2024's 11 Most Scenic Washington Towns
The state of Washington, so named after President George Washington, is the rainiest state in the US. Even though there is nearly perpetual rainfall in many of 2024’s most scenic Washington towns for you to visit, you will still be mesmerized by the transcendental forests and immortal mountains that dominate Washington’s landscapes. In a land where Microsoft, Amazon, and Starbucks were created, make your own meaningful moments from the islands in the Salish Sea to the mountainous towns in the North Cascades. Between the volcanic peaks of Mount Saint Helen and the biggest man-made island of Harbor Island are some of 2024’s most scenic Washington towns to keep you engaged and excited for more.
Coupeville
Coupeville provides newcomers with all the sceneries you can marvel at from Whidbey Island. From Fort Casey State Park on Whidbey Island all the way to other landscape features in the nearby Camano Island, Coupeville is a breathtaking waystation for those who need a rest from all the immersive wanderings. Since Coupeville was once a collection of Coast Salish villages belonging to the Lower Skagit peoples—and thus the second oldest town in Washington—you might come across relics of Washington’s indigenous cultures when going through places like the Price Sculpture Forest and Deception Pass State Park. To soak in the sprays of the nearby sea, head over to Penn Cove, and to observe eyries and flocks of blue herons and bald eagles, visit Ebey’s Reserve to go birdwatching at your leisure. There are a couple of more comfortable things to do and see in the small town of Coupeville, so do not waste your time and go spend every day with fun and fulfilment in Coupeville.
Port Townsend
Port Townsend, about 11 miles from Coupeville and two hours from Seattle, was once a military base during WWI and WWII. Specifically, in Fort Worden Historical State Park, there are remnants of old forts and barracks to defend the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Puget Sound against possible naval raids from the Pacific Ocean. Meanwhile, the čičməhán Trail (Cheech-ma-han) contains relics of the ancient S’Klallam people who once roamed the area in plenty. Fort Flagler Historical State Park and Mystery Bay State Park are additional military bases located on Marrowstone Island for you to gawk at its gun batteries and surrounding natural features, while Protection Island shelters a handful of aquatic territories and habitats. Across Port Townsend Bay, there are also the Fort Casey State Park and Robert Y. Pratt Preserve at Ebey's Landing, which have surrendered themselves to Nature’s artistry.
Leavenworth
Immerse yourself in the European nation of Bavaria by exploring the Bavarian town of Leavenworth. Located deep in the Cascade Mountains, travelers will be astounded by over 9,000 centuries-old nutcrackers at Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum as well as magnificent reindeer at the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm. In order to best appreciate Leavenworth’s dynamic surroundings, hop aboard the Alpine Coaster at the Leavenworth Adventure Park or go mountain climbing and trampolining at the Alpine Ascent Climbing Wall or the Bavarian Bungee Bounce Trampoline, respectively. Wild eagles and ospreys are plentiful at the Wenatchee River and Waterfront Park, while a huge area called the Enchantment is composed of the Lake Wenatchee State Park, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, and Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area. And if you are ever a fan of accordions, then you should definitely attend the annual Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration from June 20 to 23.
Sequim
Olympus, the home of the gods of Greece, may be far away from those living in America. But for people in Washington, you might be satisfied with the Olympic Mountains, particularly from the small town of Sequim. Whether you are following the Dungeness River that leads straight towards the Olympic Mountains or experiencing the beauty of the Olympic National Park and the Sequim-Dungeness Valley, there is no shortage of attractions to savor near Sequim. The New Dungeness Lighthouse gives you a great view of the town, as well as a good view of the Salish Sea and the distant cityscape of Victoria in British Columbia, Canada. Watch out for bears and big cats being treated with care and comfort at the Olympic Game Farm, and do consider attending the Sequim Lavender Weekend from July 19 - 21 and the Sequim Irrigation Festival every month of May. Only about 66 miles from the city of Seattle, give yourself an Olympian vacation by admiring the Olympic Mountains from Sequim.
Poulsbo
When people first see the fjords and mountains backdropping Poulsbo, many will rightly call the town a “Little Norway” in America. With the Olympic Mountains looming in the distance and a 55-minute proximity to Sequim, one can enjoy the vibrant fjords around Liberty Bay or attend a Viking Fest and a Road Race every year in May for more experiences in a Scandinavia-like small town. You might also want to wait for June to attend Poulsbo’s version of Midsommer Fest or the Valisblot on February, the latter being a celebration for the Sons of Norway Vikings. There is also Chief Seattle Days in August to honor Chief Seattle of the Suquamish People. For lovers of animals, you will certainly fall in love with the alpacas at Sawdust Hill, while nature enthusiasts will be enamored by the timeless woodlands of the North Kitsap Heritage Park.
Gig Harbor
The “Maritime City” of Gig Harbor serves as a nice getaway 17 minutes from the city of Tacoma. With its access to Mount Rainier, one of the highest peaks in the US, and magnificent vantage points from the Gig Harbor Viewpoint, you can see the widest breadths and depths of the state of Washington and beyond to other nearby states. The Gig Harbor Gondola is a leisurely and memorable way to go about in Gig Harbor. Meanwhile, the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium on Owen Beach houses numerous animals for you to see. Go walking and exercising in some of Gig Harbor’s lackadaisical parks, such as Crescent Creek Park and Sehmel Homestead Park. Most importantly, remember to have a good time in Gig Harbor.
Stehekin
There are contentions as to the true meaning of Stehekin’s name. From the nxa'amxcin/Interior Salish, Stehekin means “mountain top” due to its location in the North Cascades. On the other hand, in Salishan, it means “the way through,” while in Lushootseed/Coast Salish, it means "turning around place.” But there are certainly ways through to a remote place like Stehekin, and once you do visit the place you will not feel so interested in turning around. You can reach Stehekin in the North Cascades either by airplane, on a boat across Lake Chelan—the third deepest lake in the US—or on foot. Upon reaching Stehekin, you can partake in horseback rides through the Chelan National Recreational Area, the Twenty-Five Mile Creek State Park, and the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. The 350 apple trees at the historic Buckner Orchard might also suit your fancy.
Friday Harbor
Whatever day of the week you are visiting Friday Harbor, you should at least spend one day more in this beautiful small town on San Juan Island. Discover the many wonders the San Juan Islands archipelago holds, among them beautiful whales in the Salish Sea and the artistic renderings of Coast Salish house posts at Fairweather Park, created by Musqueam First Nation artist Susan Point. At the San Juan National Historical Park, not only do arboreal marvels await, but also two Salmon storyboards and a Reef Net Captain Totem Pole to further appreciate the union between Indigenous culture and nature. The American Camp, which park superintendent Elexis Fredy claims is a “tribute to the multiple histories of San Juan Island and their meaning for different individuals and groups and the unique environment of our island,” contains many state-of-the-art exhibits and sceneries for you to photograph. Finally, soak in the Salish Sea at the Lime Kiln Point State Park.
Winthrop
Winthrop, about 25 miles away from Stehekin, is a memento of the old Wild West deep within the imposing summits of the North Cascades. The Methow Valley town is home to numerous scenic parks and regions, among them the verdant forests of the Pearrygin Lake State Park and Methow Winter Range And Wildlife Refuge. Every May, Winthrop’s townsfolk celebrate the annual ’49er Days in honor of the town’s Wild West ties. On the other hand, in the first days of March, the skies above Winthrop brighten with dozens of air balloons that you can hitch a ride on to see the North Cascades from a bird’s eye view. Looking up at Winthrop’s skies in the first days of March, you will see dozens of air balloons coloring the air.
Forks
The town of Forks, situated between the Olympic Peninsula and the Olympic Mountains, may seem like a remote place, but it was in the nearby forests of Hoh Rain Forest and the Olympic National Park that the Twilight movies were filmed. One can even attend a four-day Twilight festival every year in September. Of course, you can always follow the Calawah, Sol Duc, and Bogachiel rivers—filled with steelhead and salmon fishes—down to the Pacific Ocean and to Rialto Beach. Take an umbrella with you as you explore the rainiest town in the US, especially some of Fork’s many lakes like Lake Ozette and Lake Crescent. There are many more secrets and sensational sceneries to ogle over in Forks, so do not feel lost or unwanted when exploring this beautiful and remote small town on the Olympic Peninsula.
La Conner
La Conner, lounging beside the Swinomish Channel and about 35 miles from Coupeville, entertains travelers with several vibrant and vivacious events during the annual Skagit Valley Tulip Festival every month of April. You can go traipsing about in Martha's Beach or charter a boat across Skagit Bay and head over to the Ala Spit County Park for scenic strolls and games. Those of you intrigued by Washington’s indigenous cultures, such as those living in the Swinomish Reservation, can visit their Swinomish Village and Snee Oosh, the latter being close to the Kukutali Preserve State Park Heritage Site and Skagit Island Marine State Park. However you wish to make memorable moments in La Conner, you will undoubtedly feel satisfied and amazed by the sceneries all around this sublime Washington town.
Whether you are feeling the chill breezes of the North Cascades from Stehekin or Winthrop, mesmerized by the Olympic Mountains of Sequim and Forks, or soaking in the waves and surfs of Washington’s island towns like Friday Harbor or Coupeville, there is no doubt that you will look fondly back to your enchanting experiences in Washington. From 2024’s most scenic Washington towns, get a chance to see the outdoors in their wildest and most beautiful settings in the mountains and out beside the Pacific Ocean. Give yourself a much-needed vacation in the lush and verdant sceneries each of Washington’s small towns promotes. But most of all, bring an umbrella when you are walking about in the rainiest state in the US.
