8 Slow-Paced Towns to Visit in The Pacific Northwest
The Pacific Northwest may be anchored by bustling, sophisticated cities like Seattle and Portland that overflow in cosmopolitan amenities and attitude, but there is much more to this North American region beyond the big cities. Yes, this may be the land of Big Tech innovation, but it’s also an area that abounds in big mountains, expansive vineyards and orchards, and rustically scenic coastlines.
While the big cities may be incredibly fast-paced, you can take your time and enjoy a more relaxing pace of life in the picture-perfect countryside and smaller towns of Oregon and Washington. Take a closer look at eight slow-paced towns to visit in the Pacific Northwest.
Vashon Island, Washington
Vashon Island may only be about 17 miles southwest of Seattle, yet since this island is only accessible by boat (including the Washington State Ferries), Vashon feels much more remote, and you can immediately feel Vashon’s more laid-back vibes upon arrival. Visit Nashi Orchards’ tasting room to savor the flavors of their (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) ciders, and perries made only from the highest-quality orchard-grown and/or locally sourced fruit. Skip the usual name brands and try The Vashon Island Coffee Roasterie for authentically Northwest craft coffee.
Spot Oscar the Bird King—a massive troll designed by the Danish artist Thomas Dambo—and embark on an epically scenic hike (with great Puget Sound views) at Point Robinson Park. While there, keep your eyes out for the historic lighthouse that’s been guiding boats since 1885. Enjoy a leisurely day of birdwatching and beachcombing at KVI Beach. Learn about the local Japanese-American community and its agricultural heritage at Mukai Farm & Gardens. Once it’s time to settle in for the night, you can kick back and relax in your own cozy cottage at The Lodges on Vashon, which is conveniently located in the heart of the village.
Tumwater, Washington
Located directly south of the state capital of Olympia (and about 62 miles south of Seattle), Tumwater is not just a leafy suburb—it’s an oasis of natural beauty, and it’s a historical treasure trove where traditional Pacific Northwest crafts remain alive and well. Head to Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls to spot the town’s famously beautiful waterfalls at Deschutes River Canyon, and learn more about how this land and water provided the perfect conditions for Tumwater to make great beer.
For a taste of Tumwater’s current craft food and beverage scene, go to the Craft District to discover local beers, coffee, ice cream, seafood, and so much more. For a journey deeper into local history, check out the Schmidt House—built in 1904 for Olympia Brewing Company founder Leopold Schmidt and his spouse Joanna—for lovingly preserved Colonial Revival design and lush native gardens. Once it’s time to turn in for the night, you can check into the La Quinta Inn & Suites or the Best Western Tumwater-Olympia Inn for a great location near Tumwater Falls and the I-5 freeway.
Hood River, Oregon
Tucked in the Columbia River Gorge about 62 miles east of Portland, Hood River takes farm-to-table living to the next level. Visit local farms like Draper Girls Country Farm and Mt. View Orchards to pick your own fruit from the trees, including apples, blueberries, and cherries. If you prefer an easier time at the farm, try The Gorge White House for local ciders and a fresh food cart, and visit Hope Ranch Lavender for the most stunningly photogenic lavender fields and a wide variety of lavender-infused craft creations (as well as fresh, raw lavender).
When you are up for outdoor adventures, you will have a very easy time getting out and exploring around Hood River. Waterfront Park is the ideal launch point for kiteboarding, windsurfing, boating, and other watersports, while the nearby Post Canyon is great for hikers and bikers eager to hit the area’s 17 miles of forest trails. Then, once you are ready to kick back and relax, the historic Hood River Hotel (built in 1912) provides vintage vibes in the heart of town, while the Columbia Gorge Hotel & Spa offers over-the-top luxury high on a cliff with panoramic river and gorge views.
McMinnville, Oregon
For anyone wanting to explore Oregon’s famed Willamette River Valley and wondering where to begin, it’s hard to think of a better starting point than McMinnville. This town may only be about 40 miles southwest of Portland, yet it manages to combine wine-country sophistication with a laid-back country lifestyle. Kick off your wine country excursion at Brittan Vineyards’ in-town tasting room to try their signature Pinot Noirs, and stick around for their interesting Chardonnays and Brut sparkling wines. For a more in-depth experience at the vineyard, the nearby Knudsen Vineyards offers tastings of its highly acclaimed Chardonnays and Pinots, and Martin Woods Winery invites visitors to book tastings of their own incredible selection of Rieslings, Gamays, Syrahs, and much more.
When you feel like stepping away from the vineyards and reconnecting with Mother Nature, go to Ed Grenfell Park for seven acres of grassy fields and easygoing trails along Baker Creek, and try Erratic Rock State Natural Site has a 90-ton rock that made its way here from the Northern Rocky Mountains during an Ice Age flood some 12,000 to 17,000 years ago. Once you are ready to chill, the Atticus Hotel provides a posh getaway in the heart of town, and the Tributary Hotel turns a 100-year-old historic landmark into a haven for wine country-style new luxury.
Friday Harbor, Washington
It’s hard not to envision a strong yet soothing wave of weekend vibes in a town with the name of Friday Harbor. Once you reach this charming village on San Juan Island (about 103 miles northwest of Seattle, and 117 miles south of Vancouver, Canada), you will immediately notice the quaint and cozy collection of locally-run boutiques and locavore restaurants. In addition, you can learn more about the Salish Sea ecosystem and the iconic population of native whales (including orcas!) at The Whale Museum. If you are in a more artsy mood, check out the rotating exhibits of works from local and international artists at the San Juan Islands Museum of Art, and catch a show at the state-of-the-art San Juan Community Theatre.
When you are ready to experience more of the natural environment, you are in luck. Friday Harbor serves as a welcoming gateway to San Juan Islands National Monument, and this is prime territory for whale watching, kayaking, island hopping, and hiking at beautiful shoreline preserves like Cattle Point. Whenever you feel like settling down, check into a relaxing stay at boutique hotels like the Bird Rock Hotel and the Friday Harbor House.
Skykomish, Washington
About 67 miles east of Seattle along the western slopes of the Cascade Range, Skykomish may be the metro region’s ultimate mountain playground. Surrounded by Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, it’s easy to venture to Money Creek for great river fishing, Foss/Tonga Winter Sports Area for skiing and snowshoeing, and the Iron Goat/Martin Creek Trail for hiking and backpacking. For even more adventures, head to Wallace Falls State Park for 17 miles of epic hiking and biking trails, many of which feature incredible waterfall views.
If you seek a truly rustic and down-to-earth camping trip, Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest has plenty of campgrounds near Skykomish, including those at Beckler River and Money Creek. However, if you prefer more creature comforts, the Cascadia Inn provides comfy accommodations and tasty grub in town.
Lincoln City, Oregon
Lincoln City lies around 90 miles southwest of Portland (and 60 miles west of the state capital of Salem) on Oregon’s Pacific Coast. Come for Lincoln City’s seven miles of lovely sandy beaches, and stay to experience more of the region’s natural beauty at parks like Devil’s Lake State Recreation Area for prime boating, fishing, and hiking at Oregon’s only UNESCO Biosphere Reserve at Cascade Head. And when you feel like hitting the links, Salishan Golf Links offers 18 holes of challenging play with incredible ocean views. Chinook Winds Golf Resort is another 18-hole course surrounded by old-growth timber forest and natural wetlands.
If you feel like staying and playing in Lincoln City longer, you are in luck. Chinook Winds Casino Resort has a full casino with a wide variety of slots and table games, as well as plenty of plush rooms and suites. Or, for a nice slice of easy-breezy beachfront life, try the Coho Oceanfront Lodge, which is located in a central location near the coastal tide pools and Lincoln City’s art galleries and boutiques.
Ashland, Oregon
About 13 miles southeast of Medford and 135 miles north of Redding (California), Ashland serves a mix of college town cool, wine country, and mountain town rugged charm. Mt. Ashland Ski Area has a peak elevation of 7,533 feet above sea level, over 200 acres of skiable terrain, and a surprising amount of intermediate and advanced runs. During the warmer months, take a hike by the massive boulders at Acid Castle Rocks and try whitewater rafting and/or kayaking at the Rogue River.
Thanks to the presence of Southern Oregon University (SOU), Ashland has a big art scene for such a small town: The Schneider Art Museum on the SOU campus always has a fun mix of thought-provoking exhibits, the First Friday Art Walk (held every month) is the perfect time to check out Ashland’s local galleries, and the Oregon Shakespeare Festival offers a variety of classical and contemporary theatrical productions from April to December. While in town, keep an eye out for winery tasting rooms where you can sip and savor some of the Rogue Valley’s top wines. And as day turns to night, enjoy a cozy stay at the nearly 100-year-old and beautifully restored Ashland Springs Hotel, or check into the more fashion-forward vibes at the Columbia Hotel.
Slow Down and Savor the Flavor
The Pacific Northwest may have two of the United States’ most vibrant and bustling cities. But when you are more in the mood to calm down, you have plenty of beautiful, slow-paced towns to visit. From the relaxing stretches of soft sand at Lincoln City to the rustically scenic shoreline of Vashon Island, you can hit the beach and take your time exploring the shore. Or, if you are aiming high, you can ski the magnificent slopes of Ashland and navigate the verdant forests of Skykomish. However you want to try the slow-paced small-town life in the Pacific Northwest, you have plenty of inviting options.
