There’s something irresistible about small-town living. The quality of life seems richer in places where the pace of life is just a little bit slower. You probably won’t be surprised to learn that rural Oregon is full of amazing small towns nestled into beautiful landscapes. From tranquil coastal villages to remote back-country towns, these 12 rural towns in Oregon are absolutely enchanting. Ready to start exploring?
Our list of must-visit towns in rural Oregon starts in Jacksonville. Located in Jackson County, this awesome town is absolutely enchanting. Full of historic buildings, the entire downtown is a designated National Historic Landmark. There's a lot to love about the small town of Jacksonville, easily one of the coolest places to live in Oregon.
With a population of nearly 10,000, this mid-sized town in Lane County is absolutely delightful. Home to 6 historic covered bridges, Cottage Grove is known for being the "Covered Bridge Capital of Oregon". Needless to say, it's a visit-worthy small town in Oregon.
Located in Linn County, this historic small town in Oregon is home to nearly 1,700 residents. You can check out a fascinating museum, explore the shops and cafes, and more in this charming little town.
Prineville is a wonderful little town located right next to Ochoco Wayside State Park in Crook County. Full of unique businesses and natural beauty, the town of Prineville is a fantastic hidden gem. If you enjoy outdoor adventures in Oregon, you owe it to yourself to visit this enchanting small town.
Located in Lane County, this amazing village by the sea is home to amazing restaurants, beautiful scenery, and small-town, coastal charm. Truly, this tiny town in Oregon has a little bit of everything: delicious dining, outdoor attractions, friendly locals, and more.
The lovely town of Silverton is located in the Willamette Valley between Salem and the amazing Silver Falls State Park. There's a wonderful downtown area to explore, as well as the incredible Oregon Garden. Silverton might just be one of the best places to live in Oregon.
Located in Douglas County, Oakland (pop. 927) is a wonderful rural town surrounded by stunning natural beauty. Full of incredible historic buildings, Oakland's small but vibrant main street is incredibly charming. Have you ever experienced the charms of Oakland, Oregon?
Located on the rugged Oregon Coast near Cape Perpetua, this wonderful seaside village is a perfect place to get away from it all. If you love coastal Oregon, this small town is a must-visit!
Joseph is a fantastic little town that is truly remote. Rimmed by the stunning Wallowa Mountains, this artsy town is full of amazing bronze sculptures, cafes, galleries, shops, and more. Plus, it's right next to the gorgeous Wallowa Lake, and is in close vicinity to the Eagle Cap Wilderness, Zumwalt Prairie, Hells Canyon, and more. Joseph might just be Oregon's best-kept secret!
Located just off HWY 97 in remote Wasco County, Shaniko is one of Oregon's most incredible ghost towns. Full of historic abandoned buildings, this awesome ghost town is absolutely worth a visit. You'll just love the untouched beauty of Shaniko, Oregon.
Next up on our list is a town that's been listed among the coolest places to live in Oregon. Baker City is the seat of the gorgeous Baker County, and it's a true gem. This wonderful town is sure to charm any visitor -- especially in the winter, when the snow-powdered streets are full of festive lights and decorations.
Nestled into the foothills of the Three Sisters, this artsy little town is full of cozy cafes, galleries, shops, lodges, and more; it's also a perfect launching pad for nature lovers who want to explore the surrounding landscape. There's so much to enjoy about this peaceful small town in rural Oregon.
Well, there you have it — some of the most charming, bucket-list-worthy towns to visit in rural Oregon. How many of these towns have you visited? Which did you enjoy exploring the most? Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments below. We would love to hear from you! Looking for related content? Find out about some more awesome small towns in Oregon that offer nothing but peace and quiet.
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Beth C. |September 17, 2022
Where can I go in Oregon that only the locals know about?
If you're a fan of small-town living, you might also enjoy learning about spots in Oregon that only the locals seem to know about. Fortunately, we've uncovered several of these places for you to explore. First up on the list of Oregon's hidden gems is Thor's Well in Cape Perpetua. One of the most scenic views in all of Oregon, this view of the ocean will absolutely take your breath away. Equally enchanting are Anthony Lakes, which are famous during ski season, but just as majestic during the warmer months, too. Needless to say, Oregon has almost too many hidden gems to count!
