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The Pacific Northwest is an essential destination for any traveler seeking to experience the tranquil and unique allure of the lush forests and dramatic mountain ranges that cover this region of the United States. However, prospective visitors should not neglect the beauty of small seaside Pacific towns like Sequim, Washington, or the diverse outdoor explorations available in forested oases like Florence, Oregon. Make sure to keep these seven best towns in the Pacific Northwest on your following travel itinerary.

Sequim, Washington

Neighboring the densely forested mountains of Olympic National Forest in northwestern Washington, Sequim is a peaceful and serene waterside town. It's popular to visit the Purple Haze Lavender Garden complete with flower-picking and picnicking opportunities, or to walk through the beautiful waterside scenery at Carrie Blake Park. The most impressive structure in the town is the Railroad Bridge built in 1915 that passes over the Dungeness River as part of the Olympic Discovery Trail; stop at the Dungeness River Nature Center to learn about the history of the region and the rest of the Discovery Trail. For a more unique afternoon, go to the Happy Valley Alpaca Ranch. Prospective visitors should plan their travels to Sequim in early March 2024, when the Sunshine Festival's Interactive Light Experience and live performances will begin.聽

Astoria, Oregon

Astoria is historic and culturally significant because of its location along the Columbia River that divides Washington and Oregon. The Columbia River Maritime Museum, with fishing, shipping, and military history exhibits in full size has much to offer visitors learning the region's past; the Oregon Film Museum is another landmark of Oregon cultural history. Modest nature lovers should walk from the tall trees and overgrown stone structures of Shivley Park to the Astoria Column, a tall column overlooking the harbor that features a 126-foot-high observation deck. More energetic travelers can cross the New Youngs Bay Bridge towards the beaches and shipwrecks of Fort Stevens State Park. The Astoria Warrenton Crab, Seafood, and Wine Festival is the most recognized event in 2024 for those seeking the best in Pacific Northwestern food in late April.聽

Lewiston, Idaho

The principal attraction to Lewiston, Idaho, is the Hells Gate State Park that follows Snake River across the Washington-Idaho border, where travelers can enjoy moderate hikes along the open rocky cliffs, take an exciting ride on the water with Snake River Adventures, and learn about the region's history at the Jack O'Connor Center, and play a recluded round of golf at Quail Ridge Golf Course. There's more to explore along the wider downtown area around Clearwater River, like the Nez Pearce County Historical Society, peaceful greenspaces like Beachview Park, or the golden sunrises of the Green Belt Trail and the Granite Lake Park. The marquee event here is the Crazy Day Storefront event held in June, where all shopkeepers extend from their doors to unique storefronts all along Main Street.聽

Florence, Oregon

Florence, Oregon, is a seaside oasis separated from the water by the majestic and lengthy shorelines of the North and South Jetty beaches on the Pacific Ocean. Other opportunities to appreciate the surrounding natural scenery are available at the Exploding Whale Memorial Park along the Siuslaw River or at the secluded rainforest and wetland area of the Darlingtonia State Natural Site, complete with wooden walkways and wide paths. Most visitors seeking to take advantage of the natural scenery and the neighboring Siuslaw National Forest will either stay at the Sutton Campground or at the Mercer Lake Resort. The Florence Rhododendron Festival is the most prolific event in 2024 for visitors seeking Spring fun through this one-hundred-year-old celebration.聽

Bainbridge Island, Washington

Bainbridge Island is a beautiful getaway connected to Seattle by ferry. Visitors arriving by ferry are within walking distance of the important Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial or more local history at the Bainbridge Island Historical Museum. Other downtown attractions include the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art or popular restaurants like Doc's Marina Grill and the Proper Fish Seafood Restaurant. More of Bainbridge Island's charm is in the natural scenery provided by its bountiful coastline. Outdoor exploration is everywhere, but the most accessible is through the Gazzam Lake Nature Preserve or the paved beachfront trail at Fort Ward Park. Bainbridge Island is also home to the unique Bainbridge Gardens Pumpkin Walk, perfect for any Fall 2024 travelers seeking a walk through a historic nature trail and hundreds of decorated pumpkins.聽

Rexburg, Idaho

Rexburg, Idaho, is capitalized by the Rexburg Idaho Temple, the 125th dedicated temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, which serves the approximate 95% Mormon population of Rexburg. The town's most outstanding activity is the Legacy Flight Museum, which houses civilian and military aircraft exhibits and histories next door to the spacious Nature Park and the Eagle Park Campground. Rexburg also has a fully-fledged appeal to outdoor enthusiasts: the Yellowstone Safari Park provides accessible fun for whole families through its drive-through attractions of large mammals like bears, wolves, and elk; more ambitious explorers, however, may spend time at the more remote Warm Slough Campsite alongside the Henry's Fork stream. The best time to visit Rexburg in 2024 will be the fall season when the neighboring Caribou-Targhee National Forest is in full red and yellow colors.聽

Anacortes, Washington

Anacortes is a perfect seaside town hidden within the San Juan Islands. The town is most often recognized by Cap Sante Park, where hikers can enjoy the golden glow of sunrises and sunsets over the marina by the elevated Cap Sante Lookout. The Seafarers Memorial Park across the harbor is also a popular attraction with calm, rocky beaches. The downtown area, symbolized by the iconic Cap Sante Marina, also holds essential museums like the charmingly colorful Anacortes Museum, restaurants like Dad's Diner and the unique Cosmic Veggies, or tranquil greenspaces like Causland Memorial Park. Travelers should consider visiting in peak whale watching season and taking a ride with Blackfish Tours by Outer Island Expeditions. The greatest annual spectacle here is the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, which celebrates the beautiful colors of springtime all throughout April.聽

The Bottom Line

Washington, Oregon, and Idaho offer equal parts character and history in their scattered small towns as they do natural beauty throughout their myriad of national parks and forests. Explore the religious history of Rexburg, Idaho; escape to the long beachside parks of Bainbridge Island, Washington; or watch over the Pacific Ocean from the Astoria Column in Washington. There's no limit to cultural or natural exploration in the Pacific Northwest.