7 Best Small Towns in Washington for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Washington is a vast state located in the beautiful American Pacific Northwest. It is known for having some of the country's wildest and most gorgeous parks, along with thriving urban metropolises such as Seattle. For outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore these wildlands, look no further than Washington State. Featuring a wealth of different landscapes and outdoor opportunities, a trip to any of the towns below is sure to excite and delight. Whether it is the arid prairies to the east of the state, the mountains in the middle, or the rainforests of the coast calling, there is much to see and do in these small towns with access to the best of the great outdoors!
Leavenworth
Leavenworth is perhaps the most unique town on this list, not just for its abundance of wildlands surrounding it but for the town itself. It is one of the few themed towns in all of the United States. So much so that businesses within its borders must legally decorate themselves in accordance with local bylaws! Leavenworth is a Bavarian-style village that closely resembles southern Germany's alpine villages. Sticking to this theme, a huge variety of beer and sausage gardens exist there year-round to fill hungry travelers up after a day of hiking or skiing. Surrounding Leavenworth are the breathtaking Cascade Mountains, a range reaching from southern British Columbia down to the top of California. With this in mind, there are dozens of hiking trails and ski resorts all within a short distance of Leavenworth, making for a perfect travel destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Winthrop
A bit further north of Leavenworth, also near the border of Canada, lies another fantastic Cascades town in Washinton state. Winthrop is a tiny town of 394 residents, but do not let that be a reason for avoiding it. It contains a plethora of amenities that you will probably want after a day out in the mountains, including a number of hotels, restaurants, and shops.
Many people who stay in Winthrop are there for the variety of parks and recreation opportunities around it. To the west of it are Lake Chelan National Recreation Area and the incredibly picturesque North Cascades National Park. A short drive east is Perrygin Lake State Park, an excellent spot for fishing, watersports, or simply relaxing on its shores. Downtown Winthrop sports a fun and cozy western feel, with many of its buildings looking like something straight out of a Cowboy movie!
Packwood
Packwood is a small community that is in the foothills just south of Mount Rainier. As the highest peak in the lower 48, the infamous Mountain Rainier National Park is a must-visit. This massive, inactive stratovolcano gives visitors an insight into what the wonder of the Cascade mountain range has to offer, with its snow-covered glaciers and wildflower-filled meadows. However, the adventure does not end there. On all sides of Packwood, visitors can find ski resorts in the winter. Crystal Mountain Ski Resort is a trendy option just to the north, and for those Nordic skiing fans, White Pass Nordic Center is a brief drive just east of town.
Downtown Packwood has all the amenities one could need on an outdoor getaway in Washington. A variety of hotels, lodges, restaurants, and even a grocery store are available.
Friday Harbor
Friday Harbor is a unique small town for anyone looking to get off the mainland. The only way to get there is via ferry, so definitely be sure to reserve a spot ahead of time! Located on San Juan Island, a part of a chain of islands sandwiched between Seattle and Vancouver Island, this town is surprisingly urbanized and full of attractions.
Kayakers and whale watchers flood to Flood Harbor every year. Kayak rentals are widely available in town, while professional whale-watching tours can be booked at any time. The island itself hosts several lakes, trails, and parks that are easily accessible. Lime Kiln Point State Park is particularly popular for its views across the Straight of Juan de Fuca.
Sequim
Sequim is a small town of 8018 residents located at the very northern tip of the Olympic Peninsula. As well as being a beautiful oceanside port city, it is a convenient gateway to some of the best state and national parks Washington offers.
Looking for a beach to explore? Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge is a perfect Pacific Coast beach park with many walking trails. It also affords the opportunity to see what this stretch of coastline looks like in its natural state. South of town lies the entirety of Olympic National Park. Hurricane Ridge is a hill that can easily be accessed by car, and it also contains a huge selection of trails with viewpoints of the Olympic Mountain Range.
If you plan on flying in, this is one of the few towns on this list with a nearby international airport as the William R Fairchild International Airport in the neighboring city of Port Angeles.
Castle Rock
Not the fictional town in many of Stephen King's novels, this small town is best known for being a hub between some of America's best state and national parks. On one side of Castle Rock is the epic Mount Saint Helen's National Volcanic Park, the site of the devastating 1980 eruption, and on the other side is the historically significant Cape Disappointment State Park.
Decades after blowing up, Mount Saint Helens is now perfectly safe to hike and explore its main trails and natural monuments. The Johnston Ridge Observatory has perhaps the best view of the volcano and sports, a very well-maintained visitor center, and a museum. Cape Disappointment State Park does not live up to its name. This is the location where explorers Lewis and Clark finally ended their content-spanning trip. It always offers many breathtaking views of Washington's western coastline.
The downtown area of Castle Rock is a pleasant place to be while on a road trip through Washington, with its hotels, restaurants, shops, and parks with viewpoints, picnicking spots, and bike trails along the Cowlitz River.
Grand Coulee
Grand Coulee is a town sitting right on the Columbia River on the eastern side of Washington State. Nearby is the massive Grand Coulee Dam, which is truly a fantastic sight to see beside the many natural destinations around it.
The Columbia River Plateau is an arid yet beautiful region. Opportunities to hike along its cliffsides and river basins abound. One of the best destinations for outdoor enthusiasts is Steamboat Rock State Park, which boasts a massive rock jutting out from the middle of the river that can be summited on one of its hiking trails. Do not forget to bring water, as temperatures in this area can get relatively high in the summer.
Boating and fishing are popular activities on Banks Lake just east of town. Ice fishing is a unique pastime for residents and tourists alike when the lake freezes in the winter!
There are many reasons why outdoor enthusiasts flock to Washington State every year. Whether it is in the winter or summer, there are things to do outdoors around every corner here. Everyone needs a place to recuperate after a day in the hills or on the trail, so why not consider these convenient towns on your next trip through The Evergreen State?!
