Here in Washington, we know that bigger isn’t always better. Our cities have amazing amenities, but it’s some of our rural towns that will really charm you. These 12 rural towns in Washington state offer a chance to slow down and appreciate that slow-paced, small-town life that’ll make you appreciate the little things in life.

1. Chelan
Chelan, WA 98816, USA
Green Smoothies Rock! / Flickr
This lakeside community gets slammed with tourists in the summer, but in the off season, this town of 4,000 people is one of the best rural places to live in Washington State. You'll find wine tasting, charming shops, and delicious restaurant options on its streets.
2. Winthrop
Winthrop, WA 98862, USA
karen / Flickr
Our little Old West town in Okanagan County is full of great shopping and year-round recreational activities.
3. Snohomish
Snohomish, WA, USA
Jasperdo / Flickr
Once named one of the Top 10 Coolest Small Towns in America, this little riverside city is full of antique shops, vintage buildings, and the best pie shop on Earth.
4. Leavenworth
Leavenworth, WA 98826, USA
Amy Meredith / Flickr
How could our adorable Bavarian village not make the list? Leavenworth is the perfect vacation destination in any season, especially in the winter.
5. Palouse
Palouse, WA 99161, USA
J. Stephen Conn / Flickr
You'll find Palouse in the southeast corner of the state, just two miles from the Idaho border. The historic downtown area is surrounded by beautiful rolling hills and is easily one of the most beautiful places in Washington.
6. Goldendale
Goldendale, WA 98620, USA
Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr
With its abundant wineries, stunning views, and the always impressive Maryhill Museum of Art, you'll find that Goldendale is a breath of fresh air in Southern Washington.

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7. Lynden
Lynden, WA 98264, USA
Jasperdo / Flickr
Located a few miles south of the Canadian border, Lynden is a rural town in Washington State that's big on charm.
8. Blaine
Blaine, WA, USA
TravelingOtter / Flickr
Another scenic border town is Blaine, which was established in the 1800s by pioneers as a seaport for the logging and fishing industries.
9. Dayton
Dayton, WA 99328, USA
Eric 先魁 Hwang / Flickr
Historic Dayton is home to the oldest train depot in Washington, and a walk through the charming downtown area feels a bit like going back in time.
10. Wilkeson
Wilkeson, WA 98396, USA
Joe Mabel / Wikipedia
This tiny town in Washington of less than 500 people has an elementary school that dates back to 2009 and is located near the northwest corner of Mt. Rainier National Park.
11. Poulsbo
sea turtle / Flickr
Did you know Washington has a historic village on the Kitsap Peninsula that's known as Little Norway? Poulsbo is a beautiful place to visit and a wonderful place to live in Washington.
12. Cashmere
Cashmere, WA 98815, USA
Gene Bisbee / Flickr
Cashmere is located near the geographical center of the state, and it's an underrated gem. The Cottage Avenue Historic District features early 1900s-era Craftsman bungalow homes, giving it a historic look.

How many of these have you visited? These spots are a small sampling of Washington’s most charming small towns.

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More to Explore

Small Towns In Washington

Jackie Ann | September 19, 2022

What is the scenic town in Washington?

While many would vote stunning towns like Leavenworth to be the most scenic town in the state, the truth is there are so many scenic towns in Washington, and each one has its own natural beauty to admire. One small town in Washington that’s a picture-perfect destination for a day trip is Gig Harbor. Located near Tacoma in Pierce County, this scenic town overlooks Puget Sound, offering some truly mesmerizing waterfront views with the majestic Mt. Rainier in the background. 

Which town in Washington has the best restaurants?

No matter where you are in Washington, you're never too far away from a delicious meal. Of course, big cities will almost always be home to wonderful eateries, but there are countless small towns in Washington that offer a down-home, small-town experience, like Ephrata. This rural town in Washington is home to some of the best Mexican food in the state, with several restaurants peppered around town. 

What is the oldest town in Washington?

The oldest town in Washington is Steilacoom. Incorporated in 1854, this waterfront town was a major exporter of lumber, especially to San Francisco. Today, this quiet little Washington town is home to fewer than 7,000 people and offers over 1,000 feet of shoreline to admire and endless hiking trails to explore. Closer to the Oregon border, Oysterville is worth an honorable mention here. Also incorporated in 1854, this charming coastal town is full of charm, beautiful waterfront scenery, and as you might have guessed, some delicious oysters. 

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