7 Serene Towns in The Pacific Northwest for a Weekend Retreat
Also known as “Cascadia”, the Pacific Northwest region of America is undoubtedly one of the most geographically and culturally beautiful places in the country. Including the mainland States of Washington, Idaho, and Oregon, there is indeed never a shortage of wonderful things to see and do while traveling through this area. For an awesome weekend getaway, the small towns of the Pacific Northwest are truly perfect for any solo traveler or traveling family looking for adventure, nature, culture, and welcoming hospitality. So take to the road and come see some of the very best of the Pacific Northwest through an exploration of these most serene and beautiful towns!
Sandpoint, Idaho
Located in the Idaho panhandle, the scenic town of Sandpoint is truly one of the State’s most beautiful and popular retreats for outdoor adventurism. Seat of Bonner County and home to a population of just over 8,600 residents, Sandpoint is known for its wide array of outdoors activities and guests can enjoy such outings like swimming, sailing, fishing, biking, hiking, and even picnicking at sites like Lake Pend Oreille. And of course as the home of the Schweitzer Mountain Resort, the chance to take in some of the best alpine slopes in the State is a cannot miss experience. And with hot summers and cool winters, Sandpoint’s climate makes it an enjoyable place to discover throughout the year. Finally one cannot forget about the International Selkirk Loop scenic byway which stops through town. Here a most beautiful drive awaits, filled with stunning views and charming greenery perfect for both the casual and professional photographer alike.
Challis, Idaho
The town of Challis lies right in the heart of Central Idaho where it also serves as the seat of Custer County. Established in the 1870s, just under 1,000 permanent residents call it home today but for what it may lake in size, Challis surely compensates with loads of splendid natural beauty and charming small town hospitality. Enjoy such outdoor activities like hiking, biking, fishing, and even going to the local hot springs in a climate that typically boasts cool winters and hot summers. In addition, the history lover will not want to miss the nearby Land of the Yankee Fork State Park. Covering some 521 acres of land, this interactive and living history site brings visitors back to Idaho’s foundational past and its importance as a mining centre. One can even try their hand at gold panning!
Port Townsend, Washington
A part of the Olympic Peninsula, Port Townsend serves as the seat of Jefferson County and was chartered by the British captain, George Vancouver in the 1790s. Home to a modern population of just over 10,000, this scenic and charming harbor town is indeed a wonderful place to learn about history and take in the splendor of nature. A great spot to learn about the State’s history, guests can spend time at the inviting Historic District along the waterfront where a number of lovingly preserved landmarks from the 19th century continue to invite exploration. These include St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (1865) and the Bartlett House (1883) amongst others that are included on the National Register of Historic Places. And do not forget about the Fort Worden Historical State Park where in an area of some 432 acres guests can learn more about early American military history and enjoy stunning greenery and mountain landscapes. Indeed with the awesome Cascade Mountains as a frame, Port Townsend’s natural skyline is a truly delight that all ages can marvel at.
Coupeville, Washington
Just a 50 minute ferry ride from Port Townsend, the town of Coupeville is another naturally stunning and historically fascinating destination in Washington State. Beautifully situated on the southern shore of Penn Cove on Whidbey Island, this seat of Island County boasts a most humble population of just under 2,000 residents. Founded in the 1850s, visitors will find loads of scenic vistas and alluring historic intrigue in Coupeville that is indeed ideal for a weekend retreat. Spend time along the historic waterfront district and its assortment of restored 19th century buildings, while an afternoon at the Fort Casey or Fort Ebey State Parks are awesome ways to take in the serenity of nature all while learning some military history. And with several welcoming beach areas, and a charming array of local businesses and restaurants, Coupeville really is a nice locale to add to one’s list of must see places in the Pacific Northwest.
Bandon, Oregon
Named for the same town in Ireland and formally settled by Irish settlers in the 1870s, Bandon is a most beautiful and scenic destination right on the banks of the Coquille River (and leading to the Pacific Ocean). Home to a population of just over 3,300 residents, cool temperatures year round are the norm here in this charming and welcoming community. For a fun filled weekend retreat, Bandon is indeed a great place to experience, and guests can enjoy plenty of local cultural charm and stunning natural surroundings. Explore the area’s rocky cliffs, relax at some sandy beaches, or even play a round or two of golf at the Bandon Dunes Resort for some truly breathtaking ocean vistas. Meanwhile, Bandon’s downtown and historic district is too a delight where a nice assortment of locally run restaurants and other shops fill out the landscape. And with such cultural events like the always popular Cranberry Festival in September, this town will surely leave one with a sweet set of memories.
Astoria, Oregon
Established in 1811, the town of Astoria is Oregon’s oldest colonial settlement and was the first port established west of the Rocky Mountains. Today this seat of Clatsop County is home to just over 10,000 inhabitants, and it remains one of the Pacific Northwest’s most beautiful coastal towns. Indeed with its breathtaking vistas of the Pacific Ocean and the famed Columbia River, Astoria’s natural beauty is second to none and visitors can enjoy an assortment of fun outdoor activities perfect for a weekend retreat or a longer stay. Spend time on the water and partake in sailing, fishing, and swimming, or even try one’s hand at sports like water skiing! Meanwhile visits to the Columbia River Maritime Museum and the Astoria Column are fun places the entire family can enjoy. And with such historic landmarks like the John Jacob Astor Hotel (1922) and the Captain George Flavel House (1885), a historic picture perfect outing is never far away. Finally, one cannot miss out on a ride on the special Astoria Riverfront Trolley where boarding a restored 1913 trolley car transports passengers though the town’s scenic and fascinating core.
Port Angeles, Washington
Port Angeles was founded by Spanish colonists in the 1790s, and today it boasts a modest population of just over 20,000. The seat of Clallam County, Port Angeles is stunningly framed by the Olympic Mountains and is a veritable paradise for any nature lover. Explore the splendor that is the Olympic Peninsula, while partaking in activities like sailing and swimming along a most scenic coastline truly delights all ages. Add in a pleasant year round climate, and Port Angeles is perfect no matter what the season. Meanwhile while driving to or from the area, do not forget about the very scenic State Route 112, where such natural landmarks like the Strait of Juan de Fuca (near the Canadian province of British Columbia) and the Hurricane Ridge make for quite a special set of photographic memories.
When planning a weekend getaway in America, one should certainly not overlook the unique cultural and natural wonder that is the Pacific Northwest, or “Cascadia”. A special region that includes the States of Idaho, Washington, and Oregon, the wonderful towns located here are awesome ways to discover some of the very best of Americana in a most stunning natural setting. From the island beauty of Coupeville, Washington to the historic charm of Astoria, Oregon, these, and other splendid Pacific Northwest towns are perfect ways to spend a serene and fun filled weekend. So pack your bags and take to the road and come see these American treasures firsthand. They will definitely create an appreciation of that most alluring, charming and special destination known as the Pacific Northwest!
