6 Most Memorable Small Towns in Oregon

Oregon is famous for its gorgeous landscapes and natural resources. The result is that the state has over 29 million tourists visiting annually. The small towns are some of the most memorable places for a trip. In the quaint town of Hood River, you can see dramatic waterfalls. Joseph is another small mountain town where you can enjoy outdoor fun and the beautiful Wallowa Lake State Park. Whatever adventure you want, these are the Oregon towns to visit to make lasting memories.

Hood River

Hood River is a town in the beautiful Columbia River Valley, ideal for having an outdoor adventure. The town gets its name from the nearby Hood River. A must-see site in town is the picture-perfect Multhomah Falls. The falls are a popular spot to visit. Annually over 2 million people stop to see them. You can find the falls on the Columbia River Highway Scenic Byway, west of the Hood River. To get an even better view of them, take the trail up to the Benson Bridge. You can see the falls from the upper viewing area. At the bottom of the falls there is the historic Multnomah Falls Lodge. The lodge has a restaurant, gift shop and an espresso stand, the perfect place to stop for a treat on your trip.

The Historic Columbia River Highway Scenic Byway is worth a trip on it's own. Driving leisurely along the road allows you to see some spectacular sites. Another spot to stop at on the drive is the 1918 Vista House on Crown Point, which offers an amazing view over the Gorge. There are other impressive falls to see on your drive, including Latourell, Shepperd's Dell and Wahkeena.

Joseph

The mesmerizing Wallowa Mountains are the backdrop for the small town of Joseph. The mountains resemble the European Alps, earning the nickname "Little Switzerland of America." They are popular for outdoor recreationists, particularly backcountry skiers and snowmobilers. Joseph has beautiful wilderness areas, ideal for those looking to go camping or hiking. Just a few minutes south of the town, Wallowa Lake State Park is a beautiful place to enjoy camping, swimming, boating, hiking, and other outdoor activities. A unique opportunity at the park is the Wallowa Lake Tramway. If you aren't scared of heights, this is a must-do. The tram takes you up Mount Howard, where you can enjoy spectacular views. There is even a restaurant at the top called Summit Grill, where you can grab a bit to eat.

Beyond the natural beauty, Joseph also has some unique history to discover. Downtown Joseph is the Wallow County Museum, where you can learn more about the local Indigenous group, the Nez Perce, the pioneer times, and incredible artifacts.

Adorable Small Towns In OregonWhile the larger cities of Portland, Salem, and Bend often draw their fair share of tourists, it is the quirky neighborhoods, towering mountains, and quaint coffee shops that locals frequent that truly show the spirit of Oregon.

Mount Hood

If you want to explore a rural community with mountains and abundant outdoor adventure, Mount Hood is your town. Mount Hood is the community that surrounds the famed Mountain Mount Hood, which stands at 11,249 feet, making it the highest peak in Oregon. The community has a population of under 500 people. There are many outdoor activities to enjoy on Mount Hood, starting with the Hood River. The river flows down from Mount Hood's glaciers. The river draws in hikers, kayakers, cyclists, paddle-boarders, and other outdoor enthusiasts.

Hikers will enjoy traversing Mount Hood National Forest, which has eight nationally designated wilderness areas covering a total area of 311,448 acres. The Old Salmon River trail is a popular hike, which is 1.9 miles long and parallels the wild and scenic Salmon River. The trail is relatively easy and goes through lush old-growth forest. Those looking for more challenging hikes can try the multiday Pacific Crest Trail hike. The trail is 2,653 miles long and goes through 25 national forests, offering stunning scenery.

In the winter, Mount Hood is one of the best places to enjoy snow sports. There are six different ski and snow-sports areas. The four major ski resorts are Mt. Hood Meadows, Timberline Lodge, Mt. Hood Ski Bowl, and Cooper Spur.

Astoria

Astoria is a town that brings together scenic views and historic charm. Sitting between the mouth of the Columbia River and the great Pacific Ocean, the city is a fishing village surrounded by forest. Check out the Astoria River trail to enjoy Astoria's nature. The long path winds more than six miles through the city and takes hikers along the river. You pass by ports, lighthouses, museums, and other exciting sites.

A must-see in Astoria is the Astoria Column, an important part of local history. The monument is part of 12 monuments dedicated to the early settlers and founders. Originally built in 1926, the column has a notable architecture with high-arched windows. There is a spiral staircase that leads to an observation deck. One of the most interesting parts of the column is a beautiful, colorful historical mural painted on the walls.

Another historical monument to check out in town is Fort Astoria. This was the site of the first permanent settlement in America on the West Coast. Visitors can explore the log cabins that still stand there today.

Cannon Beach

One of the most popular tourist destinations in Oregon is Cannon Beach. The town is ideal for beach bums and outdoor enthusiasts. Once you visit the beach, you will see why visitors come for a vacation here. When you are walking across the sand, you won't miss Haystack Rock. This is one of the most famous landmarks on Oregon's coast. It's a basalt sea stack that sits 235 feet above the beach. The spectacular site has been an iconic backdrop to movies such as The Goonies and Kindergarten Cop.

One of the best places to view Haystack Rock off the beach is by visiting Ecola State Park. The impressive park is well-loved by the community for its scenic beach views. The location of the park is also an excellent spot for bird and whale watching. There is a forest and trails in the park. A popular trail to hike is Clatsop Loop Trail from Indian Beach. The trail offers beautiful beach views. Another stunning area to check out in Cannon Beach is Hug Point. Here, you can tour the incredible sea caves and waterfalls.

Gold Beach

A must-visit beach town under the radar is Gold Beach. The town is home to the Cape Sebastian State Scenic Corridor. The Cape is 200 feet above the ocean, making for awe-inspiring panoramic coast views. One of the most popular trails is the Cape Sebastian Trail, accessible from Gold Beach. The trail is part of the Oregon Coast Trail, taking hikers through a Sitka spruce landscape with coastline views.

Kissing Rock is a must-go destination for those who are romantic at heart. The rock is incredibly easy to see driving down the 101. A parking area close by allows visitors to get close to the rock. While nobody knows how Kissing Rock got its name, stopping at the Rock is one of the most romantic places to watch a sunset.

Charming Towns In OregonThe state is home to 4.19 million people, alongside 361 state parks, over 5 million acres of trees, and many charming towns.

From scenic hikes to mountain and beach views, these small towns are the most memorable for a getaway. Anyone looking for adventure will love the natural attractions in The Beaver State of Oregon. Once you visit them, the stunning surroundings and abundance of recreation opportunities will make for unforgettable moments.

Share