9 Of The Most Captivating Small Towns In Oregon

Each of the nine most captivating small towns in Oregon offers natural beauty, intriguing history, and seasonal activities to delight visitors and residents alike. These towns, with fewer people than larger urban settings, offer unique experiences not always found in Oregon’s big cities. Always an adventure, these small towns beckon with friendly environments and attractions that are unusual, profound, and memorable, drawing people to these areas from around the world.

Astoria

Astoria, located in the northwestern corner of Oregon, is the oldest settlement west of the Rocky Mountains. Founded in 1811 at the mouth of the Columbia River, this small town features old architecture, like the restored 1920s Liberty Theatre. This renovated venue is home to musical and cultural events. More cinematic history can be found with "The Goonies" house and various locations featured in the movie. For recreational opportunities, check out nearby Fort Stevens State Park, featuring camping and hiking. Don’t miss its Peter Iredale shipwreck, a monument to maritime history that fortunately had no casualties.

Cannon Beach

Cannon Beach is known for its iconic Haystack Rock. Like Astoria, the large natural structure has a connection to "The Goonies" movie. Serving as an imposing backdrop for the movie’s scenes, Haystack Rock became known to audiences internationally. Home to tufted puffins and colorful tide pools, the Haystack Rock area is a must-see for visitors. The town is one of the top art spots in America, too, and is home to more than 15 art galleries. The town also has art festivals, including the Stormy Weather Arts Festival and the Spring Unveiling Arts Festival.

Yachats

Yachats is a coastal village offering dramatic ocean views. One such area is the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, where fog, rain, and cool temperatures create an ideal home for giant Sitka spruce trees. Yachats’ magic continues with area whale-watching and astonishing ocean views. In town, the area offers bookstores, art galleries, and specialty boutiques to explore and enjoy. For history enthusiasts, the Little Log Church and Museum details the area’s heritage and acts as a working church.

Sisters

Sisters is named for a group of three mountain peaks situated outside the town. Named Faith, Hope, and Charity by white settlers, the natural attractions in this part of the Beaver State are based around the mountains just outside the city of Sisters area, as well as the nearby Deschutes National Forest. An area of 1.6 million acres, the forest offers opportunities for hiking, biking, and camping. The town itself is noted for art galleries, boutique shores, and local eateries. For culture, the Sisters Folk Festival is known for highlighting bluegrass, folk, and blues.

McMinnville

Centered in the heart of Oregon's wine country, McMinnville boasts a downtown with vintage architecture, boutique shops, and renowned eateries. Food is a prominent feature of the McMinnville aesthetic, with the McMinnville Farmers Market held weekly during the warmer months. This bustling market offers yummy, fresh local produce, artisanal goods, and live music. For history enthusiasts, the Yamhill Valley Heritage Center highlights the region’s food through its agricultural and pioneer history and the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum is a real treat for aviation buffs. Continuing the agricultural theme for children, Chegwyn Farms Neighborhood Park features fun activities such as riding a (not real) chicken.

Cottage Grove

Known as the “Covered Bridge Capital of Oregon,” Cottage Grove features many bridges, a spirited downtown, and a filmmaking history. The iconic movie filmed in the region is the Stephen King-inspired "Stand by Me," with its railroad track scenes shot along the route of the abandoned Oregon, Pacific and Eastern Railway line. Cottage Grove also features its covered bridges. The Mosby Creek Bridge, built in 1920, is Lane County’s oldest covered bridge. Another interesting bridge is the Currin Bridge, the only Oregon bridge painted in two colors (red and white).

Bandon

Situated on the Southern Oregon Coast, Bandon is famed for its cranberry production, which produces around 30 million pounds of berries annually. To celebrate this, Bandon has a yearly Cranberry Festival with parades, music, delicacies made with cranberries, and other activities. The town is reason enough to visit Bandon, especially its charming Old Town with delicious seafood restaurants, cute boutique shops, and inspiring art galleries. One art gallery is Washed Ashore, a nonprofit that takes trash from beaches, washes this abandoned junk, and uses the discarded debris to create art. Then, of course, you have the world-famous Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, which draws players from all over the world.

Newport

Newport on the Oregon Coast was founded by seafarers, and the town honors its maritime heritage with the Oregon Coast Aquarium and the Yaquina Head Lighthouse. For learning about the local marine life, the aquarium features exhibits of native fish, birds, and marine mammals. Seals are a popular attraction, too. The aquarium is active in marine conservation efforts. Newport’s maritime heritage can also be viewed in the Yaquina Head Lighthouse, built in 1871 and the only wooden Oregon lighthouse still standing.

Depoe Bay

Depoe Bay is known as the Oregon's whale-watching capital. Featuring the world's smallest navigable harbor, the area offers excellent opportunities for spotting majestic gray whales as they swim and spout. These regal creatures inhabit the comfortable waters near the town and can be viewed safely from the Whale Watching Center. Watching whales is not the only attraction in Depoe Bay. The town is known for its saltwater taffy. Opened in 1947, Ainslee's Salt Water Taffy produces natural, delicious, handmade saltwater taffy, as well as brittle, and caramel corn sweet treats.

Conclusion

The nine most captivating small towns to visit in Oregon highlight the state’s history, beauty, recreation, and uniqueness. From cranberries to whale-watching to delicious saltwater taffy, Oregon's small towns are among the most fascinating places to spend some time. Whether you choose to visit a solitary lighthouse in Newport, visit notable movie sites in Cannon Beach and Astoria, view beach-reclaimed art, or ride a make-believe chicken in McMinnville, the entrancing towns of Oregon have memorable moments to cherish for a lifetime.