10 Best Small Towns To Visit In Oregon
The fragrant smell of freshly baked Voodoo Doughnuts might be what brought you to "The Beaver State," but indulging in the delightful Tillamook cheese will leave you craving more Oregon delicacies. Washed by the Pacific Ocean, Oregon is famous for the rugged coastal beauty of spots like Cannon Beach and the striking wilderness of Jacksonville. These towns deserve to be highlighted for their strong character that shines brightly through the dense natural landscapes. Besides, don't hesitate to obtain as many souvenirs as you want; there is no sales tax here!
Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach embodies the soul of a beach town. Stretching along the West Coast, this iconic settlement salutes Haystack Rock as it emerges from the Pacific. National Geographic Magazine featured Cannon Beach as one of the most beautiful beaches in the World in 2013. Furthermore, Haystack Rock is a coastal landmark with a magnificent presence; standing 235 feet tall, this towering monolith provides breathtaking vistas of the Ocean. Neighboring sea stacks accompany it, and locals refer to these lofty rocks as "The Needles." Moreover, the nearby Ecola State Park on the headland's edge grants visitors breathtaking coastal views, accessible walking paths, convenient picnic spots, and many hiking trails to explore. Additionally, strolling through the lovely streets of Cannon Beach, several fine eateries can be found and experienced, such as Driftwood Restaurant & Lounge, which serves delicious halibut baked in dill sauce on a bed of onions.
Florence
Florence leads the Siuslaw River into the Pacific Ocean. Standing on the banks of the Siuslaw's delta, this town holds an extraordinary dazzle, providing spectacular dunes and crystal-clear water; it calls tourists with its many attractions, such as swimming, kiteboarding, and surfing on the miles of beach Florence grants. Moreover, Darlingtonia State Natural Site is home to extravagant plant life, including the rare cobra lily, a fascinating, carnivorous plant. Additionally, visitors and locals frequently venture into the wilderness to engage in thrilling activities such as riding dune buggies and ATVs or sandboarding on the nearby dunes. Besides, Florence's Old Town district is brimming with interesting shops, the Siuslaw marina, many lodging options, and restaurants, such as Mo's Restaurant, widely appreciated for its fresh clam chowder.
Pacific City
The Nestucca River divides the Pacific City's township as the river joins its little brother on its path to join the Ocean. Furthermore, McPhillips Beach provides sea lovers with incredible vistas, soft dunes, and a perfect setting for surfing, fishing, and swimming. Moreover, the nearby Cape Kiwanda is a prominent headland that grants adventurous activities such as hiking, bird watching, and hand gliding. If you seek a more relaxed time, the Nestucca River Paddle presents stunning scenery, and it is the perfect place to go kayaking or canoeing; you can find equipment available for rent at Nestucca Adventures. Additionally, venturing further into downtown Pacific City, one can find many storefronts, souvenir shops, and restaurants, like Oar House Bar & Grill, which provides customers with delicious fish and chips.
Mosier
Mosier overlooks the Columbia River, which borders Oregon to the south and Washington to the north. The Mosier community has built a distinct atmosphere where lavender fields meet vineyards; this unique landscape attracts many travelers. Home to three prolific vineyards in the Columbia River Gorge, wine enthusiasts will love Mosier. Moreover, wineries like Idiot's Grace Wines provide tasteful meat-based dishes accompanied by their best self-produced organic wine in a modern location beside a vineyard. Furthermore, the nearby Memaloose State Park combines prairies with a dense forest by the river. It grants visitors campsites and hiking opportunities along the paths immersed in the breathtaking vistas.
Brownsville
Oregon Trail settlers founded Brownsville in 1846, making it an essential crossroad along the banks of the Calapooia River. This village is well-known for being the setting for the fictional town of Castel Rock in the 1986 film "Stand by Me." Furthermore, history buffs can visit the Linn County Museum to learn more about the early European settlers of Brownsville and the Native American Kalapuya tribe. Moreover, the nearby Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway allows cyclists to enjoy their favorite sport in a fascinating landscape. Also, the Willamette River National Water Trail provides an opportunity for canoeing and kayaking. Besides, Brownsville hosts several festivals throughout the year. For example, the Brownsville Antique Faire is a one-day event where many vendors showcase and sell hundreds of vintage items and collectibles in early August.
Yachats
Where the green of Cape Perpetua meets the blue of the Pacific Ocean, the settlement of Yachats hugs the placid waters of the Yachats River as they become a delta. Yachats' name comes from the Native American Siletz tribe language and means "dark water at the foot of the mountain." Furthermore, Cape Perpetua Scenic Area is one of the main attractions; it covers 2,700 acres of coastal forest and features hiking trails, tide pools, and viewpoints that provide incredible vistas of the Oregon Coast Range. Cape Perpetua is home to some of the most spectacular natural phenomena on the coast, such as the Spouting Horn, a blowhole that shoots water up to 60 feet in the air, and Thor's Well, a sinkhole that creates a dramatic whirlpool effect. Moreover, Yachats grants various dining options that cater to different tastes and preferences. One is Luna Sea Fish House, a rustic restaurant that provides plenty of seafood, from salmon to crab, accompanied by crispy fries.
Silverton
Amidst the wetlands and Pudding River rapids northeast of Salem, the village of Silverton stands on the alluvial plain of the Willamette Valley. Dubbed Oregon's "Garden City," Silverston boasts lush flora, several waterfalls, and rustic beauty, all enveloped by tulip prairies. Moreover, Silver Falls State Park is an unskippable attraction, with ten majestic waterfalls cascading down the rocks. Additionally, Silver Falls provides access to the thrilling activity of tree climbing, where an instructor will guide you up and down 300ft giant old trees, some of the tallest in the World. Furthermore, The Oregon Garden is what gives Silverton notoriety. This verdant, 80-acre botanical wonderland grants a diverse collection of beautiful and unique plant species. It also includes a section for children and a pet-friendly area.
Jacksonville
At the feet of Miller Mountain and Bellinger Hill, Jacksonville welcomes every visitor in the Rogue Valley. Moreover, this town is surrounded by green hills and forests like Jacksonville Forest Park, where one can enjoy hiking, biking, or horseback riding. Furthermore, Jacksonville is steeped in history, from the early days of the 1850s gold rush to now, and you can explore the evolution of this settlement through a variety of historical tour options, such as self-guided walking tours, the Jacksonville Trolley, and haunted history tours. Besides, the Britt Festival provides an eclectic mix of live music and wine with a wide range of musical performances for culture seekers visiting this town from June to September. Talking wine, the nearby Applegate Valley Wine Trail grants vino enthusiasts 20 small wineries to discover, along with five tasting rooms.
Tillamook
As the Pacific infiltrates inside Tillamook Bay to reclaim its inland waters, the quiet town of Tillamook provides a scenic backdrop for hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, and surfing. Within this fertile river valley, Tillamook is renowned for its agriculture and possesses a highly successful dairy industry, making creameries one of the most popular attractions in town. For example, the Tillamook Cheese Factory provides visitors with every dairy product one can imagine, and it is available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner as a diner. Furthermore, Tillamook has a long history of aviation dating back to World War II. Today, Tillamook has its own public airport, and the extensive Tillamook Air Museum features blimps, pilot equipment, and historic airplanes to explore.
Astoria
Astoria accompanies the Columbia River as it meets the Ocean at the northwesternmost tip of Oregon. Founded in 1811, this vibrant waterfront town is the oldest city in Oregon. Astoria is also famous for its iconic shipwrecks, like the nearby skeletal remains of Peter Iredale, which stick out of the sand on the west coast. Here, the Astoria Riverfront Trolley grants a fascinating tour of the breathtaking scenery. Furthermore, the nearby Oregon Film Museum highlights and celebrates movies that were made in the U.S. state of Oregon. Moreover, the Astoria River Trail provides a laid-back experience through the area's ports, ferries, and lighthouses. Additionally, Astoria is often referred to as "little San Francisco" for its vast bridge, the Astoria-Megler Bridge, which is the longest continual truss bridge in North America, with a length of 4.067 miles.
Ultimately, these Oregon towns have shown that locals are determined to savor a leisurely lifestyle amidst the incredible scenery. But they are always ready to welcome visitors with their delectable seafood cuisine and attractions for all tastes, from riding dune buggies on Florence's dunes to tree climbing at Silver Falls near Silverton. The relaxing and refreshing respite of breathing in the salt air on the West Coast of Oregon will convince you to venture deeper into the fascinating land of this state.
