Most Scenic Small Towns in Oregon

02/06/2023

Astoria

Nestled on the banks of the Columbia River, Astoria is named after a New York investor, John Jacob Astoria who is accredited with establishing Fort Astoria some 207 years ago. Spend time retracing steps back to the time of Pacific Northwest’s exploration or admire the wilderness at the State Historic Parks.

If you prefer history over nature, visit the Heritage Museum for a nice afternoon. And, if you plan to hike up the Young River Falls, don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the epic views. There are several other points of interest in the town but for a tranquil evening, visit one of the hotels or restaurants by the pier and enjoy a gorgeous view of the Columbia River.

02/06/2023

Hood River

With a population of slightly over 7,000 residents, Hood River is famed as the Windsurfing Capital of the World – isn’t it already your dream town! Highly popular amongst hikers, wind surfers, bikers, and skiers, the town offers easy accessibility to the majestic Mount Hood as well as the magnificent Columbia River.

The town was incorporated in 1895 and was named after the nearby namesake river. Tourism and recreation sports are two of the major businesses here. Hood River hosts a variety of festivals and carnivals throughout the year and we recommend timing your visit accordingly, especially the Hood River Valley Harvest Fest that takes place every October. Or, you could come to participate in the Annual Gorge Games.

31/05/2023

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31/05/2023

Brownsville

Another true small town (with less than 2,000 citizens) made famous in the 1980’s movie Stand by Me, Brownsville makes it to almost all the lists of “best small towns in Oregon for visitors”. What the city lacks in terms of population, it makes up for in its lovely natural landscape which lets visitors disconnect from the outside world.

Founded in 1846, the town has surprisingly managed to preserve much of its glory and architecture from the old days. Walk around the historic downtown to gawk at structures that date as far back as the 18th century. For history buffs, a visit to The Moyer House is a must.

29/05/2023

Florence

While not as popular on the tourist trail as the Italian city by the same name, Florence in Oregon is definitely not without its own charm. This little town of Florence offers an impressive coastline, mind-blowing vistas of nature and the ocean, miles of sand dunes within the Oregon Dunes National Recreation area, captivating Sea Lion Caves, a picture-perfect Lighthouse, and a Hobbit Trail!

If all this isn’t enough then there are, of course, a nice selection of shops and diners to enjoy.

26/05/2023

Baker City

Considered as the “Queen City of the Inland Empire” during the 19th and 20th century, Baker City was once as populous and prominent as the likes of Portland and Salem. Though not so much anymore, the beautiful and peaceful town is perched along the historic Oregon Trail and is a famous stopover for bikers during the yearly Hells Canyon Motorcycle Rally.

Visit the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center and the Baker Heritage Museum to get acquainted with the town’s celebrated past. Or, grab a local beer at the Baker City Brewing Company.

23/05/2023

Joseph

What could a town with just over 1,000 residents possibly have to offer you as a visitor? Well, for starters, the town, nicknamed “Oregon’s Little Switzerland,” is host to a Swiss-Bavarian carnival that resembles Oktoberfest (Yes! The one in Germany that includes lots and lots of beer) but only because it also involves alpenhorn and a lot of yodeling.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Wallowa Mountains and Eagle Cap Wilderness are great opportunities to get out and hike amidst nature. Alternatively, you can take the town’s tram and enjoy the stunning surrounding scenery.

23/05/2023

23/05/2023