If you want to visit a magical landscape in small towns in Oregon, then we will give you some information about them. Oregon is located in the Pacific Northwest in the United States, it is a powerful city in three of the 48 contiguous states of the Americas. Oregon is known as ‘On The Beaver State’ and “America’s Little Switzerland”. Oregon was founded in 1859 and is known for its interesting attractions and elements such as Crater Lake, Armillarayn Tornay, and Ghost Town. These are among the amazing elements of America which will not be found anywhere else in the world. You can see amazing landscapes around the small towns in Oregon.
List of 14 Best Small Towns In Oregon
As told you above about how beautiful this place Oregon let me show you the list of the smallest towns in Oregon and get information about its origin.
- Astoria
- Woodburn
- Hood River
- Baker city
- Joseph
- Florence
- Cannon Beach
- Jacksonville
- Cottage Grove
- Klamath Falls
- Brownsville
- Salem
- Ashland
- Milton-Freewater
Top 14 Best Small Towns In Oregon
After knowing the names of the best small towns in Oregon let me describe the beauty of each and every town mentioned above.
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Astoria
If you want to visit the best small town on the Oregon coast then Astoria is the perfect choice for you. Astoria is located on the banks of the Columbia Rivers that is named after a New York investor, John Jacob Astoria. He is recognized after he established Fort Astoria about 207 years ago. The beautiful town is surrounded by historic parks and beautiful beaches.
If you like history over nature, you should visit the Heritage Museum and young River fall which is perfect for your hiking adventure. Also don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the amazing scenery here. You can also spend your evening time at one of the hotels or restaurants near the pier and enjoy a spectacular view of the Columbia River.
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Woodburn
Would you like to visit the best small town in Oregon with a good school then Woodbury is the best for you? Yes, Woodbury has the best educational quality and it is the most affordable small town to live in Oregon. Woodbury was incorporated in 1871 and it is in Marion County, United States. It is located between two major cities Portland and Salem in the northern end of the Willamette Valley and is the best small town near Salem, Oregon.
Woodbury is a very culturally and amazing small town in Oregon. You can see here all around wonderful attractions. You don’t miss here the Tulip festival during spring. While you in Woodbury you love here culture and friendly people.
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Hood River
Hood River is an attractive liberal small town in Oregon and is situated in the gorge of the Columbia River. You can see here beautiful natural attractions in northern Oregon that are surrounded by adventure. The Columbia River Gorge is a stunning waterfall-lined to a national scenic corridor with hiking trails and a vista house. Hood River is the county seat of Hood River County and this is a perfect small town in Oregon to retire.
Hood River is a beautiful small town in Oregon and it hosts a variety of festivals and other celebrations throughout the year. You should visit Hood River Valley Harvest Fest during October, and you can also participate in the annual Gorge Games in a small town in Oregon.
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Baker city
Baker city is a very beautiful and peaceful small town in Oregon states. It was very populous and famous for Portland and Salem. In the 19th and 20th century Baker city was called the “Queen City of the Inland Empire” and was Established in 1874.
Baker city is located in eastern Oregon and it is situated by the Historic Oregon Trail, here you can explore the town’s Historic District. You can discover many great businesses from restaurants to unique shops in Baker city. If you want a perfect small town in Oregon for business purposes then Baker City is the one you are looking for. You must visit here Baker Heritage Museum and National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center.
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Joseph
Joseph is the best mountain small town in Oregon is filled with beautiful art, bronze foundry, shopping centers, and restaurants. Joseph is in eastern Oregon and it highlights the majestic splendor of the Wallowa Mountains. It has a nickname as the ‘Little Switzerland of America”. Joseph is incorporated in 1887 in the United States.
141 years ago in 1880, it was formally named after chief Joseph(1840-1904), the head of Nez Perce. Before this Joseph was originally known as Silver Lake and Lake City. If you want an outdoor attraction then you must visit Wallowa Mountains and Eagle Cap Wilderness, you will get a great opportunity to get out and hike amidst nature. And if you are in a mood to admire the stunning views of the surroundings here, you can take a city tram.
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Florence
Florence is a little and impressive coastline small town in Oregon that offers a mind-blowing vista of nature and the Ocean. It is situated at the mouth of the Siuslaw River and incorporated in 1893, in Lane County, United States. You can see here neutral freshwater and miles of coastal dunes.
Florence is a favorite vacation spot for foodies and adventurers lovers. You must visit Siuslaw River Bridge, which is a charming section of a small town in Oregon. Here you will enjoy great features like shopping, places to stay, and some of the best seafood chowders on the coast. You should also not miss the other places like Heceta Head Lighthouse and Sea Lions Cave; it is another popular coastal attraction in a small town in Oregon.
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Cannon Beach
Cannon beach is a most charming small town in Oregon where you can see sand and sea all around. It is a great vacation destination for sea lovers. Cannon Beach was incorporated in 1956 in Clatsop County. In 2013, Cannon Beach was listed as “one of the most beautiful places in the world“ under National Geographic.
Cannon Beach is an excellent small town near Salem, Oregon with artsy culture and beautiful homes. This beautiful small town is only 1 to 2 hours from Portland and Salem. You must visit in summer, it is a perfect time to visit Cannon Beach. While in Cannon Beach you should not forget to visit the Haystack Rock that has stunning tide pools to explore.
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Jacksonville
Jacksonville is a scenic small town in southern Oregon that is considered a national historical site. It is famous for live music, a wide variety of shopping and food that brings thousands of tourists to the city. Jacksonville is a picturesque small town in Oregon with its past rooted in the gold rush.
You can also take a chance to see the amazingly preserved buildings here. The nearby Applegate Valley Wine Trail overlooks 18 vineyards, most of which provide a cozy atmosphere. If you are a nature lover, then Jacksonville’s Woodland Trails is a perfect spot, here you can also enjoy hiking.
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Cottage Grove
Cottage Grove is a lovely small town in Oregon in Lane County, Oregon, United States. There are seven covered bridges in this area and around the city-Cottage Grove is another small charming bridge with beauty, perfect for hiking. Here you have centuries-old buildings, many of which house art galleries, boutiques, and cafes.
If you are a history lover then Cottage Grove is the best small town in Oregon. While in Cottage Grove you should visit the Bohemia Gold Mining Museum, which explores the history of gold mining in the region, or the Oregon Aviation Historical Society. It offers many activities for adventure seekers, these include long walks, cycling, horseback riding. and much more.
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Klamath Falls
Klamath Falls is a cheap small town in Oregon known for hosting many sports such as a golf course, an ice-skating area. It is in Klamath County, Oregon, the United States and was known as Linville when George Nurse found the town in 1867. In 1893, Linkville was renamed, Klamath Falls. It is surrounded by lots of beautiful scenery from all around.
Klamath Falls is quite enjoyable for those who want to spend some time away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Think about taking a walk along the river or taking a boat tour with your loved ones or just chilling on the Sky lake Trail. This is a beautiful small town in Oregon to raise a family because it is a very affordable place to live.
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Brownsville
If you are searching for a true small town in Oregon then Brownsville is another small town with less than 2000 people. It was established in 1846, the city has surprisingly managed to preserve its glory and architecture since the old days. Brownsville is famous for 1980s movies like Stand By Me. It has its place in almost all lists of “ Best Small Towns in Oregon for VIsitors”.
It is known for its beautiful natural landscape and unique culture. The city has several historic houses and Pioneer Park that is a beautiful 26-acre park. Film buffs can walk here and discover the places where the film ‘Stand By Me’ was shot. While in Oregon you can visit Mayer House, it was an Italian villa-style house that is now a historic house museum.
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Salem
Salem is not only one of the most popular small towns in Oregon, and it is also the capital of the United States of Oregon. Salem was founded in 1842, and in 1851 become the capital of the Oregon Territory. It is located in the center of the Villement Valley on the banks of the Willamette River, which is in the north of the city. Salem is the second-largest city in the states after Portland and you do know that it is only an hour’s driving distance away from Portland.
Welcome to Salem if you want to explore the historic city and State Capitol Mall. You can also enjoy international cuisine in-between visits to the museum here. Salem is also a child-friendly place where there is no shortage of entertainment. Also, you can always have a good experience of going to the old-growth forest and walking behind the waterfall.
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Ashland
Ashland is the very safest town in Oregon in the Rogue Valley that is located off the border of California. Ashland. It was founded in 1852, and the city is home to two important landmarks one the University of Southern Oregon and the second Shakespeare festival. This beautiful town is known for its peaceful environment and numerous art galleries scattered around the city.
Ashland is a small town in Oregon in the south which is a very friendly city that offers a lot for guests to see and explore. You must visit Siskiyou and Cascade Mountain, which offers beautiful views, outdoor adventures, historical sites, and many arts and cultural experiences in the lush green area.
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Milton-Freewater
Milton-Freewater is the cheapest small town in Oregon and is home to the growing wine industry. It was incorporated in 1950 and received its current name in 1951 after the neighboring rival cities of Milton and Freewater voted to merge. Milton-Freewater city is in Umatilla County Oregon, United States.
Milton-Freewater is a historic downtown of the small town in Oregon as part of the main street program. Top attractions to visit in Milton-Freewater are Harris Park, The Blue Mountain Cidery, Frazier Farmstead Museum, and much more, you should visit here.
FAQ
What Are The Best Small Towns In Oregon?
These are the best small towns in Oregon where you must visit and get a great experience.
- Greenhorn
- Astoria
- Woodburn
- Hood River
- Baker city
- Joseph
- Florence
- Cannon Beach
- Jacksonville
- Cottage Grove
- Klamath Falls
- Brownsville
- Salem
- Ashland
- Milton-Freewater
What Are The Smallest Towns In Oregon?
Here we can give you a list of the smallest towns in Oregon. let’s check it.
- Greenhorn
- Ashland
- Baker City
- Hood River
- Cannon Beach
- Joseph
- Jacksonville
- Florence
What Is The Cheapest City To Live In Oregon?
If you are searching for the cheapest city to live in Oregon then we will try to give you a list to find you as your requirement.
- Baker city
- Florence
- Cottage Grove
- Klamath Falls
- Salem
- Milton-Freewater
- Woodburn
What Is The Prettiest Town In Oregon?
It is a very tough task to find the prettiest small towns in Oregon because all are beautiful but we will try to give you a list, you must visit while in Oregon.
- Astoria
- Hood River
- Baker city
- Joseph
- Florence
- Jacksonville
- Cottage Grove
- Brownsville
What Is The Sunniest City In Oregon?
The sunniest city in Oregon is located in the south-central region of the state and borders northern California. Klamath Falls enjoys well over 300 days of sunshine each year, and is known as the state of Oregon’s “City of Sunshine”, a name Klamath Falls holds proudly.
What Is The Best Coastal Town To Live In Oregon?
Named the “Best Place To Stay On The Oregon Coast” by The Oregonian in 2016, Yachats is often referred to as “The Gem of The Oregon Coast” – and for good reason. Like every other town on this list, Yachats has an extensive stretch of beach lying just west of town.
Where Are The Warmest Winters In Oregon?
Astoria experience the warmest winter temperatures in Oregon with an average of 47.5.
Where Is The Nicest Most Affordable Place To Live?
Above you’ll see that Sioux Falls, SD is the big winner in 2022, with the best total score and the top ranking among all US cities. Reno, NV, Provo, UT, Madison, WI, and Huntsville, AL round out the top five.
What Is The Friendliest Small Town?
Abilene, Kansas (Winner)
Last year, the charming Kansas town took home the gold for Best U.S. Small Town. Not only do the 6,460 citizens get to keep that title this year, but they also get to add one. TravelAwaits is proud to announce that our readers voted Abilene, Kansas, the Friendliest Small Town In The U.S. 2022.
Does Oregon Have Small Towns?
So, we’ve rounded up 12 of the best small towns in Oregon with under 12,000 residents. Each one made the cut for its historic charm, delicious wineries, adventure activities, stunning mountain and coastal beauty, and more. It’s time to plan your next small town getaway.
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Conclusion
In the above article, I have given a list of the best small towns in Oregon. It is a coastal town, so you can see beautiful beaches all around and a warm, and neutral environment. If you are ready for a vacation with your family and friends then you must visit these beautiful small towns in Oregon. You can do many kinds of attractive outdoor activities and achieve a great experience. While in Oregon you must not miss the seafood and other dining specialties. You will love friendly people and the liberal culture of the best small towns in Oregon.