The 7 Best Outdoorsy Towns to Explore in Washington

Washington is the ultimate outdoor playground. Throughout the Evergreen State, you’ll find incredible hiking trails to tackle, waterfalls to chase, and activities that make your heart race. As I’ve explored, I’ve discovered many outdoorsy towns in Washington where it’s easy to connect with nature. No matter if you want to find someplace new near your own backyard, are planning a weekend road trip, or simply want to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine, there’s nothing quite like the following small towns in Washington for nature lovers. Each one is the ultimate gateway to outdoor recreation.

1. Winthrop

Winthrop is a mountain town that’s perfect for year-round outdoor adventures. Located in the Methow Valley and near North Cascades National Park, there is no shortage of things to do here. In the winter, the Methow Valley becomes one of the best places for cross-country skiing in Washington, as there are more than 120 miles of trails to explore. In the summer, you can head into North Cascades National Park or enjoy a day of excitement river rafting along the Methow River (or fishing if you want a more leisurely-paced activity). You can't overlook the dozens of mountain biking and hiking trails for afternoon adventures, either.

2. Chelan

Chelan is a small town with only 4,500 year-round residents, but it’s a place with scenic beauty, luxury, and countless outdoor adventures. This outdoorsy town in Washington sits next to the Cascade Mountains and Lake Chelan, a 50-mile glacier-fed lake that offers some of the best boating and swimming in the Evergreen State. Chelan averages more than 300 days of sunshine, making it even easier to spend time outdoors. And even in the winter, you can spend the day at Echo Valley Ski Area, skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, and even snow tubing.

3. Roslyn

Roslyn is a mountain town in Washington best known as the location where the TV show "Northern Exposure" was filmed. It’s also home to Washington’s oldest continuously operating bar and has a rich coal-mining history. However, we love Roslyn for its countless recreation activities. It is the perfect base camp for hiking in places like the Roslyn Urban Forest and the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. It also sits near Lake Cle Elum, a beautiful reservoir for kayaking, boating, and swimming. When snow falls, there are many backcountry snowmobiling trails to consider, and Suncadia Resort, home to exceptional cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails.

4. North Bend

Not only is North Bend just 30 miles east of Seattle and right off Interstate 90, but it also sits in the Cascade foothills, with access to hundreds of incredible hiking trails. If you are up for a challenge, consider the Mount Si Trail, one of the most climbed mountains in the U.S.—but keep in mind that this hike is not for beginners. Just south of this outdoorsy Washington town is Rattlesnake Lake, a spring-fed lake perfect for a day spent paddling. Of course, you can’t forget about Torguson Park, a massive 35,000-square-foot bike park if you want to spend time on two wheels rather than two feet.

5. Stevenson

Stevenson, Washington, is a small town with a population of approximately 1,700 residents that you’ll fall in love with the minute you arrive. This small town is tucked away in the Columbia River Gorge, where you can spend a day fishing or hiking. It’s also near dozens of waterfalls—some you can drive right next to, while others require a hike in the mountains. Stevenson is also a prime destination for adrenaline seekers, as it’s a world-class kiteboarding spot, with several local businesses offering equipment rentals and lessons.

6. Stehekin

Stehekin is not like any other outdoor town on our list. This is one of the most remote small towns in Washington, and you can only access it by boat, a hike, or on a floatplane—there are no roads connecting this community to nearby towns. You’ll find Stehekin at the northern end of Lake Chelan and in the North Cascades. This is truly a place where you’ll feel like you are roughing it in the great outdoors. During your visit here, admire the gorgeous Rainbow Falls, a large 312-foot waterfall. Tackle an easy and scenic hike like the Stehekin River Trail, or spend time paddling and fishing on Lake Chelan. Of course, if your outdoor adventures include spending a night under the stars, Stehekin is postcard-worthy as there are all types of campsites to consider, from those near the lake to others nestled along backpacking routes.  

7. Coupeville

Coupeville is a bit unique. This small, quiet town is nestled on Whidbey Island and is the only town within Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve. It has quite a fascinating history, but we are particularly drawn to the incredible outdoor recreation here. Rent kayaks and paddle out in the water to look for wildlife, including whales. We also suggest visiting Fort Casey State Park to hike one of the many trails with bluff and ocean views, like the easy Fort Casey Trail that even includes trekking past a historic lighthouse.

We could easily add dozens of other towns to this list, but the above communities are just a few outdoor destinations in Washington that stand out. For even more inspiration, check out some of the best hiking trails, as well as the best waterfalls to chase in Washington State. However, if you don’t want to put forth too much effort yet still enjoy stunning views, check out these breathtaking views without a tough climb.