From gorgeous coastal villages to close-knit farming communities, there are charming small towns in Oregon full of amazing history, beautiful scenery, vibrant downtowns, and great people. Today we’re shining the spotlight on some of the absolute coolest small towns in Oregon, some of which are total under-the-radar hidden gems!

1. Silverton
Silverton, OR 97381, USA
flickr/ Edmund Garman
Silverton is the epitome of a beautiful small town. Located in Marion County near the amazing Silver Falls State Park, this wonderful place is full of small town charm AND it's surrounded by stunning scenery.
2. Coos Bay
Coos Bay, OR, USA
flickr/ Pat Kight
Coos Bay is a charming coastal town in northern Coos County. This beautiful place has great restaurants, beautiful scenery and more. It really is one in a million.
3. Brownsville
Brownsville, OR 97327, USA
flickr/ Jasperdo
Brownsville is a beautiful historic town in Linn County that is truly delightful, and totally famous -- it's the location for the '80s hit Stand By Me!
4. Drain
Drain, OR, USA
flickr/ Sandy Horvath-Dori
What better sums up Drain's small-town charm than this photo of it's very own covered bridge? This wonderful small town town in Douglas County is absolutely enchanting.
5. Florence
Florence, OR 97439, USA
flickr/ Stephanie Sarles
This small, coastal town in Lane County is truly remarkable. With incredible restaurants, a bustling, historical downtown, beautiful beaches, and more, Florence is a gorgeous town that everyone will enjoy.
6. Talent
Talent, OR 97540, USA
flickr/ Miguel Tejada-Flores
This small town in Jackson County is home to an annual harvest festival, wonderful small businesses, friendly locals, and plenty of sunshine. Oh, and an amazing hidden gem restaurant, too!
7. Coquille
Coquille, OR 97423, USA
flickr/ Jan Tik
This picturesque town in Coos County will blow you away with its warm climate, lovely architecture, local theater, and more.
8. Aurora
Aurora, OR 97002, USA
flickr/ Jasperdo
Located in Marion County, this wonderful town has less than 1,000 residents, but it certainly doesn't lack in charm. When you're visiting, be sure to check out the Old Aurora Museum and the Mainstreet Merchantile Antique store.
9. Carlton
Carlton, OR 97111, USA
flickr/ neighorn
Located in the heart of wine country is the delightful town of Carlton. This historical farming town has lots to offer, and it's a perfect place to have an authentic experience of the splendor of the Willamette Valley.
10. Baker City
Baker City, OR 97814, USA
flickr/ Ken Lund
The lovely Baker City is located in eastern Oregon. Its historical buildings, beautiful scenery and vibrant culture make it a wonderful place to visit.

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11. Bandon
Bandon, OR 97411, USA
flickr/ m01229
Oh, Bandon. What a beautiful, charming place. In 2010, BugdetTravel named this coastal town in Coos County one of the "Coolest Small Towns in America", and for good reason.
12. Vernonia
Vernonia, OR 97064, USA
flickr/ B J IMAGERY
Vernonia is an incredible, lively little city located on the Nehalem River in Columbia County. The town's logging roots are still visible today, which you can admire while day tripping through this quaint little town.
13. Wheeler
Wheeler, OR, USA
flickr/ Doug Kerr
Wheeler is an enchanting village located where the coast meets the gorgeous Nehalem River in Tillamook County. While you're in the area, be sure to stop by the iconic Tillamook Creamery for a next-level shake or sundae!
14. Paisley
Paisley, OR 97636, USA
flickr/ Michael (a.k.a. moik) McCullough
This lovely little town is located in Lake County and has a teensy tiny population of 243 residents. It's also one of the friendliest small towns in the state!
15. Riddle
Riddle, OR 97469, USA
flickr/ Kirsten Comandich
Located in Douglas County, Riddle is a lovely place with a nostalgic, small town feel -- and some amazing restaurants and bakeries!
16. Brookings
Brookings, OR 97415, USA
flickr/ Tomas Bozack
Brookings is a wonderful coastal town in Curry County with incredible restaurants, a friendly community, and an incredible coastline dotted with sea stacks.
17. Astoria
Astoria, OR 97103, USA
flickr/ David Grant
Astoria is one of the larger towns on this list, but we decided it deserved to be included because it's just so darn delightful. Here you'll find beautiful scenery, gorgeous architecture, fascinating history, and more. Also, it's the oldest town in Oregon, which automatically earns it major coolness credibility!
18. Joseph
Joseph, OR 97846, USA
flickr/ Bruce Fingerhood
Nestled in the stunning Wallowa Mountains is the incredible, vibrant town of Joseph. This is a great place to stay whether you want to explore the great outdoors or soak in the comforts of small town living—or both.
19. Gold Beach
Gold Beach, OR 97444, USA
flickr/ Ken Lund
Gold Beach is a delightful little coastal locale located in Curry County. With a population of just over 2,000, this unique seaside village is full of small town charm and extraordinary natural beauty.
20. Sisters
Sisters, OR 97759, USA
flickr/ Jonathan
Named after the three volcanos that loom gorgeously nearby, Sisters is a wonderful small town surrounded by natural beauty. Sisters also has a vibrant downtown full with great cafes, shops, restaurants and more.
21. Oakland
Oakland, OR 97462, USA
flickr/ Megan
Located in the lovely Douglas County, Oakland is an enchanting little place with a distinct small-town charm.

What’s on your list of the coolest small towns in Oregon? Did we miss any of your favorite little locales? Share them in the comments below, or nominate your favorite town for a chance to be featured in an upcoming article!

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Coolest Small Towns in Oregon

Sarah | August 30, 2021

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