The Most Picturesque Small Towns in The Pacific Northwest
Luring sightseers, adventurers, and families on a unique escape, the allure of the Pacific Northwest is nothing new. The gifts of nature that brought the explorers, fur traders, and pioneers centuries ago spellbind tourists today. Nature only enhances the quirks of these artful enclaves and historic port villages along the coasts and the inland mountainscapes that make them the most picturesque.
From rugged shores beneath the cliffs to wild dunes to soft sands akin to Florida, chase picturesque lighthouses in Oregon towns like Florence and Seaside that guided ships around the Graveyard of the Pacific. Camas capitalizes on the Northwestern climate with saturated natural colors in the fall and summer of Lacamas Park and Lake, while vineyards drown the valley surrounding Langley, a town on Whidbey Island.
Camas, Washington
Camas, a Stateline town across the Columbia River from Oregon, is a favorite Portlanders' escape—just 20 miles north. Overlooking Governor Island, with its trails easily accessible via State 205, Camas embraces visitors year-round seeking a beautiful small town. The saturated colors of the summer and the vibrant fall foliage are most popular for hikes. The vastly flowing river sparkles daringly for a dip, kayaking, rafting, and fishing. In the winter, visitors and locals enjoy Firstenburg Community Center, which has a warm pool, a climbing wall, and more.
Despite a rainier autumn, the droplets hang onto the colorful leaves like jewels, reflecting in puddles that keep no one inside but make you pull on the rain boots and enjoy pleasure strolls in a quieter atmosphere. Don't miss the local New Seasons Market, Fisher's Landing, and all-you-can-eat at Makoto Japanese Buffet. Bordering the long Lacamas Lake just north of downtown, Lacamas Park offers over 300 acres of scenic trails and dense woods for wildlife lovers and birdwatchers, while for the evening, AMC Classic Mill Plain 8 features new releases with table service for 21+-rated films.
Florence, Oregon
Flaunting the Siuslaw River through its heart and captivating historical heritage, Florence impressively delivers seaside beauty that blends unique dining options, a bustling art scene, and rich outdoor adventures. Make your first stop at Fresh Harvest Cafe before a stroll through the unique Singing Pines Park. The Sieslaw River Bridge is a real vision in the soft sunset glow. Just a short drive north, the postcard-worthy 19th-century Heceta Head Lighthouse features a unique six-room B&B with scenic views. Between the light and town is the largest of its kind cave with sea lions in a bird sanctuary, a natural paradise, and the nearby picturesque engineering marvel, Cape Creek Bridge.
The North Jetty Beach at Harbor Vista County Campground & Park offers doorstep access to the sands for strolls in stunning scenery and breathtaking photo opportunities. Welcome to the state's Adventure Coast—from dune buggy rides just north to the Sea Lions Cave, there's also Ocean Dunes Golf Course and Three Rivers Casino Resort for relevant fans. The Old Town District reveals art galleries, boutiques, antique shops, and a delectable dining scene. Whether you settle at Mo's Seafood & Chowder over the river or the Waterfront Depot Restaurant for American fare, the protected Darlingtonia State Natural Site is a bog with a rare native cobra lily, a carnivorous, insect-eating plant.
Friday Harbor, Washington
The San Juan Islands are a magical archipelago in the PNW, and Friday Harbor screams picturesque on the main island, San Juan Island, between Vancouver Island and northern Washington. Home to over 2,000 people, everything is within walking distance for leisurely strolls in the salty breeze. The Salish Sea sparkles in between an enticing array of waterfront eateries, plenty of shops, and a variety of family-friendly activities, like the nearby beaches and sightseeing boat excursions. The 1,000-acre San Juan Islands National Monument is a picturesque park with wildlife trails, beaches, rocks, and wooded areas. The San Juan Community Theater is a worthy stop in the evening.
The waterfront Whale Museum showcases artwork and artifacts on the Salish ecosystem and whales, and the San Juan Islands Museum features rotating exhibits by regional visual artists and workshops. Overlooking Brown Island, the 1.3 miles of shoreline are prime to catch glimpses of orcas, while the nearby Lime Kiln Point State Park and the San Juan Islands National Historical Park are among the countless treasures of the largest island. From whale-watching tours to kayak rentals and fishing charters, the picturesque landscape, calm vibes, and unique charm leave the soul yearning for just another day of charming island life and a sunset from the marina.
Joseph, Oregon
Home to a modest population of just over 1,200, Joseph hits homerun in tourist appeal, with outdoors for every taste of picturesque, at the doorstep of Wallowa Lake State Park. With an up-and-coming art scene, this little mountain town is a real heart-stealer, dazzling with unprecedented views of the Wallowa Mountains against the scenic stillness of Wallowa Lake. From fishing, boating, and kayaking along the cerulean waters to picnics, strolls, and simple relaxation along the peaky reflections, visitors can enjoy a birds-eye view aboard the Wallowa Lake Tramway.
Just north of downtown, Joseph Branch Railriders is a fun pastime for both families and couples on a pedal ride along historic railroad tracks. Whether you're in for leisure recreation, exploring the valley via the Wallowa Lake Trailhead, or summiting Mount Howard, the Wallowology Natural History Discovery Center is your guide to it all. From cultural stops like Wallowa County Museum to Joseph City Park and its epic playground, the Dog Spot is a top-rated spot to follow up at the local favorite watering hole, Embers Brewhouse.
Langley, Washington
Overlooking the glistening waters of Saratoga Passage from a blufftop, Langley is a vision to behold against the picturesque Cascade Mountains. Not just another artsy enclave in the state with scenery that makes you want to sit down and paint, Whidbey Island attracts photographers and adventurers for gorgeous hikes in the sea breeze, like the nearby Saratoga Woods and Waterman Rock. Home to several wineries and vineyards that drown the valley, nature is no further than the streets, overrun by the furry progeny of rabbits who escaped the county fair decades ago. Deception Pass is an hour away at the northern tip of the island, with views of the San Juans from the Canoe Pass Bridge.
For island beauty and the simplicity of a relaxed lifestyle, take a breezy bike ride in the salty air through the Community Park or browse between art galleries, antique stores, unique boutiques, and restaurants for every palate. From the weekend Farmers Market to the performing arts center and a movie theater, don't miss the glass-blowing studio for a unique souvenir. Steps away, Langley Beach near Edgecliff offers whale watching, while a 30-minute drive to Driftwood Beach affords Seattle skyline views. This seaside village screams creativity from each pore, like the upcoming Jazz Festival in June and, in July, the Choochokam Art Festival, as well as the Island County Fair.
Seaside, Oregon
Just north of the touristy Cannon Beach in northwest Oregon, Seaside feels stuck in between the yesteryear of its rural beginnings and the shining amenities with a new-age spirit. From art galleries to shopping malls and tempting dining options, this old-timey American beach resort is home to a scenic boardwalk promenade, museums, and an aquarium. Painted Rock Beach has a unique cultural touch on natural beauty, while the peaceful Seaside Cove is the best place to take in the sunset. Captain Kid Amusement Park features an 18-hole mini golf course and go-karting, while Dooger's Seafood & Grill serves chowder and crab cakes over the Necanucum River views. From the main beach, the small Seaside Aquarium from 1937 is home to seals, an underwater exhibit, and a touch tank.
Just south, Ecola State Park, home to Indian Beach, stays pleasantly crowdless for hikes and beachcombing in scenic serenity overlooking Tillamook Rock Lighthouse. Perched on top of a basalt island 1.2 miles off of Tillamook Head Landmark, it is a testament to the Northwest maritime legacy from 1881—a beacon for ships until 1958. Tillamook Trailhead, just south of town, traces the path of Lewis and Clark's historic journey on the shore of the protected National Wildlife Refuge. Stop at any point along the trail to reflect on Clark's words of "the grandest and most pleasing prospect my eyes ever surveyed." Back in town, the Seaside Museum & Historical Society offers several galleries and a cool diorama to see what the region was like, from ancient times to recent history.
From Oregon, Washington, and Idaho to parts of Montana and British Columbia, the PNW covers sparkling coves and waterways, peaky mountains, and beaches for every taste of scenery. Home to charming, scattered towns in between, there's no wrong pick when at the doorstep of greatness. Friday Harbor, on the largest of the San Juans, flaunts a relevant number of attractions that emphasize the calm vibes of an island lifestyle, like the 1,000-acre San Juan Islands National Monument with wildlife trails, beaches, rocks, and wooded areas, as well as two great museums.
