Oregon, often known as The Beaver State, is a state in the United States of America’s Pacific Northwest noted for its stunning landscapes. The state is noted as one of the most diverse in the country, with mountains, agriculture, forests, beaches, volcanoes, and deserts.
With three major cities, stunning landscapes, and so many natural attractions competing for your attention, something you may not know about Oregon is the fact that it’s also home to a ton of picturesque towns worth adding to your itinerary.
From charming coastal towns to settlements located right next to some of the most sought-after natural destinations in the state, here are the cutest towns in Oregon you have to visit!
The Cutest Towns in Oregon You’ve Got to See
Cannon Beach
This beautiful and charming small town called Cannon Beach is at the coast of Oregon, where outdoor adventures and hospitality are highlights.
Think of the iconic Haystack Rock looming on the shoreline, waterfalls cascading down on the sand at Hug Point, a beautiful coastline, and the nearby Ecola Point State Park to get an idea of the beautiful nature that surrounds Cannon Beach. Combine that with art galleries, vibey restaurants, and gorgeous boutiques, and you’ve got the best of all worlds in a tiny space!
As if that weren’t enough reason to make you put Cannon Beach in your Oregon itinerary, National Geographic named in one of the most beautiful spots on earth in 2013!
Joseph
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You might be wondering what in the world a small town named Joseph with little more than 1,000 residents could offer you as a traveler, and the answer to that question is a ton!
This little town nestled in the feet of the Wallowa Mountains is one of Oregon’s most giant gems. With a thriving downtown area that features its very own distillery and brewery and a collection of charming boutique shops surrounded by dozens of life-size bronze sculptures created by local artists, Joseph is known as the most vibrant town in the entire state. One of the best ways to explore this quaint mountain town is to stroll around or take the town’s tram to enjoy the stunning surrounding vistas.
Dubbed “Oregon’s Little Switzerland,” Joseph is also a great base point for visiting Wallowa Lake, the Eagle Cap Wilderness, and the Hells Canyon Recreation Area.
Another highlight of Joseph is its Swiss-Bavarian carnival reminiscent of Oktoberfest, which is hosted every September.
Brownsville
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Brownsville, a tiny hamlet of 2000 people, was mostly unknown until the 1980s film Stand by Me brought it to the general public’s attention.
Brownsville is a pioneer town that has kept much of its old-fashioned charm and architecture, including old-fashioned businesses and parades.
While here, a must is to stroll around the historic downtown and admire its authentic buildings dating back to the 18th century. Check out the Linn County Museum, which tells the story of the Calapooia tribe and early settlers. Half a block from the museum is the Moyer House, another must for history buffs. Moyer House is a historic Italian-style villa built in 1881 by J.M. Moyer, an early pioneer who owned a sash-and-door manufacturing plant. After touring the historical sites, head to The Living Rock Museum, a colorful shiny building made with local agates, crystals, and quartz!
Florence
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An hour’s drive from Eugene is the enchanting town of Florence, considered Oregon’s coastal playground for locals and travelers alike.
Think impressive coastline views, miles of rolling dunes within the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, the captivating sea caves, a picture-perfect lighthouse, charming boutique shops, and delicious seafood – that’s Florence in a nutshell.
There’s plenty to do in and around Florence, so try to spend a couple of nights here. You can stay in a riverfront hotel, a lakeside cabin, or a forest campground, whichever tickles your fancy.
Sisters
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Nestled in the Deschutes region of the Beaver State, Sisters is another must-visit Oregon small town.
Sisters is a bustling, artsy village with gorgeous 1880s facades and a small-town feel that offers easy access to various nature places. It is named after the trio of majestic peaks surrounding it on the west.
McKenzie Pass, Deschutes National Forest, Sahalie, and the Koosah Falls – a cascade of foaming white water plunging 100 feet over a natural lava dam – are just a few of the natural wonders within a short drive from Sisters!
Sisters and its surrounds are enjoyable all year, with neighboring camping and fishing at Suttle Lake and a family-friendly ski resort at Hoodoo Ski. You may savor the eateries’ delectable flavors all year long, as well as shop at one of the artisan boutiques or stop by Sisters Brewing Company for a cup of creamy coffee. If you’re in the mood for some pampering, visit one of the different spas, including America’s first beer spa! The annual Sisters Rodeo and beach activities are the main attractions during the summer.
McMinnville
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History and wine? Yes, please!
Located a mere 30 miles from Portland, right in the heart of Oregon’s wine country, McMinnville is a town that is mainly meant to be enjoyed through history and wine.
McMinnville’s historic district boasts 64 historic turn-of-the-century buildings, some of which have been reinvented as restaurants, wine bars, and art galleries; taking a stroll through this town is absolute eye candy!
Not surprisingly, this location is a favorite among wine lovers, restaurants where you can sample the delicious wines grown in many vineyards that surround it, and not only that, they also have dozens of wine tasting rooms. Most of the countryside around McMinnville is dotted by vineyards, and some of them boast fantastic hiking trails so that you can get your dose of nature too.
Once you are finished with history and wine-tasting, you can visit the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum and gawk at the largest propeller-driven seaplane, the Spruce Goose. Moreover, if you happen to be staying in May, you can also attend the annual UFO Festival!
Cottage Grove
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Set just twenty minutes south of Eugene, Cottage Grove is home to six covered bridges and a yearly festival dedicated to them, making the town’s nickname, “the covered bridge capital of the west,” pretty accurate.
That said, Cottage Grove is home to several historic structures, splendid art galleries, boutique stores, and fantastic coffee shops. Explore the history of gold mining in the Bohemia Gold Mining Museum area and look for the stunning murals scattered around town.
Have you visited any of these small Oregon towns? Which one was your favorite? Let me know all about your experience there in the comment section below!