8 Loveliest Small Towns to Visit in The Pacific Northwest This Summer
There is a reason in every season for a Pacific Northwest (PNW) escape, but the summertime is particularly refreshing through this luring region. Maybe it's the breezy beaches, forested mountain trails, and wild islets, not to mention camping under some of the best stargazing skies in the US. The rugged coastline—so dreamy—is different from your typical Florida resort destination. The Oregon Central Coast town of Florence is just a hop to dune expeditions and ancient forests to choose the voyage of the great unknown, while Astoria, snug against the border of two states on the Columbia River, is just a hop to the Pacific.
Along the slice of the same river that was nearly fateful to Lewis and Clark in the early 1800s, Hood River is home to the brick-faced downtown and the riverside Mike's Ice Cream—worthy of spoiling your appetite on a hot summer. Among other lovely towns, Lake Stevens is sandwiched between the county's largest lake and the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, one of the US's largest. Each small town in the Pacific Northwest inspires a summer escape out of the ordinary with all the comforts, entertainment, and historical sites to feed the curious world-trotter in you.
Astoria, Oregon
Welcome to the PNW "coastal heart," a stateline town with Washington across the vast Columbia River, just a thin land barrier away from the Pacific Ocean. In Astoria, where every attraction feels more pronounced, a day trip will not suffice, and even a weekend can feel too short. So clear your schedule to clear your head from the heights of the Astoria Column, which has lured visitors since its establishment in 1926 for its 125-foot-high stance and murals on Oregon's history on the way to the panoramic views of Astoria and the Columbia River from the observation deck. Just north, the ancient towering trees along the Richard Fenscak Cathedral Tree Trailhead impart wisdom and the freshest air on a hike to see their king, the 300-year-old Cathedral Tree.
Starting each day right at the local chain Pig 'N Pancake over a hearty homestyle breakfast, nearby, the world-class Columbia River Maritime Museum displays an astounding 30,000-object collection, with everything from fishing and shipping to military history, in a harborfront building. Grab a casual lunch at Rogue Pier 39 Public House in the most unconventional setting on the waters before hopping off to other historical landmarks and museums. The Oregon Film Museum attracts cinephiles, while Flavel House is a real architectural gem. McClure Park and Pigeon Steps offer top-view scenery of the waterfront, where the evocative microbrewery and brewpub, Buoy Beer Company, in a former cannery building, pours suds, pairing its craft beers with American bites.
Blaine, Washington
Home to just over 6,300, perched on the cusp of Drayton Harbor, Blaine is the last stop before leaving the country through the coastal PNW. Plenty of people breeze through, but its lovely, unique shape lends open views to explore the unobscured coastal scenery. From the river-like Dakota Creek hugging in the south, follow the coastal railway along Peace Portal Drive, a couple-minute drive north to the Peace Arch. This only international gateway in the interest of peace marks the US/Canada border as a touchstone of the 1812 treaties. Discover Pass holders can stroll under it within serene park lawns and gardens, including flower beds that depict the nations' flags and outdoor sculptures. Attracting thousands of water fowl, Blaine hosts the annual Wings Over Water Birding Festival in March, while Semiahmoo Spit is the best park anytime for birdwatchers.
Stretching into the bay like a baseball bat, Semiahmoo Park features a flat parkway with beaches, panoramic views, and a seasonal cannery museum. Visitors can dine at Packers Kitchen on lamb burgers, flatbreads, or beer-battered fish and chips at the tip and stay at the popular, 300-acre resort by Wyndham, which overlooks a fishing pier and the popular Blaine Harbor Boating Center. Complete with Blaine Public Pier and Marina, Blaine Marine Park packs a punch, including Blaine Marine Park-Amphitheater, a 2-mile waterfront trail, and benches overlooking Boundary Bay and Semiahmoo Bay all the way to Point Roberts, White Rock, and even the San Juan Islands. This town between Surrey, BC, and Bellingham has a love for putts with open views, and it is rare to find a more beautiful nautical-themed playground than here, with gorgeous views of Canada.
Coos Bay, Oregon
Coos Bay is an ideal small town to visit this summer if you enjoy maritime history, photography, and romantic oceanside sunsets on a stroll. Offering easy access via Highway 101, the renowned Boardwalk is a great place to stretch your legs on a stroll into the ocean after the ride or relax over a picnic, with many scenic areas along its jutting length. Dive deep into the sea, the indulging seafood scene, or the intriguing past at the Coos History Museum, with exhibits, displays, and artifacts for every age. Just beyond, Cape Arago State Park is one of the region's best for adventures.
The Shore Acres State Park of Coos Bay defines PNW's rugged shores along the Pacific Coast for scenic hikes, lonely views, and picture-perfect moments one-on-one with the sea. You will meet friendly sea lions, among other marine wildlife, in the nearby coastal waters, a habitat for a wide array of sea-dwelling creatures and various species of transient whales. Just a hop from the riverfront is Coos Art Museum, and the tree-topped Mingus Park offers to escape the heat via its lakeside walking trails, with a scenic red bridge and a Japanese garden, as well as a playground and an outdoor pool.
Florence, Oregon
With quick access from Eugene and just north of Siuslaw National Forest, this charming coastal town with a big-city name is a must-visit at least once in the PNW, particularly in the summer. Nestled between Newport and Coos Bay, Florence is more than a rest stop for a classic coastal road trip—taking hold of the adventurers and leaving a feel of nostalgia after. Just a hop away from dune expeditions and ancient forests, choose the voyage of the great unknown to suit your taste. A dozen pristine lakes pepper the region, offering a great day by quaint waters and returning for local craft beer and the freshest seafood.
The dunes are like an undulating form of wilderness, with views to the horizon via a dune buggy, ATV, or sandboard. With the Siuslaw River through Florence's heart, Florence Old Town, think of all the nature as you explore history while browsing for lodging, quaint shops, and fascinating galleries, plus a marina and incredible dining, snacking, and drinking scenes. Home to its own slew of sunny beach miles for kiteboarding and surfing, the sandy South Jetty offers Sand Camping Access, while the North Jetty Beach is right by the most popular Harbor Vista County Campground and Park.
Hood River, Oregon
Brimming with fun and relaxing pursuits, Hood River is a summertime playground for kiteboarding and windsurfing by the once-raging Columbia River, whose waters posed a threat to the lives of Lewis and Clark on their 1805 canoe expedition around these parts. Surviving only thanks to an enslaved man, today the charming town by the tamed river with three locks and four dams is a favorite escape from Portland, a scenic hour's drive, and a detour at Multnomah Falls and the aptly named Bridge of the Gods. Stretch your legs along the lush banks, where the Native Americans "watched the white men drown themselves," before lunching at Brigham Fish Market by the Cascade Locks.
The 35-mile Hood River Fruit Loop meanders through the Hood River Valley, with many fruit stands, farms, and orchards for cherry or apple picking. After Hood River Lavender Farms for fresh-picked lavender and products for sale, relax over a glass against the best views overlooking the town from Grateful Vineyard. At the same time, Gorge White House offers the best cider over delicious bites. The brick-faced downtown is alive with shoppers, from bookstores to unique gift shops and the riverside Mike's Ice Cream—worthy of spoiling your appetite on a hot summer day. Choose seafood or sausage pasta at the 3 Rivers Grill on a deck above the waters, while the century-old Hood River Hotel serves a Scandinavian breakfast at its Broder Ost.
Lake Stevens, Washington
For an uncrowded destination, sandwiched between water pursuits and forest adventures, look no further than this charming town along the shores of the county's largest Lake Stevens and Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest at the backdoor. Relinquishing the area's deep heritage at the nearby Tsubaki Grand Shrine of America, visitors can discover fascinating insights into the earliest Asian settlers and how they planted the seed of the town.
Just a short drive away, the Lake Stevens Historical Museum relinquishes the secrets of the sparkling fable itself and its connection to the water-centric town. From wild forest hikes to the paved walking trails through Lake Stevens Park, North Cove Park offers shade to escape the summer heat into an isolated sanctuary feel and relax waterfront or enjoy recreation. For fun under the sun by the waters, the sandy North Lakeshore Swim Beach is the place to indulge, including the views of the nearby Cascade Mountains.
Olalla, Washington
The hamlet of Olalla in the heart of Kitsap County feels like night and day from the weary summertime urbanity. A mystical gem at first meet, hidden snuggly amid thick woods, its quirkinness, a bond with nature, and welcoming vibes community, all in a tranquil ambiance, capture and melt your heart. The locals, who preach chickens as more than just a delicious protein part of dinner, host the infamous “chicken crossings.” And these are not the only wild encounters awaiting the curious, because there must be a reason lurking around the surrounding wilderness, behind the common mentions of Bigfoot sightings among the townsfolk.
Fable or not, welcome to the wonderful little community of Olalla during the famous Polar Bear Plunge or the Olalla Americana Music Festival. Home to the best-selling author Gregg Olsen, Olalla is a perfect summertime escape to cozy up with a book or a glass of wine over at Olalla Vineyard & Winery. Offering easy access to the sunlit part of Washington, the South Kitsap Peninsula, the rustic town inspires fairytale charm amidst a lush canopy of trees and weathered barns and feels like a dream along the waterfront overlooking Olalla Bay, Puget Sound, and Vashon Island.
Seaside, Oregon
Located along the state's North Coast, Seaside flaunts many attractions, making it a beacon for vacationers since the 1870s. The grand oceanfront promenade is a spectacular stop to stretch the legs on a leisurely stroll overlooking the coastline and the Pacific Ocean after a nearly direct drive along Highway 26 from Portland. There are countless ways to experience the family-friendly vibes succumbing to the charms of Oregon’s first seashore resort community this summer. Like many self-respecting PNW towns along the coast, there is a river feeding into the ocean through the heart, and Seaside is no exception, spanning the Necanicum River.
Broadway Street takes you down a unique lineup of restaurants, pubs, and cafes across the river and all the way to the beachfront promenade for kayaking, beachcombing, razor clamming, and kite flying without an ever-crowded feel. Just a hop from central Seaside Beach, Dooger's Seafood & Grill is the headquarters of a small chain of classic fish houses known for chowder and crab cakes, but first detour to the Seaside Aquarium. Opened in 1937, it may be small but is incredibly popular for close marine life interactions, with seals, an underwater exhibit, and a touch tank. Don't miss the illustrious Painted Rock Beach just south for a contemporary touch on nature, and perhaps stop to pay respects at the nearby Sailor's Grave.
From the rugged coastlines to the peaks of Olympic National Park and all the state parks in between, these lovely PNW towns beckon visitors to escape both the heat and the ordinary. Coos Bay attracts maritime fans and photographers for romantic oceanside sunsets with calm waters and a cultural heart. Seaside, Oregon, is the state's first seashore resort town with its Painted Rock Beach and a small aquarium, while Olalla, Washington, proudly marches to its own beat along the rugged PNW coast.
Just picturing Blaine's open coastal views can induce a dopamine surge, transporting you into the sunny vibes along Semiahmoo Park or the serene park dedicated to peace between the nations. In every other town, there is so much nostalgia to savor, like Florence or Astoria, which are full of unconvential architecture like historic column and cannery-building restaurant. The rustic fairy tale charm of Olalla spellbinds at the gateway to South Kitsap Peninsula on a dreamy waterfront stroll under a lush tree canopy.
