6 Most Eccentric Towns in Washington
In Washington, Mount Rainier is like a watchman over the capital and the city of Tacoma, right on the Puget Sound. Even the coffee-loving Seattle is a hop from the Olympic Peninsula. However, away from the big hubs are smaller and more eccentric towns that you won't want to miss. From easy escapes like Poulsbo, the "Little Norway," to the northwesternmost corner of the contiguous US, Neah Bay, the small towns are knee-deep in some of the most diverse landscapes that make up the Evergreen State.
Sequim is the vibrant "Lavender Capital of North America," and Prosser is a wine country town, and the locals don't take it for granted. Just imagine quirky living amid the imposing nature—a getaway for your senses.
Forks
More than a glorified place under whose consistent overcast Twilight films and novels were based upon, Forks is perfect for a romantic escape or on a road trip, with local restaurants, stores, and homey stays. Across the river, past the Welcome to Forks sign, stop by the dog-friendly Tillicum Park with a gazebo. The friendly locals cater a sunny atmosphere for all the fans, the curious, and adventurers to explore the Olympic Peninsula. Olympic National Park is like a fairy tale forest, like its Hall of Mosses, a natural corridor through twisty trees in moss. You can drop off the bags at Olympic Adventure Campground and explore the near-million-acre preserve to the east through sweeping rainforests and rugged coastlines.
One Square Inch of Silence, a red pebble, marks the quietest place in America, within the Hoh Rainforest. Don't miss the dramatic Kalaloch Beach, 45 minutes south along the western coastline with the "levitating" Tree of Life above its splitting foundation. Even touring some of the key filming locations conveys the mood of this place, whether or not you expect a werewolf or a paleface. Stop by Bella's home, the Swan House, or the annual Forever Twilight in Forks Festival in September. Families enjoy the easy Calawah River Trail, plus Gnomeville on the northern outskirts, which adds a layer of charm. Forever Twilight in Forks Collection features dolls and movie memorabilia, while Forks Timber Museum, in a snug cabin, displays the real logging and farming history with exhibits.
La Push
Beneath the three tentacles of the Quillayute River flowing into the Pacific, La Push is off the beaten path on the Olympic Coast. Home of the Quileute tribe, you may recognize the name from the Twilight saga, but its claim to fame is the migrating gray whales. The continental shelf drops steeply a few miles offshore, which creates an upwelling, attracting dolphins, humpbacks, fin whales, and blue whales. You can explore the Whale Trail at the north end of First Beach, with common gray whales and orcas. In April through May, hundreds of migrating whales through the bay feed on the nutrient-rich sediments of First Beach, not minding the wave riders nor the playful seals along the shore. Everyone keeps to their business—such is the way of life here for long.
The Quileutes honor all the mammals through their stories, songs, dances, and art, particularly wolves and orcas that often come right into the bay. You can witness the spring ceremony at the Quileute Tribal School that "welcomes" the whales back to La Push. Fish for herring, smelt, plus crabs at the mouth of the Quillayute River, and spy on sea lions, seals, and river otters in the channel. An hour south, Ruby Beach is one of the nation's most private and scenic places to surf dramatic waves, with sea stacks and boulders thrown around as if by a hand of higher power. From your morning brew at Native Grounds Espresso to a fancy dinner at River's Edge Restaurant, sightsee the massive tree growth, Big Log Boiiiii, and catch the sunset from Quileute Marina.
Neah Bay
Part of the Makah Reservation, Neah Bay is a beautiful little community on the far northwestern tip of the Olympic Peninsula. The 4.5-hour drive west of Seattle lands you in this northwest corner of Washington to explore the most northwest corner of the contiguous United States. Stop by the Makah Cultural & Research Center Museum for Native American archaeology and history exhibits from the area. Neah Bay grants you the best access to the Cape Flattery trail, a rare viewpoint just a few miles north. Just south, the popular Hobuck Beach Resort is a great camp base to explore one of the state's most remote coastlines and the northern portion of Olympic National Park.
Shi Shi Beach, known the world over, offers a great mix of rainforest hiking and beach walking along the Shi Shi Beach Trail, plus camping. Just 2 miles from the parking area to the beach, Point of Arches is 2.5 miles south from there along the beach to a remote string of craggy sea stacks. This area is subject to high tides, so research ahead to avoid getting cut off from behind. Backpackers enjoy the opportunity to connect to the Ozette Loop hike. Meanwhile, you can dig into a shrimp burger at BIGGINZ Burgers Seafood and catch the sunset from the long, rocky Neah Bay Scenic Viewpoint or Makah Tribal Marina.
Poulsbo
This charming marine town at the head of Dogfish Bay, aka Liberty Bay, was founded on the Suquamish people’s land as a Scandinavian destination. Settled in the 1820s and 1870s by Norwegians, Poulsbo retained its Norse motif as the state's Little Norway" in Kitsap County. Right across the Puget Sound from Seattle, many come for the storybook feel and outdoor activities on the doorstep to explore the waterways. Poulsbo is also perfect for a weekend escape to relax in the salty air with mountain views to the west, without the large crowds or clichés. The friendly locals enjoy sharing their culture with monthly art walks and Norwegian breakfasts on second Saturdays.
Stop by the Willkommen to Poulsbo sign for a selfie. Home to bakeries and a heritage museum, you will feel transported across the sea amid authentic buildings. Families also enjoy shopping at Poulsbo Village and the SEA Discovery Center. Fish Park features bayside trails with birds and ecology-themed public art, while North Kitsap Heritage Park offers 800 acres of forestland for leisurely recreation. From Nelson Park to American Legion Park, its sunny vibes in the overcast state will put a smile on your face. Quench your thirst at the Brass Kraken Pub and catch a new release from a plush seat at Regal Poulsbo and sunset from the marina at Liberty Bay Waterfront Park.
Prosser
What's up with Prosser? Everything. Prosser can lift your spirits on a hot air balloon ride. The Great Prosser Balloon Rally is great fun to watch or even float among dozens of hot air balloons over the orchards and vineyards, which is another fantastic reason to visit. Airfield Estates Winery Prosser Tasting Room is right on site with outdoor firepits, while Daven Lore Winery and Domanico Cellars offer enviable hilltop views around town. You can stay at Desert Wind Winery & Inn and take a morning stroll along the Yakima River through the heart. Dine at the Prosser House on a riverfront deck, and get dessert at Chukar Cherries, with fruits, wine, and chocolate to gift your friends.
For a less wallet-draining activity, head about 10 miles north of downtown to Gravity Hill. As one of the only few like it in the entire country, it is hard to pass up this quirky playground next to an abandoned grain elevator. Just pop your car in neutral at the line on the road that says "start" and enjoy the ghostly push from behind with no effort on your part to roll up the backcountry road. It is an optical illusion that looks like an uphill, playing with your perception, not the creepy elevator nor the graffiti alien "witness" near the starting line, and the vehicles behave as they should down a considerable decline. Families also enjoy nature from the doorstep and relaxing picnics at the Market Park.
Sequim
Sequim boasts year-round sunshine in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains. Just a hop from the coast—and Canada—welcome to the fragrant "Lavender Capital of North America." Radiating energy and scents, many come for relaxing strolls through nearby lavender farms and just breathe, soaking up the stunning surroundings. July is a popular month to visit when the lavender farms are the most vibrant, so plan on the fringe of the summer for lower crowds. Enjoy flower picking right in town at Purple Haze Lavender Farm, with picnic spots, a gift shop, and an ice cream stand. Nearby, Nourish Sequim matches the town's vibe as a tranquil eatery serving organic and gluten-free fare from an on-site farm. The dramatic Dungeness Spit juxtaposes the calm ambiance within.
Active since 1857, New Dungeness Lighthouse offers daily tours with access by boat or a 5-mile walk. Minutes west, Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge is a dynamic coastal reserve on a sand spit and mudflats, with seabirds, seals, and seasonal orcas. On the ride back, kids enjoy the Olympic Game Farm Inc. for a close-up with bears and big cats on a safari-like tour. Stop by the annual Lavender Festival or any time to pick up skincare and bath essentials, plus unique home decor after a glass-blowing demonstration at Tako Glass. While on the outskirts, stop for a selfie at the Manis Mastodon Site Plaque and the next-door Happy Valley Alpaca Ranch. Dockside Grill plates surf ’n’ turf over a broad wine list, cocktails, and views of the namesake bay.
Away from the bustling Washington cities, eccentricity comes in all forms, like Poulsbo's Norse motif or the Gravity Hill and wineries in Prosser, which you can spy on from a hot air balloon. Each, with its own quirk, adds to the state's cultural richness.
These small towns are all wild with all-season adventures from the doorstep of the historic downtowns. There are all kinds of eccentrics in the salty air with mountain views, so take your pick. You will come back loaded with memories, pictures, and a trunk full of souvenirs.
