9 Quirkiest Washington Towns You Didn't Know Existed
Known as the Evergreen State, Washington is a land with breathtaking mountain views, crystal clear lakes, and quirky little towns nestled inside its lush greenery. Many of these little hamlets are so remote, you may not even know they exist until now! Whether you are descending 500 million years into the depths of Gardner Cave or stepping back 600 years in time at Camlann Medieval Village in Carnation, Washington is full of surprises. Or, maybe you just want to spend the night in an old caboose in Elbe! When you are ready to hit the road, these quirky towns are sure to welcome you with open arms.
Elbe
South of Seattle, along the shores of Adler Lake, is Elbe, a community that is crazy about trains. It is often referred to as a Gateway to Mount Rainier because it's situated about 13 miles from the Nisqually Entrance. The best way to take in the isolated mountain views in Elbe is by booking a ride on the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad. The train ride takes you right up to Mount Rainier, as well as through gently winding hills and along the Nisqually River.
However, Elbe’s love of everything trains doesn’t just stop with the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad! You can also spend the night in a refurbished train car with all the modern amenities at the fun and quirky Hobo Inn! Don’t let the name fool you into thinking that accommodations will be limited. These rustic cabooses have been completely overhauled to provide all the luxuries of home. Elbe is also where you will find the Mt. Rainier Railroad Dining Co., which is yet another historic train turned modern bistro complete with a beer garden.
Roslyn
Southeast of Seattle is Roslyn, a town that likely needs no formal introduction for fans of the 90s television show Northern Exposure. Located within the Cascade Mountains, it’s an area with beautiful scenery like Balanced Rock and the gently rolling hills of upscale winery Swiftwater Cellars. The views are just the cherry on top for Northern Exposure fans because there are actual filming sites in the area that you can visit, like the Roslyn Cafe and the Brick Saloon. Even if you weren’t a fan of the show, the Brick Saloon is a great place to grab a pint and listen to live music.
While every Northern Exposure fan has to make the pilgrimage to Roslyn at least once, there is also another site that makes the town quirky and a little eerie. The unconventional cemetery dates back to the late 1800s and is a collection of 27 different cemeteries composed of the various ethnic groups who settled in Roslyn over the years. Each cemetery reflects a unique cultural burial practice, which makes it such a unique experience where you can learn a lot about the early settlers of Roslyn.
Langley
There has been a murder in Langley! Well, not really. Every February, the town transforms into a giant murder mystery party during the annual Mystery Weekend. All the local shops play along, inviting visitors inside to give them clues to solve the town-wide mystery. Shops like the Commons Cafe and Books or the Flower House Cafe offer up clues, while also serving up amazing food and offering weekend-only sales. It is such a fun event that turns the entire area into a giant party where you can really get to know the locals.
The Mystery Weekend is a blast, but Langley offers plenty of charm all year round. Nestled along the banks of the Puget Sound, there are plenty of places to explore. The Langley Whale Center is a great place to learn about the local marine life through engaging exhibits and browse the gift shop before you go. Another unique place to visit in Langley is the Chocolate Flower Farm, which combines chocolates and homemade gifts with a lovely outdoor garden and farm animals in a rustic country setting.
Packwood
Calling all packrats! If you love shopping for unusual treasures and unique finds, Packwood is worth the drive. This isolated mountain community is south of Mount Rainier National Park and is known for its popular skiing attractions. Visiting the White Pass Ski Area is a great place to hit the slopes, but it is not what makes Packwood unique. It’s the giant flea market! The Packwood Flea Market began in the 1970s and quickly grew to become one of the largest flea markets in the Northwest. The market, which is over a mile long, attracts thousands of visitors every year over Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend.
If you want to take in the natural beauty after a long day of shopping for treasures, you have quite a few options. The Skate Creek Park Natural Area is an idyllic spot with hiking trails that trace the Cowlitz River. Nestled in the heart of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, there have been tales of Bigfoot sightings, so make sure you keep your eyes peeled while hiking through Bigfoot country.
Winthrop
In northern Washington, on the eastern edge of the North Cascades National Park, you will find a slice of the old American West in Winthrop. Riverside Avenue, which traces the scenic Methow River, harkens back to the Wild West days with rickety wooden buildings that look like they have seen their fair share of dusty cowboys. Local shops like the Winthrop Emporium or Courtyard Quail sell a little bit of everything and are a must-see while in town. You could spend an entire day walking the Western-style streets of Winthrop, stocking up on sweets at Sheri's Sweet Shoppe or Rocking Horse Bakery.
The best time to visit Winthrop is in July when the town holds the annual Winthrop Rhythm and Blues Festival. The festival draws crowds from all over the state to gather at the Blues Ranch on the Methow River to listen to live music. In addition to live music, there are food and craft vendors, and even a beer garden.
Carnation
East of Seattle is the picturesque village of Carnation along the Snoqualmie River, surrounded by miles of rolling hills and farmland. It’s the kind of hidden community you would never come across by chance. This idyllic community is a great place to sit down for a meal at restaurants like Carnation Cafe and Lounge or Sandy's Espresso before heading to Remlinger Farms for a day of family-friendly activities like amusement park rides, a petting zoo, and seasonal pick-your-own pumpkins.
The real allure of Carnation isn’t in its down-to-earth vibes, but its blast from the past located north of town. A six-minute drive north of central Carnation will take you back almost 600 years into the past to Camlann Medieval Village. It is a one-of-a-kind living history museum designed to operate like a medieval village from the 1300s. Expect costumed villagers and small buildings that feel like stepping inside a small rural village in southwest England.
Edison
On the northern tip of Washington, not too far from the Canadian border, is the picture-perfect community of Edison. At first glance, Edison looks like your typical rural town with miles of farmland accentuated by big red barns. But there is a bohemian, artsy vibe to Edison lurking just below its rural surface. Downtown, you will find quirky art studios and galleries, such as the i.e. gallery, Smith and Vallee Gallery, and the offbeat artists' collective the Chop Shop, which colors most of the area.
Downtown Edison has a unique, eclectic vibe, marrying Old West-style wooden storefronts with Victorian-style cozy cottages. Only in Edison can you grab pub food and listen to live music at the Old Edison, or dine on artisan bread Parisian-style at Breadfarm. And when you are ready to take in the beautiful sights of Edison, the rolling countryside of the Skagit Wildlife Area is only a stone’s throw away.
Metaline Falls
Tucked away in the northeastern corner of Washington is Metaline Falls, one of the prettiest and most remote communities in the state. It is a charming, scenic area where you can catch a live show at the historic Cutter Theatre, or dine at the cozy Farmhouse Cafe, where you haven’t lived until you have tried their hot sticky buns! Or, you can make a stop at Falls View Park, which offers picturesque views of the crystal clear waters of Pend Oreille River.
What makes Metaline Falls truly unique isn’t what you will find above ground, but below. Nestled in Crawford State Park is Gardner Cave, the longest limestone cave in the state. You can take a free tour of this 500 million-year-old natural wonder to view stalactites, stalagmites, and rimstone pools. At a certain point in the tour, guides turn off the lights so visitors can experience the eerie darkness of the caves. According to local legend, the cave was discovered in 1899 and originally used as a secretive moonshine operation!
La Conner
In Skagit Valley, on the western edge of Washington, is La Conner, known for its natural beauty and bustling art scene. To appreciate the art of the area, you have to see the Museum of Northwest Art, showcasing artists specifically from the Pacific Northwest. There are delightful riverside cafes near the museum, like the Wayfinder Cafe and the La Conner Calico Cupboard Café and Bakery, to top off a perfect afternoon.
La Conner also has some unusual attractions that you won’t find anywhere else, like the Swinomish Cedar Hats! This attraction is located within the Swinomish Reservation along the scenic Swinomish Channel and is modeled after traditional Coast Salish woven cedar hats. They are giant pavilions surrounded by native plants within the park that celebrate the customs of the native people of the Skagit River valley.
Get Lost in the Quirky Side of Washington
From vintage railways, giant pavilions shaped like hats, and hidden underground moonshine operations, Washington is so much more than Evergreen trees and rain. They are a little artsy, a little weird, and always march to the beat of their own drum. So, the next time you want to hit the open road and explore the Evergreen State, skip the bustling tourist attractions and head to the uncharted corners of Washington to take a walk on the weird side (in all the best ways!).
