11 Off-The-Beaten-Path Towns In Washington
Discovering a new and exciting travel destination can be challenging, especially when websites and travel guides tend to highlight the most popular attractions in a state or city. It is unsurprising, then, that millions flock to Washington鈥檚 famed attractions like Olympic National Park and the Space Needle in Seattle every year. Chances are, if you have tried researching fun things to do in Washington, these two attractions came up repeatedly in your search. And while both are certainly popular for a reason, sometimes, the best memories are made when you travel off the beaten path.
Despite being equally deserving of attention, Washington's lesser-known small towns often go overlooked due to their remote settings, lack of recognition, or the prominence of larger cities. However, these underrated gems are well worth considering if you are a traveler who loves experiencing something new and authentic. From historic island communities with jaw-dropping beaches to European-inspired mountain towns transporting you overseas, let the road less traveled immerse you in a 海角社区 beyond the ordinary.
Roslyn
Located around 80 miles east of Seattle, the tiny town of Roslyn is easy to miss but well worth seeking out. Set in the Cascade Mountains, this historic coal mining town once fueled the Northern Pacific Railroad in its earliest days. Today, the community of less than 1,000 is still largely made up of the descendants of these coal miners, who keep their heritage alive with community-run attractions like the Roslyn Museum.
Other local highlights include landmarks like the Brick Saloon, Washington's oldest bar, which has been continuously operating since 1889. As for those looking to spend more time outdoors, the local Coal Mines Trail is a gorgeous 5.5-mile mountain path. The easygoing route takes hikers through an evergreen forest with mining ruins and gurgling streams along the way.
Coupeville
Coupeville is another charming small town that is not likely to be stumbled upon, as it is located on Whidbey Island. The Puget Sound island community is the second oldest town in Washington, making its blend of nature and history well worth the ferry ride and far more deserving of attention. Attractions like Fort Casey Historical State Park and Fort Ebey State Park offer the best of both. Each presents a tremendous look into Coupeville's military past and stunning coastal scenes, although Fort Ebey State Park shines a bit brighter with its beach and bluff trails.
Before you say goodbye to this charming island town, make sure to visit the historic Coupeville Wharf, Coupeville's symbolic center. Built in 1905 to serve a growing island community, today, the structure is Coupeville鈥檚 most iconic landmark, showcasing how far the town has come. Grab a souvenir at spots like Harbor Gifts, rent paddle gear from Wharf Dog Paddle and Pantry, and keep your eyes peeled for wild marine life. The Wharf is an official Whale Trail site, with visitors frequently spotting gray whales, orcas, seals, and sea lions.
Friday Harbor
Promising seclusion and a slower pace, Friday Harbor is a quieter Washington island town to explore. Located on the eastern shore of San Juan Island, this walkable community is all about having a quaint and unhurried small-town atmosphere. After deboarding from your ferry, nearly everything is within walking distance. Alternatively, you may choose to get around on the town's trolley or shuttle buses.
With no fast-food chains in sight, local produce and seafood take precedence in Friday Harbor at establishments such as Jima Sushi and Downriggers. Shopping on Spring Street also offers a cozy all-American main street feel, featuring locally owned shops like Salty at Heart. For a bit more excitement, whale-watching tours are another Friday Harbor specialty, with tour companies like Western Prince Whale Watching Adventures providing unforgettable excursions.
Leavenworth
Returning to the mainland, Leavenworth is a storybook Bavarian-style village in the eastern foothills of the Cascade Mountains. Once a humble logging and mining town deserted after a railroad reroute, Leavenworth reinvented itself as a Bavarian-inspired village in the 1960s to encourage tourism. Front Street's timber-framed buildings and wooden balconies are a result of this transformation, transporting visitors to Old Bavaria with German-themed restaurants like M眉nchen Haus and attractions like the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum.
The town comes to life with traditional German festivities throughout the year, like the annual Maifest and Oktoberfest, which take place in May and October. Outside of Leavenworth's vibrant festival season, the town is also a fabulous outdoor retreat, attracting nature lovers from across the country. Whether hiking the Icicle Ridge Trail, exploring Lake Wenatchee State Park, or picnicking along the Wenatchee River at Leavenworth鈥檚 Waterfront Park, bliss and beauty follow you every step of the way.
Cashmere
Around 11 miles from Leavenworth, Cashmere offers a more rural alpine setting, bordered by the beautiful Cascade Mountains and Wenatchee River. Once a "barren sagebrush desert," this charming Wenatchee Valley town is now celebrated for its lush orchards and fruit candy industry. Its thriving apple farms contribute significantly to Washington's distinction as the largest apple producer in the United States.
The Aplets and Cotlets Candy Kitchen and Country Store is one of Cashmere's top attractions, inviting guests to browse a cozy old-fashioned store and sample fruit-flavored treats from Liberty Orchards Company. Guests can also take a Candy Kitchen Tour to witness traditional confection-making in action. Adding to the Old 海角社区 atmosphere, Cashmere boasts two fabulous historic districts. The Cottage Avenue Historic District features tree-lined streets filled with charming historic bungalows, while the Pioneer Village is home to 20 authentic pioneer buildings and artifacts, offering a glimpse into Cashmere鈥檚 past.
Winthrop
Inspired by towns like Leavenworth and Solvang, the Methow Valley community of Winthrop rebranded itself with a Wild West theme. Prior to this, Winthrop faced countless hardships, including a flood and fire that forced the town to rebuild in the 1890s and closed many of its mines in 1915. Decades later, with the construction of State Highway 20 in 1972, the community revamped itself as a Wild West tourist town and outdoor destination.
Winthrop's downtown is where its Western-style buildings can be enjoyed, housing attractions like the Shafer Historical Museum, Three Fingered Jack's Saloon, and the Cascades Outdoor Store. The Cascades Outdoor Store is also a perfect prelude to Winthrop's outdoor attractions, whether cross-country skiing the Methow Valley in the winter or paddling the Methow River in the summer.
Poulsbo
The smallest of four towns in Kitsap County, Poulsbo, Washington鈥檚 "Little Norway," is known for its Scandinavian heritage, waterfront scenes, and charming main street. Founded in the late 1800s by Norwegian immigrants, the town sits on the Kitsap Peninsula, overlooking Liberty Bay. It was this very scenery that attracted these settlers to the area, reminding them of Norway鈥檚 iconic fjords.
Visitors can access the bay along with views of the Olympic Mountains and one of Poulsbo鈥檚 Viking statues at spots like Muriel Iverson Williams Waterfront Park, formerly Liberty Bay Waterfront Park. Just a short stroll away, Front Street is a great follow-up, with cute locales like the Verksted Gallery and Nordiska gift shop. For more of the town's Scandinavian culture, Poulsbo's annual Viking Fest is a great time to visit, with this year's event taking place May 16th to 18th, 2025. The festival celebrates Norwegian Independence Day with fun traditions like a strong-man competition and a parade.
Chelan
Located along Lake Chelan, which merges with the Chelan River, the town of Chelan is beloved for its waterfront and wineries. The glacier-fed lake anchors the town, with Lake Chelan State Park offering a gateway to its wonders. Whether renting a kayak from the park, casting a fishing line, or swimming here in the summertime, boredom is nowhere to be found.
Alternatively, boat tour agencies like Lady Of The Lake offer a more laid-back experience out on the water, supplying gorgeous scenes and relaxation. Back on land, relaxation is also in high supply at Chelan鈥檚 many wineries and vineyards. Top-rated spots include the Tsillan Cellars Winery, Karma Vineyards, and Siren Song Vineyard Estate and Winery.
Metaline Falls
In the distant northeastern corner of Washington, the former mining town of Metaline Falls is now a beloved outdoor retreat. Its secluded setting and small population allow adventurers to fully appreciate the surrounding waterways and forests. With less than 300 locals as of 2022, peace and quiet are practically guaranteed, with only the sounds of nature following you.
Crawford State Park is a popular spot to experience this serenity, especially for those taking a tour of Gardner Cave, one of the longest limestone caverns in the state. Elsewhere in town, the Sweet Creek Falls Trail rewards hikers with a majestic waterfall tumbling down a stone staircase. Nearby, the town of Metaline shares the beauty of its Waterfront Park with Metaline Falls locals and visitors. Perched on the western bank of the Pend Oreille River, the park is a popular picnic and kayaking spot with a playground for kids.
Port Townsend
Described as the "perfect getaway from the ordinary," Port Townsend's shining feature is its maritime heritage, with nature and history not far behind. Along with the Olympic Mountains backdropping the town, Port Townsend's beaches are the best place to experience postcard scenes. North Beach County Park is a rugged yet breathtaking shore bordered by coastal bluffs, while McCurdy Point is home to Glass Beach, a shore famous for its colorful sea glass.
Port Townsend is also beloved for its Victorian-era charms, commemorated by events like the Victorian Heritage Festival, which takes place in spring. This remote Olympic Peninsula port town once had dreams of adopting a rail system to connect it to busier ports like San Francisco and Seattle. While this plan dissolved due to a national economic crisis in 1893, Port Townsend's paper mill industry blossomed, and many built homes and businesses here. This humbler development, paired with the town's remote setting, is largely why many of its buildings are frozen in the Victorian era, including gems like the Rothschild House Museum and the uptown residential district.
Westport
Westport is another peninsula community with a vibrant maritime heritage and stunning shores. This cozy and remote beach town is situated on the Point Chehalis Peninsula, where the Pacific Ocean flows into Grays Harbor. Maritime industries have always been Westport's bread and butter, from fishing and seafood canning to whale watching and boat charters. Today, its maritime attractions take the spotlight, including the Westport Maritime Museum, Westport Viewing Tower, and Grays Harbor Lighthouse. Westport Light State Park is also favored for its 1,215-foot shoreline and beach trails, including its ADA-accessible concrete boardwalk, which runs parallel to the beach.
Explore Washington鈥檚 Off-The-Beaten-Path Towns
Mainstream tourist attractions will always have their place, but if you are seeking more depth and authenticity during your travels, consider these 11 underrated Washington towns. Even Leavenworth and Winthrop, despite being designed with tourism in mind, still maintain a small-town feel, inviting visitors to slow down and discover something new. By contrast, towns like Metaline Falls offer the charms of seclusion, allowing travelers to reconnect with nature away from crowds. All in all, whether choosing a community rich in history, heritage, nature, or culture, these small Washington towns prove that traveling off the beaten path can come with extraordinary rewards.
