8 Stunning Small Towns In Washington
Washington is a true testament to America’s uniquely vast landscape. It’s home to Olympic National Park, a colossal, temperate rainforest. From the rocky beaches along the Pacific Ocean to the breathtaking views of the Olympic Peninsula, the natural beauty of Washington is amazing. Scattered between evergreen forests are stunning little towns with a rich history, friendly locals, and so much to explore. When you are ready to discover the best of Washington, skip rainy Seattle and check out these small Washington towns!
Poulsbo
West of Seattle is the storybook village of Poulsbo. Settled by Norwegian and Scandinavian immigrants in the late 1800s, the colorful Scandinavian-inspired architecture along the narrow winding roads downtown feels like stepping into a storybook. Front Street winds along the shore of Liberty Bay, and you’ll find quaint storefronts like Nordiska or Crimson Cove Smoked Specialties that sell gourmet treats.
After a cozy afternoon exploring Front Street, you can head across the street to Liberty Bay Waterfront Park with coffee in hand to watch ships dock at the marina. It’s a great place to relax, walk along the calming shores of Liberty Bay, or set up a picnic at one of its many picnic tables. There’s no better way to end your day in Poulsbo than stopping by the Bushel & Barrel Ciderhouse amongst the fragrant Douglas-fir trees.
Snoqualmie
East of Seattle in the heart of the Cascade Range is the picturesque town of Snoqualmie, made famous as one of the filming locations for the TV series Twin Peaks. The Snoqualmie Valley Railroad is one of the best ways to see all the natural attractions in town in the comfort of their rustic passenger cars. A two-hour ride takes you by Snoqualmie Falls and Snoqualmie Mountain before stopping at the Railway History Campus and the Train Shed Exhibit Hall before heading back.
Snoqualmie Falls is one of the most beautiful views in Washington. This iconic waterfall stands 268 feet tall (which is 100 feet taller than Niagara Falls!), running over granite cliffs into the clear waters of the Snoqualmie River below. Hiking the Snoqualmie Falls Trail takes about 45 minutes, and it is a bit of a challenge, but the views at the end are worth it! If you love natural beauty and quaint, historic towns with so much to see, be sure to add Snoqualmie to your next Washington road trip itinerary.
Chelan
Washington may have a reputation for being a little rainy, but not in Chelan! This sleepy little town averages over 300 days of sunshine annually, making it an ideal town to get out and enjoy the great Washington wilderness. Nestled on the southern tip of Lake Chelan, water views, sunshine, and cozy city streets are not in short supply.
When you want to take advantage of the ample sunshine, Lakeside Park offers a public beach with sandy shores, crystal clear waters, and rolling hills in the distance. The Don Morse Memorial Park is a more urban waterside park offering amenities such as a golf course, boat rentals, a playground, and a snack bar! If you want to lace up those hiking boots and explore the wilderness of Chelan, the Chelan Ranger District in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has over 400,000 acres and fourteen picturesque trails. For a stunningly beautiful lakeside retreat, there’s no better place than Chelan!
Friday Harbor
Isolated on San Juan Island is the coastal fishing village of Friday Harbor. It’s a walkable city without a single traffic light! Walking the colorful and quiet city streets feels like stepping back in time. You can stop in local shops like Dockside Treasures at Cannery Landing. Just three blocks from the ferry landing is The Whale Museum where you can learn more about the marine life of the area.
While there are plenty of things to keep you busy in downtown Friday Harbor, you can also drive a little outside of the city to explore the natural beauty of San Juan Island. Jackson Beach Park is a rustic beach littered with driftwood and rocky shores along the North Shore. It’s a great place to take a peaceful walk along the water, and it’s rarely crowded. When you want to get away from it all in a beautiful island town, be sure to check out the hidden gem of Friday Harbor.
Port Townsend
On the Olympic Peninsula just north of Seattle is the often-overlooked hamlet of Port Townsend. It’s a sleepy village with hidden wonder around every corner, like waterfalls, hot springs, and rocky shores. Life is always a little rainy in Port Townsend, but the rain makes for lush green forests and stunning waterfalls. The Olympic Peninsula Waterfall Trail is home to twenty waterfalls. Madison Falls is a paved path accessible by wheelchair, while other trails require a more difficult climb to admire the stunning view.
Olympic National Park is accessible via Port Townsend. With 70 miles of coastline, rugged mountain peaks, and beautiful views, it’s a must-see for nature lovers. However, the best part of the park is the Olympic Hot Springs! It takes a little over 2 miles to reach the hot springs, but it’s worth the trek to soak in warm water with canyon and waterfall vistas. When you want to experience Washington at its finest (sans the crowds), check out Port Townsend!
Sequim
Welcome to the Lavender Capital of North America! Sequim is a small city on Sequim Bay at the base of the Olympic Mountains that smells like fresh lavender in the summertime! There are multiple lavender farms in the area, like the Cedarbrook Lavender Farm or Victor’s Lavender Farm, allowing you to walk the fragrant grounds and pick your own when lavender is in bloom. And if you plan your visit at the end of July, you can attend the Sequim Lavender Festival, which celebrates everything lavender!
If you find yourself in Sequim outside of the lavender season, there’s still plenty of natural beauty to enjoy! Sequim is a part of the Olympic Discovery Trail that traces the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Pacific Ocean. This paved trail gives hikers, joggers, and cyclists some of the best Washington views, like snow-capped mountains, miles of shoreline, and lush green forests. While Sequim is a must-visit during lavender season, it’s a seaside escape that's idyllic and relaxing 12 months out of the year.
Coupeville
Tucked away on Whidbey Island is the charming village of Coupeville. Coupeville is a walkable town, with narrow streets and historical buildings overlooking fragrant salty shores. You can pop in cozy local gift shops on Front Street like Aqua Gifts or Kingfisher Bookstore. And no trip to Coupeville is complete without dining on some of the best seafood in the state! The Oystercatcher is a local favorite, offering seasonal farm-to-table cuisine and an amazing view of the water!
If you want to get out and explore the natural beauty of Coupeville outside of downtown, Fort Ebey State Park offers one-of-a-kind views of Puget Sound. It was once a World War II coastal defense fort and now serves as a public space with scenic hiking and biking trails, as well as a beach. Outside of the amazing views, the park also has World War II-era concrete gun emplacements and underground rooms that are open to the public to explore! With amazing sunsets, beautiful scenery, and a lively downtown, Coupeville is a great place to spend a long weekend in Washington.
Leavenworth
Traveling to the Bavarian village of Leavenworth feels like walking inside of a storybook. With the South Cascade Mountains in the distance (which resemble the Alps), the entire town underwent a European makeover in the 1960s in an effort to attract more tourists. Front Street Park serves as the heart of Leavenworth and is home to seasonal events throughout the year. In the summer, it is a manicured greenspace that hosts live music and transforms into an icy wonderland in the winter.
If you want to explore the great wilderness of central Washington, Leavenworth has some amazing public parks. Icicle Ridge in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness is a breathtaking trail 12 months out of the year. The hike to the top is a little challenging but offers breathtaking views of the Leavenworth Valley. The Snow Lakes Trailhead is another challenging hike that provides sweeping views of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Even in the middle of June, you may still encounter a few snowy patches on your hike.
These Washington towns are stunningly beautiful. You can stroll the rocky beaches of Coupeville or be transported to a wintery Bavarian village in Leavenworth. Take in the salty sea air of the Puget Sound in Poulsbo, the thick evergreen trees in Snoqualmie, or the fragrant lavender field of Sequim in the summer. In these stunning Washington towns, the locals are friendly, the air is fresh and clean, and every corner is a new opportunity for adventure.
