7 Close-Knit Towns to Visit in The Pacific Northwest
The Pacific Northwest (PNW) is a geographic region that includes the United States of Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia in Canada. The region features unforgettable landmarks, such as Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach and Puget Sound in Washington, and the stunning Cascade Mountains. There is no doubt that this part of the world is known for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant, close-knit communities.
Cannon Beach, Oregon
Famous for its iconic Haystack Rock and stunning coastline, Cannon Beach is a coastal town with a friendly, small-town atmosphere. Its quaint shops, art galleries, and restaurants make it a great place to explore, especially during the fall when the crowds are smaller. Sleepy Monk Coffee Roasters is rumored to serve some of the best coffee on the coast, so pick up a cup to go and discover shops like Cannon Beach Book Company, Bruce’s Candy Kitchen with its bright pink facade, and Fetch Cannon Beach to bring home a souvenir for the pup.
The small community of about 1,500 residents has a vibrant arts community with over a dozen galleries like Modern Villa Gallery, Icefire Glassworks, and White Bird Gallery. On the first weekend of November every year, Cannon Beach hosts the 37th Stormy Weather Arts Festival, where residents and visitors can enjoy a variety of art demonstrations, painting classes, and free musical performances at outdoor venues around town.
Snohomish, Washington
Snohomish is about thirty miles north of Seattle and lies along the Snohomish River. The small town of around 10,000 is known for its historic downtown and antique shops, garnering it the nickname “Antique Capital of the Northwest.” Snohomish has a welcoming community feel, so spend some time antiquing on First Street in the downtown shopping district full of unique vintage shops and antique stores, like Star Center Mall, Annie’s on First, Faded Elegance, and Joyworks. A must-visit historic gem is the Oxford Saloon, built in 1900 as Blackman’s Dry Goods. Considered one of the town’s landmarks, the Oxford Saloon’s walls are plastered with memorabilia.
Snohomish is a very walkable town and is the start of the 30-mile Centennial Trail, a paved recreational trail for walking, biking, hiking, and horseback riding built on an old railroad line. Like most close-knit towns, community spirit is alive and well with plenty of events throughout the year, including an upcoming Holiday Open House, Holiday Tree Lighting, Winterfest, and Wine Walk.
Langley, Washington
Langley is a quaint seaside town on Whidbey Island in Puget Sound, known as the “Village by the Sea.” Approximately 60 miles long, it is the largest island in Washington. The small town of Langley has about 1,200 residents and is just a short ferry ride from the island known for its breathtaking views of the Saratoga Passage and the Cascade Mountains and abundant wildlife like bald eagles, orcas, and gray whales.
One of three main towns on the island, which includes Coupeville in the south and Oak Harbor in the north, Langley is a close-knit community that attracts wine lovers to town for winery tours, tastings, and frequent local wine and food-related events. So, designate a driver and check out Comforts of Whidbey, Spoiled Dog Winery, Ott & Hunter, and Blooms Winery, all within a close drive of each other. Langley is also renowned for its annual Mystery Weekend, now in its 39th year, where local sleuths and visiting detectives gather to solve a town-wide “whodunit.”
Port Townsend, Washington
Port Townsend is a historic seaport with a thriving art and culture scene on the northeastern tip of the Olympic Peninsula along the shores of the Puget Sound. With its Victorian architecture and maritime heritage, the small, close-knit town of about 10,000 residents fosters its close community with features like friendly art galleries, a strong foodie scene at places like the In-Between with its speakeasy vibe, the Owl Spirit Café, and regular cultural events like regular First Saturday Gallery Walks on the first Saturday of every month.
The nearby Fort Worden State Park and historic Point Wilson Lighthouse, which served as both a lookout and safe haven for Indigenous people and wartime sailors at different periods in history, is a must-see. Once a functioning military fort, it was decommissioned in 1953, and only 90 of its original 400 buildings remain. Today, the fort has morphed into an artist’s enclave. The Port Townsend Marine Science Center is also there, along with an aquarium. Visitors can book a boat tour from the center to safely view one of the world's few remaining rhinoceros auklet populations (a type of puffin) living at Protection Island National Wildlife Refuge from 200 yards offshore.
Joseph, Oregon
Hidden in the Wallowa Valley, Joseph is a small town of about 1,200 residents with a rich artistic community thanks to a retiree who started a small bronze art casting facility for local artists in 1982. Since then, the little facility has grown into the premier Valley Bronze foundry, contributing to Joseph's close-knit community. Today, visitors come from all over to walk the Joseph Oregon Bronze Artwalk and see the larger-than-life bronze sculptures against the town’s canvas of natural beauty.
Outdoor enthusiasts may never want to leave the pretty town given its 5-mile proximity to Eagle Cap Wilderness, a stunning natural area encompassing over 350,000 acres of protected land and part of the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. With over 500 miles of trails, rugged mountains, alpine lakes, dense forests, and an elevation range from 4,000 feet to over 9,800 feet at Eagle Cap Peak, it is a paradise for hiking, backpacking, fishing, camping, and viewing mule deer, black bears, elk, mountain goats, and various bird species.
Tofino, British Columbia
Renowned for its stunning beaches, beautiful rainforests, and close-knit surf culture, the tiny, friendly town of Tofino (population 2,000) on Vancouver Island is a friendly Pacific Northwest community that embraces outdoor activities like surfing, hiking, and whale watching. Considered Canada’s “Surfing Capital,” there’s no better time to slip into a wetsuit than fall or winter when the Pacific storms generate larger swells. There are over 22 miles of sandy beaches and lots of shops to rent gear, including Live to Surf, Long Beach Surf Shop, and Tofino Paddle Surf. A few of these shops offer lessons, too.
Landlubbers will also love this small coastal oasis with lots of nearby hiking trails, like the 1.6-mile Lighthouse Loop, a small section of the Wild Pacific Trail. Wander along the rugged coastline to spot orca whales, seals, otters, and sea lions. Back in town, stop at Tacofino (the Original Truck), which inspired a popular taco craze on the other side of the Strait of Georgia in mainland Vancouver.
Sandpoint, Idaho
Just sixty miles north of Coeur d’Alene, the cozy town of Sandpoint, with a population of about 10,000, is on the shores of Lake Pend d’Oreille. It is an outdoor lover’s paradise with plenty of activities to keep visitors and residents busy 365 days a year and a breathtaking view of the mountains and forests synonymous with the Pacific Northwest. Get a lay for the land with a lakeside hike around Sandpoint on the 1.5-mile Pend d’Oreille Bay Trail. Or, for something more challenging, the 3.6-mile out-and-back Mineral Point Trail with fantastic lake views.
Full of locally owned small businesses and restaurants, there’s always a festival or community event, from the Cedar Street Bridge Public Market to the historic Panida Theater, which opened as a vaudeville and movie house in 1927. Have a meal at eat at Spuds Waterfront Grill, the Fat Pig, or the town's favorite Eichardt’s Pub. End the day with a wine tasting at Pend d’ Oreille Winery, or head out on a brewery tour of 3 local breweries all within walking distance of each other: Matchwood, Mickduff’s, and Utara brewing companies.
Head to the Pacific Northwest to discover these seven close-knit towns that offer unique cultural experiences and stunning natural beauty. Cannon Beach features a picturesque coastline and a vibrant arts scene; Snohomish has a rich history, antique shops, and a welcoming community atmosphere; wine tourism is a big draw in Langley. Port Townsend is known for its Victorian architecture and thriving arts culture, and Joseph highlights its artistic community and proximity to the beautiful Eagle Cap Wilderness. Lastly, Tofino and Sandpoint are favorites for outdoor enthusiasts.
