7 Most Scenic Small Towns in The Pacific Northwest
Stretching from the Pacific coast through forests, state parks, and the mountains in Idaho, the Pacific Northwest (PNW) region knows no limit to scenery, astounding every adventurer, dreamer, and simple family on the great escape of a lifetime. The smaller towns, seemingly close but a whole other world, scenically, offer a retreat from the city. Whidbey Island's Langley is just 15 minutes away from an epic beach with a Seattle skyline or an hour-long drive to the northern tip of the island to Deception Pass, the real-deal PNW wilderness.
So, what comes to mind when the PNW is mentioned? How about historic, wild, and unspoiled? Hood River, an Oregon town along the Columbia River, is the definition of it all. Not to mention the whole arts, wine, and agricultural region of the Pacific Northwest, particularly in Washington's charming towns. Enjoy Bainbridge Island's arts scene with a vino in hand or Leavenworth's Germanic attractions in conjunction with its craft beer scene.
Bainbridge Island, Washington
Just a jaunty ride aboard the Washington State Ferry from the capital across Puget Sound, Bainbridge Island remains one of the state's best-kept secrets. This town on the namesake island wraps around Eagle Harbor and Murden Cove at the side as a vibrant arts community like you wouldn't expect, obscurely tucked at the island's southwesterly edge. Easily accessible via the north end of Washington State Route 305, Bainbridge Island offers the sought-after, removed vibe and everything your heart desires, like the arts, beaches, and culture, but not the city crowds. Visitors can discover deep native origins and, later on, the Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial right across the harbor. Bainbridge Island is a real summertime paradise up the hill, overlooking awe-inspiring coastal scenery and the blue waters peeking in between buildings.
Nearby, Creosote Park Bench is a favorite hiding spot for leisure in the views, while the small forests surrounding this art enclave offer a great outlet for adventurers, with easy access to Grand Forest East and Grand Forest West for trails and picnics. For the flora and fauna native to the island, the immense Gazzam Lake Nature Preserve spreads just to the west. Visitors can rent a bike right by the ferry dock and paddle through the sea breeze as far as the eyes take them. They can also enjoy beachcombing or kayaking and canoeing around for a different intake of the local PNW scenery. From the Winslow Way shopping street to the Bainbridge Museum of Art, Bainbridge Island has more impressive galleries, eclectic boutiques, and restaurants. Head harborside at sunset for a waterfront trail stroll in between some real estate envy and proud sails along the waterways.
Bandon, Oregon
At the heart of the South Coast Region, Bandon, with its offbeat vibe ever since a fire wreaked havoc, offers a unique take on the PNW along this Oregon Coast experience. With the slogan "our attractions are always open," it is truly a year-round community unlike any other in that it yearns for a truer expression of everything. Building upon its storied history, the townsfolk accentuate living life to the fullest and inspire tourists with their drive to do it better. Bandon—from the pristine beaches to the most charming historic district you will lay eyes on, the world-famous Bandon Dunes Golf Resort features some of the nation's best-linked golf courses.
Large swaths of cranberry fields also net the city, and Brandon is proudly the “Cranberry Capital of Oregon." Bandon's iconic local agriculture is brought to life in full color and flavor through the town's markets and restaurant cuisine. Drawing beachgoers since the mid-19th century, shorebirds, ospreys, geese, and bald eagles also frequently hang out in a pristine salt marsh east of downtown. Bandon has something for every taste to find engaging against the breathtaking seaside beauty, with orca whales right in the estuary and gray whales migrating just off the shore. After wildlife and birding, hit the charming Old Town for restaurants, galleries, boutiques, and bookstores.
Hood River, Oregon
Hood River, a charming small town along the immense Columbia River against a second-none-mountainous backdrop, offers a feel-good getaway any season, which wasn't always like that. First discovered in 1805 by Lewis and Clark's nearly fatal expedition through the area via canoe down the rapids along the banks, Native Americans "watched the white men drown themselves." Having survived thanks to an enslaved man on board, the river, now tamed by three locks and four dams, is a summertime playground for kiteboarders and windsurfers. With easy access from Portland, the glorious hour-long drive due east introduces you to the raw PNW scenery, like a stop at Multnomah Falls. Don't miss a quick detour to the Bridge of the Gods and, before the town, the Cascade Locks and Brigham Fish Market. Hood River Hotel is a great spot to throw down your bags right by the scenic railroad landmark and get a Scandinavian breakfast from Broder Ost.
The wistfully named 35-mile Hood River Fruit Loop winds through the Hood River Valley with fruit stands, orchards, and farms for strolls, picnics, or a combination of both while hand-picking cherries or apples straight from the trees. The rich agricultural scene extends into viticulture, with no better venue than Grateful Vineyard to relax over a vino against Mount Hood views. The scenic Hood River Lavender Farms offers a sensual stroll for couples to pick lavender and pick up lavender products. Are you hungry now? Downtown is a lively affair of brick storefronts like cute bookstores, unique gift shops, and the must-stop Mike's Ice Cream. This is great for a hot summer day before dinner from above the river deck at 3 Rivers Grill. Gorge White House serves the best cider over delectable bites, while the Grateful Feast Tasting Experience pairs drinks with pizza.
Langley, Whidbey Island
Langley, perched atop a bluff overlooking the glistening waters of Saratoga Passage against the Cascade Mountains, is another artsy enclave in Washington—well, technically, Whidbey Island. Offering an abundance of art galleries, antique stores, and unique boutiques, visitors can stop by the glass-blowing studio for a unique souvenir and mingle at the Farmers Market on weekends. For entertainment, look no further than the performing arts center or a flick at the movie theater, while several wineries among a variety of outstanding restaurants delight every palate. This seaside village screams scenic from artist studios and vineyards, as well as the furry progeny of rabbits who escaped the county fair decades ago.
There is something throughout the year in the island scenery to find festive, like the upcoming Jazz Festival in June, the Choochokam Art Festival in July, and the Island County Fair in July, as well as Djangofest at the end of September. Come for a very special holiday time during the unique Christmas Tour or the Mystery Weekend in February. Langley Beach, near Edgecliff, is great for whale watching, while Driftwood Beach, just 30 minutes away, features a scenic Seattle skyline and cruise ships passing. Don't forego an hour-long drive to the northern tip of the island to the Deception Pass, with breathtaking views of the San Juans from the bridge!
Leavenworth, Washington
Nestled against the eastern side of the Cascade Mountains along the Wenatchee River, Leavenworth is a fun-loving town. Having adopted a Bavarian culture in the 1960s from its original settlers, to avoid becoming ghosted after the economic crisis, it perked up downtown with architecture reminiscent of an Alpine village, where the mountainous scenery could not be any more fitting. Offering a ton of year-round recreational opportunities for those craving outdoor adventure, the active can explore via hiking, climbing, ziplining, horseback riding, and rafting in the warmer months and enjoy wintertime skiing, snowboarding, and sledding. Attracting over one million annual visitors a year, its frequent outbursts of vibrant celebrations often keep to the Germanic theme, like the nation-renowned Oktoberfest.
Full of magic at every corner of the alpine-style buildings, the picturesque views mesmerize even the returning visitors, molded into the mountainous atmosphere like a vestigial extension straight from overseas. Catch the town in its unique winter wonderland allure to experience the annual Christmas Lighting Festival for the feel of a Hallmark Christmas movie. Visitors can get into the spirit at any time through its Bavarian village downtown, with authentic sights, traditional cuisine restaurants, and extensive wine lists, thanks to the surrounding vineyards and wineries throughout the Cascade foothills and along the scenic riverbanks. From deep reds to refreshing whites, sparkling, and German-style Glühwein, no trip to Leavenworth would be complete without trying its craft beer and spirits scene, even through the intimate and family-friendly venues.
Port Angeles, Washington
Tucked in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains, Port Angeles is the epicenter of some of the PNW's most revered natural wonders. The welcoming harbor town enjoys its popularity as the gateway to Olympic National Park, access to the Hoh Rainforest, and the red sands of Ruby Beach. Offering so many adventures, it would be overwhelming without the helpful locals and this phenomenal guide to make the most of your experience, like a scenic trek to the pretty Marymere Falls. The three-mile-long, crescent-shaped Ediz Hook, a sand spit extension right off the Port Angeles coastline, offers a breathtaking view of the city against the Olympic Mountains. Visitors can explore the calm waters around the spit in a kayak or canoe, thanks to the shielding hook from strong waves, as well as motorized boats, scuba diving, or paddle boating off the hook.
Some 20 miles from the city, along the road hugging the south side of town from the Olympic National Park Visitors Center, Hurricane Ridge revels in perhaps the most breathtaking views of Olympic National Park. Nearby, find Heart O' the Hills Campground, one of Olympic National Park's best for summer tourists, and in the winter, enjoy the snowy summit of the Hurricane Ridge Ski and Snowboard Area over snowshoeing and sledding. This seaside-meet-mountain town is also home to its very own Arthur D. Feiro Marine Life Center. Built in 1981, thanks to the creative mentor and educator, families enjoy face-to-face encounters with different types of marine life, like sea stars, scallops, and anemones.
Yachats, Oregon
Yachats, a quintessential town in the PNW, is home to the largest coastal sinkhole, rightfully called Thor's Well. The adventurous can explore the oceanside along the generous mileage of gorgeous trails with hiking access to the top of the Oregon Coast. Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, the highest point, is a real eye feast that will make you want to dive into the same for your stomach at Ona Restaurant and Lounge over an unmatched dinnertime and relaxation with drinks. The town, meaning "where the trail leaves the beach," is an artsy enclave off the beaten path with an off-beat vibe and experiences for all groups and tastes. Don't miss the local inspiration transcribed into galleries for an artist's take on surreal natural beauty.
Tucked between the temperate rainforest of the Oregon Coastal Range and the mighty Pacific Ocean, there's scenery to explore any which way from this idyllic town, like on a shoreline stroll along the surging waves. For a quiet sanctuary, a hike to the high bluffs overwhelms you with a powerful statement of nature—the Oregon Coastal Range and rainforest in every direction. From the ocean viewpoints to a variety of reclaimed greenspace, visitors can enjoy the comprehensive trail system that feels designed for a romantic escape, a road trip with friends, or a whole family vacation to discover why Yachats is the Gem of the Oregon Coast! The peaceful little village caters to your personalized retreat or getaway with a slew of outstanding restaurants, shops, and galleries.
So, what treasures are buried in the nooks and crannies of the PNW? How about some of the world's most wondrous geological features? The welcoming harbor town of Port Angeles is the epicenter of some of the region's most revered treasures, like the Olympic National Park, access to the Hoh Rainforest, and the red sands of Ruby Beach.
After some real adventures, land or water, mountain bike or kayak, you'll be famished, so these postcard towns with a family-friendly atmosphere and low crowds will host and recharge you for more scenic wanderings in the Pacific Northwest. While smaller towns can get lost among natural and big-city attractions, they never lose their allure for truly wild explorers, including attractions for those seeking to escape on a retreat.
