Oregon packs astonishing variety into one state, from misty coast and lush valleys to snowcapped peaks and high desert. Its small towns offer natural beauty and an independent, outdoorsy spirit.
Here are eight of the best small towns in Oregon for country living.
1Bend
A high-desert outdoor mecca, Bend pairs sunshine and rivers with mountains and a lively downtown.
2Hood River
On the Columbia Gorge, Hood River blends orchards and windsports with dramatic scenery.
3Joseph
Beneath the Wallowa Mountains, Joseph is a remote arts town often called Oregon's little Switzerland.
4Sisters
A charming Western-themed town, Sisters offers mountain views and easy access to the high desert.
5Baker City
A historic gold-rush town in the east, Baker City pairs grand architecture with wide-open country.
6Cannon Beach
A scenic coastal town, Cannon Beach is famed for its dramatic sea stacks and artsy village.
7Newberg
In the heart of wine country, Newberg offers rolling vineyards within reach of Portland.
8Florence
On the central coast, Florence blends a historic Old Town with dunes and river scenery.
Oregon offers extraordinary landscapes and a strong outdoor culture, though the wet west and pricier towns are worth weighing.
From the coast to the high desert, these towns capture the varied beauty of small-town Oregon.