8 Undiscovered Small Towns in Oregon
Ready to discover everything that Oregon has to offer? While cities like Portland and Eugene present a great way to experience Oregon, it’s the smaller, undiscovered towns that truly highlight the state’s unique beauty. Take in the majesty of Thor’s Well in Yachats, or blend in with the locals in the charming town of Manzanita. With friendly locals and stunning scenery of rugged oceanside cliffs and lush forests, these towns capture the heart of Oregon. So, are you ready to experience the best of the Beaver State?
Joseph
The darling little town of Joseph is often called the Little Switzerland of America, thanks to its small-town charm and stunning views. Located at the base of the breathtaking Wallowa Mountains, it’s great for absorbing the beauty Oregon has to offer. Downtown Joseph is home to quaint local shops and cafes ready to be explored. But its real claim to fame is the Joseph Oregon Bronze Artwalk, which showcases amazing bronze art installations peppered along your walk downtown.
Outside of the friendly downtown area is wilderness waiting to be discovered! The Wallowa-Whitman National Forest is a great place to hike or horseback ride during the summer, and the Eagle Cap Wilderness is the perfect spot for cross-country skiing in the winter. While you are there, make sure to ride the Wallowa Lake Tramway, which is the steepest tramway in North America. The ride to the top is worth it for the spectacular views of Wallowa Lake and the Wallowa Mountains!
Baker City
Ready for an outdoor adventure? Baker City lies in the heart of Baker County, aka the base camp for Eastern Oregon. But before diving into all the nature spots (and you will want to explore all of them!), first take a look at the amazing downtown area. The Geiser Grand Hotel is a spectacular hotel with amazing architecture and a robust history, hosting many famous guests. Teddy Roosevelt was a visitor to the hotel!
The best part about Baker City is its stunning natural landscapes! Make your first stop at Hells Canyon, the deepest river gorge in North America. It offers challenging trails as well as easier, family-friendly options. Or, head to Wallowa-Whitman National Forest for a day of hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding. For a more relaxed vibe, check out Geiser-Pollman Park, located in the heart of Baker City.
Coos Bay
For those in the mood for an oceanside getaway, look no further than Coos Bay! It offers amazing views of rocky cliffs along the Pacific coastline in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Be sure to tour the charming Coos History Museum in the historic downtown to learn more about the town’s maritime past. Grab a cup of coffee at one of the local cafes, go for a relaxing walk along the Coos Bay Boardwalk, and uncover its historical displays.
For more adventure, take a quick drive to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area for hiking, mountain biking, fishing, canoeing, or just relaxing on the beach with a good book. Located in the heart of downtown is Mingus Park, which is beloved by locals. Hike the relaxing trails, or just grab a bench by the pond and birdwatch.
Cottage Grove
Far removed from the hustle and bustle of the bigger cities of Oregon is the friendly town of Cottage Grove, also known as the "Covered Bridge Capital of Oregon." It has six amazing covered bridges, including the Chambers Railroad Bridge and the Covered Bridge Scenic Byway. As a former Gold Rush town, many of the relics of its gold mining past still exist today. Explore the Bohemia Mining District, and learn more about the town’s past at the Bohemia Gold Mining Museum.
Cottage Grove was a filming location for the movie Stand By Me. Visitors can check out Row River Trail, where many of the pivotal scenes in the movie occur. For more outdoor adventures and amazing scenery, make the short drive to local nature spots like Umpqua National Forest, Cottage Grove Lake, or Dorena Lake.
Manzanita
In the shadows of the Neahkahnie Mountain is the quaint town of Manzanita. The locals are friendly, and the town embraces a slow, relaxed way of life. It is the perfect place to recharge your batteries and take in the scenery! With just 600 residents, Manzanita is the picture of small-town charm. The walkable downtown district is peppered with charming locally-owned shops, yoga studios, and spas. If you plan your visit during the summer, discover the popular Manzanita Farmers Market!
The beaches of Manzanita are a great escape because they are not as crowded as some of the other beaches along the Pacific Ocean. After a day of soaking up the sun with a good book on the beach, head to Nehalem Bay State Park on the south side of town. The seaside park offers visitors scenic trails for hiking, biking, or beachcombing.
Bandon
If you love historic downtown districts, beaches, and cranberries, you will fall in love with Bandon! Nicknamed the “Cranberry Capital of Oregon”, is the ideal spot for a slower-paced retreat. Famous for its rich cranberry production history, be sure to stop by in the fall during the Bandon Cranberry Festival. The Old Town is a great place to walk the scenic sidewalks for an afternoon of shopping in the historic buildings along the Coquille River.
Take a walk along the amazing beaches, and be sure to stop by the infamous Face Rock! The trails around Face Rock are well-preserved and provide amazing views of the coastline. Other popular nature destinations in Bandon include the Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, which is a great locale for wildlife photography. Another great spot in Bandon is the picturesque South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve, with its iconic rocky shores and stunning views.
Brownsville
As one of the oldest communities in Oregon, Brownsville is an amazing historical town with a charm that makes it worth checking out. While you are in town, you can miss the Linn County Historical Museum, which is located in an old railroad depot. The museum also houses a replica of an old Western town, giving visitors a rare glimpse into Brownville’s past.
As one of Oregon’s oldest communities, you can’t miss the Annual Pioneer Picnic. It’s a fantastic community event that has been held every year since 1893! If you miss the picnic, you can enjoy the views of the Calapooia River at the quaint Pioneer Park. For more outdoor adventures, stop by Cheadle Lake Park for a day of hiking and enjoying the views of the area.
Yachats
Ready for the dramatic scenery of the Pacific coastline? Yachats is a humble oceanside town with some of the most amazing views in the entire state! It’s a sleepy little town nestled between the lush forests of the Oregon Coastal Range and the Pacific Ocean. While its rugged seaside cliffs are the town's biggest draw, Thor's Well is what makes it stand apart from similar towns. This amazing natural phenomenon is a natural sinkhole that looks like a bottomless pit in the earth (although it’s only about 20 feet deep).
After catching a glimpse of Thor’s Well, head to the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area for more amazing views of the coastline. Two must-see spots in this area include Cooks Chasm and Spouting Horn. Or, if you just want a nice relaxing beach day in this sleepy ocean town, head to Yachats State Park. In addition to public beach access, this local park also provides visitors with well-maintained hiking trails and the Yachats River estuary.
Explore Oregon’s Best-Kept Secrets!
From the majesty of the Geiser Grand Hotel in Baker City to the rocky coastal cliffs of Coos Bay, each of these towns offers a unique slice of Oregon life. Stop by the Bandon Cranberry Festival in Bandon, or explore one of the oldest communities in the state: Brownsville. With a deep history, friendly locals, and must-see attractions, each of these undiscovered gems is well worth the drive! So, pack your hiking boots (and your sense of adventure) and discover what makes the state of Oregon so special.
