of 1,000, Port Orford on the Oregon coast is an oceanside retreat for those passing through. With Coos Bay only 50 miles to the north, the drive is worth it. Spend the day at Battle Rock Wayside Park by Port Orford Cove, and check out Tseriadun State Recreation Site with Agate Beach for some colorful quartz, if you’re lucky. The Redfish Music Festival brings live classical music while the salty air does its thing. Sea Wolf Books & Community Center may interest writers or readers. The Wooden Nickel is known for its artisan gifts made of wood. Port Orford is small but has its appeal as a Pacific Coast stop with cerulean waters and a laid-back atmosphere.
Yachats
Despite being another sleepy coastal Oregon town, Yachats is known not only for its marine life and blue water but also for festivals that pull in folks year-round. Geology enthusiasts should check out the Yachats Agate Festival in January, while shroomers might appreciate the Mushroom Festival in the fall. There is also the Yachats Celtic Music Festival around the same time. Between festivals, take a breezy walk at Yachats Ocean Road State Natural Site or Yachats State Recreation Area. Thor’s Well, a sinkhole in the rocks, is a popular tourist attraction. The tide pools hold interesting creatures, and Newport is just up the coast.
Find Your Place In Oregon Today
One of the most geographically diverse states in the western US, Oregon includes coastal stops like Bandon and inland winery towns like Ashland and Jacksonville. Today is a good day to book a trip to one or two or three and make the most of your travels to the Pacific Northwest. Pack your windbreaker and hiking shoes, and leave some extra room in your suitcase for the artisan goods on the way home. Oregon stays with you, with views of the Pacific Ocean and wide open valleys backed by mountainous scenery.
