The Most Picturesque Small Towns in Oregon You Can’t Miss

From the top of the tallest mountain to the bottom of the deepest lake, Oregon’s diverse landscapes are among the most beautiful places in the US. Whether you’re looking to spend some time beach hopping on the Pacific Coast or want to hike through gorgeous fall foliage on one of the state's many trails, Oregon has you covered. Explore the lush forests of the Cascade Range, marvel at the stunning Crater Lake, or wander through charming small towns brimming with local culture. So don’t wait any longer–pack your camera and your best adventure gear,the Beaver State is calling.

Astoria

Oregon’s natural beauty is on full display in the small, historic town of Astoria. Here, visitors and locals enjoy 60 acres worth of public green space and easy access to the nearby Pacific Ocean. For those reasons and more, Astoria is the perfect town for nature lovers looking to indulge their wanderlust. To start your visit off on a high note, head to the Astoria Column. The column, which attracts upwards of 400,000 visitors each year, offers you a chance to dive deeper into the town’s history. Of course, the best part is climbing to the top of the column where you can soak in sprawling views of the Columbia River and surrounding area.

Next, take a ride on the restored Astoria Riverfront Trolley. The trolley is a fun way to explore the historic waterfront and learn more about Astoria’s maritime history while you’re at it. Those looking to kill a little time in between activities may also want to visit the Flavel House Museum–a Victorian-era home highlighting Queen Anne architecture and the Flavel family. Finally, venture slightly out of town, less than 10 miles, and you will find the stunning Fort Stevens State Park. Here, participate in a range of activities including lounging at the beach, wandering the trails,  and watching for whales.

Florence

Often referred to as “Oregon’s Coastal Playground,” Florence is home to marvelous hiking trails, an abundance of beaches, sea lion caves, towering sand dunes, and the popular Heceta Head Lighthouse. Those looking to sink their toes in the sand and go for a swim will be spoiled for choice here. In fact, the hardest part about having a beach day in Florence is settling on just one beach to visit. For a mix of beach, dunes, and trails check out Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park. The park has two freshwater lakes for swimming and plenty of camping sites should you choose to stay the night.

The Neptune State Scenic Viewpoint also offers beautiful beaches for those who would rather admire the site than go swimming. And if you just want to hike and admire local foliage, then Darlingtonia State Natural Site is the spot for you. Before leaving town, it is worth exploring the Florence Boardwalk Market, the Sea Lion Caves, and the Heceta Head Lighthouse as well.

Cannon Beach

The famous Haystack Rock may be Cannon Beach’s biggest claim to fame, but it is certainly not the only picturesque view in town. Located on the shores of the North Pacific Ocean, Cannon Beach has a seemingly never-ending supply of waterfront views. Start your Cannon Beach journey off with a visit to Ecola State Park where grassy bluffs, lush forests, and the famous Tillamook Lighthouse are just a few of the jaw-dropping views that await you. The park also features an 8-mile stretch of the popular Oregon Coast Trail perfect for a scenic hike. Of course, your visit isn’t complete without spending at least a little bit of time at Haystack Rock. While here, keep an eye out for tide pools and local birds who love to hang out on top of the rock.

Cottage Grove

As the name implies, Cottage Grove is the perfect town to make all your cottagecore dreams come true. Known as the “covered bridge capital of Oregon,” Cottage Grove is home to six adorable covered bridges as well as nearby waterfalls, scenic trails, and plenty of cute wineries. While in town, seeing the covered bridges is a must, especially in the fall when they’re surrounded by colorful foliage. The easiest way to see all six bridges is to bike along the 20-mile Cottage Grove Covered Bridge Tour Route. Along the route, you will come across Centennial Bridge, Chambers Railroad Bridge, Currin Bridge, Dorena Bridge, Mosby Creek Bridge, and Stewart Bridge.

Next, venture slightly outside of town to visit the sparking cascades at Trestle Creek Falls and Wildwood Falls. Finally, wrap up your trip with a glass of vino at the stunning Saginaw Vineyard. Here you can indulge in award-winning wines, pristine countryside views, and the company of furry little lambs.

Yachats

Yachats is another one of Oregon’s picturesque coastal towns with plenty of mesmerizing landscapes for visitors to admire. Perhaps one of the best views in town comes from Thor’s Well–a sinkhole in the Pacific Ocean that appears bottomless, although it’s not. Giant splashes from the well have been known to cause people and camera equipment to fall into the Ocean, so extreme caution is required here.

For a more laid-back experience, you can wander through places including Smelt Sands State Recreation Site or Yachats State Recreation Area for an afternoon of hiking, beach access, fishing, and checking out scenic viewpoints. The Yachats River North Fork Covered Bridge is also a nice spot to visit, especially for photos. 

Gold Beach

Gold Beach, Oregon is an old mining town–earning its name after miners discovered gold buried in the sands around Rouge River in the early 1850s. Today, the town is mostly known for its uncrowded beaches and stunning outdoor areas. During a visit to Gold Beach, you will want to check out iconic spots such as Kissing Rock and the Rogue River Bridge which connects Gold Beach to the nearby town of Wedderburn.

Outdoor lovers will also want to explore the Otter Point State Recreation Site where unusual rock formations and beachy views are available in spades. The Cape Sebastian State Scenic Corridor is also worth a visit and features lush spruce trees, beach access, hiking trails, and scenic viewpoints. When you’re ready for a break, don’t forget to check out Gold Beach Coffee where they offer baked goods, fresh coffee, books, and artwork. 

The Dalles

Hugging the border between Oregon and Washington, travelers will find a beautiful historic town called The Dalles. The town once served as a trading hub for Native Americans nearly 10,000 years ago. These days, you won’t see any active trading posts in The Dalles. Instead, expect to find a thriving downtown music scene, incredible places to eat, and an annual cherry festival that attracts large crowds of locals and visitors.

While in town, don’t forget to check out scenic areas such as Riverfront Park, The Dalles Lock & Dam, and the popular photography spot–The Rowena Curves. After all that adventuring, it’s time to fill up on good food and “real Northwest hospitality” at Cousin’s Restaurant. The popular spot is a favorite among locals and features real family recipes that you won’t want to pass on.

Klamath Falls

With tree-lined streets, lake views, and distant mountain peaks, Klamath Falls is a gorgeous town to explore. Situated on the shores of Upper Klamath Lake, the town offers visitors plenty of chances for outdoor recreation. During a trip here, you can enjoy playground equipment and sports fields at Moore Park. Across from Moore Park, you will find Putnam’s Point–a quiet spot for birdwatching and admiring the lake. Alternatively, you can get active on the OC and E Woods Line State Trail. The 100-mile trail was built on some of Oregon’s old rail beds and is a popular trail for hiking, biking, and horseback riding while surrounded by nature. 

In Conclusion

Oregon is a beloved state home to popular cities like Portland and Salem. But outside of the major cities is where the Beaver State truly shines brightest. Between the towering Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach and the deep yet breathtaking Thor’s Well in Yachats, Oregon’s small towns do not disappoint. Each offers its own unique charm, with vibrant local art scenes, cozy cafés, and stunning natural beauty waiting to be explored. From the historic streets of Astoria to the covered bridges of Cottage Grove, these hidden gems invite you to experience a side of Oregon that's rich in culture and adventure. Come discover the magic!