8 Darling Small Towns in the Pacific Northwest

The Pacific Northwest is a darling of the heart region for many, ruling the natural world through Washington, Oregon, and Idaho in the contiguous United States. Having ties to the world's largest corporations, like Costco, Expedia, Nordstrom, and Starbucks, but also Olympic National Park, the 11,239-foot tall Mount Hood, and Crater Lake, the deepest lake in North America, the small, darling towns balance out the rugged PNW feel with sweet spots.

With its mighty hand on national and state parks and forests, the PNW stays mysterious even after you experience and comprehend its discerning pull on thousands from far and wide. To touch the natural wonders while swimming in the lake, wading an ocean shore, or scaling a mountain is worth a thousand words. Enjoy the Dutch charm of Lynden, world-class whitewater rafting in Salmon, the iconic Tulip Festival in La Conner, or relax at Sisters Coffee Company.

Camas, Washington

This hidden town in the Pacific Northwest, across the Columbia River from Oregon, offers a quick escape from Portland. Lush with parks, like the Heritage Park and the Fallen Leaf Lake Park along the small eponymous lake, the locals enjoy nature at the doorstep, including the Sandy Swimming Hole in the summer, a number of trails, and second-to-none fishing. Known best for its Columbia rapids, plus a number of fishing sites with the Washougal River through the heart, Woodburn Falls and Lower Falls are the scenic hikes just east. Sprawling for over 300 acres, Lacamas Park features nature trails and dense woods with a lakefront, popular among birdwatchers.

Steps away from Crown Park, Natalia's Cafe is a cozy spot for breakfast with an ever-festive feel. Blending small-town ambiance with easy access to urban amenities, Camas' historic downtown is like no other on a stroll along quaint shops and restaurants, inspiring window shoppers, foodies, and shopaholics alike. Grains of Wrath (GOW) Brewery & Restaurant attracts families for dinner as much as a fun friends' night out. Camas is truly unforgettable, from the darling Lacamas Lake to the sweet Forest Home Park with a playground as well as the renowned Camas Lily Field draws locals and visitors together annually in the spring to celebrate the chaotic flower bloom downtown, among a number of other regular festivals.

Gig Harbor, Washington

Gig Harbor is a town within the Puget Sound, in an intimate embrace with the eponymous harbor. Home to under 13,000, it is lively enough to keep things fun on a relaxing escape with vibrant attractions. Just south of Bainbridge Island, explore the region and get lost in the nature at the stunning Sehmel Homestead Park with a boardwalk or in the seaviews from Kopachuck State Park, both minutes west. The town's own Crescent Creek Park, among several others, is a sweet creekfront spot to play sand volleyball, plus a BMX park, art, and playground equipment. An ideal base for a quintessential PNW getaway, enjoy charming stays like the Waterfront Inn and the Maritime Inn.

Sunrise Beach Park is ideal for waterside recreation like swimming, boarding, boating, and fishing, while the over-15-acre Rosedale Gardens is unmissable on a morning stroll through greens and blooms, with a full-service nursery. Nearby, the harborfront Devoted Kiss Cafe serves breakfast deckside, or grab a lunch sandwich for a stroll down the harbor to Ancich Waterfront Park, perfect to relax until sunset. Harbor History Museum packs a punch in exhibits on local heritage and maritime history alongside a one-room schoolhouse from the era, while 7 Seas Brewing is an intimate microbrewery featuring a taproom overlooking production and a wooded beer garden.

La Conner, Washington

Home to roughly 1,000, this picturesque town boasts vibrant attractions unmatched for its size along the banks of the Swinomish Channel. Perfect for any time visit, the mariners enjoy easy access to the Salish Sea via the channel and out to the world-famous San Juan Islands. The Rainbow Bridge, rightfully the Golden Gate of La Conner, plus the historic buildings, add color and homegrown appeal on a stroll along the festive channel streets. This fall, watch the fishing boats or take a cruise and enjoy views of the Cascade Mountains enveloping the Skagit Valley town in foliage, alongside the upcoming Skagit Valley Giant Pumpkin Festival. It is a priceless atmosphere from one of the second-story terraced bars along the channel.

Worthy of a whole summertime weekend spent on “La Conner time,” the slower pace feels indulging at the speed limit of 25, no stop lights or chain stores, and quick access to explore Skagit Valley—the scenery, as spectacular as a painting, that continues to inspire local and visiting artists. From boutique shopping channel-front to restaurants, inns, galleries, and museums, soak up saltwater scents and sounds as seabirds sweep overhead and pleasure crafts soar by. Among the many trails, Thunder Knob is a 3.4-mile loop for leaf peepers, while the Cascade Loop right through town is a scenic drive. Visit in time for acres of daffodils, tulips, irisses, and lilies along the mountain slopes overflowing into the streets during the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival.

Lynden, Washington

Home to its own municipal airport, this darling town, almost at the Canadian border, is a top-of-the-bucket list destination for culture lovers. Cute as a button with Dutch architecture, windmills, and little shops and restaurants, Lynden feels like a world of its own. Enjoy quick access from Burlington, with something for all in every season on a small-town escape, like the dog-friendly Lynden City Park with creeks and trails, a playground, and snack bars. Home to under 17,000, the uncrowded feel through a large, beautiful area feels resplendent after the suffocating city. Bender Fields is another park for outdoor recreation, while the Nooksack River flows peacefully in the southern reaches.

When out and about soaking up Dutch charm, stop by the homey Lynden Heritage Museum, while Edaleen Dairy Store is simply unmissable if you were to make just one stop as a passerby. And while you're here, sift through the nearby brand-conscious Second Chance Thrift Store for something that you love and no one else has. Jim Kaemingk Sr Trail is a favorite creekside hiking area right through the town's heart. Cheer on the Lions at the local stadium, stop by the From Kamm Creek Farm, and stick around for an evening at the wooden-floored Steakhouse 9 Bistro & Lounge for a steak dinner, drinks, or the renowned French dip on a cozy fall evening.

McCall, Idaho

This lakeside gem with Ponderosa State Park at the doorstep feels even more darling, surrounded by mountains. Covering the 1,000-acre peninsula, the state park juts into the glacial Payette Lake, one of the state's prettiest, with hiking and cycling trails to campgrounds, cabins, picnic areas, swimming, volleyball, and horseshoe pits. Underappreciated for too long, McCall claimed the deserved attention as the state's escape into the wild. Explore through the leaf-peeping season, or join the fun during the Winter Carnival, engraved as an iconic regional celebration with sculptures, winter sports, and parades. Many weekend escapees look forward to driving to Osprey Point at sunset.

The town's attractions balance out the rugged PNW feel with sweet spots like the famed Ice Cream Alley, an annual tradition for over 40 years from Memorial Day through Labor Day in the heart of downtown. Perfect for a day trip, several summer nights under the stars, or a weeklong vacation, the scenery keeps you chasing. With all kinds of rental at disposal, including canoes, the active enjoy wildlife views while paddling out into the calm of the lake or peaceful kayaking along the Upper North Fork of the Payette River. Backwoods Adventures is a one-stop shop, plus friendly advice on where the best wildlife views hide, including moose, elk, deer, mink, otter, eagles, and osprey.

Mount Angel, Oregon

While Washington boasts Leavenworth, a Bavarian gem in the Cascades of the PNW, the rolling hills surrounding this Oregon’s Willamette Valley town offer views and trails for miles. Home to many notable landmarks, Mount Angel is a Bavarian-inspired, often overlooked town with deep history and German heritage. A culturally abundant destination with foodie pleasures, enjoy auhentic cuisine and architectural strolls, as if taken right from the home country, like its Mt. Angel Oktoberfest building. Established in the mid-1800s, the Old World homes and ornate buildings reminisce to the days shorty after German-Catholic families and a group of Benedictine monks and sisters settled the area.

It is easy to miss and hard to forget the whimsical feel just an hour south of Portland, with only 3,500 residents. From local shopping to year-round entertainment, the annual Oktoberfest in the shimmering fall colors is the "grandfather of all Oktoberfests." This iconic celebration attracts some 400,000 visitors to the modest hamlet for live music, family fun, and vendors. Whether you're in for Benedictine Brewery or Benedictine Sisters, a notable institution, try Fish Tacos, Marionberry Cobbler, and Russian perogies. From the beautiful St. Mary Catholic Church to Mt. Angel Sausage Company in a pretty building, stock up at Mt. Angel Market & Deli for a picnic.

Salmon, Idaho

Salmon, a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, is ideally situated along the "River of No Return," the Salmon River. This focal point of the town is famous for its world-class whitewater rafting, plus kayaking or floating, while the scenic beauty of the surrounding canyons beckons others. Originally in the mining, lumber, and ranching industries, discover more rich history just down the Main. Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural, and Educational Center is a nation-class institution with a beautiful trail, heritage displays, and a story of Lewis and Clark's expedition. Find everything you need for your own adventures at Rawhide Outfitters.

From Odd Fellows Bakery to the top-rated Last Chance Pizza & Pasta for lunch and Savage Grill at dinnertime, you will be full and happy before and after adventures or small-town riverside ventures with a fishing rod. Just north, take advantage of the knowledgeable guides at Middle Fork Adventures on a float down the rapids or enjoy a leisurely stroll down the insightful Discovery Hill trail. Whether you're more into Salmon Meadows Campground or one of the cozy inns and B&Bs, consider the woodsy aesthetics and modern comfort of Syringa Lodge. Nearby, the Island Park features a scenic bridge that allows you to spend an afternoon in close company over a picnic or photoshoot.

Sisters, Oregon

Home to just over 3,000 people, Sisters feels even more serene in the face of the neighboring mega-outdoor hub, the town of Bend. Not lacking in its own natural department, the darling town is a jetset to some of the area's hottest attractions, plus various lively festivals like an annual rodeo, an outdoor quilt festival, and a folk music festival. The many inns and lodges will gladly host you during one of the art events, with amenities ranging from spas to your basic lodgings and campsites, including the Five Pine Lodge and Spa and the Sisters Inn, while the Left Coast Lodge offers simple yet well-appointed rooms. The Three Sisters Wilderness lends many recreational opportunities within the beautiful Deschutes National Forest.

Courtesy of Sisters Trail Alliance, the curated trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding offer easy access into the Wilderness area right in town. Just south, Whychus Creek Overlook Trailhead is popular for a more immersive hike. To the north, Whychus Canyon Preserve is often overlooked for its spectacular top viewpoint of a desertscape with flashes of life. Enjoy a vibrant downtown area full of historic architecture and shopping, like the must-visit Sisters Coffee Company next door to Blazin Saddles. The nearby Hoodoo Ski Resort attracts many for a holiday escape, while Sno Cap Drive-In is popular on a weekend skiing trip. Soak up the local atmosphere at Sisters Saloon & Ranch Grill, and don't miss Canyon Creek Pottery for memorabilia.

Defining ruggedness and natural diversity, the PNW is a one-stop shop destination for every adventurer. From its misty Oregon beaches to the wooded Idaho mountains and Washington's wildlife-filled islands, the adventures never repeat either along the endless miles of trails, flower fields, or scenic foliage drives.

With each exciting season come new opportunities to try something new or realize a wild dream—even if that has been to relax away from your work desk along Lake Payette in McCall. Enjoy brewery hop—hey, no one's judging—and continue through the night under some of the best stargazing skies in the country, that is.