The Most Charming River Towns In Oregon
For a state rich in coastal dunes, endless beaches, and peaks of the Cascade Range, it's still easy to rave about Oregon's rivers. Nicknamed "The Beaver State," there are countless waterways and tributaries for this honorary river-dwelling, dam-building mammal to operate. But us human architects were equally drawn to these fresh flowing waters. The Columbia River, for instance, carves its way across the top of the state, giving rise to historic settlements, such as Astoria, and outdoorsy gems the likes of Hood River and Cascade Locks. Further south, the Siuslaw, Coos, and Umpqua Rivers empty onto tide-smoothed beaches, where little timber towns and safe harbors have sprouted. There are charming river towns plopped all over Oregon, but as you'll see, these seven are tough to top.
Hood River
Hood River sits in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge and the shadow of Mount Hood. Here, walls once eroded by the mighty waterway now funnel steady winds, which surfers are all too happy to take advantage of. In fact, Hood River is regarded as the "Windsurfing Capital of the World." Visitors can get in on the action, or simply watch the colorful sails soar past from the grassy banks, sand spit, and paved walking path of Waterfront Park. Better still, float up to the river-paralleling Portway Avenue, where you can indulge in various food and drinks while still in view of the jovial surf scene. Downtown Hood River is known for its coffee shops and breweries, but even right on the river there are two craft breweries, a distillery, a coffeehouse, barbecue and pizza restaurants, and seasonal food trucks to boot. That's a recipe for a memorable afternoon.
Cascade Locks
Just 20 miles west down the Columbia River, we go from charming in a fun way to charming in a chill way. Cascade Locks is a blink-and-you'll-miss-it border town steeped in history and outdoor whimsy. The iconic Bridge of the Gods whisks motorists and pedestrians alike high above the verdant gorge and into the wilderness of southern Washington. Freighters frequently pass underneath, but as do old-time sternwheeler cruise boats (tours start right from town). "The Locks" is also an important stopover for thru-hikers of the Pacific Crest Trail. As such, it is there to service coffee, pub-grub, and overnight needs, but always in a laid back manner. Feel free to kick back at the handful of establishments along Wa Na Pa Street, or pick up a bit of the trail to get a taste of the immersive adventure. Alternatively, the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail starts right underneath the Oregon side of the bridge, following the direction of flow for a few miles before reaching Ruckel Creek Falls — one of many misty wonders throughout the Columbia River Gorge.
Florence
Over on the Pacific Coast, Florence, or rather, its Port of Siuslaw Old Town portion, nestles in the mouth of the Siuslaw River. A ten-minute stroll will take you from the marina/campground, out along the boardwalk and the little fishing shacks and seafood restaurants it graces, by Bay Street's boutiques, and to an attractive steel bridge of its own. From Florence's quaint micro-parks and pavilions, old tree trunks can be seen poking through the shimmering waters. And in the distance, teased through the window beneath the Siuslaw River Bridge, the first sand dunes of Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area reveal themselves. Florence is just as charming on a sunny day, when visitors are out window-shopping and dining on patios, as it is on a moody day, when those same satisfied faces retreat into bookstores or hover over steaming bread bowls of freshly-made chowder.
Reedsport
This quiet community on the Umpqua River rests further down the Oregon Dunes shoreline. And though it is known as the "Gateway to the Dunes," its wholesome main street (i.e. Fir Avenue) and unpretentious riverbank are reasons to settle in for a stint. Home to the Lower Umpqua, Coos, and Siuslaw tribes, this indigenous heritage is represented by the riverside Umpqua Discovery Center, boasting an authentic totem pole (carved by Chief Lelooska in 1962), as well as other impressive woodworkings around its perimeter, and cultural displays within. These crafty carvings spread onto main street, complimenting the town's sepia historic mural and colorful businesses. Early birds will be well served at Highwater Cafe and Market. And for an afternoon sociable, the women-owned Two Shy Brewing is most welcoming.
Coos Bay
Coos Bay is a working-class harbor town with a healthy blend of grit, creativity, and charm. Its downtown core hovers at the bottom of its namesake bay, near the mouth of the Isthmus Slough and Coos River. The Coos Bay Boardwalk picks up right beside the Visitor Information Center, treating pedestrians not only to a lovely stroll, but an open-air museum of historic vessels followed by lunch at the Fishermen's Seafood Market. Heading inland via Anderson Avenue, artsy types will be intrigued by the ethnically-bedazzled Egyptian Theatre, the Coos Art Museum, and the various public works that punctuate downtown Coos Bay. Rounding back up Central Ave, you might find the street occupied with local vendors as part of the Wednesday Farmers Market or the seasonal festivals that roll through town. Otherwise, the permanent establishments, such as So It Goes Coffeehouse, with its communal vibes and occasional live music, are well worth the patronage.
Bandon
Also in Coos County is the cute river town of Bandon. Here, at a bend in the Oregon Coast Highway, Bandon's Old Town hugs the south bank of the Coquille River, right before it empties into the Pacific Ocean. This maritime enclave features vinyl siding cafes, crab shacks and other seafood joints, a couple of cozy watering holes in which to retreat on those squally days, and dual piers that visit Port of Bandon's sailboats and fishing tugs. At the river's mouth there is a lonely lighthouse on one side, and some excellent low-tide beach walking on the other. There are few things on this planet more grounding than a barefoot walk across wet sands, between sea stacks and pine forests — something Bandon is all about.
Astoria
Ending back on the Columbia River, where it reaches its widest point just before connecting with the Pacific, Astoria has a lot going for it. Founded in 1811, this is not only Oregon's oldest city, but the first permanent settlement west of the Rocky Mountains. This extensive heritage is evidenced by the charming Victorian homes standing above the enormous waterway. Speaking of the Columbia's girth, Astoria is the southern terminus for the Astoria-Megler Bridge: the longest continual truss bridge in North America. Standing prominently above the Riverwalk, this architectural wonder adds dimension to the quaint marinas at its base, and a bold, backlit focal-point during sunsets. Accentuating its culture all the more are eleven museums/exhibitions, plus scores of galleries, studios, and antique shops. Not bad, Astoria. Not bad at all.
Towns That Go With The Flow
Oregon's natural landscape instantly soothes the nervous system, giving visitors the sensation that they've arrived in an ancient, somehow forgotten home. So you can imagine the disposition of the modest populations living like Siddhartha on the edge of a river, bathed in morning midsts that just barely eclipse coniferous tree tops. Pair that with a barefoot stroll on soft sands, a cup of hot coffee at a mom n' pop cafe, some fresh seafood for lunch, and a bit of window shopping at bric-a-brac Old Town shops, and you've got yourself one heck of a charming place.
