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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The great gray whale migration is back on the Oregon coast.
The massive migration of eastern North Pacific gray whales — the longest mammalian migration in the world — sees thousands of whales traveling roughly 12,000 miles from their Arctic feeding grounds to breeding grounds in Baja, Mexico. That migration will once again pass Oregon this month.
Oregon whale watchers will celebrate the peak of the migration from Dec. 27 to 31, when the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department hosts Winter Whale Watch Week at parks up and down the coastline.
Park rangers and volunteers will be stationed at 14 park sites, there to help visitors spot the big cetaceans as they swim past the shore. Park officials said they expect 13,000 whales to pass by Oregon on their way south this season.
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The parks department also celebrates Spring Whale Watch Week when the gray whales make their migration north in March.
While there are many good places to go whale watching on the Oregon coast, the town of Depoe Bay, called the Whale Watching Capital of Oregon, is easily one of the best. The central coast town is home to the Whale Watching Center, which will be open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. every day of Winter Whale Watch Week.
Depoe Bay is a popular stop for some of the Pacific gray whales, which sometimes break off their migration to spend the summer months feeding in the kelp beds just offshore. Several whale watching tours are available in town to see the animals up close.
Those staying on shore can more easily spot the animals with binoculars. Scan the ocean slowly and look for the whale’s spout, which will appear as a vertical spray of mist. You can also look for a tail, called a fluke, which sometimes emerges from the water as the whale dives. If you’re lucky, you might see the whale breach, or jump out of the water, though gray whales do so less frequently than some other species, like humpbacks.
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Oregon hit back in the battle over transgender health care Tuesday, leading a coalition of states suing to block a proposed Trump administration policy that would cut off federal funding to institutions that provide gender affirming care to minors.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced that rule change Dec. 18, with a declaration that condemned “sex-rejecting procedures” for minors as “neither safe nor effective”—putting the force the the U.S. federal government on the side of a mounting global movement that sees medical interventions, ranging from puberty blockers to hormone therapy to surgery, as plainly inappropriate treatments for youth diagnosed with gender dysphoria.
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In the new suit, filed in U.S. District Court in Eugene, Oregon and 18 other plaintiffs states say the declaration is not only wrong—”research and clinical data support gender-affirming care as a safe and effective treatment for gender dysphoria in adolescents”—but in violation of multiple federal laws.
The declaration violates laws banning the federal government from intervening in certain ways in the practice of medicine, the plaintiffs say. They also argue it violates laws governing how new federal rules are established. And though the declaration says it is issued “pursuant to the authority vested in” HHS secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the plaintiffs say he does not in fact have the authority to declare the standard of medical care in the United States.
The suit also notes the way federal guidance conflict with the laws of certain plaintiff states. For example, Oregon law guarantees that the Oregon Health Plan cover gender-affirming care. If systems like Oregon Health & Science University and Legacy Health cease to provide this care, the plaintiffs say, patients under the Oregon health plan will lose access to gender-affirming care for which they are statutorily guaranteed coverage.
The legal battle comes as different countries, and U.S. states, issue divergent policies governing medical treatment for transgender youth.
Compounding the confusion is the fact that gender affirming care is a rather capacious term. It can refer to social affirmation of someone’s chosen gender identity, or legal affirmation, where government documents reflect that identity (the Trump administration has moved to restrict this too).
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The term can also refer to medical treatments, such as puberty blockers, which are generally reversible, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. It says other treatments like hormone therapy are partially reversible, while surgery is not reversible. The AAP endorses carefully-administered gender-affirming care in minors with gender dysphoria as a way to promote their physical and social well being.
The stakes in this debate are high for Oregon because OHSU has in recent years become a major provider of such care. The university’s press office hasn’t offered details on the scope of its patient base but, in a 2023 report, OHSU described its Transgender Health Program as one of the “largest and most comprehensive” in the United States.
The new Holgate Library opens in Southeast Portland on Saturday, July 13, 2024. The expanded space is now one of largest libraries in Multnomah County.Sean Meagher/The Oregonian
The Multnomah County Library on Tuesday released the names of its most popular books in 2025, and the lists include several gems, including classics by literary giants Jane Austen and (for the under 5 set) Mo Willems.
Multnomah County’s 19 branches together hosted visitors more than 2 million times and checked out or renewed books and other items almost 9 million times so far this year.
Are your favorite books on the lists? Here are the most popular titles as of Dec. 1:
Physical books:
Top adult titles:
James: A Novel by Percival Everett (1,089 checkouts)
Tilt: A Novel by Emma Pattee (1,059 checkouts)
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore (1,004 checkouts)
All Fours by Miranda July (973 checkouts)
Intermezzo: A Novel by Sally Rooney (758 checkouts)
Top teen titles:
Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins (507 checkouts)
The Blue Line Letters by Steven Christiansen (338 checkouts)
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas (217 checkouts)
Heartstopper. Volume 5. by Alice Oseman (192 checkouts)
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas (168 checkouts)
Top kids titles:
The Thank You Book by Mo Willems (636 checkouts)
Pigs Make Me Sneeze!: An Elephant & Piggie Book by Mo Willems (625 checkouts)
My New Friend Is So Fun! by Mo Willems (611 checkouts)
Watch Me Throw the Ball! by Mo Willems (569 checkouts)
I Will Surprise My Friend!by Mo Willems (560 checkouts)
E-books and audiobooks (checkouts combined):
Top adult titles:
Solito by Javier Zamora (10,006 checkouts)
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer (7,835 checkouts)
Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros (6,320 checkouts)
Pride and Prejudiceby Jane Austen (4,923 checkouts)
Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents by Lindsay C. Gibson (4,824 checkouts)
Top teen titles:
Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins (3,215 checkouts)
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas (2,958 checkouts)
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas (2,902 checkouts)
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins (2,822 checkouts)
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross (1,923 checkouts)
Top kids titles:
Hot Mess by Jeff Kinney (2,814 checkouts)
The Wild Robot by Peter Brown (1,923 checkouts)
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle (1,808 checkouts)
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by JK Rowling (1,478 checkouts)
Beth Slovic is an editor on the public safety/breaking news team. She previously covered Portland City Hall at The Oregonian/OregonLive and has taught journalism at a number of Portland-area universities and…
