6 Most Eccentric Towns in The Pacific Northwest
What do dog sledding races, Norwegian meatballs, hot air balloons, and Wild West saloons have in common? Surprisingly, all of these experiences can be found in the small towns of the Pacific Northwest. Whether you are looking for a quick vacation to escape the winter blues, or are planning ahead for spring break or summer, there is no need to leave the country—or even the Pacific Northwest. Get ready to experience the unexpected in these six towns of the region.
McCall, Idaho
While many towns across the country become sleepy in the winter months, McCall, Idaho jumps to life with its hot springs, skiing slopes, and snowmobiling trails. Gold Fork Hot Springs is one of the town’s most popular places to warm up, with six crystal clear pools varying in temperature. Burgdorf Hot Springs is another cozy alternative, boasting three hot spring pools with a rustic style, located in the heart of the Payette National Forest. Those looking to ski can find groomed trails at Bear Basin, Ponderosa State Park, Tamarack Resort, and Jug Mountain Ranch.
After a morning at the hot springs or on the slopes, hungry visitors can grab a bite at Lardos Grill & Saloon, a western-style restaurant that has been providing American-style dishes to the town since 1973. From February 21st through the 23rd, visitors can also visit McCall during its exciting annual Winter Carnival, which features over 100 events, including colorful parades, live music, fireworks, and dog sledding.
Poulsbo, Washington
Settled by a group of Norwegian immigrants in the mid-19th century, Poulsbo, Washington, rich in Norwegian heritage, is nicknamed “Little Norway” today. To continue celebrating this past, the town puts on a variety of Norwegian-inspired events each year, including Julefest, a holiday event featuring Norwegian food and Scandinavian vendors, Viking Fest in the Spring, which features a parade, street dance, and road race, and Annual Lutefisk and Meatball Dinner each January, a community meal serving a traditional Scandinavian dish.
With winter underway, visitors can check out one of Poulsbo’s cozy breweries or wineries, such as Details Wine Bar and Echoes Brewing Company, both located near Liberty Bay. After enjoying a pint or glass of wine, travelers can head to the Liberty Bay Marina to set out on a boating excursion or take in the views of the bay.
Joseph, Oregon
After visiting “Little Norway” in Poulsbo, consider a stop in Joseph, Oregon to continue the international-themed adventure. Situated in the lush Wallowa Mountains, Joseph proudly carries the nickname "Little Switzerland of America." Just a short 10-minute drive from downtown, Wallowa Lake draws over 800,000 visitors each year to its glacial waters, perfect for fishing, kayaking, and lakeside picnics. Nearby, there is no shortage of trails to explore, with the Iwetemlaykin State Heritage Site offering hikes near ponds and meadows, and the Wallowa Lake Trailhead near alpine lakes, streams, and waterfalls.
Winter in Joseph is equally captivating. January marks the thrilling Eagle Cap Extreme Sled Dog Race, a 200-mile journey through the Wallowa Mountains that brings excitement to the entire town. For a more laid-back activity, Alder Slope is the perfect destination for sledding, attracting both locals and tourists to the snowy hill each winter.
Sandpoint, Idaho
Located in northern Idaho, near the Rocky Mountains and just 60 miles from the US-Canada Border, Sandpoint is one of Idaho’s best-kept secrets. In the summer months, Lake Pend Oreille, the state’s largest lake, offers plenty of recreational opportunities, including fishing, camping, hiking, and horseback riding. The Schweitzer ski resort attracts countless visitors each winter as well, with 92 named trails and an annual average of 300 inches of snowfall. Pine Street Woods is another popular outdoor attraction, with hiking and biking in the spring and summer and cross-country skiing in the winter.
Prefer to stay warm indoors? Sandpoint has a rich art and history scene, with visitors able to explore local Native American and pioneer history at the Bonner County Historical Museum, appreciate the historic 1927 Panida Theatre during a live performance, or shop for their next masterpiece at the Art Works Gallery.
Bandon, Oregon
A weekend in Bandon offers an unconventional escape for outdoor enthusiasts, complete with hiking trails, horseback adventures, and birdwatching. Just six minutes from the city, Bandon visitors can spend a day at the Bandon Marsh, where they will find forested wetlands, salt marshes, and mudflats, inhabited by native birds including shorebirds, waterfowl, and songbirds.
The area’s historic lighthouses, including Cape Blanco, Cape Arago, and the Umpqua River Lighthouse, will give travelers a chance to experience a bit of Bandon’s maritime history. In downtown Bandon, a curious mix of art galleries, toy shops, gift boutiques, and seafood spots like The Wheelhouse & Crowsnest await visitors, promising an interesting day in town. For an overnight stay, the Lighthouse River Inn, a local and newly renovated lodging option, overlooks the Coquille River and Bandon Harbor.
Winthrop, Washington
Over the centuries, Winthrop has been home to Native Americans, trappers, and gold rush settlers, a history that inspired the town to embrace Wild West-style architecture in its downtown district in 1971. Strolling in and out of local businesses, visitors will come across local gift stores, such as Glassworks of Winthrop and Methow Valley Goods, and historical attractions, such as the 1926 Merc Playhouse, which puts on periodic theatrical and musical performances. The Shafer Museum is another important historic landmark, hosting a collection of Western artifacts and historic buildings.
With some of the darkest skies in the contiguous United States, the Methow Valley offers incredible stargazing, with the Milky Way shining brightly on moonless nights. By day, visitors can take to the skies on a hot air balloon tour with agencies like Snohomish Balloon Ride, soaring above the valley for breathtaking views.
Final Thoughts
In this day and age, with so much travel information at our fingertips, it can be difficult to pick a vacation destination, especially when family members have different interests. However, in these six eccentric towns, there is truly something that every member of the family will enjoy, taking the stress out of the vacation planning and giving you more time to enjoy new experiences, whether that be cross-country skiing, hot air ballooning, or hot spring hopping.
