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.”
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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.”
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“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.
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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.”
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— Kristi Turnquistcovers features and entertainment. Reach her at 503-221-8227, kturnquist@oregonian.com or @Kristiturnquist
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PORTLAND, Ore. — A man accused of killing several women and dumping their bodies in the Portland area was arraigned Wednesday on a fifth murder charge.
Jesse Calhoun’s defense attorney entered a not guilty plea on his behalf in a Portland courtroom where victims’ family members were present. The hearing, during which Calhoun remained silent, came after he was indicted last week on the most recent second-degree murder charge over the death of Ashley Real, 22, in 2023.
Calhoun has now been charged with five counts of second-degree murder for five victims, along with four counts of abuse of a corpse. The victims’ bodies were found over multiple months in early 2023, sparking concern at the time that a serial killer might be targeting young women in the region.
Calhoun was previously indicted in the deaths of Kristin Smith, 22; Charity Perry, 24; Bridget Webster, 31; and Joanna Speaks, 32.
He remains in custody at the Multnomah County Detention Center. His defense attorneys declined to comment.
Real, Perry, Webster and Smith were found in northwestern Oregon, while Speaks was found near an abandoned barn in southwestern Washington. Their bodies were found in a roughly 100-mile radius, including in wooded areas and in a culvert.
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Jose Real, Ashley Real’s father, was in tears as he spoke with reporters after the hearing. He recalled memories of watching her grow up and playing with her brother.
“I never thought or imagined that my family would experience something like this,” he said through a Spanish interpreter. “She had a heart of gold.”
Masciell Real, Ashley’s sister, also spoke through tears.
“I think being in that courtroom today and being able to see him, and know that he is behind bars now, it takes the weight off my shoulders knowing that he isn’t around and free to cause any harm to any other women out there,” she said. “But it also doesn’t take away the fact that my sister isn’t here anymore.”
Relatives of other victims were also present.
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“We’ve all experienced the worst thing that could ever happen to you, and it’s incredibly hard to see one of the other families hurt the way we do,” said Melissa Smith, mother of Kristin Smith.
Jose Real previously told The Associated Press that he had called police in November 2022 after his daughter showed up crying at his Portland home, saying she had been choked by Calhoun. She had marks on her throat, he said, and he took her to a hospital.
Real said at the time that an initial police report was taken but that the case was then transferred to a different jurisdiction and it was difficult to reach those overseeing it. Details of the attack were first reported by The Oregonian/OregonLive.
His daughter’s body was found in May 2023 by a man who was fishing in a pond southeast of Portland.
Calhoun was arrested in June 2023 on unrelated parole warrants and then indicted in 2024 and 2025 in the other four women’s deaths. The initial indictment came weeks before Calhoun was due to be released from state prison, where he was returned in 2023 to finish serving a four-year term for assaulting a police officer, trying to strangle a police dog, burglary and other charges.
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He was initially released in 2021, a year early, because he helped fight wildfires in 2020 under a prison firefighting program. Gov. Tina Kotek revoked the commutation in 2023 when police began investigating him in the deaths.
The University of Oregon’s Board of Trustees voted Tuesday to approve a $1.55 billion operating budget for the next fiscal year.
But they asked university leadership to return with an amended proposal by Dec. 15, when more details about future budget cuts will be known.
FILE — The Board of Trustees recently approved next year’s budget for the University of Oregon. The vote comes several weeks after the school’s president announced that he wants the university to reduce its annual budget as revenues and out-of-state enrollment decline.
Brian Bull / KLCC
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The vote comes several weeks after University of Oregon President Karl Scholz announced that he wants the school to reduce its annual budget by around $65 million.
At a trustees meeting Monday, Scholz said the estimated budget shortfall for next year is just around $23 million. But he said out-of-state enrollment is below historical norms for the second year in a row, and it’s unlikely to bounce back.
“One year can be an aberration. Two years is a pattern,” said Scholz. “And I believe we have to treat it as a new reality.”
Scholz said in May that discussions about the budget would happen over a six-month period. He said no final decisions about cuts would be made over this summer.
On Monday, UO Senate President Dyana Mason told trustees that the Senate had approved a new process to allow for community feedback in the cost-cutting process.
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Mason said the provost will work with the deans on budget proposals, finding “clear rationale” for why programs are considered for elimination.
The provost would then bring those proposals to the Senate Committee for Academic Modifications—which includes staff, faculty and students—for feedback.
Once the plans are nearly finalized, the Senate could then hold a period for public comment.
Mason told trustees that a six-month timeline is better than the three months that frustrated some staff last year, but she recommended taking however much time is necessary.
“The worst situation would be rushing forward to make decisions without appropriate evidence, data, feedback from the people that are most in the know about the impact on our students,” said Mason.
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UO’s Board of Trustees Chair Steve Holwerda said that every week that university delays the decisions could cost them millions of dollars.
Nathan Wilk is a reporter with the KLCC newsroom.This story comes to you from the Northwest News Network, a collaboration between public media organizations in Oregon and Washington.
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Oregon’s juvenile justice system has been reshaped in recent years by a sweeping reform law that changed how the state handles minors accused of serious crimes.
Senate Bill 1008, which took effect in 2020, ended automatic transfers of juveniles into adult court and eliminated life without parole sentences for juveniles. The law also created “second-look” hearings and established parole eligibility after 15 years for certain offenders who committed crimes before turning 18.
To help explain the law and its impact, KVAL’s Frannie Pedersen put together a timeline video tracing the history of Senate Bill 1008, from the passage of Measure 11 in 1994 to the reforms that later reshaped Oregon’s juvenile justice system.
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The video breaks down how the law changed, why lawmakers pushed for reform, and how SB 1008 continues to influence Oregon’s justice system today. Viewers can watch the full video for a detailed timeline and explanation of the changes.
