The Tiny Washington Town Most Washingtonians Overlook (But Shouldn’t)

We love our cities and charming tourist towns here in Washington. But while we're singing the praises (and rightfully so) of places like La Conner and Poulsbo, we sometimes overlook those tiny towns that are big on nothing but charm. Stevenson is one of those places.

Stevenson is located in Skamania County.

It sits right on the beautiful Columbia River, so even if it had nothing else to offer, it has its riverside charms.

But Stevenson DOES have more to offer.

It's a delightful little town of shops, ice cream, breweries, eateries, and nearby nature.

The town is named for its early settler, George H. Stevenson, who moved to Washington from Missouri with his family in the 1800s.

The city was officially incorporated in 1907 and gained in popularity in 1908 when the railroad arrived. It's always maintained its small status, though, and presently only 1,500 people call it home.

The truth is, you won't find a huge amount of traditional tourist attractions here -- and you won't need them.

The Columbia River Gorge is breathtaking, and Stevenson is surrounded by nature trails and state parks.

While you're there, grab a latte at Bigfoot Coffee Roasters and browse their shelves.

Their retail shop includes a ton of local goodies, like jams and sauces.

There are several great breweries in the area, like Walking Man Brewing right on the river.

It doesn't get much better than a brew with a view.

You'll be impressed by the variety of restaurants here, given the city's small size.

There's pizza, tasty Mexican food, and the local favorite, Big River Grill.

Spend a couple of days in Stevenson and you'll see why it's such an underrated treasure.

There are several charming small towns that border the Columbia River, and this one is especially amazing.

Have you ever been to Stevenson? Here are some other tiny towns in Washington worth exploring.