Oregon
These 10 spots are ranked as the ‘Prettiest Towns to Visit in Oregon’
Every day, it seems, some website or media outlet is coming up with lists of the most charming community, most beautiful beach, and noting other categories where Oregon stands out. While we don’t always know just how these sites came up with these assorted honor rolls, it’s still interesting to see what Oregon spots rise to the top.
In another example of this trend, an outfit called WorldAtlas has put together what it’s calling a list of the “10 Prettiest Towns to Visit in Oregon.” While we all may have our favorites, this particular rundown includes both locales that turn up frequently in these lists (Cannon Beach, come on down!), along with some places that don’t often get a national spotlight.
In case you’re wondering (we sure were) just what WorldAtlas is, the website explains that this “original online geography resource” was launched in 1994 “as the passion project of cartographer John Moen and his wife Chris Woolwine-Moen. Today, WorldAtlas is one of the largest publishing resources in geography and other topics it covers, including sociology, demography, environment, economics, politics, and travel. In 2019 alone, WorldAtlas has served over 165 million readers from around the world.”
OK, then. So, what are the 10 Oregon towns that WorldAtlas deems the prettiest? As the introduction says, the prettiest towns on the list have “streets lined with historic architecture,” boast “unique cuisine at local restaurants,” and possess other attributes that “culminate in a unique cultural immersion, away from the congested cities but surrounded by the state’s unparalleled natural beauty.”
Here’s the list:
CANNON BEACH: The north coast community is a familiar presence on best-of lists, so it makes sense that it turns up in this one, too. The WorldAtlas site says, in part, “Haystack Rock presents one of the most photogenic sites from the Cannon Beach shores. This 235-foot tall rock formation is a popular subject for nature photographers in town. Away from the coastline, Cannon Beach treats vacationers to intimate live performances at the 1920s Coaster Theatre Playhouse. The venue was once a roller rink, but now it exudes warmth with its vintage decor and tranquil vibe. For a more social experience, visitors can shop for artisan foods, fresh produce, seafood, and crafts at the Cannon Beach Farmers’ Market. Along with organic items, the market offers a chance to mingle with townsfolk and get a taste of the culture.”
The Jennings Hotel is a boutique hotel in the remote town of Joseph, Oregon. With modern design and artist residencies, it attracts a younger, hipper clientele to the northeast Oregon vacation destination.Jamie Hale/The Oregonian
JOSEPH: The Wallowa County community is undeniably scenic, so points to WorldAtlas for including it. As the website says, “Joseph’s sublime natural beauty earned it the nickname ‘Little Switzerland of America.’” In addition to its picturesque setting, WorldAtlas praises Joseph’s cultural scene. “Several art centers, including the Josephy Center for Arts and Culture, allow visitors to interact with the local art community through a fine selection of their works.”
YACHATS: Another gem on the Oregon coast. Here’s some of what WorldAtlas has to say: “The Pacific Coast is lined with exquisite destinations waiting to be discovered, and Yachats is right up with the best. This tiny village of about 1,000 wakes up to the picturesque open spaces with striking water and mountain vistas. Thor’s Well is a must-visit in Yachats. This bottomless sinkhole seems to drain the Pacific Ocean waters in a continuous cycle, intriguing tourists and locals alike.”
“Bottomless sinkhole?” That may not be the most alluring description, but WorldAtlas also cites shopping at the Yachats Farmers Market and Earthworks Gallery, which “exhibits an assorted collection of jewelry, sculptures, furniture, and glassworks, offering a glimpse of the best local artistic creations.”
MOSIER: This one’s a bit of a surprise, considering the Wasco County community along the Columbia River doesn’t often turn up in these national lists. According to the WorldAtlas description, Mosier “presents some of the best vistas in the region. With less than 500 people calling Mosier home, vacationers have free reign to explore the vast open spaces and indulge in fun outdoor adventures. One of the best ways to do this is to hike, bike, or drive along the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail, which provides unprecedented views of the Columbia. Those seeking to spend quality alone time will love the seclusion and serenity of Memaloose State Park, with an opportunity to pitch a tent at the 66-site campground.”
JACKSONVILLE: The southern Oregon town is no stranger to best-of lists, and WorldAtlas joins in the chorus of compliments, inviting readers to explore “this beautiful town in Jackson County,” and to “discover a rich arts and culture scene and indulge in tasty craft wines while exploring. Steeped in Gold Rush heritage, Jacksonville has a charming downtown region with stunning old-world structures. The Jacksonville Inn is an excellent example of red brick construction styles in the town. Artistically inclined tourists might want to stop by the Art Presence Art Center to browse the beautiful works of local artists.”
GOLD BEACH: The southern Oregon coast is magnificent, though it’s mildly surprising to see Gold Beach singled out as one of the state’s prettiest towns. WorldAtlas makes the case by noting that Gold Beach is located where the Pacific Ocean and the Rogue River interact. “Gold Beach offers endless outdoor opportunities on land and water, including walking and hiking along the endless shoreline trails of Otter Point State Recreation Site. Additionally, local outfitters like Jerry’s Rogue Jets excite first-timers with adrenaline-inducing boast tours on the Rogue River for a unique perspective of the town from the water.”
The restaurant scene also gets mentioned, with Gold Beach BBQ and Arch Rock Brewing Company cited as good stops for visitors.
PROSPECT: Here’s another community that doesn’t often turn up on these lists. But WorldAtlas says, “Prepare for picturesque hikes, stunning views, and adrenaline-filled adventures in one of the prettiest towns to visit in Oregon. Prospect is a nature lover’s ultimate vacation destination, lying along the Rogue River and enveloped by the Siskiyou National Forest.” Also coming in for praise: “The scenery when you reach the Rogue River Gorge Viewpoint. Finally, Prospect is less than 30 minutes from Crater Lake National Park, making it the perfect jumping-off base for another natural wonder.”
The downtown Ashland’s Plaza area, the historic gateway to Oregon Shakespeare Festival stages, is circled by small shops that have a big fan base beyond theater goers.Janet Eastman/The Oregonian
ASHLAND: No surprise to see the charming community of Ashland make this list. WorldAtlas says, “Many first-timers in Ashland automatically fall in love with the city, a credit to its immersive arts and culture scene. One of the community’s claims to fame is home to the world-renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival. This premiere performance venue is famous for staging classic Shakespeare plays in its open-air theater, with more indoor theaters showcasing entertaining musicals.”
The WorldAtlas entry also mentions Lithia Park, and Ashland’s local craft winery scene.
SILVERTON: Plenty of people heading to Silver Falls State Park have become familiar with Silverton. WorldAtlas says, “Silverton is a delightful community with a welcoming atmosphere and quintessential small-town charm.” In addition to praising Silver Falls State Park, WorldAtlas also mentions Lunaria Gallery, the Oregon Crafter Market, and the nearby Oregon Garden.
A drive-through keeps the Oregon Trail spirit alive at York’s Covered Wagon Deli in Baker City.Kathy Patten/For The Oregonian
BAKER CITY: Anyone who’s visited Baker City knows it’s well worth spending time exploring. WorldAtlas says, “Baker City is a lovely town along the Historic Oregon Trail with an interesting story to tell. It harbors a pedestrian-friendly historic district where tourists can stroll to discover the town’s rich heritage and well-preserved landmarks. The Baker Heritage Museum has a fascinating collection of interactive exhibits chronicling Baker City’s captivating past. Meanwhile, the Leo Adler House Museum provides a glimpse of life in town in the 19th century. This pleasant 1889 Italianate mansion has curious artifacts and furnishings depicting upper-middle-class living at the time.”
— Kristi Turnquist covers features and entertainment. Reach her at 503-221-8227, kturnquist@oregonian.com or @Kristiturnquist
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SEATTLE — With national firefighting resources already stretched to their limits, statewide fire restrictions remain in effect for all Bureau of Land Management public lands throughout Washington and Oregon, with some local regions also implementing additional emergency closures.
As the Independence Day holiday weekend approaches, officials warned that people responsible for starting wildfires could face up to $100,000 in fines, 12 months in prison, and liability for all firefighting suppression costs.
SEE ALSO | Washington braces for earlier wildfire season due to low snowpack: ‘Worse than normal’
“There are serious consequences for starting a wildfire, including fines and possibly imprisonment, which we hope everyone can avoid through careful choices,” said Josh O’Connor, Northwest Geographic Area Fire Chief for the U.S. Wildland Fire Service. “We have already experienced excruciating loss this season. I cannot stress the gravity of the situation enough. Please help protect our firefighters and communities.”
Officials urged visitors to research their destinations in advance, noting that local restrictions can determine when power tools may be used, what kinds of stoves or campfires are allowed, and what safety equipment is required.
The BLM said the following items remain strictly prohibited on all BLM lands in Oregon and Washington: fireworks and sky lanterns; exploding or metallic targets; tracer or incendiary devices; and steel component ammunition, including core or jacket.
“Lighting a firework or leaving a smoldering campfire creates significant wildland fire risk. Under the right conditions, they easily start wildfires,” said Kim Prill, BLM Oregon/Washington acting state director. “Don’t risk it. Let’s work together to prevent every wildfire possible.”
More information on seasonal fire restrictions and fire closures is available HERE.
SALEM, Ore. (KATU) — The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld state laws in Idaho and West Virginia that bar transgender girls and women from competing on girls’ and women’s school sports teams.
The decision could influence future policy debates in Oregon, but does not immediately change the state’s rules.
Oregon continues to allow students to participate in school sports, physical education, and other school activities in accordance with their gender identity.
The Oregon School Activities Association, which oversees high school sports statewide, said it is reviewing the ruling with legal counsel.
“The Oregon School Activities Association is reviewing today’s Supreme Court ruling with our legal counsel. The association will work with the Oregon Department of Education on the ruling’s impacts on state law and OSAA policy in order to provide updated guidance to member schools as needed. The OSAA remains committed to ensuring interscholastic activities remain a safe and welcoming environment for all student-athletes,” a spokesperson said in a statement.
While Tuesday’s ruling leaves Oregon’s current policy in place, political scientists say it could reshape the legal landscape surrounding future proposals.
“This particular decision, coupled with a federal push, may end up altering the landscape of opportunities in states that affirm trans athletic participation,” said Allison Gash, chair of the Department of Political Science at the University of Oregon.
SEE ALSO | Supreme Court ruling preserves Oregon law protecting late-arriving mail ballots
Gash said the Supreme Court’s decision itself does not require Oregon to change its policies.
Instead, she said the more immediate question is how the Trump administration chooses to respond.
“Where we could see some required movement on the part of Oregon or where it may impact Oregon directly is how the federal government determines what it wants to do in light of today’s ruling,” said Gash.
According to Gash, the administration has argued that schools should separate sports teams based on biological sex under its interpretation of Title IX.
“One of the several efforts that the federal government is taking to ensure that all states bar trans female athletes in particular from participating in women’s sports is to tie the provision of federal funding to essentially a ban,” she said.
She added that the Supreme Court’s ruling could make the administration “more muscular in those efforts because now the court has essentially upheld that interpretation.”
Oregon leaders respond
House Republicans unsuccessfully pushed legislation during the 2025 legislative session that would have required school sports teams to be separated based on biological sex, but the bill failed in the Democratic-controlled House.
The bill was sponsored by then state representative Christine Drazan, the 2026 Republican candidate for Governor.
In a news release Tuesday, Drazan welcomed the ruling, calling it “a victory for fairness, for common sense, and for progress.”
“Girls and young women across Oregon are still competing on an unfair and unsafe playing field. I have always supported women’s right to compete, and as Governor, I will do everything in my power to make sure that women’s sports are protected and girls across our state get their shot to compete and win,” said Drazan.
KATU asked Governor Tina Kotek whether she supports legislative or executive action to maintain Oregon’s current policy following the ruling.
The governor’s office had not responded by publication.
Meanwhile, Oregon Senate Democrats said in a news release that the decision does not change students’ rights in Oregon, and they vowed to continue to protect the policy in effect today.
“Nobody wins when states deny children the right to play sports. Sports have the power to unify, but today’s SCOTUS decision will lead to dangerous gender harassment of athletic girls. States banning access to sports are feeding the same regime that is trying to divide and control,” said State Senator Courtney Neron-Misslin.
She continued, “Oregonians must keep our eye on the ball. We must stay focused on addressing actual problems, protecting rights, addressing affordability, and investing in education. Today’s decision erodes LGBTQ+ rights and the rights of women across our country. Here in Oregon, we will continue to stand up to injustices and defend our most vulnerable from Trump-style attacks.”
SCOTUS upholds state bans on transgender athletes in female sports
The Supreme Court ruled that states can bar transgender women and girls from competing on female sports teams.
States can ban transgender women and girls from competing on female sports teams, the U.S. Supreme Court decided in a June 30 ruling celebrated by Oregon’s Republican candidate for governor and criticized by Democrats.
The decision is another setback for the LGBTQ+ community from the high court, which has issued a series of recent rulings against transgender Americans.
The court said West Virginia’s and Idaho’s bans on female transgender athletes do not violate either the Constitution or a federal law barring sex discrimination in education.
Writing for the majority, Justice Brett Kavanaugh said schools “may determine eligibility for women’s and girls’ sports based on biological sex.”
“Separate sports teams for biological males and biological females are reasonable,” he wrote.
In a partial dissent that was joined by her two liberal colleagues, Justice Sonia Sotomayor said she would have given the student challenging West Virginia’s law a chance to show that the ban should not apply to her.
“In opting otherwise, the majority extends great sympathy to those it favors: the young cisgender girls and women who play sports,” she wrote. “Because the majority, however, inflicts a hardship on those it disfavors without giving them the fair and full opportunity the Constitution requires to litigate their contentions, I respectfully dissent.”
Twenty-seven states have passed similar bans, saying they are trying to ensure fairness and address safety concerns for non-transgender women. Similar proposals have not been successful in Oregon.
The transgender students who challenged the laws said hormone therapy and other medical treatments they’ve taken have blocked any physiological advantages from being born male. The laws, they said, should not apply to them for that reason.
The students were also banking on a landmark 2020 Supreme Court decision protecting transgender employees from workplace discrimination.
But since that unexpected 6-3 decision by a conservative court, the justices have often ruled against transgender Americans. That includes their 2025 decision that states can ban gender-affirming care for transgender minors.
Sen. Christine Drazan, Oregon Republican gubernatorial candidate, celebrates ruling
Oregon Republicans have proposed legislation to ban transgender students’ participation in sports.
Sen. Christine Drazan, R-Canby, who will face off against Gov. Tina Kotek in November, raised the issue during an April Republican gubernatorial debate.
“We’ve got to get politics off of our sports fields. No more boys in girls’ sports, no more men in girls’ locker rooms,” Drazan said.
Rep. Ed Diehl, R-Scio, and Chris Dudley, who unsuccessfully ran for the Republican Party’s gubernatorial nomination, promoted similar stances while campaigning.
Drazan issued a statement June 30 in support of the Supreme Court’s ruling.
“This ruling is a victory for fairness, common sense and for the progress achieved by generations of women who fought for and earned the right to compete,” Drazan said. “Girls and young women across Oregon are still competing on an unfair and unsafe playing field.”
Drazan said she’s always supported women’s right to compete and as governor would do everything she could to ensure girls can have a chance to compete.
Diehl also thanked the court for the ruling on social media, saying in part, “this ruling upholds Equal Protection and clarifies Title IX does not force male athletes onto girls’ teams.”
OSAA reviewing ruling, Oregon Democrats speak against court decision
The Oregon School Activities Association, which oversees high school sports and other extracurriculars in Oregon, said it was reviewing the ruling with its legal team.
OSAA’s policies allow students to participate on the team that aligns with their gender identity.
“The association will work with the Oregon Department of Education on the ruling’s impacts on state law and OSAA policy in order to provide updated guidance to member schools as needed,” a spokesperson said in a statement to the Statesman Journal. “The OSAA remains committed to ensuring interscholastic activities remain a safe and welcoming environment for all student-athletes.”
Kotek’s office did not provide comment by deadline.
Two Democratic state representatives issued statements against the justices’ decision.
“Today’s ruling is a devastating departure from decades of civil rights progress. By inviting discrimination, the court has empowered a coordinated effort to push transgender people out of public life altogether. We cannot go backwards on the road to inclusivity,” Rep. Jules Walters, D-West Linn, said.
Rep. April Dobson, D-Happy Valley, similarly criticized the ruling and said she would fight to defend Oregon’s laws.
Kyndall Mason, executive director of Basic Rights Oregon, a nonprofit group that advocates for LGBTQ rights, said in part the group wants to “assure Oregonians that trans kids are still allowed to play in our state.”
Anastasia Mason covers state government for the Statesman Journal. Reach her at acmason@statesmanjournal.com or 971-208-5615.
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