Life in Washington can be hectic and fast-paced, whether you live in a big city or not. That being said, there are also plenty of small towns where life is still laid back and simple. When you need a breath of fresh air, head to one of these salt-of-the-earth spots.
- Republic
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr It’s impossible not to be charmed by this historic mining town in Ferry County. Known both for its events (like Prospectors’ Days) and fossils (Stonerose Interpretive Center & Eocene Fossil Site), this peaceful place is a true gem.
- Roslyn
Curtis Cronn / Flickr Less than 1,000 people call Roslyn home, so it’s maintained the same small town charm for well over a century. It gained some popularity during its Northern Exposure years, but these days, it’s nice and laid back.
- Snohomish
Jasperdo / Flickr The antiques capital of the Northwest is right here in Washington, and it’s absolutely adorable. Spend a day wandering through the downtown area when you need to experience life at a slower pace.
- Cashmere
Jasperdo / Flickr This picturesque town is known as the home of aplets and cotlets, but you’ll also find cider mills, distilleries, and plenty of good old-fashioned charm in Cashmere.
- Enumclaw
Joe Wolf / Flickr Life is still nice and simple in this gateway town to Mt. Rainier, which was voted one of the safest cities in Washington. It’s located within an hour of every outdoor activity imaginable, and the city itself is just plain pleasant.
- Twisp
Twisp Washington Facebook Known as the heart of the Methow Valley, Twisp is both peaceful and picturesque. With only 970 people calling it home, you can almost always escape the crowds here.
- Dayton
Eric 先魁 Hwang / Flickr If you enjoy historic charm, head to this tiny town in Columbia County near Waitsburg and Walla Walla. You’ll find Washington’s oldest train depot, the longest continuously used courthouse, and plenty of friendly faces.
- Kettle Falls
Jasperdo / Flickr There’s not much to the town of Kettle Falls, and that’s just the way the 1640 friendly locals (and one grouch, as their sign states) like it. The nearby Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge provides a perfect escape.
- Wilkeson
Wikipedia Some of the oldest buildings in this tiny town near Mt. Rainier, including an elementary school that dates back to 1909, are still standing. This is the epitome of small town America.
- Winlock
Jasperdo / Flickr You’ve got to love a town where the biggest claim to fame is the world’s largest egg. The community is proud of its heritage and historical downtown area, and they take a lot of pride in keeping things maintained.
Each of Washington’s small towns have a truly special charm you won’t find anywhere else. Visit as many of them as possible.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr
It’s impossible not to be charmed by this historic mining town in Ferry County. Known both for its events (like Prospectors’ Days) and fossils (Stonerose Interpretive Center & Eocene Fossil Site), this peaceful place is a true gem.
Curtis Cronn / Flickr
Less than 1,000 people call Roslyn home, so it’s maintained the same small town charm for well over a century. It gained some popularity during its Northern Exposure years, but these days, it’s nice and laid back.
Jasperdo / Flickr
The antiques capital of the Northwest is right here in Washington, and it’s absolutely adorable. Spend a day wandering through the downtown area when you need to experience life at a slower pace.
This picturesque town is known as the home of aplets and cotlets, but you’ll also find cider mills, distilleries, and plenty of good old-fashioned charm in Cashmere.
Joe Wolf / Flickr
Life is still nice and simple in this gateway town to Mt. Rainier, which was voted one of the safest cities in Washington. It’s located within an hour of every outdoor activity imaginable, and the city itself is just plain pleasant.
Twisp Washington Facebook
Known as the heart of the Methow Valley, Twisp is both peaceful and picturesque. With only 970 people calling it home, you can almost always escape the crowds here.
Eric 先魁 Hwang / Flickr
If you enjoy historic charm, head to this tiny town in Columbia County near Waitsburg and Walla Walla. You’ll find Washington’s oldest train depot, the longest continuously used courthouse, and plenty of friendly faces.
There’s not much to the town of Kettle Falls, and that’s just the way the 1640 friendly locals (and one grouch, as their sign states) like it. The nearby Little Pend Oreille National Wildlife Refuge provides a perfect escape.
Wikipedia
Some of the oldest buildings in this tiny town near Mt. Rainier, including an elementary school that dates back to 1909, are still standing. This is the epitome of small town America.
You’ve got to love a town where the biggest claim to fame is the world’s largest egg. The community is proud of its heritage and historical downtown area, and they take a lot of pride in keeping things maintained.
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