7 charming Washington small towns worth a fall road trip

Aug 26 2023, 6:00 pm

Fall is the best time to check out some of Washington’s most adorable small towns.

In the fall, it’s less busy than in the summer. Plus, you can catch the leaves changing, and you’ll have way more room to roam on the roads and trails of Washington State.

Whether you’re looking to explore a Victorian seaside town or go apple picking and have a Hallmark movie moment of your own, you’ll find a cute town on this list you’ll want to see as soon as summer’s over.

Best Washington small towns in the fall

1. Leavenworth

Famous for its Oktoberfest celebrations, this quaint Bavarian village by Washington’s Cascade Mountains makes a great place to spend a night (or two) on a road trip.

2. Sequim

Seaside Sequim is renowned for its lavender, and in the fall, this place has all the small-town charm you can handle. Plus, you can check out nearby Port Angeles — where there’s a direct ferry to Victoria, BC, for more road trip ideas.

3. Oroville

 

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Find this hidden gem of a small town on the US shores of Lake Okanagan. It’s just a 15-minute drive away from Osoyoos.

4. Forks

 

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You don’t have to be a Twilight fan to enjoy a trip to Forks. This remote and quaint town is close to the old-growth forests in Olympic National Park. Nearby, the beaches at La Push are breathtaking.

5. Friday Harbour

 

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On the San Juan Islands, taking the ferry to Friday Harbour is a romantic fall getaway. Walk the historic seaport and watch from beneath the changing leaves as the sun sets over the sea.

6. La Conner

 

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Whether you go apple picking or searching for the perfect pumpkin, autumn in cozy La Conner is its own kind of magic. Plus, it’s just a two-hour drive away, so it’s possible to do it as a quick day trip.

7. Port Townsend

You’ll find abundant Victorian architecture in Port Townsend, making it feel like you’ve stepped back in time in this quaint small town. Grab a pint at Sirens Pub and spend the day shopping at bookstores, bakeries, and more.

Sarah AndersonSarah Anderson

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