7 Whimsical Towns to Visit in The Pacific Northwest
Breathtaking and historically significant, the PNW offers more public lands than most other regions in the US. These towns are full of whimsical history, sites, and encounters between the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Cascade Mountains to the east. Experience the magic from the heights of an alpine coaster in the charming Bavarian village in the Cascades or one of the world's largest sinkholes, just off Hwy. 101 in the black basalt sands that fringe Yachats.
See what wildlife crosses your path under the evergreen canopy in Port Townsend, a Victorian town that feels like a fairytale. Tillamook is the cheese-loving town by the bay, while Friday Harbor is an island destination with whale-watching and national parks. See a 1906 shipwreck or climb the Astoria Monument in the first town, the backdrop for a feel-good adventure classic of 1985 and the oldest American settlement west of the Rockies.
Astoria, Oregon
With a cinema-ridden face, Astoria is a whimsical town to discover along the Columbia River shores, just inland from the Pacific. Allegedly the heart of the coastal PNW, near the Washington stateline, this Oregon town blends the region's renowned beauty into its own historic profile. Many recognize the picturesque scenery as the famous background from "The Goonies," while inspiring their own romantic novella or an action film. Home to outgoing locals who enjoy nature outings and a drinking scene, with plentiful museums in between, the harborfront Columbia River Maritime Museum features an impressive 30,000-object collection around fishing, shipping, and military history. Accessible across Youngs Bay via Hwy 101, the 3,763-acre Fort Stevens State Park offers beaches, trails for hiking and biking, as well as a historic fortress and a 1906 shipwreck.
As a gastronomical heaven, don't be surprised at the first recommendation to charge at your adventure with a traditional Michigan treat, a pastie—the best in the state—from Bucket Bites, a food truck. From water sports to beach fun, the stunning Victorian architecture and its ambient fishing village feel enrich every coastal experience in the PNW. The seals along the shores and streets, overflowing with local craft, add one-of-a-kind charm. Home to Lewis and Clark National Historical Park, the Discovery Trail takes you to the early beginnings along knowledgeable signs against a spectacular naturescape. Whether you're in for coastal recreation or memorable natural encounters, climb the stairs to the best hilltop views by the infamous Astoria Column, built in 1926 at 126 feet with murals of Oregon history and an observation deck.
Friday Harbor, Washington
This sleepy town secluded on the eastern edge of the main, eponymous island of the San Juan Islands inspires you to go back in time on a whimsy. As a tiny coastal fishing village, among so many others, Friday Harbor is a picturesque surprise, home to its own airport and a bigger-than-life personality shaped by a rich history established in the late 19th century with fishing and farming. Having blossomed into a delightful tourist destination, discover its quaint maritime charm or sail through all the scenic San Juans. Easily strollable across, along the turn-of-the-century wood frame houses and historic storefronts, many enjoy the authentic feel with not a single stoplight to keep your mind from wondering away. Along its large marina with fishing docks, the fresh seafood shacks and Popeye, the harbor seal add a charming touch, while local tours offer kayaking as well as whale- and wildlife-watching trips.
The Waterfront Park features great viewing spots for nature lovers to sight local populations of orcas and whales from the shores. At its heart, San Juan Islands National Monument is a picturesque 1,000-acre park with abundant wildlife to explore or set a photoshoot against beaches, rocks, and forests. Families love the art and artifacts at Whale Museum, with programs on whales and the ecosystem of the Salish Sea, while Fairweather Park features unique native carvings about the interdependence of Coast Salish peoples and animals. Choose your scenery and level of outdoor adventure along the hiking and biking routes meandering the island, like the easy Beaverton Marsh Preserve Trail right in town. Lime Kiln Point State Park is minutes south for a day hike with trails, a lighthouse, and whale-watching from the shore, while San Juan Island National Historical Park offers native prairies, wooded trails, and Cattle Point Lighthouse.
Hood River, Oregon
Nestled along the Columbia River shores across from Washington, where once the Native Americans watched two white men drown themselves, with Mt. Hood as witness, Hood River is full of whimsy. Lewis' and Clark's tale wouldn't have continued if it weren't for an imprisoned guide on their kayak. Today, the tamed river by three dams is an adventurer's playground for windsurfing and kiteboarding, with excellent hiking and biking trails and recreation along Waterfront Park's crescent-shaped beach, picnic tables, and a boat launch. Laced in lush vineyards, this one-of-a-kind Oregon town is a historic treasure trove of discoveries, having started in agriculture with bountiful fruit orchards. Mt. Hood backdrops your discoveries along a trail or aboard the Mount Hood Railroad, a heritage railway line, with a prepared meal.
Nearby, Hood River SUP and Kayak guide you on unique adventures, while both Hood River Penstock Flume Pipeline Trailhead and Indian Creek Trail-Hazel Avenue Trailhead are easy downstream hikes. Just south of downtown, snap a selfie at Panorama Viewpoint. After Pine Street Bakery for breakfast, stop by the History Museum of Hood River County at Port Marina Park, home to Gorge Sail Ventures. Across the stream, the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail | Mark O. Hatfield West Trailhead is a popular trek or scenic drive connecting you to Mosier Twin Tunnels, Senator Mark O. Hatfield East Trailhead, and more, like Rock Creek Beach. Dine on creative global fare in hip digs at KickStand Coffee & Kitchen with an outdoor fire pit, or enjoy an evening relax at the most popular Cathedral Ridge Winery.
Leavenworth, Washington
Having reinveneted itself in the 1960s from the dumps of a rail and logging industry, Leavenworth, born out of European roots, is Washingon's darling Bavarian village. Multiplying its charms, tourists flock to experience the vibes of another country through authentic German architecture and attractions in the complementing alpine environment of the surrounding Cascades. Starting the morning at Bavarian Bakery, take a stroll along unique buildings, try cuisine and treats, shop your heart out, or join a lively festival. No longer lacking attention, this year-round town abounds in outdoor adventures, while its Oktoberfest is one of the most popular in America. Right at the town's heart, the sprawling Leavenworth Adventure Park features alpine coasters many enjoy for thrills and views of the whimsy surroundings.
Steeped in mountain scenery and German folklore, enjoy hiking, river rafting, and zip-lining amid the stunning peaks. Leavenworth's unique blend and adventurous spirit promise a memorable getaway for every traveler. Steps from downtown, Watefront Park is a popular summertime escape to relax in the shaded ambience steps from downtown, plus biking trails and play areas. To the north, the most popular Leavenworth Reindeer Farm, with its unique animal interactions, will make the upcoming holiday season even more magical. Old Pipeline Bed Trailhead is a popular hike to the east with river, wildlife, and bridge views, north to Castle Rock Trailhead, and Tumwater Mountain, thus completing the loop over a picnic. From the Icicle Ridge Trailhead south onto the Snow Lakes Trailhead, kids love the horses at Icicle Outfitters & Guides.
Port Townsend, Washington
Port Townsend, a whimsical Victorian town, dates back even prior to its founding in 1851 as a bustling seaport. From the early Native Americans to the thriving maritimes, situated perfectly for seafaring, the legacy lines the picturesque Port Townsend Bay and two National Historic Landmark Districts. While it's easy to get caught up in endless wanderings along the streets, admiring the architecture, the village by the sea of enchanting beauty offers to try something new, like join locals in crabbing, a regatta, or go whale-watching. The land-bound tourists can pedal along a pristine path hugging the sound or through greeways under the evergreen canopy. Under an hour and a half away, Olympic National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve, offers to leave ordinary behind on a hike through fresh-mountain-air wilderness.
The circa 1879 Point Wilson Lighthouse tips a former military base, winking at the waterway connecting the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Puget Sound with the nearby conference center, camping, and rentable houses of Fort Worden Historical State Park. Once anchored by a thousand tall ships, the town thrums on along the working waterfront, including Boat Haven's over 450 marine trades. Delighting history and art lovers as much as sailors, come for the beach scene and stay for its preserved 19th-century architecture, artistic soul, and culinary excellence, like at the quirky Blue Moose Cafe, serving American breakfast dishes and burgers in a rustic space. After a hot day of sailing, kayaking, rowing, and fishing, the iconic Sirens Pub beckons with its laidback feel for pizza and seafood on a deck, next door to the stately red brick JCHS Museum of Art + History.
Tillamook, Oregon
Steeped in the history of aviation during the Second World War, discovering this whimsical town within a fertile river valley on the edge of the ocean-adjacent Tillamook Bay feels like one adventure after another. Putting its passion for flight, dairy, farm-grown, and fresh seafood into attractions, the rich natural resources come straight from the beautiful surrounding landscapes in abundance. Carnahan and Marine parks offer a relaxing waterfront slice of the Trask River to relax, while Hoquarton Slough laces the town to the north with Tillamook Ironworks Bark Park for you and your four-legged buddy. Steps away, Tillamook County Pioneer Museum explores the city's history through a large photo collection and original exhibits from the first settlers nearby Werner Beef & Brew, not to be missed for lunch or dinner after.
Another popular stop is Fern Restaurant & Lounge on the way to the infamous Blue Heron French Cheese. Aside from a variety of high-quality cheeses, this family-friendly destination for food and wine flaunts a petting zoo and a gift shop. Beyond the trails and vineyards, the bay offers access to over 800 miles of navigable waters for kayaking, crabbing, clamming, and fishing spots. Home to a highly successful dairy industry, tour the sophisticated Tillamook Creamery, an attraction in itself that is nearly impossible to leave without a tasting, a purchase like fresh cream, or a pantry item. Get hyped up by the extensive aviation museum featuring blimps, pilot equipment, and historic airplanes. The twenty-minute drive towards the ocean is well worth it to meet the sunset behind Cape Meares Lighthouse within a wildlife refuge, home to the tentacled Octopus Tree, kind of a celebrity.
Yachats, Oregon
In between the hazy Cascade Mountain horizons and surging ocean waters, Yachats exudes whimsy with its unique name and an even more curious meaning behind it: “dark water at the foot of the mountain.” Perhaps most known for its shoreline with sunk-tide pools in black basalt, the small town is one big natural wonder, widely regarded as a gem on the Oregon Coast. Seeing its rugged black snads in lieu of sandy beaches, producing whimsical protruding landmarks, makes for a phenomenal coastline stroll to the best views from Cape Perpetua. Downtown Yachats offers craft shops and classy galleries like Earthworks, Touchstone, and Wave. Start the day at the Village Bean, Green Salmon Coffee Company, or over breakfast right at your riverfront Drift Inn Hotel and Restaurant.
From boutiques to cafes, spend a sunny afternoon in the shade by the ocean at the city park over a restored marshland, or follow the river through the heart of town on a refreshing stroll to the Pacific Ocean, where the two meet. Yachats Marine Garden is unlike any other botanical destination, and nothing beats fish & chips from LeRoy's Blue Whale for lunch. Many enjoy exploring around the tide pools and sighting migrating wales, while Yachats State Recreation Area offers oceanfront salmon fishing, picnics, and scenic ocean views. Unwind old-school at the top-rated Luna Sea Fish House, among other restaurants and breweries. It's easy to get lost along the whimsical formations, including Devil’s Churn, Spouting Horn, and Thor’s Well, a sunk hole in the rock that drains the ocean away.
It is no secret that the Pacific Northwest is one of the nation's most treasured regions, with a diverse landscape and roots dating back to native tribes, European settlers, and the Lewis and Clark Expedition, like in Hood River. This town offers history and adventures with views of Mount Hood, including SUBing in the Columbia River that once almost drowned the explorers.
These towns keep it really chill against the daunting PNW backdrop, genuinely embracing travelers within forests, peaks, and rugged ocean shores. Tillamook flaunts dewy pastures and zesty indulgences by the bay, while beyond Friday Harbor's sleepy demeanor lies a big island personality. So plan a holiday vacation, a getaway, or come on a whimsy; these towns won't disappoint!
