Posted in Portland
December 28, 2016
15 Slow-Paced Small Towns Near Portland Where Life Is Still Simple
If you venture just a bit out of Portland, life slows down considerably. In these 15 small towns life is still simple and almost from another era. Check out these small towns for a change from daily life and explore their rich history and environs.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
In the heart of wine country, this small city has all the charm locked in its cute historic downtown.
Also a winemaking and farming community, Newberg is a quaint small town with rolling hills and great views.
As Portland sprawls all around Oregon City is slowly gaining population due to its close proximity to the city. However, this small town still maintains a small town feel and has a nice downtown worth strolling.
To the south in Marion county lies the tiny town of Aurora. With less than 1,000 residents, this city has plenty of small town charm.
In the heart of wine country, Carlton is a wonderful place to experience the true beauty of the Willamette Valley.
Now considered a suburb of Portland, Forest Grove is historically a farming community and has a historic downtown that is worth a visit. Pacific University, a private university, is the city's primary landmark.
Rolling hills form the landscape of this winemaking community in the Willamette Valley. The Sokol Blosser tasting room, pictured, is just one of the many wineries that call Dundee home.
Just down the street in wine country is the historic town of Yamhill. Childhood home to author Beverly Cleary, Yamhill today is home to just over 1,000 residents.
A little bigger than some of the other small cities, Troutdale boasts 15,000 residents, but still maintains a small town feel. Located just 12 miles from Portland, the city is the gateway for the Historic Columbia River Highway.
Boasting a great view of Mt. St. Helens, the city's name was changed in 1850 to reflect this. Incorporated in 1889, this small community was originally established as a river port on the Columbia.
Located in Yamhill county on 99W, this small city has just over 1,600 residents and was established by 1849.
Located about 30 miles southeast of Portland, this small community has been around since 1904, when it was founded for workers building a hydroelectric dam that was built to supply power to Portland. It became a big logging town and today has just over 2,600 residents.
Known primarily as a throughway to Mt. Hood, this city has under 10,000 residents and a lot of small town charm.
Located in the western part of the Willamette Valley, Sheridan was established in 1880. A fire devastated the downtown area in 1913, and a flood did the same in 1964, but today the city has just over 6,000 residents.
This tiny town is part of Marion County and has under 1,000 residents that call it home.
What quiet towns do you go to escape the city? Feel free to share below.
