6 Towns in The Pacific Northwest that Transport You to the Past

Encompassing the states of Washington, Oregon, and parts of Idaho and the Canadian province of British Columbia, the Pacific Northwest is a vast area bounded on one side by the Pacific Ocean and the other by the mighty Rockies. Also known as “Cascadia,” this beautiful region boasts stunning coastlines and dense evergreen forests to explore, as well as some of North America’s most interesting small towns.

It’s also a region rich in history, something that’s especially evident in the oldest communities to be founded here. From early frontier trading posts to 19th-century Gold Rush towns, these destinations in the Pacific Northwest (PNW) will leave you feeling as if you’ve been transported back in time.

Port Townsend, Washington

Established in Washington State in 1851 and two hours by car from Seattle, Port Townsend was a hub for maritime activity in the late 19th century, earning it the nickname “City of Dreams” due to hopes it would become the West Coast’s principal port. While that lofty goal never materialized, this bustling fishing town has become a popular spot for boating and whale-watching adventures. Much of its Victorian-era architecture is contained within the Port Townsend Historic District, a collection of over 700 homes and 60 commercial buildings that’s wonderful to explore on foot.

Designated a National Historic Landmark, shining architectural examples worth grabbing photos of include the Jefferson County Courthouse (1892) with its Romanesque design, and the Hastings Building (1889). The Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival, the largest of its kind in North America, is held here each September and is a great time to visit. Geographically, Port Townsend is surrounded by natural beauty, with the Olympic Mountains framing its western skyline and the Salish Sea to the east.

Jacksonville, Oregon

Settled in the early 1850s during the Oregon Gold Rush, Jacksonville thrived as a mining town and now stands as a National Historic Landmark. Jacksonville Historic District encompasses much of the downtown with its immaculately preserved Victorian architecture including the Beekman Bank, built in 1863 and the oldest bank building in the Pacific Northwest. The former county courthouse from 1883 is also architecturally significant and photo-worthy.

Located near the Siskiyou Mountains, Jacksonville also offers several scenic hiking and biking paths, with the Jacksonville Woodlands Trail System combining historical landmarks with forested routes. Each summer, the town hosts the Britt Music & Arts Festival. Held in an outdoor venue that was once a mining camp, it presents an array of music and other cultural events throughout the summer.

Steilacoom, Washington

As the first officially recognized town in Washington State (it was incorporated in 1854), Steilacoom holds a significant place in regional history. Notable historic sites here include the Steilacoom Catholic Church (aka, the Immaculate Conception Church, built in 1857), the oldest church in the state; and the Nathaniel Orr Pioneer Home Site, constructed in 1857 and a great place to gain insights into early settler life. The Steilacoom Historical Museum Association offers guided tours that showcase these and other preserved sites.

Steilacoom's waterfront location along the Puget Sound provides lovely walking routes with great coastal views, as well as access to scenic trails like the Soundview Trail. A good time to visit? Try to come for the annual Apple Squeeze Festival in October when traditional apple cider pressing takes place.

Dayton, Washington

Dayton was founded in 1871 in the southeast corner of Washington and is home to some of the state’s oldest structures. The town’s centerpiece is the Columbia County Courthouse, built in 1887 and still functioning as the oldest still active courthouse in the state. The Dayton Historic Depot, dating back to 1881, is also worthy of a visit. The oldest surviving train station in the region, it features exhibits on Dayton's railway history and its influence on local commerce and settlement patterns.

Situated near the Blue Mountains, Dayton provides a range of excellent sightseeing opportunities, with everything from scenic drives to hiking and biking trails. June is a great time to visit if you’re a history buff as the town hosts its annual All Wheels Weekend, a celebration of Dayton's automotive and railway past with vintage cars and other old vehicles.

Astoria, Oregon

Established in 1811 and the very first American settlement on the West Coast, Astoria in Oregon is a town where history quite literally comes to life. Landmarks such as Flavel House, built in 1885, and the Astoria Column, constructed in 1926, highlight the town’s long-standing importance as a trading post and port. The Flavel House Museum, showcasing Victorian furnishings and architecture, gives visitors a taste of 19th-century lifestyles, while the 125-foot tall column has a 164-step spiral staircase leading to an observation deck with panoramic views of the Columbia River and Pacific Ocean.

Be sure to reserve a little time in your Astoria travel itinerary for a stroll along the scenic Riverwalk trail which runs parallel to the Columbia River. And if you’re partial to a little culture and don’t mind visiting in winter, the town’s annual FisherPoets Gathering held each February celebrates its maritime culture through poetry and storytelling.

Roslyn, Washington

Roslyn, founded in 1886 as a coal-mining town, is another Pacific Northwest gem that has done a stellar job of preserving its original look and feel. The Roslyn Historic District, with structures like the Roslyn Theatre, built in 1903, captures the industrial vibe of the town’s boom years, while its cemetery, established in 1886, honors the diverse immigrant population that worked the mines. The cemetery itself is composed of sections divided by ethnicity, a reflection of the town's unique immigrant heritage, including Polish, Italian, and Slovenian communities.

Roslyn’s surroundings offer stunning natural settings for those who enjoy outdoor adventures with hiking and biking trails winding through lush forests and leading up to the nearby Cascade Mountains. The Coal Mines Trail, which runs through the old mining areas, offers a historical route for bikers and hikers alike. Need an excuse to visit? The annual Roslyn Coal Miners’ Festival provides an opportunity to connect with the town’s history through exhibits and events.

The Final Word

Together, these six towns in the Pacific Northwest paint a fascinating picture of the region’s past. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or just a curious traveler, they each present a unique opportunity to experience the past through well-preserved buildings, top-rated museums, and fun historical festivals. Whether traveling along coastal routes or through mountain trails, you can immerse yourself in a fascinating bygone era while enjoying the spectacular natural landscapes that continue to define the Pacific Northwest to this day.