7 Undiscovered Small Towns in The Pacific Northwest
Home to the quirky city of Portland and the coffee-loving Seattle, the Pacific Northwest is an abode of beauty. Bounded by a rugged coastline with headland forests and rocky outcrops, the cliffside trails lead you to overlook the moody sea in Ferndale. To the other side, the valley town of Enterprise flaunts a majestic ring of the Wallowa Mountains. In contrast, the Lake Coeur d’Alene resonates in Wallace, a social butterfly and former silver mining town in Idaho. Offering to discover the definition of rugged beauty year-round, where no adventure repeats itself, look around; the Pacific Northwest may just be in your backyard.
Bremerton, Washington
Nestled on the Kitsap Peninsula, Bremerton is a vibrant small town with a population of about 43,000. The town is surrounded by stunning water bodies, including Sinclair Inlet and Kitsap Lake, offering scenic mountain views and sparkling waters. Visitors can explore Lions Park with its boat ramp, the Bug Museum and Nature Gift Shop, and the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard Memorial Plaza at Harborside Fountain Park. Bremerton's waterfront is home to the historic USS Turner Joy, a popular attraction along the Harborside/Mentor Boardwalk.
Bremerton’s charm lies in its blend of attractions and scenic landscapes. The Dickerson Creek Waterfall Trailhead is a favorite for hikers, and the nearby Kitsap Forest Theater offers family-friendly shows in a beautiful natural setting. The pedestrian-friendly bridge leads to the quaint neighborhood of Manette, known for its artsy shops, restaurants, bars, and bakeries.
Enterprise, Oregon
Occupied by the Nez Perce people long before the fur traders and missionaries arrived in the 19th century, Wallowa Valley's fertile lands appealed to the settlers for farming. Thus, the town of Enterprise, founded in 1889, became a center for agriculture, timber, and mining. Today, the valley draws thousands with its striking natural features to discover an underappreciated artistic vibrancy and outdoor beauty. Those who discover this town come for the local Western bronze art with multiple bronze foundries and working artists who showcase the intricate art.
Surrounded by the majestic Wallowa Mountains and the Eagle Cap Wilderness, Enterprise offers year-round outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. The nearby Wallowa-Whitman National Forest and Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, with its deep river gorge, provide endless opportunities for adventure. Closer to town, Wallowa Lake is a popular spot featuring a historic lodge, cabins, and camping, with a tramway offering stunning aerial views. After a day of exploration, Terminal Gravity Brewery & Pub is the perfect place to chat about discoveries over craft beer and American eats in rustic digs.
Gold Beach, Oregon
At the meeting point of the Pacific Ocean and the Rogue River, Gold Beach combines natural beauty with culinary delights. The Otter Point State Recreation Site offers trails where shoreline adventures meet quiet reflection, while Jerry’s Rogue Jets bring excitement to the river. With its hidden gems like Kissing Rock, a legendary monolith framed by the sea, this quaint town is nearly all beach, inviting visitors to embrace both relaxation and thrill-seeking.
The town's restaurant scene is unexpectedly vibrant, offering everything from seafood at Barnacle Bistro to woodsy breakfasts at Indian Creek Cafe. As the day winds down, Gold Beach BBQ's succulent ribs beckon, followed by an evening at Arch Rock Brewing Company, where a craft beer by the beach at sunset completes the perfect day.
Hansville, Washington
Hansville, located on the northern tip of the Kitsap Peninsula, is a charming town rich in maritime history. The Point No Point Lighthouse, an official National Historic Site, stands as a beacon of the town’s heritage. Visitors can tour this oldest lighthouse on Puget Sound, completed in 1879, and explore the surrounding country park setting with wildlife trails, beaches, and wetlands. The lighthouse keeper's house even offers a unique and romantic stay for those looking to immerse themselves in the area's historic charm and natural beauty.
The town is simple, like its name in the face of the glitzy coastal locales. The scenic trails through Buck Lake County Park attract bird watchers and nature enthusiasts, while Foulweather Bluff is a clifftop nature preserve to escape the midday heat or watch the sunset. Nearby, the botanical Heronswood Garden features various flowers, plants, and green trails.
Montpelier, Idaho
Montpelier, one of the state's most overlooked and unique towns, is cherished among outdoor enthusiasts. Most visitors head straight to scenic Bear Lake just south of town. The lake’s stunningly turquoise waters attract summertime tourists for a refreshing sojourn with nature, while Montpelier likes to host them with cozy accommodations like Clover Creek Inn. Under an hour west, the touristy Lava Hot Springs is world-famous for soothing soaks, and its Olympic Swimming Complex has incredible slides and other aqua fun for the entire family.
Back in town, the Montpelier Historic District features well-preserved buildings that feel like strolling along the pages of a history book. Similarly, Arctic Circle is perfect for jumpstarting your day before sifting through sites and shops. You can also play a scenic round at Montpelier Golf Course and try ethnic foods at El Jaliciense for dinner.
Mosier, Oregon
Mosier is a small, woodsy town along the Columbia River that offers a mix of popular and undiscovered trails, uncrowded vineyards, and breathtaking views. The town’s charm lies in its seclusion, with trails like Rock Creek Beach and Mosier Creek Falls providing tranquil spots for hiking and relaxation. The 3.5-mile Mosier Plateau Trail loop offers incredible vantage points, while Mosier Cape Viewpoint flaunts seasonal wildflowers, and Syncline Viewpoint features a thrilling clifftop bike trail overlooking the river.
Relaxation is easy to find in Mosier, whether you’re enjoying a picnic in Memaloose State Park or sampling award-winning craft wines at Idiot's Grace Wines. The nearby Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail offers more opportunities for adventure, with stunning views from Rowena Crest Viewpoint and the challenging Coyote Wall Trailhead.
Wallace, Idaho
Wallace, Idaho, once the Silver Capital of the World, boasts a rich history, evident in its vibrant downtown area. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the town’s 19th-century architecture is complemented by unique museums that tell tales of its mining legacy. The Sierra Silver Mine Tour offers an underground adventure, while the Northern Pacific Railroad Depot Museum showcases the importance of railroads in Wallace’s past.
For those seeking more eccentric experiences, the Oasis Bordello Museum offers a glimpse into a bygone era, and the Center of the Universe landmark adds a quirky twist to the town’s charm. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the Pulaski Tunnel Trail, where a heroic story from a raging wildfire unfolds after a two-mile hike. For a thrilling ATV ride, Mountain Meadow Adventure Rentals provides an exhilarating way to explore the surrounding landscapes. After a day of exploration, unwind at the City Limits Pub & Grill or enjoy an Italian breakfast at the Blackboard Cafe before heading out to hike Tubbs Hill, overlooking the stunning Lake Coeur d’Alene.
Wrapping Up
Offering more natural diversity and public land than most other regions in the US, so much of the Pacific Northwest remains undiscovered, including its small, charming towns. Welcoming the curious, these seven towns offer a blissful escape from the city crowds. Whether off the beaten path or simply lacking attention in the face of the trendier spots, each bursts with discoveries over adventure, culture, and relaxation, like Wallace's unique museums or wineries around Mosier.
