This Summer, Visit These PNW Small Waterfront Towns

Get out of the city this summer and explore a few of the region’s quaint waterfront towns. You’ll experience local food and drinks, art and history, unique architecture and picturesque backdrops. Here are some PNW towns with populations under 2,000 to chill out and cool off when the temperatures rise.

Coupeville, WA Population 1,942

Settled in the 1850s, Coupeville is proud to be Washington’s second-oldest town. Located in Ebey’s Landing National Historic Reserve on the shores of Penn Cove (mussels anyone?), the famous red wharf on the waterfront is a great place to take in the view. Many buildings are more than 125 years old and feature shops, galleries and local eateries.

Winthrop, WA, Population 578

The main street in Winthrop takes visitors back to when the west was won. Situated on the North Cascades Scenic Byway (WA SR 20), this photogenic mountain town boasts limitless outdoor recreation. Visit Pearrygin Lake State Park, one of Washington’s most popular state parks for all your summer activities. With a variety of year-round festivals, outdoor concerts, art shows and seasonal markets, visitors will always find something to do and see.

Long Beach, WA, Population 1,688

One of Washington’s charming coastal towns, Long Beach is the self-proclaimed “World’s Longest Beach” with 28 miles of sandy beach. The beach is considered a Washington state highway with a speed limit of 25 mph and makes for a fun little road trip. There are not one, but two historic lighthouses nearby to visit, North Head and Cape Disappointment. Also find souvenir shops, local cafes, a robust art scene and saltwater taffy in almost any flavor you can imagine.

Rockaway Beach, OR, Population 1,441

Drive there or take the train from Garibaldi on the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad, Rockaway Beach (pictured above) is a small town bursting with outdoor fun at beaches, parks, playgrounds and hiking trails. Visit one of the largest Western Red Cedars in Oregon, approximately 800 years old, 150 feet high and 49 feet around. The corn dog was invented here in the 1930s at The Original Pronto Pup and the same recipe is still used today.

Port Orford, OR, Population 1,146

One of the oldest and smallest townsites in Oregon, Port Orford is a fishing town home to one of only six Dolly Docks in the world. There isn’t a protected marina for their local fleet, so they hoist the boats out of the water and park them on the dock. Don’t miss a stroll through the Prehistoric Gardens to see life-size dinosaurs hanging out in the rainforest. Also find scenic beaches, multiple bikeways, art trails and the Cape Blanco Lighthouse.

Joseph, OR Population 1,146

With nearby Wallowa Lake, snowcapped Wallowa Mountain Range and Hells Canyon, the deepest river gorge in North America, Joseph is a remarkable town to visit for outdoor enthusiasts with so many different terrains to explore. Take a tramway to the summit of Mt. Howard or stay in town and enjoy the life-sized bronze statues during the Art Walk on Main Street.

Cascade, ID Population 1,005

Manmade Lake Cascade along the Payette River is home to this vibrant little town popular for watersports and outdoor activities. Check out the totem poles at Arrowhead RV park, watch the steelhead and Chinook salmon runs in nearby rivers and creeks or take a dip in natural hot springs.

Priest Lake, ID Population approximately 500

Referred to as “Idaho’s Crown Jewel,” glacial movements created sandy beaches along the shores of Priest Lake for visitors to enjoy. Navigate a two-mile thoroughfare channel between upper and lower Priest Lake that is a nature-lover’s dream. Or stop by local shops to pick up scratch-made goodies from local huckleberries.