Source: https://top-list.co/top-best-small-towns-in-oregon-v1805.html
Astoria
Astoria is a small, charming city nestled perfectly between the mouth of the Columbia River and the vast Pacific Ocean. This hidden Oregonian treasure is located in the state’s upper, northwestern corner. The state of Washington, in fact, is only a few minutes away via the famous Astoria Megler Bridge. This small town is well known among 1980s moviegoers as the setting for the 1985 classic American film The Goonies. The Astoria Riverwalk is an excellent place to start. This historic pedestrian corridor along the Columbia River exudes community flavor, and the smell of fresh seafood also pervades this area of town.
Among the many attractions lining the waterway are the Columbia River Maritime Museum and the Astoria Riverfront Trolly. Along with the Riverfront, Astoria’s historic downtown is full of character. Visitors are drawn to Astoria’s antique streets by restaurants and boutiques. Other downtown Astoria attractions include the Captain George Flavel House Museum and the Oregon Film Museum. Astoria also offers opportunities to enjoy its close proximity to the Pacific Ocean. Fort Stevens State Park, located on the other side of Young’s Bay, is one such great place to access the beach. This historic state park contains a number of visitor attractions, including the wreckage of the Peter Iredale ship.
Photo by emunaendeavor on Pixabay
Photo by 15079075 on Unsplash
Hood River
Hood River is one of the best small towns in Oregon for many reasons if you’re looking for a charming destination for your next getaway. It’s not only about an hour from downtown Portland, but it’s also a reasonable drive from Seattle. One of the most appealing aspects of Hood River is the variety of activities available. Hiking in the Columbia River Gorge, kayaking, paddleboarding, and windsurfing on the river are all options for outdoor recreation. The Hood River Fruit Loop has a plethora of farms for cherry season, wine tastings, and lavender fields to explore. There are also excellent locally owned restaurants and breweries to enjoy some nightlife.
The Columbia River Gorge is a stunning waterfall-lined National Scenic Corridor in and of itself. The Columbia River Gorge, which is home to many of Oregon’s best waterfalls, also has campgrounds, hiking trails, and a Vista House. The Columbia River Gorge also produces strong winds, making Hood River the country’s windsurfing capital. Mount Hood and Mt. Hood National Forest, to the south of Hood River, provide a mountainous backdrop for the small town. The Hood River Valley, located between Mount Hood and the Columbia River, provides visitors with an agricultural bounty of produce and scenery. Hood River is an excellent small-town escape, especially when you consider the local coffee shops and cozy places to stay.
Photo by jdblack on Pixabay
Photo by Daniel Halseth on Unsplash
Jacksonville
Jacksonville is a historic gold Rush town with a thriving cultural and culinary scene. Jacksonville, named one of America’s top ten coolest small towns by Budget Travel Magazine, is home to the Britt Music & Arts Festival, an incredible selection of independently owned shops and eateries, celebrated winemakers, and accessible hiking and biking opportunities. Jacksonville is a picturesque small town on the outskirts of Medford, Oregon. It is a National Historic Landmark as well. Jacksonville’s early prosperity was brought about by nearby gold deposits in the 1850s. Thousands of tourists visit town today because of the live music and a wide variety of shopping and dining options.
Britt Music Festival is one of Jacksonville’s most notable cultural attractions. This three-weekend event takes place every summer, starting in late July. Many of the performances take place in a lovely outdoor amphitheater surrounded by tall pines. Britt Music Festival attracts music fans from all over the world, with musical acts ranging from reggae to classical. Exploring Jacksonville’s many antique shops is a popular pastime. Taking in the agricultural splendor of the surrounding Rogue Valley is another popular visitor activity. And because the town has a historic aesthetic, strolling along the sidewalks and public parks is a memorable part of the day.
Photo by SteveRaubenstine on Pixabay
Photo by Michele Orallo on Unsplash
Cannon Beach
Cannon Beach is located on the Oregon coast’s northwest coast. It is located 86 miles west of Portland at an elevation of 50 feet. If you enjoy statistics, you will be pleased to learn that Cannon Beach ranks 132nd among the largest cities in Oregon. If you’re into statistics, the small-town ranks 8076th among the largest cities in the United States! In other words, it’s a small community with breathtaking scenery. Pull up a chair and join me for a quick lesson in Cannon Beach economics. Before you decide to relocate your entire life to this magical place, it’s important to understand the town’s economic situation.
Cannon Beach is a popular tourist destination due to a number of factors. Several resorts near the beach cater to families and romantic getaways, as do the town’s many restaurants. But it’s the postcard scenery that draws the most visitors. Cannon Beach’s seaside landscape includes the inspiring Haystack Rock in addition to an expansive beach. This impressive monolith is located just offshore and is a natural wonder to behold while basking in the sun. Haystack Rock reveals beautiful tide pools to explore during the spring tide. Summer is the most popular season for visiting Cannon Beach, but winter brings spectacular coastal storms to watch.
Photo by 3345557 on Pixabay
Photo by danielamorescalchi0 on Pixabay
Sisters
If you dream of living in an old western town that has preserved history and overflows with the old western ambiance, then check out Sisters, Oregon. Sisters residents have meticulously preserved the Old West with clapboard buildings, rustic art, country living, and much more. Sisters is located in central Oregon on the eastern flank of the Cascade Mountains, bordered by the state’s high desert region. With sunny weather all year, this geographical location facilitates adventures regardless of season. The nearby mountains are also a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Deschutes National Forest is located just outside of Sisters. This vast tract of public land encompasses a beautiful mountain setting. The forest’s focal point is the striking Three Sisters volcanic peaks. Several adventure options, including the country-spanning Pacific Crest Trail, wind their way through this postcard-perfect wilderness. The high desert is also worth exploring from Sisters, particularly Smith Rock State Park. This year-round climbing hotspot has nearly 2,000 bolted routes for beginners and old pros alike. Smith Rock, which spans over 650 acres, is also a popular hiking destination.
Visitors are also drawn to Sisters’ in-town attractions. The town’s early 19th-century facades and storefronts reflect its history. Restaurants, boutique shops, and a vibrant selection of art galleries are among the modern attractions housed within these historic structures.
Photo by logancashwell on Pixabay
Photo by josh ludahl on Pixabay
Baker City
Baker City, Oregon is a little-known travel destination. To be fair, Baker City may not be on many tourist radars, if at all. But there’s something special about this place, and it’s well worth a stop for road trippers, American culture buffs, and anyone looking to see a different side – the real side – of Oregon. Baker City, Oregon is not a well-known, world-renowned, or major travel destination. The small city of less than 10,000 people is unlikely to be the most popular tourist destination in Northeast Oregon. This is not a posh tourist destination, and the only type of backpacking available is the outdoorsy, backcountry variety.
More history can be found at the Baker Heritage Museum and the Eastern Oregon Museum, both of which are located in downtown Geiser. The outdoors is what draws the most visitors to Baker City. To the east, the Snake River carves its way through Hells Canyon, forming one of the country’s deepest river canyons. This magnificent river gorge is a popular destination for white-water rafting and backpacking. The Oregon Trail also passed through Baker City. Visitors to the nearby Farewell Bend State Park can explore historic wagon ruts. The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center in Baker City provides a great day trip to learn more about this massive human migration.
Photo by 12019 on Pixabay
Photo by ArtTower on Pixabay
Joseph
The captivating Wallowa Mountains loom over the small town of Joseph, Oregon. Mother Nature has painted the area with lush green fields, brilliantly colored flowers, and mountains of blue, white, and green. This charming, cozy region in extreme northeastern Oregon is often called, “Little Switzerland of America”. The majestic Wallowa Mountains are similar to the European Alps, and the climate in the region is similar to that of Switzerland. This unique Oregonian treasure has an incredible history, is agriculturally productive, and is full of exciting adventures. These impressive peaks frame the entire small town, lending credence to its moniker “Little Switzerland of America”.
The Wallowa Mountains, while often overlooked in comparison to westward mountain ranges, are breathtaking. Joseph is an ideal base camp for exploring the rugged mountain scenery. Joseph’s typical adventures include accessing the shores of Wallowa Lake and hiking into the Eagle Cap Wilderness. Joseph is also an excellent base camp, with numerous visitor amenities such as hotels, restaurants, and gear shops. In between adventures, stop by the Wallowa County Museum and browse the Wallowa County Farmers’ Market. Joseph is located in Oregon’s far northeastern corner. It’s close to the Oregon/Idaho state line. The town is located within the infamous Wallowa County and is surrounded by the magnificent Wallowa Mountain Range. While this is a remote area of Oregon, there are a few nearby towns worth mentioning.
Photo by makenzie cooper on Unsplash
Photo by David Talley on Unsplash
Yachats
Even if you’ve been to Oregon before, you may not have heard of Yachats. This is due to the fact that Yachats is a very small city, more akin to a town in terms of size. However, just because Yachats is small does not make it uninteresting. In fact, Yachats is arguably one of the most beautiful cities in the state, with so much to see and do that the area will feel much larger than it is. Yachats is best explored by hiking trail or bike path, as it is nestled between the rugged coast and the sprawling Siuslaw National Forest.
Amanda’s Trail, which is part of the much longer Oregon Coast Trail, is a popular visitor attraction that winds through the forested landscape. Hikers on Amanda’s Trail are treated to several breathtaking views of the rugged coastline. Amanda’s Trail, as well as Yachats, serve as entry points to the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area. This breathtaking natural space is the highest point accessible by car on the Oregon coast. The stunning vista is also accessible via an uphill hiking trail. This panoramic view of the Oregon Coast is one of the top attractions on the Oregon Coast. As a coastal town, it should come as no surprise that Yachats is one of the most scenic cities in Oregon, if not the country. The city’s name is derived from the Yachats River, and it is thought that its etymology translates to ‘dark water at the foot of the mountain’. This translation includes several aspects of the Yachats scenery.
Photo by Wolfsong on Pixabay
Photo by donwhite84 on Pixabay
Silverton
Silverton is a fascinating town. Silverton, located between Salem and the Cascade Mountains, has evolved from a farming community to a tourism hub for a variety of local attractions over time. Silverton is located fifteen miles east of Salem, the state capital of Oregon. The town is also known as Oregon’s Garden City. While many perennial attractions contribute to this moniker, The Oregon Garden epitomizes Silverton’s growing popularity. Over 80 acres of beautiful botanic landscape make up the Oregon Garden. There are several specialty plots in this year-round public space, including a Children’s Garden and a Pet-Friendly Garden. Throughout the year, the garden hosts a variety of events on its expansive grounds. Throughout the summer, local artists’ works are displayed alongside the blooming attractions at Art in the Garden.
Silverton’s scenic appeal extends far beyond The Oregon Garden. Another notable natural feature nearby is Silver Falls State Park, which is home to the nationally recognized “Trail of Ten Falls.” The 177-foot South Falls is the focal point of this sprawling state park. Silver Creek, which runs through Silver Falls State Park, is also the community’s lifeline. The downtown area near Silver Creek is lined with small shops and restaurants. Several cozy places enticing tourists to stay the night extend from the creek. Town Square Park is a small park in downtown Silverton that includes a footbridge over Silverton Creek and a war memorial.
Photo by roadtrippinwithbob on Pixabay
Photo by RosZie on Pixabay
Florence
Oregon is full of small towns that will take your breath away. Florence is one of Oregon’s most pleasant surprises. This coastal town has it all: beautiful beaches and state parks, must-see attractions, a charming and historic downtown, and some of the best regional cuisine. Florence, Oregon’s tiny town, has a little bit of everything and is one of the state’s best-kept secrets. Florence, Oregon, is a charming little beach town on Oregon’s Central Coast. However, unlike its neighbors (Seaside and Astoria, for example), Florence is an undiscovered gem that offers a less crowded, more relaxing experience.
Florence is located at the mouth of the Siuslaw River, only a few miles from the Pacific Ocean. The town’s most defining landmark is the Historic Siuslaw River Bridge, an architectural masterpiece with gorgeous archways and ornate stonework. It is also on the National Register of Historic Places in the United States. Florence’s central location provides easy access to some of the state’s best outdoor attractions. The Hecta Head Lighthouse, just minutes from Florence, is one of the most photographed on the coast and a must-see. Florence has a vibrant downtown area filled with charming shops and restaurants. Some of Oregon’s best restaurants can be found in the Historic District. Mo’s is an Oregon institution, with some of the best views in town from its Florence location on the banks of the Siuslaw River. Mo’s is a charming Oregon diner whose chowder is said to be the best on the West Coast.
