8 Delightful Towns to Visit in The Pacific Northwest
The Pacific Northwest region of the United States is widely recognized for its unique coastal landscapes and the content people hidden between its various natural wonders. The region, however, often exceeds any traveler's preconceived expectations because of the picturesque small towns scattered within it. Whether searching for fantastic oceanside scenery in Brookings, Oregon; top-quality skiing in McCall, Idaho; or a charming Pacific downtown in Poulsbo, Washington; there's something for every traveler in these eight delightful towns in the Pacific Northwest.
Sequim, Washington
Sequim, Washington is an idyllic small town between the waters of the Salish Sea, the San Juan Islands, and the Olympic National Park. The town is well-visited for its proximity to these large attractions alone, but also holds an exuberant energy in the community within. Visitors often enjoy strolling through the rows of the colorful Purple Haze Lavender Farm and the Sequim Lavender Festival hosted annually in mid-July, or basque in the calm waters of the Pacific Ocean accessible from the John Wayne Marina or long oceanfront of the Sequim Bay State Park. The travelers who seek the magic of the Olympic National Park without the strain of prolonged hiking can instead drive through the Olympic Game Farm to observe the region's bears and big cats.
McCall, Idaho
McCall, Idaho draws attention as a popular refuge in the winter season because of the extension trail network on the Brundage Mountain Idaho Ski Resort and the unique sliding and tubing opportunities at the McCall Activity Barn. McCall, however, remains an underappreciated summertime refuge. The downtown area offers pristine waterside views over Payette Lake from Legacy Park. Nearby restaurants like the top-quality Stax sandwich shop and live events at the Alpine Playhouse keep all travelers busy in the evenings. The surrounding area also provides the best in Idaho's charismatic natural scenery, best experienced in neighboring Ponderosa State Park.
Newport, Oregon
Newport is the jewel small town of central coastal Oregon. While the town can recognized for the popular image of the Yaquina Bay Bridge that connects the town's north and south, Newport is also synonymous with Oregon's characteristically magical beaches, such as within the wide sands of the Nye Beach, or the sweeping South Beach State Park. Equally impressive are the panoramic views from the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse and the Yaqina Bay North Viewpoint. To match the area's fantastic scenery, the downtown area vibrates with culture: the Newport Historic Bayfront buzzes with activity along modest fishing shacks and marinas, the Pacific Maritime Heritage Center offers impressive interactive exhibits, and the Oregon Coast Aquarium marvels visitors with a memorable deepwater tank.
Brookings, Oregon
Brookings, Oregon is an important destination in the Pacific Northwest for any traveler wishing to experience the best coastal scenery in the United States. The town's stretch of coastline is recognized as the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, including fantastic checkpoints like Whaleshead Beach, Cape Ferrelo Viewpoint, and Lone Ranch Beach. The same unique rock formations that make this coastline famous are also well-explored in the Harris Beach State Park, best experienced by ambitious outdoor enthusiasts from the park's campground. Brookings is also home to fantastic activities within the downtown area, such as the unique garden landscape of the impressive Azalea Park, world-class seafood in restaurants like Catalyst Seafood Restaurant & Lounge, and historical musings at the Chetco Valley Historical Society Museum.
Poulsbo, Washington
Poulsbo, Washington is a charming town hidden in Liberty Bay across from Seattle's busy Elliott Bay. Poulsbo exudes the charm of a quaint fishing village, especially in the Historic Downtown Poulsbo area aside from the docks of the Liberty Bay Marina and the fantastic wooden walkways of the Liberty Bay Waterfront Park. This picturesque area is also host to the aquariums of the SEA Discovery Center and popular restaurants like the Green Light Diner or the charismatic Island Cool Ice Cream Shop. The area surrounding the town also provides a variety of unique interpretive natural attractions such as the Poulsbo Fish Park, the rainforested trails of the North Kitsap Heritage Park, and the fantastic arrangement of flora and fauna on display at the Heronswood Garden.
Lewiston, Idaho
Lewiston, Idaho possesses incredibly unique natural formations along the Washington-Idaho border that's defined by the Snake River. The headline attraction here is Hells Gate State Park and its characteristic natural rock formations, best explored through a visit to the Lewis & Clark Discovery Center and a guided tour with Snake River Adventures and RiverQuest Excursions. Centertown Lewiston often remains underappreciated despite boasting compelling interactive exhibits in the Nez Pearce County Historical Society and an impressive light show in Locomotive Park. Otherwise, it's popular to walk the open paths of the Greenbelt Trail to appreciate the rugged Idaho landscape of the surrounding area.
Seaside, Oregon
Seaside, Oregon is bestowed with an impressive combination of natural beaches and lush forested coastline. The most recognized of this town's many natural attractions is Seaside Beach, a wide and sweeping seascape with ample room for secluded relaxation, swimming, and surfing. The nearby Necanicum Estuary Natural History Park is a unique natural dedication along the Necanicum River with panoramic views perfect for sunsets and birdwatchers. Ecola State Park is the capital of the region's unique rainforests; the Tillamook Head hiking area takes hikers through these fantastic forests overlooking the Pacific. To relax in mid-town, stroll the many restaurants and boutiques that line Quatat Park.
Westport, Washington
Westport is the quaint town that marks the southern peninsula of Washington's Grays Harbor. The area is known for its dramatic beach landscapes, such as the sweeping sands of the Westport Light State Park, capitalized by the Gray's Harbor Lighthouse; or the P. Kelly Boss Ocean Walk Landing trails in Twin Harbors State Park, an ideal location for shallow sea exploration at low tide. The downtown area is quiet and open, with travelers most often visiting the stories within the Westport Maritime Museum, walking the long Fisherman's Boardwalk Pier, or enjoying the impressive panoramic views from the Westport Viewing Tower. For a unique seaside experience, follow the long and rocky Westport Jetty into the waters of the Pacific Ocean.
The Bottom Line
A trip to the Pacific Northwest is an unforgettable experience for even the most seasoned travelers. The area's diversity in natural scenery, culture, and history is enough to satisfy any interest. Seaside, Oregon's lush Ecola State Park will marvel outdoor enthusiasts; Newport, Oregon's Historic Bayfront exudes small-town charm; and Sequim, Washington's Lavender Festival is an impressible family-friendly spectacle. These attractions and more unmistakably rank these small towns as the eight most delightful to visit in the Pacific Northwest in any season, for any traveler.
