Oregon is in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. It is officially known as “The Beaver State,” and its beautiful scenery is what makes it famous. People say that the state has some of the most different landscapes in the country. It has woods, beaches, farms, mountains, volcanoes, and deserts.
Oregon is one of only three states that are directly on the Pacific Ocean. It is known for many interesting things, including Crater Lake, which is the deepest lake in the U.S., Armillaria Ostoyae, which is the world’s largest single organism, and more ghost towns than any other state in the U.S.
You probably know about Portland, Salem, and Eugene, but did you know that Oregon also has a lot of small, pretty places that could compete with the big ones? These are the 12 most beautiful small towns in Oregon, according to us.
Top 10 Scenic Small Towns of Oregon
1. Baker City
In the 1800s and 1900s, Baker City was known as the “Queen City of the Inland Empire” and had as many people and as much importance as cities like Portland and Salem. The pretty and quiet town sits on the old Oregon Trail and is a popular place for bikers to stay during the Hells Canyon Motorcycle Rally every year, though not as much these days.
The National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Centre and the Baker Heritage Museum are great places to learn about the town’s interesting past. Or, go to the Baker City Brewing Company and get a beer made in the area.
2. Brownsville
Many lists of the “best small towns in Oregon for visitors” include Brownsville, which is another real small town with less than 2,000 people that became famous in the movie Stand by Me. The city doesn’t have many people, but it makes up for it with beautiful nature that makes people forget about the rest of the world.
The town has been around since 1846 and has amazingly kept a lot of its old glory and building. There are buildings in downtown that date back as far as the 18th century that you can look at as you walk around. The Moyer House is a must-see for history buffs.
3. Florence
Even though it’s not as well known as the city in Italy with the same name, Florence, Oregon has its own special charm. The seashore around Florence is stunning, with views of nature and the ocean that will blow your mind. The Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area has miles of sand dunes, Sea Lion Caves, a picture-perfect lighthouse, and a Hobbit Trail.
All of this isn’t enough for you? There are also lots of shops and restaurants to enjoy.
4. Joseph
What might a town with just over 1,000 people have to offer you as a visitor? The town is known as “Oregon’s Little Switzerland,” and every year they have a Swiss-Bavarian funfair that is a lot like Oktoberfest (yes, the one in Germany with lots of beer), but there is alpenhorn music and a lot of yodelling.
The Wallowa Mountains and Eagle Cap Wilderness are great places for nature lovers to escape and go hiking. On the other hand, you can take the town’s bus and enjoy the beautiful views.
5. Cottage Grove
Cottage Grove has not one but six covered bridges and holds an event every year to honour them. It is known as the “covered bridge capital of the west.” Chambers Railway Bridge, one of the six, is the only one west of the Mississippi River that is like it.
There are many historic buildings, beautiful art galleries, unique shops, and great bars in the charming downtown area. The Bohemia Gold digging Museum tells you about the past of gold digging in the area. You can also just walk around town and look for the beautiful murals. If you’re looking for a little more adventure, you can go camping, biking, or even horseback riding at Cottage Grove.
6. Klamath Falls
Klamath Falls, which used to be called Linkville, is a paradise for people who want to get away from the city life for a while. You could walk along the river, go on a boat tour with your family or friends, or walk the Sky Lakes Trail!
The small town is known for having a golf course, an ice rink, a boat trail, and a lot of plants and animals for people who love the outdoors. Visit the Creamery Brew Pub & Grill for a pleasant evening in town. They serve tasty food and cool drinks.
7. Ashland
In the Rogue Valley, Ashland is a lovely little town right next to the California border. The town is known for its calm atmosphere and many art shops spread out in different areas. The town has been around since 1852 and is home to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and Southern Oregon University, which are both very important to the town.
Not only should you check out the art galleries and shops that tourists love, but you should also go to the National Fish and Wildlife Forensics Laboratory. It is the only place in the world that works to solve crimes against wildlife. A walk up Mount Ashland will give you a rush of energy if you like being outside.
8. Cannon Beach
The true definition of a small town in Oregon is Cannon Beach, which has less than 2,000 residents. The town is most famous for being so close to Haystack Rock, which is one of Oregon’s most famous sights. The town’s long stretch of beach is the second most famous thing about it.
Cannon Beach is often a great place for people coming to or living in Portland to go on the weekend. The 1.5-mile walk from Ecola Point to Indian Beach is a must while you’re here. You can eat at the Cannon Beach Hardware and Public House.
9. Astoria
The city of Astoria is on the Columbia River and was named for a New York businessman named John Jacob Astoria, who is credited with building Fort Astoria 207 years ago. Take some time to walk in the footsteps of people who explored the Pacific Northwest or enjoy the wild at one of the State Historic Parks.
Spend a nice time at the Heritage Museum if you like history more than nature. Also, don’t forget to bring your camera if you want to take pictures of the amazing views from the top of Young River Falls. There are many other things to do in town, but if you want to relax on a Friday night, go to one of the hotels or restaurants by the pier and enjoy the view of the Columbia River.
10. Hood River
Hood River is known as the Windsurfing Capital of the World, and it has just over 7,000 people. Isn’t it already your dream town? This town is very famous with campers, wind surfers, bikers, and skiers because it is close to both the beautiful Columbia River and Mount Hood.
The town was founded in 1895 and named after a river that flows through it. Tourism and sports for fun are two of the main industries here. Hood River has many events and carnivals all year long, and we suggest planning your trip around one of them, especially the Hood River Valley Harvest Fest in October. You could also come to take part in the Annual Gorge Games.
Read more: Exclusive London to Leicester bus: Tickets, Timings, Classes | 2024
