10 Towns in Oregon that Were Ranked Among US Favorites
Stunning in any season and any weather, Oregon has something for every type of vacationer. Quiet, white-sand beaches rim the state to the west, while to the east, landscapes that look plucked straight out from the moon define the scenery. Think of Painted Hills. In between, there is the Willamette Valley, a tasty version of California’s Napa Valley; the hard-to-beat Crater Lake, and the Hood River Valley. Here is the trick: Pick some scenic town and explore Oregon’s unsung beauty. Looking for favorite spots? Stay on the page.
Ashland
Enjoy the coziness of a small, charming town ranked in the top 10 of “The 100 Best Small Art Towns in America.” From the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, one of the country’s oldest and largest professional non-profit theatres — to the Ashland Independent Film Festival — one of Oregon's biggest social events, this town has a high-tempo art scene hard to find anywhere else in the country. There is the nearby Mt. Ashland Ski Area, though a bit steep for beginners; Emigrant Lake County Park, a fantastic camping spot in the summer; and the one-of-a-kind Lithia Park, with its beautiful trail along the creek and lots of deer. Looking for a place to kick it off? Of course, it has to be at the Morning Glory Cafe. It serves the best breakfast in town.
Silverton
Silverton — which styles itself as Oregon’s Garden City — although not a hidden gem, often strikes first-time visitors as a well-kept secret. Come to explore its tree-lined neighborhoods, historic downtown, which spots dozens of hand-painted murals; and craftsman-style homes. Indulge your taste buds at Little Leaf Cafe, which is right on the creek that runs through town (you will love their cinnamon rolls), before heading to Silver Falls State Park just up the road. That said, you have probably never seen anything like the Oregon Garden (remember the town’s nickname?). We are talking about more than 20 specialty gardens with blooming flowers and gorgeous features. Here is the most exciting part: Guests are welcome to take pictures.
Astoria
If you love the sacredness of old places, an Astoria vacation should be on the cards. Astoria, the oldest settlement west of the Mississippi, was founded in 1811 — when Abraham Lincoln was a two-year-old toddler. Astoria is on the south bank of the Columbia River near Fort Clatsop, the first military establishment in the state. Astoria Column, which spots interesting murals of the state’s history, provides beautiful views of Youngs Bay and the Columbia River. For these epic views, however, one has to contend with 164 spiral steps. Don’t forget to buy a glider plane from the on-site souvenir shop. It is fun flying them from the top of the column. There is the Columbia River Maritime Museum as well, which; wait for this — boasts the largest collection of Pacific Northwest maritime artifacts in the United States. Plus, not a few patrons have claimed that Astoria Brewing Company serves the best clam chowder in Oregon, and they come with free but tasty views of the Columbia River.
Corvallis
Corvallis — which also earns a spot among the Oregon towns ranked as U’S. favorites —has a great downtown, provides access to miles of forested trails in OSU’s McDonald-Dunn forests, and has an excellent music scene. One can float down Willamette River, which runs along the eastern edge of town, and wander through the beautiful (and peaceful) Avery Park & Natural Area, especially at its beautiful rose garden, before sitting down with Leo Tolstoy at the cozy Corvallis-Benton County Public Library. There is a pretty walkway along the river, The Arts Center, which is housed in a historic Carpenter Gothic church built over a century ago; and of course, the beautiful campus of Oregon State University.
Hood River
Hood River is about 60 miles northeast of Portland at the mouth of the eponymous river named for a British admiral who strung some consequential victories during the American Revolutionary War. Hood River has always been famous for its orchards. Even today, it is known for its peaches and pears, cherries and apples, and sometimes strawberries. You will enjoy lusty apples and luscious pears at the Fruit Company just south of town, explore trails with lovely views, including the Hood River Penstock Flume Pipeline Trailhead, and awaken the artist in you at the Columbia Center For the Arts, a fun place to sample local talent. Then there is the other side of Hood River: its wineries, breweries, and cideries. Looking for a specific mention? Check out Marchesi Vineyards & Winery; it will make you think you are somewhere in Italy.
Joseph
Joseph is just a speck on the map; only about 1,000 residents call it home. What it lacks in size, however, it more than makes up for in beautiful scenery. Think of a town, maybe a quiet, peaceful village, situated on a glacial lake and encircled by snow-capped mountains. It looks like Switzerland — or something out of a movie. The town lives off of tourism, and surprisingly, bronze casting. Speaking of bronze casting, Valley Bronze Gallery & Foundry will make one look at bronze statues in a new, fresh light. One gets to see each step of the sculpting process. Plus, there is the Wallowa Lake Tramway, with its wildflowers and mountains; and the Eagle Cap Wilderness, whose beauty will catch a first-time visitor off-guard.
Newport
Come to Newport to hit up its beautiful hiking and biking trails, enjoy its year-round surfing, and reel in some yummy catch. Come to marvel at the city’s two lighthouses, one of which is the tallest in the state. Come — also — to learn about aquatic life at spots such as the Oregon Coast Aquarium, often ranked as one of the top 10 aquariums in the United States. Mingle with seals here, and sea lions, hear the songs of puffins, shake hands with a moon jelly, and just glimpse into the wonders of the underwater world. You can then enjoy American comfort grub at Rogue Ales and Spirits — as you chat with locals — before stopping by the on-site gift shop.
Yachats
You may have to think twice before embarking on your maiden trip to Yachats because you can easily find yourself coming back every year for the rest of your life. People come for a vacation and immediately start looking for a realtor. For others, it is the best wedding location in the Pacific Northwest. You can start anywhere, although it will make sense to first pass by the visitor center. If food is high on your list, go to Luna Sea for fish tacos, Drift Inn for burgers, or Green Salmon for plant-based menu choices. If you love fossils or gemstones, however, the go-to place is Sticks, Stones, & Bones. And yes. You can take pictures to take back home and show close friends. Just don't miss Yachats State Park.
Manzanita
Manzanita is known to warm the hearts of vacationers with its quaint shops and restaurants, romantic feel and quiet beauty, pretty beaches and tasty waterfront. There is much to love regarding the turquoise surf and waters in the area — and the trippy, hallucinatory horizons. The beach might be the cream of the crop, but many other delights beckon. One can reel in some Cutthroat Trout or Chinook Salmon at the Nehalem River, the largest “wild fish only” river on the Oregon Coast; get a relaxing Swedish Massage.at Spa Manzanita, or sip some pinot noir at The Winery at Manzanita. Plus, a round of golf at Manzanita Links can come in handy. Expect a reasonably priced 9-hole golf course with beautiful views and well-maintained greens.
McMinnville
For a welcome break from Oregon’s coast, some one hour from Pacific City, one finds McMinnville secreted in the Willamette Valley, on a spot surrounded by hills, vineyards, and orchards. Here, a vacationer's mind can easily be transported to Sonoma or California’s Napa Valley. Welcome to Oregon’s Wine Country. Come, therefore, prepared to indulge your taste buds in what will turn out to be the ultimate Pacific Northwest food and wine adventure. With over 700 wineries across the valley, wine connoisseurs can easily be spoilt for choice. You can start with some Reisling at The Grove Tasting Room, an outpost of the Montinore Estate, one of the largest producers of certified Biodynamic wines in the United States. For a more immersive experience, however, one will need to venture out a bit to spots such as Soter Vineyards or Abbey Road Farm. There is the La Rambla Restaurant & Social Room, which serves traditional Spanish tapas with some yummy twists — and Mac Fresco, a summer event that sees downtown McMinnville morph into an outdoor dining room.
The Takeaway
Whether you are the type of a vacationer who prefers sipping her way through a region, sampling the flavors of Pinot Noirs and Cabernet Sauvignons — or one who loves the majesty of hills, blue skies, and thundering waterfalls, Oregon seems intentionally designed to satisfy your needs. Plus, some of the towns that dot the Beaver State are known for their bewitching charm and beauty, architectural finesse, and swoon-worthy views. Whether Ashland or Astoria; Manzanita or McMinnville — expect an enjoyable, electrifying experience.
