7 of the Most Beautiful Historic Towns in the Pacific Northwest
It is no secret that the Pacific Northwest is one of the nation's most beautiful regions, stretching from the Pacific Ocean to the Cascades. All that wilderness veils deep history with roots to native tribes, settlers from various countries, and the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
Astoria is the oldest American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains, with a flourishing local culture. Snohomish Historic District is set above the winding Snohomish River, while Lewiston in the Lewis Clark Valley dates its fruitful wines to before the prohibition in the late 19th century!
Astoria, Oregon
The town of Astoria, Oregon, has a rustic heart that is truly enchanting. When strolling along the Astoria Downtown Historic District, visitors will see galleries and boutiques and wonderful places to drink espresso. The multifaceted small city, with its Victorian architecture and maritime views along the beautiful river, is home to around 10,000 people. Thriving as an artistic community with tourism and fishing, Astoria resurrected a once-bustling pier and starred in "The Goonies." It is also home to the iconic Astoria Column to view its panorama.
At the edge of Oregon’s North Coast, this city established over two centuries ago is located on the Columbia River, with the Pacific Ocean just a hop away. Over time, Astoria has become a cultural haven, often referred to as “little San Francisco.” Its relics live alongside award-winning restaurants and culturally-driven attractions like the top-rated Astoria Gateway Cinemas. Casting the coastal charm of the Pacific Northwest, the inviting spirit and the picturesque setting make it hard to leave, so don't miss the Columbia River Maritime Museum, the Astoria Riverwalk, and succulent local seafood.
Camas, Washington
Camas, once a mill town in 1883, is a real hidden relic of the Pacific Northwest on the border of the state with Oregon. Charming visitors with its coastal ambiance along the Columbia River banks, Downtown Camas is a fine shopping and dining destination with a timeless feel along architecture-laden streets. Visitors can enjoy attractions like a historic theater and relax with a cup of coffee with views of buildings built in the 1920s. Blending urban amenities with a historic downtown, its quaint shops and restaurants live alongside galleries, public art, massage studios, and a wonderful public library.
Camas has various outdoor areas around town, such as the lush Lacamas Park, the long Lacamas Lake, and its tiny Round Lake, which is perfect for a serene kayak ride. Hugging the lake, Camas Lily Field, a beautiful meadow, blooms vibrantly in the spring for sightseers from near and far. These are the revered spots for summertime recreation near Heritage Park, which features relaxing strolls and fun hiking and biking trails. The beautifully renovated Camas Boutique Hotel welcomes families to get away in luxury, with the spectacular Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area just 10 minutes east for canyon hikes and waterfalls.
Cottage Grove, Oregon
Offering a piece of film history, this 'All-American' town, named so in 1968 and 2004, was the site for one of the most expensive and dramatic train crashes in film history. Cottage Grove, the Covered Bridge Capital of the West, contributes six covered bridges to the twenty found in Lane County. Another piece of film history from the movie Stand By Me was filmed along the railroad trestle on the way to the only existing covered railroad bridge in the west - the 1925 Chambers Railroad Bridge, which was restored in 2011. The parade scene in Animal House was filmed along Main Street, with its intact collection of early twentieth-century buildings, many designed by the notable John Hunzicker.
Keeping its proud heritage alive, the Commercial Historic District, a business hub for over a century, was historically a focal point for local farming, Bohemia mining, and the wood products industry. The Bohemia Gold Mining Museum in town has photographs, tools, and other artifacts that speak to the history of gold mining in the Bohemia Mining District. In July, the town also celebrates the Bohemia Mining Days Festival. Largely on the National Register of Historic Places, Downtown Cottage Grove showcases the Cottage Grove Armory, historic churches, and old residences. When passing by antique shops, specialty boutiques, delicious restaurants, and nearby family-friendly parks, visitors can enjoy shopping and dining in buildings built with primarily locally sourced bricks and lumber.
Lewiston, Idaho
This picturesque city, known as the gateway to Hells Canyon, offers a range of experiences for visitors, including a visit to the past of the Pacific Northwest. Hells Gate State Park has great activities, including the fast-paced thrills of a jet boat through a deep river gorge. Here, the Lewis and Clark Discovery Center features indoor and outdoor displays relaying the history of Lewis and Clark's journey in Idaho. The surrounding Lewis-Clark Valley offers extensive outdoor recreation, rich cultural events, and a flourishing wine scene. The Nez Perce Tribe aided the Lewis and Clark Expedition during their passing here in the early 1800s, and their culture is still alive at the authentic Nez Perce National Historical Park.
Take a self-guided stroll in the historical footsteps along the Lewis and Clark National Historical Trail that extends through many states. This trail reveals new sights for hikers and bikers to explore around each bend, like ancient petroglyphs in rocks and wildlife that the natives hunted. There is also the Nez Perce County Historical Society & Museum, exhibiting Nez Perce history and culture, as well as the Jack O’Connor Center, which has tales of the famous hunter and his taxidermy from around the world. The Snake and Clearwater rivers offer great ways to decompress in nature, relax on white-sand beaches, and enjoy paddleboarding, kayaking, and boating. The town, founded in the 1860s, is a thriving urban center with a historic heart filled with art and shopping at local storefronts.
Port Townsend, Washington
The coastal town of Port Townsend is one of the best examples of 19th-century port towns on the West Coast, with ocean views and some 10,000 people. Offering stunning architecture, born out of the late 1800s housing boom, the Victorian-style historic district features expensive homes under gabled roofs with towers and intricate woodwork. Some of the dozens of Victorian buildings and homes still stand beside local boutiques and restaurants. The Port Townsend Public Library and the Historic Fire Bell Tower are gorgeous spots to browse for insights and views from the top.
Founded in 1851, the vital seaport, fishing, and shipping center during the late 19th century was a worthy contender for the title of the largest city in the Pacific Northwest. The photogenic town attracts many creatives, including galleries to browse, and features music, art, film, and boat festivals. The Northwest Maritime Center is a great way to discover the past or dive into Boatshop Workshops. Port Townsend is near the indescribable Olympic National Park and the Indian Island across the bay. With Chetzemoka Park, Fort Townsend Historical State Park, and Fort Worden State Park, Port Townsend has so many opportunities to explore the great outdoors.
Poulsbo, Washington
Poulsbo, an unmissable town in the Pacific Northwest, is the nation's darling "Little Norway." Stop by the old Sluys Bakery for a Viking Donut with your coffee to begin discovering Poulsbo, which was established in the 1880s. Poulsbo has a very strong cultural background with Norwegian American settlers and, growing out of its infancy, remains eclectic in terms of local attractions and traditional Scandinavian food. This charming waterfront community tells the tales of its past with museums, preserving and exhibiting its history and culture, like the Heritage Museum. One of the Kitsap Peninsula's favorite and most popular towns, Poulsbo is very welcoming for pedestrians, children, and pets, with something for every age and interest.
Poulsbo is home to galleries and museums, an up-and-coming Arts District, a shopping hotspot on your way to one of the several waterfront restaurants, a marina for boaters, and a waterfront park. Don't miss the Maritime Museum on Front Street and Martinson Cabin on Lindvig Way as well. The historic downtown highlights maritime roots on a historical walking tour or a self-guided stroll along the many themed bakeries, restaurants, and shops. History runs even deeper here for the Suquamish Tribe who lived in the area.
Snohomish, Washington
The riverside community of Snohomish intertwines rich history with a new-age feel through brick edifices near modern boutiques, artist studios, galleries, and tattoo parlors. The sense of nostalgia is most prominent in the historic downtown along the Snohomish River. Founded in the late 1850s and incorporated in 1890, the name pertains to the Snohomish local Native American tribe, who lived in the area and other Island counties. Snohomish celebrates the annual Kla-Ha-Ya Days Festival. Visitors can see many of the historic businesses and homes within part of the Snohomish Historic District, set above the winding river, on the National Register of Historic Places.
With architectural roots dating back to the 19th and early 20th centuries, the district has many Victorian and Craftsman-style buildings, home to the Blackman House Museum with period furnishings and memorabilia. The Repp restaurant is well worth a visit and has great food and excellent cocktails. Roughly 30 miles from Seattle, Snohomish is all about charm and history, even in the modern-day attractions, including antique shops like the famous Antique Station, a cute shop in Victoria Village, as well as the whole Star Center Antique Mall with three floors of treasures.
These towns offer impeccable modern-day and historic sights, with attractions for everyone to enjoy. Whether it's Astoria's historical charm and maritime heritage, Camas's lush parks and waterfront ambiance, or Cottage Grove's cinematic history, each town presents unique experiences reflecting the area's historical significance and natural beauty. These destinations, amidst towering mountains and forested landscapes, provide a perfect getaway for those seeking adventure, relaxation, and a deep dive into the history and culture of one of America's most captivating regions.
