Oregon, sometimes known as “The Beaver State,” is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States of America that is widely renowned for its breathtaking natural scenery. The state is widely recognised as one of the most diversified in the United States due to its wide variety of landscapes, including forest, beach, mountain, farming, and volcanic and arid regions.
Oregon is one of just three of the 48 contiguous states that border the Pacific Ocean, and it is famous for many interesting features, including the deepest U.S. lake, the biggest single creature in the world, and more ghost towns than any other state.
Of course you’ve heard of Portland, Salem, and Eugene, three of Oregon’s most well-known cities. But did you know that Oregon is also home to a number of quaint, gorgeous communities that could hold their own against Portland, Salem, and Eugene? We’ve compiled a list of the top 12 most picturesque little towns in Oregon.
Joseph
Just what is there for a tourist to do in a town of 1,001 people, you ask? The community, known as “Oregon’s Little Switzerland,” has a Swiss-Bavarian carnival that is similar to Oktoberfest (Yes! The one in Germany that contains plenty of beer) only in that it also features alpenhorn and a lot of yodelling.
Both the Wallowa Mountains and the Eagle Cap Wilderness provide excellent possibilities for those who enjoy the outdoors to go for a trek in scenic, unspoiled environments. You may also ride the tram into town and take in the beautiful views.
Baker, California
At one time, Baker City was as numerous and important as Portland and Salem, earning the nickname “Queen City of the Inland Empire” throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Located on the old Oregon Trail, this now-quiet hamlet used to be a major hub for motorcyclists attending the annual Hells Canyon Motorcycle Rally.
Learn about Baker’s illustrious past at the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center and the Baker Heritage Museum. Or, stop by the Baker City Brewing Company for a pint of the local brew.
Florence
Florence, Oregon is not quite as well known as its Italian namesake, but that doesn’t mean it’s without its own unique appeal. Florence, Oregon, is home to a number of attractions, including a stunning coastline, breathtaking views of the ocean and surrounding landscape, miles of sand dunes in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation area, the fascinating Sea Lion Caves, the picturesque Cape Perpetua Lighthouse, and the whimsical Hobbit Trail.
And if that weren’t enough, there’s also a great variety of stores and restaurants to explore
Brownsvilll
Brownsville, another genuine little town (with less than 2,000 inhabitants) made famous in the 1980s movie Stand by Me, appears on nearly all “best small towns in Oregon for visitors” lists. The city makes up for its lack of inhabitants by providing a beautiful natural setting in which tourists may relax and forget their troubles.
The town, which was established in 1846, has, remarkably, kept most of its original splendour and architecture. You may see buildings that were constructed as early as the 18th century as you stroll about the downtown area. The Moyer House is a must-see for history aficionados.
McMinnville
McMinnville, the county seat of Yamhill County in Oregon, is unlike any of the other attractive towns you have seen in your reading so far. The majority of the town’s buildings date to the period between 1885 and 1912 and have survived relatively unchanged. Actually, you should spend most of your time in the town’s historic district, a nine-block region with around 64 magnificent buildings.
McMinnville, located in the centre of Oregon’s wine region, is a popular destination for vino aficionados. McMinnville, Oregon, is the perfect place to stop for a visit to the area’s numerous vineyards and wine tasting rooms (there are more than a dozen).
Visit the Spruce Goose, the world’s biggest propeller-driven seaplane, on display at the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum. Also, every May there is a festival dedicated to all things alien, so if you’re interested, mark your calendars now.
City of Cottage Grove
Cottage Grove is known as the “covered bridge capital of the west” because it is home to not one but six covered bridges, and each year a celebration is held in their honour. As one of the six, the Chambers Railroad Bridge is the only one of its sort west of the Mississippi River.
The charming downtown area features several interesting museums, art galleries, unique shops, and delightful eateries. Visit the Bohemia Gold Mining Museum to learn about the region’s rich mining history, and then take a stroll across town to admire the many murals painted on the walls. Cottage Grove is a great place to go mountain biking, hiking, or even horseback riding if you’re looking for something a little more adrenaline-pumping.
Sisters
How did this Oregon town grow so quickly in popularity despite its very modest population? Let us fill you in. Sisters was once a military outpost, and the Three Sisters Mountains that surround it to the west inspired the town’s name. The McKenzie Pass, Sahalie, and Koosah Falls are all within simple day trips from Sisters, and the Deschutes National Forest is also worth a look if you’re in the area.
A day at the Shibui Spa is the perfect way to indulge in some much-deserved self-care. After you’ve finished your work, stop by Sisters Brewing Company for a cup of coffee and some pastries or one of the many art galleries in the area.
To the Falls of Klamath
Formerly known as Linkville, today’s Klamath Falls is a haven for individuals seeking refuge from the stresses of urban life. Imagine going on a family hike along the river, a boat excursion, and a stroll through Sky Lakes Trail!
Golf courses, ice skating rinks, canoe trails, and abundant wildlife await the city’s visitors. The Creamery Brew Pub & Grill is the perfect spot for a night out on the town, with its delicious food and wide selection of drinks.
Ashland
Ashland, Oregon is a picturesque town in the Rogue Valley, close to the state line with California. The town is well-known for its tranquil environment and numerous art galleries. The town was founded in 1852, and since then, it has been known for two major landmarks: the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and Southern Oregon University.
In addition to the city’s various museums and boutiques, visitors may stop by the National Fish and Animals Forensics Laboratory, the first and only facility of its type dedicated to combating crimes against wildlife. If you enjoy being physically active, you should climb Mount Ashland.
The Gorge of Hood
Hood River, Oregon, is home to a population of little over 7,000 people and is well known as the Windsurfing Capital of the World. The town’s proximity to the beautiful Mount Hood and the picturesque Columbia River makes it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts such as hikers, wind surfers, cyclists, and skiers.
Town of Namesake River was founded in 1895 and takes its name from a river of the same name that flows through the area. Two of the city’s most lucrative industries are tourism and sports recreation. We recommend visiting Hood River in October for the Hood River Valley Harvest Fest, one of several festivals and carnivals held there throughout the year. There is also the option of attending the annual Gorge Games.
Astoria
Astoria, Oregon, a city on the Columbia River, was named after New York financier John Jacob Astoria, who is credited with founding nearby Fort Astoria in the early 1800s. Visit the State Historic Parks to learn about the history of exploration in the Pacific Northwest or to simply take in the region’s natural beauty.
The Heritage Museum is a wonderful place to spend a day if you value history above the great outdoors. Bring your camera with you if you want to capture the breathtaking views from the top of the Young River Falls trek. There are a number of other attractions in town, but if you’re looking for a quiet place to spend the night with a beautiful view of the Columbia River, try one of the hotels or restaurants around the pier.
Beach at Cannon
Cannon Beach, Oregon, is a quaint tiny town in every sense of the word, and it is most known for being located within walking distance of Haystack Rock, one of the state’s most recognisable attractions. The town’s vast stretch of beach and the surrounding ocean are its other main draws.
Cannon Beach is frequently a fantastic weekend escape for visitors to Portland. Eat at Cannon Beach Hardware and Public House and take the 1.5-mile trek from Ecola Point to Indian beach while you’re in town.
What is the nicest coastal town in Oregon?
Cannon Beach might be the best-known beach town in Oregon, thanks to its proximity to Portland and the photogenic Haystack Rock