7 Must-See Historic Towns In The Pacific Northwest

Stretching from the Pacific Ocean to the Cascades, the Pacific Northwest is a treasure trove of rich and fascinating American history, including those related to the storied Lewis and Clark Expedition. But it is also a region of unsurpassed beauty, where clear streams, glittering cascades, ice-clad peaks, and lush forests garnish the landscape and lend the area a pristine, rustic allure that is almost unmatched. From Walla Walla, Washington, to Lewiston, Idaho, discover below some of the most stunning historic towns in the Pacific Northwest.

Walla Walla, Washington

Named and platted in the years preceding the Civil War, Walla Walla is among the oldest cities in Washington. Thanks to the discovery of gold in the area — and the ensuing gold rush, Walla Walla became the largest city in what was then called the Washington Territory by 1880. But the mines soon went silent. Fortunately, agriculture soon filled the void, especially dry wheat farming. Known for its rich and fertile soils, Walla Walla was once called "the Bread Basket of the World." Today, the area is known for sweet onions and wines, whether well-crafted cabernet sauvignon, merlot, or syrah. In its 10 Best Readers' Choice Awards for both 2020 and 2021, USA TODAY ranked Walla as the best wine region in the U.S. Here is what to do. Book a cozy room at the historic Marcus Whitman Hotel, which has hosted popular celebrities, including Louis Armstrong and President Dwight Eisenhower. From here, one can explore attractions such as the Fort Walla Walla Museum, which houses interesting Walla Walla Valley historical artifacts and exhibits. Finally, while more than 40 wineries dot the heart of downtown Walla Walla, Seven Hills Winery, housed in the historic Whitehouse-Crawford building, is often the go-to place.

Pendleton, Oregon

Pendleton traces its beginnings to the middle of the 19th century and was once a stop along the Oregon Trail. From 1840 — and for the next 20 years — up to 400,000 travelers used the 2,000-mile route to reach destinations such as Puget Sound, Willamette Valley, and California; hence, the trail facilitated one of the largest mass migrations of people in American history. Pendleton, a small, historic town, sits along the Umatilla River about 39 miles from Walla Walla. Many buildings in Pendleton date back more than 100 years, including Rainbow Cafe, the oldest tavern in the state. The cafe was founded in 1883. One of Pendleton's claims to fame is that it hosts the Pendleton Round-Up, one of the ten largest rodeos in the world. Pendleton Woolen Mills, whose story goes back to 1863 and which made blankets and robes for Native Americans, is often open for tours free of charge. Still, the most unique attraction here is the Pendleton Underground Tour, which takes first-time visitors through a secret underground city built over a century ago.

Astoria, Oregon

Oregon's oldest city, located at the mouth of the Columbia River as it enters the Pacific, and the oldest American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains was founded in 1811 when James Madison was the president of the United States. It still retains its Old World charm and allure. Portway Tavern, rumored to be haunted by the ghost of Portway Paul — the tavern's founder — was built in 1925 during Prohibition. It could be the oldest watering hole in the area. Nothing demonstrates the town's beauty as a stroll along the incredibly picturesque Astoria Riverwalk, a paved trail that follows the Columbia River for well over 6 miles. If you are looking for a place to stay, Astoria Riverwalk Inn is homey and cozy and boasts lovely waterfront views. The 125-foot Astoria Column provides a bird's eye view of the town and is one of the town's defining attractions. Plus, Fort Stevens State Park, originally built to keep British and Confederate gunboats from entering the mouth of the Columbia River, today provides a world of outdoor fun and adventure, including camping and wildlife viewing.

Goldendale, Washington

For more than 50 years, Goldendale has been home to the largest and most accessible public telescopes in the United States. But Goldendale's relationship with astronomy goes back a little earlier. In 1918, astronomers William Wallace Campbell and Heber Curtis, hoping to view a total solar eclipse, briefly made the town their base. More than 40 years later, in the 1960s, four amateur astronomers associated with Clark College, one of whom was a high school dropout, had built a 24-inch Cassegrain telescope and were looking for an ideal site for a public observatory. Their efforts to sell the idea to Central Washington State College in Ellensburg failed. On the return trip, a chance stopover in Goldendale for lunch and a random discussion with the cafe's owner would see them successfully sell the idea to Mayor George Nesbitt. Today, the Goldendale Observatory State Park draws thousands of stargazers every year and from every corner of the country. Goldendale is also home to Stonehenge, the first WWI memorial in the United States. And if you want to witness a reenactment of life in Goldendale in its early years, the beautiful Presby Mansion is the go-to place.

Lewiston, Idaho

Lewiston is the gateway to Hells Canyon, which is home to North America's deepest river gorge. Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, one of the town's most sought-after attractions, is a surreal, rugged wilderness only accessible by jet boat or raft. This site is like an outdoor poem, boasting beautiful scenery, a broad range of wildlife, and fascinating history. Also, Clearwater Canyon Cellars, whose wines are only as delicious as its scenery, is one of the finest wineries in the Pacific Northwest. A history lover probably knows that the Nez Perce Native American tribe saved the Lewis and Clark Expedition team from dying of hunger after a dangerous trip through the Bitterroot Mountains. This story comes alive at the Nez Perce County Historical Society & Museum. Finally, you will want to know that Lewiston is Idaho's oldest incorporated community, the first territorial capital, and was named for Meriwether Lewis, one of two leaders in the celebrated Lewis and Clark Expedition.

Port Townsend, Washington

Boasting a paint-worthy downtown area, where every storefront reflects the personality and preferential style of its owner — Port Townsend is easily one of the most gorgeous towns in the United States. According to Architectural Digest, which is an expert in the matter, Port Townsend features one of the best main streets in America. It was one of only two Washington towns that earned a spot in the 39-town ranking. The other is Walla Walla. Port Townsend sits on a picturesque peninsula north of Seattle and is famous for its array of Victorian-style buildings. These include the Ann Starrett Victorian Mansion, arguably the most elaborate and unique. Plus, the town's waterfront area has been a National Historic District for 48 years and is quite a delight to explore. The Historic Fire Bell Tower, built in 1890, is the best place to sit and inhale the views of the town and the sea. Other must-see attractions include the Olympic National Park, which features the longest undeveloped coast in the contiguous United States.

Snohomish, Washington

Snohomish, whose downtown area is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, hosts one of Washington State's remaining thirty historic Carnegie libraries. The library was built in 1909 and is reportedly haunted. This town's main drag features kitschy artifacts and is a world of antiques. No wonder Snohomish has been called the Antique Capital of the Northwest. Unique finds pour out from several storefronts in this town; however, Star Center Antique Mall is in a class of its own for its variety and scale. Besides, the quiet and peaceful Lord Hill Regional Park sits atop a hill and features a shimmering lake, ponds, and many scenic trails. It is just where an outdoor enthusiast will want to spend every waking moment. To the history lover, the Blackman House Museum, housed in one of the town's oldest buildings, provides a memorable experience for those interested in local history.

The Takeaway

The Pacific Northwest is dotted with towns rich in history and whose incredible beauty can leave a first-time visitor completely blown away. From the coast to the Cascades, one can trace the footsteps of the Lewis & Clark Expedition at Lewiston, Idaho, stroll through the downtown area of Snohomish, Washington, the Antique Capital of the Northwest, and peer through the largest and most accessible public telescopes in the United States at Goldendale, Washington. Plus, none other than the Architectural Digest identifies Port Townsend, Washington as featuring one of the best main streets in America. Whatever one picks, the Pacific Northwest is still one of America's best-kept secrets.