7 Of The Quietest Oregon Towns

Did you know that about 35% of Oregon's residents live in rural or sparsely populated areas? This number is much higher than the national average of 20%. With that isolation comes plenty of quiet towns situated in mountains, rocky coastlines, and river basins. If you are craving a peaceful getaway in Oregon this year, you are in for a treat. These seven towns, each with fewer than 10,000 residents, offer everything from birdwatching in salt marsh refuges to crabbing in the Coquille River Basin and hiking through the Wallowa Mountains. So, let yourself escape the city for a weekend and reconnect with nature.

Manzanita

A trip to Manzanita is the perfect way to enjoy peaceful, uncrowded beaches, where the only sounds are the sea breeze and calling seagulls. Travelers can start their trip off at Nehalem Bay State Park, which lies on a four-mile sand spit and straddles the ocean and bay. To explore the park, visitors can bike along a 1.8-mile forested bike path or reserve a horseback riding tour with Oregon Beach Rides.

Golfers will also love Manzanita's golf course, a nine-hole course nestled along the hillside among lush fir trees. For locally caught oysters, fresh tuna, or an all-natural beef burger, Offshore Grill and Coffee House serves a seasonal farm-to-table menu based on the availability of local ingredients.

Joseph

Joseph is situated among the beautiful Wallowa mountain range, earning itself the nickname the Little Switzerland of America. The area around town offers countless hiking trails suited for all skill levels. Iwetemlaykin State Heritage Site is one of the closest trails to town, offering incredible views of the Wallowa Mountains and passing by Knight's Pond, a great spot for fishing.

In the spring and summer, hikers will be able to appreciate fields of wildflowers along the trail and possibly spot foxes, bears, deer, and raptors. Visiting in winter? The town becomes a paradise for winter sports, with Ferguson Ridge Ski Area being a small but popular community-run ski center. If you are looking to soak in nature, consider camping at Wallowa Lake State Park, home to a gorgeous glacial lake that has hook-up sites and camping sites available year-round.

Bandon

Diverse in wildlife, the southern Oregon coastal town of Bandon attracts anglers and birders throughout the year. Spring and summer are ideal for fishing Pacific halibut, tuna, and salmon in the Pacific Ocean, while fall and winter bring Dungeness crab to the Coquille River Basin. For a day of wildlife and birdwatching, head to the Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, home to shallow salt marshes, sea grass beds, sandy beaches, and mudflats that attract species like red-tailed hawks, white-tailed kites, gadwalls, and sanderlings.

Those wanting to spend the night in Bandon should opt for one of the laid-back local inns, such as the Bandon Inn, a charming inn located in Bandon's Old Town district with rooms that overlook the Pacific Ocean.

Sisters

Sisters, Oregon, takes its name from the trio of towering mountain peaks, each rising over 10,000 feet, that lie to the town's west. Travelers can appreciate this beauty on horseback during a trail ride with Black Butte Stables. During the Gobblers Knob ride, for example, riders will pass by a creek and through aspen groves, old-growth forests, and ancient volcanic formations.

Skiiers can also take advantage of an afternoon at Hoodoo Ski Resort, which encompasses over 800 acres and offers 34 runs. After spending the day outdoors, visitors can unwind at Three Creeks Brew Pub, which serves signature burgers, pizzas, and a variety of rotating seasonal beers.

Astoria

Astoria, a Scandinavian-influenced town, is the oldest settlement west of the Rockies, resulting in a tight-knit community. Travelers can learn about this small town's history at the Columbia River Maritime Museum, which exhibits stories ranging from shipwrecks and treasures to tales of survival. After an afternoon of history, visitors can head over to Tapiola Park, a bayside park that features a large grassy lawn, sports fields, courts, and a picnic area to enjoy a snack.

Craving Scandinavian food while in Astoria? Grab dinner at The Haunt, a small and eclectic dining spot serving Scandinavian comfort dishes.

Yachats

Yachats is a slow-paced town situated along the rocky Pacific coastline. There are countless beaches where visitors can relax, such as Tillicum Beach, which lies just four miles north of town and offers miles of sandy shores. On any given weekend, residents and visitors are found along the beach's shores building sandcastles, sunbathing, and flying kites.

Those who prefer to stay active can explore one of Yachats' hiking trails, like Prospect Trail. This path winds through moss-draped forests and lush groves, helping travelers connect with nature and forget the bustle of city life. Visitors can also spend the night with an ocean view at Adobe Resort, a beautiful oceanfront resort that features amenities like an indoor heated pool and hot tub, access to hiking trails, and an onsite waterfront restaurant.

Hood River

Home to just 8,000 residents, Hood River draws in a remarkable number of tourists due to its location within the Cascade Mountains and Columbia River Gorge. Hood River is also considered the "windsurfing capital of the world," making it the optimal place to get out on the water. Those wanting to give windsurfing a try can do so at the Columbia Gorge Sailpark, which is just a few minutes from the downtown area and has free parking.

If windsurfing is not one of your interests, you can still appreciate the Columbia River on a walk of the Hood River Waterfront Trail. A paved path spanning 2.8 miles, travelers will pass a variety of waterfront landmarks during the walk, including the Hood River Marina, Waterfront Park, and Sandbar Kite Beach. To fuel up for the day before starting your adventures, stop by Egg River Cafe for breakfast, a cozy, decades-old cafe that offers American classics like eggs benedict and breakfast scrambles.

While technology and modern developments have brought plenty of benefits, one downside is how quickly life moves these days. Luckily, these seven quiet Oregon towns give travelers the rare chance to slow down and disconnect, even if just for a day or two. As you explore Oregon's sandy Pacific shores or wander through a moss-draped forest, you may even find yourself wanting to leave your phone behind in the hotel room for the day.