Washington Forest
Ellensburg
Located in the heart of Central Washington, Ellensburg is a great town with a lot to offer all types of visitors, whether they are art lovers or outdoor enthusiasts. One of several communities within Washington listed on the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations, Ellensburg features a vibrant, historic downtown area with charming buildings housing boutiques, galleries, museums, and restaurants. The stunning verdant surroundings will appeal to those seeking outdoor activities like fishing and hiking. Many special events also take place throughout the year, including the popular Jazz in the Valley, which attracts visitors from around the world.
Ellensburg, WA, USA
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Friday Harbor
Another town on the Dozen Distinctive Destinations list, Friday Harbor is a charming, historic seaport located on the east side of San Juan Island in Western Washington. Built on a hill, the area, which is a great destination for exploring by foot, is brimming with picturesque scenes at every turn from gorgeous waterfront views to the century old buildings that line the streets. Many of these historic establishments now house restaurants, shops, and galleries, and the area has a thriving arts scene. Plenty of outdoor adventures are available as well, including scenic strolls, kayaking, and whale watching.
Friday Harbor, WA, USA
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Friday Harbor © NealeA/Flickr
La Conner
A great place for a weekend getaway, La Conner is a beautiful historic waterfront village located between Seattle and Vancouver, British Colombia, on the Swinomish Channel. Guests of this charming town can visit various specialty shops, tucked inside restored historic buildings before strolling outside to take in the beauty of the village’s surroundings. An artist’s paradise, visitors will also find plenty of art in the area’s museums and galleries. With so many things to do and explore, visit during the springtime Skagit Valley Tulip Festival where area fields burst into color, it is easy to see why La Conner is a popular destination.
La Conner, WA, USA
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La Conner Washington © Flickr
Leavenworth
A popular year round tourist destination, Leavenworth is an attractive, small town nestled in the gorgeous Cascade Mountains. Once a logging town, Leavenworth took a hit when the industry went bust, and in order to revitalize the area, a decision was made to reinvent the town as a Bavarian-inspired village. Today, guests will find Bavarian-style storefronts and an ambiance that is brimming with old world charm. No matter which season tourists visit, they will find many things to capture their interest whether sampling delicious, authentic German cuisine, participating in festivals, such as the Maifest, a Bavarian celebration of spring, or engaging in outdoor adventures, including mountain biking, skiing, and hiking.
Leavenworth, WA, USA
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Leavenworth Washington © Amy Meredith
Port Townsend
One of three historic Victorian seaports in the USA, Port Townsend is a vibrant community situated on the Olympic Peninsula. A picturesque town with a flourishing art scene and a host of outdoor adventures, every visitor will find something of interest. Stroll around the historic uptown district to take in the beauty of colorful Victorian mansions or meander through the historic downtown area to marvel at other century-old buildings. In addition to the wonderful restaurants, galleries, and shops found in Port Townsend, the town also hosts many events throughout the year, including the Victorian Festival and award winning theatrical productions at Key City Public Theatre.
Port Townsend, WA, USA
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Port Townsend Washington © Robert Sanzalone
Poulsbo
Often referred to as Little Norway on the Fjord, Poulsbo is a lovely town found on Liberty Bay in Western Washington. Deemed an authentic Norwegian community, the town exudes charm and friendliness. The historic downtown is perfect for roaming and discovering bakeries, art and craft galleries, murals and specialty shops. The surrounding area has lush parks where visitors can enjoy a relaxing picnic and a scenic waterfront that can be explored via kayak, canoe, or paddleboat. Proud of their heritage, Poulsbo hosts several events throughout the year, such as the Viking Fest, celebrating their ancestry.
Poulsbo, WA, USA
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Poulsbo Washington © Jonathan Miske
Prosser
Widely known as the ‘birthplace of the Washington wine industry,’ the scenic Prosser is situated in the foothills of the lower Yakima Valley along the Yakima River in South Central Washington. Visitors can meander along cobble sidewalks illuminated by old fashioned light poles in the historic downtown area where they can eat tasty food, shop for gifts, take a walking tour of the town’s historic homes, or visit the region’s lush vineyards to sample a variety of wines. Those seeking an adventure of a different sort may partake in one of many outdoor activities found in and around Prosser, including canoeing and kayaking.
Prosser, WA, USA
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Prosser © BCosman/Flickr
Republic
A mining and logging town once known as Eureka Gulch, Republic is a delightful, small place with a distinct early 1900s look located in Northeast Washington. In town, guests can seek out murals or visit historic sites, including the Kaufman Cabin, built in 1896 and the oldest structure in Republic. They may also visit the Republic Cemetery, which is believed to offer one of the most breathtaking, panoramic views found in Washington, as it overlooks the valley below, Sanpoil River and the Kettle Range. Stunning National Forest lands, lakes, and rivers surround the town as well offering up even more scenic beauty that one will never forget.
Republic, WA, USA
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Republic © Rocky Raybell
Walla Walla
Located in Southeastern Washington, Walla Walla is a larger town brimming with beauty, including alluring tree lined streets. There is a charming downtown area with historical buildings dating back to the 1850s with shops and cafés where guests can take a leisurely stroll. There’s also more than 100 wineries in and around the area along with many tasting rooms. Featured as one of the Dozen Distinctive Destinations, Walla Walla also offers those visiting their town a variety of walking tours, including the Downtown Historic Trail Guide, the Historic Homes Walk, and the Public Art Walk. Other places of interest include the Fort Walla Walla Museum and the great outdoors, which provides many adventures.
Walla Walla, WA, USA
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Mill Creek Road Barn and Frosted Wheat Stubble Near Walla Walla © Jim Willis/Flickr
Winthrop
Situated in the heart of Methow Valley on the North Cascades Scenic Byway, Winthrop is the town to visit if travelers want to feel as though they have stepped back into the Old West. As with Leavenworth, Winthrop, complete with Western storefronts and wood boardwalks, was designed to attract tourists. Featuring shops, galleries, and restaurants showcasing the area’s bounty, Winthrop is also a great place to experience the scenic outdoors with many summer and winter activities, including over 120 miles of cross-country skiing trails, which are the largest in the nation. Numerous events happen throughout the year as well, including the stunning Balloon Roundup and the lively Rhythm and Blues Festival.
Winthrop, WA, USA
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Winthrop Washington © Bruce Foster