I’m a sucker for quaint, charming towns with a historic old town. I’ve lived in Eastern Washington state all my life, but I certainly haven’t been to all the towns in the state. Of the ones I’ve visited, I wanted to share what I think are the most charming small towns in Eastern Washington state.
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When I specify Eastern Washington, I’m generalizing anything east of the Cascades. As someone who grew up in Eastern Washington, I don’t typically refer to central parts of the state as Eastern Washington, but for the purposes of this post, I will.
Leavenworth, Washington
There’s no doubt Leavenworth would be on any list of most charming small towns to visit in Washington. Not just because the German-themed town is adorable, but because of the mountains that surround it and all the outdoor activities nearby. Leavenworth is by far one of my favorite towns in Washington and I’ve been at least half a dozen times.
What to Do in Leavenworth, Washington
Leavenworth town proper is all about parking and walking around and taking in the design, the shops, and the restaurants. Leavenworth was designed in the theme of a Bavarian village in the 1960’s.
It’s absolutely a place for all 4 seasons and Christmas might be the best time of all to visit. Snow and Christmas lights adorn the town as well as a giant Christmas tree all of December. It’s incredibly festive. There’s even a reindeer farm you can visit!
In October, as you might have guessed, Octoberfest turns the town into beer gardens, live music, activities, and fall colors. In the spring and summer, the mountains around town are stunningly green and outdoor activities come alive.
You should definitely make the drive down the beautiful Icicle Road with the creek alongside the road. There are spots to pull off if you’d like to take in the view or have a picnic.
In the summer and fall if you’re up for one of the most beautiful hikes in Washington state, make your way to the Stuart and Colchuck Lake Trailhead about half an hour from Leavenworth. It’s a long bumpy dirt road for a few miles but any car can make it (if you don’t mind it rattling and bouncing). The hike to Colchuck Lake is not an easy one at 8 miles and over 2000 feet of elevation gain. It’s also incredibly popular so the parking lot can be full by 6 am in the summer, especially on the weekend. The hike is typically available from May till October depending on the weather.
Scenic Hot Springs – If you feel like driving 45 minutes across Stevens Pass on Highway 2, there is a lovely private hot spring called Scenic Hot Springs. You must have a prior reservation and should read their website carefully. There is a 2 mile uphill hike to reach the tubs.
What to Eat in Leavenworth
Visconti’s Italian, Mozart’s Steakhouse, J5 Coffee, and South Mexican to name a few. I love eating in Leavenworth. I’m not a big drinker, but there are so many breweries, wine bars, and places to try local concoctions.
Where to Stay in Leavenworth
If your budget allows, there’s no better place to stay than the Post Hotel! It is truly a beautiful, luxury Hotel in the heart of Leavenworth, but the lush property makes it feel like it’s also in the mountains of Bavaria. It’s right on the river and has a beautiful spa and 2 year-round pools. Something to note, the property is adult only.
For more midrange and with a lovely pool right in town with great reviews, check out the Enzian Inn. For more budget friendly rooms, also still right in town, go for Bavarian Lodge or Obertal Inn.
If getting out of the chaos of town is more your thing, try the Fox Den Bed and Breakfast or a cabin on Airbnb.
Winthrop, Washington
One of my all time favorite towns in Washington, Winthrop is the quintessential “Old West” theme in one of the most beautiful settings which makes it one of the most charming small towns in Eastern Washington.
Winthrop lies along the eastern side of the scenic North Cascades Highway, or Highway 20. The area was settled by fur trappers and gold miners in the late 1800’s. In the 1970’s when the North Cascades Highway was being built, the town of Winthrop brainstormed and hired the design architect that Leavenworth had to help make their own town stand out and attract tourism. They settled on a Western theme and certainly did it justice.
What to Do in Winthrop, Washington
With only a population of around 500, Winthrop is tiny with one main street. But they’ve packed that street with a ton of local arts and crafts, outdoor gear, and restaurants.
Besides being the gateway to the North Cascades, Winthrop has lots to do in all seasons. Even though Highway 20 closes down in the winter, Winthrop is still a worthy winter destination with lots of cross-country ski routes. The rest of the year, bike riding, hiking, rafting, fishing, and horseback riding are popular activities.
One of my favorite hikes along highway 20, although it’s become very popular, is Heather Maple Pass Loop. Blue Lake is another gorgeous one and a bit shorter.
What to Eat in Winthrop, Washington
My favorites in Winthrop are the Rocking Horse Bakery, Jupiter for healthy and crafty food, Arrowleaf Bistro or Copper Glance for a nice dinner, and the Old Schoolhouse Brewery. Sheri’s Sweetshop is also a must do for ice cream or yummy treats like fudge.
Where to Stay in Winthrop, Washington
There are a few cute hotels or cabins in Winthrop or neighboring Mazama. For the full resort mountain lodge vibe, check out Sun Mountain Lodge just outside of Winthrop. To be right in town on the river just steps from everything in a more traditional hotel, consider Hotel Rio Vista. For something budget and dog friendly, here’s a cute Airbnb that’s about as cheap as it gets but still has great reviews. We’ve also stayed at the Observatory Inn, which is the rooms above the restaurant Jupiter and it was nice as well as an apartment above the shop of Purple Sage.
See my detailed post on Things to do in Winthrop, Washington
Roslyn, Washington
Situated along I-90, you’ll find Roslyn near the Central Washington town of Cle Elum, just before going over Snoqualmie pass to Seattle.
If you notice a theme among my top picks for most charming small towns in Eastern Washington, you’d be correct. They have all been small towns situated near mountains or gateways to the mountains. The top things to do there are outdoorsy activities. Roslyn is no exception.
Royslyn, Washington is only about 80 miles east of Seattle but it feels like a century or more apart. Founded as a coal mining town in 1886, Roslyn is well preserved today and depends on tourism and forestry. The town was picked for the filming location of the popular TV show, Northern Exposure, which greatly increased its popularity. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
What to do in Roslyn, Washington
Again, Roslyn is a jumping off point for so many hikes and outdoor activities. The town is easily accessible from along I-90, the busiest pass in Washington. From Roslyn, you’re less than an hour to a number of trailheads for some incredible hikes like Lake Ingalls, Snow Lake, Franklin Falls, and Jade Lake.
Local attractions include Suncadia Resort and Golf Course, ATV rentals, Swiftwater Cellars, and the Roslyn Historic Museum. Venturing a few minutes to the little enclave of Ronald, you’ll come to beautiful Cle Elum Lake.
What to Eat in Roslyn, Washington
Basecamp Books and Bites is the best spot in town for coffee. They’ve also got a creative food and cocktail menu. The Red Bird Cafe is also good for coffee, breakfast, and lunch. The Roslyn Cafe is an iconic local favorite and The Brick Saloon is the most historic landmark, having operated as a saloon since 1898! The original running water spittoon is still in operation. You can catch live music on many nights at The Brick.
Where to Stay in Roslyn, Washington
A few minutes outside of Roslyn is the beautiful Suncadia Resort. With a restaurant, hiking trails, and a golf course, Suncadia has so much to do for the whole family. There are pretty much no other hotels in Roslyn, any chain hotel like Best Western is in nearby Cle Elum. The other nearby small community of Ronald has a number of cute cabins that can be rented by the Cle Elum Lake. However, for Roslyn, I think you’ll have better luck with Airbnb like THIS one or THIS one.
Chewelah, Washington
I may be a bit biased because this is my home town and current area of residence, but I think it’s magical. Chewelah has gone through phases of ups and downs with the economy over the years but it’s definitely worth a visit and I would consider it one of the most charming small towns in Eastern Washington.
We have a population around 2,000 with one stop light. Our main business hub is quite small along Main Street where the light is. The view looking at our iconic Quartzite Mountain from Main Street is so pretty. Depending on the season, Main Street will be lined with either hanging flower baskets, cornstalks, Christmas lights, or American flags for certain holidays.
One of the draws of Chewelah is it’s along the popular 395 highway which runs from Spokane to the Canadian border, although there are a number of other border crossings in northeastern Washington as well.
What to Do in Chewelah, Washington
There is a lot to do in this little region, despite being a small town. Chewelah really is a place for all seasons.
49 Degrees North Ski Resort
One of the best ski hills in the state, 49 Degrees North is just 15 minutes from downtown. Opened in 1972, the ski hill has evolved over the years to have 6 chair lifts and over 2300 acres. They have a quirky themed bar that’s pretty cool too.
Hike Quartzite
This is a popular 3 mile roundtrip hike just outside of Chewelah that takes you to the top of the prominent rock face of Quartzite Mountain. The trailhead starts after driving on Mud Lake Road on a rutted and sometimes muddy dirt road. You come to a small wooden sign where there are a few spots to park. The trail is quite steep, basically uphill the entire way but the views over the Chewelah Valley are worth it. There is a mailbox with a notebook to sign and leave a note if so desired as well as a metal bench in honor of the late veteran Steven Jennings, who was in my high school class.
Go to Browns Lake
This one comes with a caveat. Browns Lake is actually a private lake that requires a membership but it is a pillar of what makes Chewelah special. So if you know someone in the area there’s a decent chance they have a membership where you could accompany them. It’s a stunning little lake surrounded by trees with a small sandy beach where you can swim, paddle board, fish, play volleyball, and even camp. In summer, it is my ultimate happy place.
Go to Waitts Lake
I grew up going to Waitts Lake and also lived on this lake in high school. It’s a beautiful lake with a bustling vibe in the summer. Wynona Beach Resort and North Winona Beach are a couple public swimming areas with fees. There is also Waitts Lake RV Resort and Cabins as well as Airbnbs around the lake. The only public free access is the public boat launch where you’re required to have a Discovery Pass. You could easily park and launch a paddle board here and there is a restroom.
Go to Deer Lake and Loon Lake
We also have Deer Lake and Loon Lake fairly close by as well as the Columbia River around 30 minutes away. All of these lakes offer other water activities and camping.
Golf at the Chewelah Golf and Country Club
On the north side of Chewelah, you can take Sand Canyon Road around 4 miles to the lovely Chewelah Golf Course. It’s a beautiful 27 hole course among the trees with wildlife and views. The country club has a restaurant, The Rusty Putter, an RV park, putting greens, pickle ball and tennis courts, and even an airstrip. You don’t have to be a member to visit and golf.
Explore Main Street
Main Street may be small and you won’t be entertained all day long since there’s not that much to see. But a visit to Chewelah wouldn’t be complete without visiting Main Street. This, of course, leads into what to eat in Chewelah.
What to Eat in Chewelah, Washington
Sportsman’s Bar and Grill
A staple in Chewelah for as long as anyone can remember, the Sportsman Bar and Grill has incredible food in a small town bar atmosphere. The chef, a Chewelah native, creates unique and extraordinary specials on Fridays and Saturdays. Their regular daily menu features one of the best burgers around as well as your usual fried foods, salads, and daily lunch specials.
Mountain Market on Main
These lovely series of shops are all located within the renovated old Catholic School. There are a couple boutique shops, high end home decor, as well as the Salt Bistro. Check their Facebook page for opening times and events as they can be limited. The owners have done a terrific job renovating this building and it’s such a great addition to Chewelah.
Quartzite Brewery and Lola’s Good Eats
On the opposite side of the street light heading west, you’ll see a big red “Brewery” sign with large garage doors and outdoor picnic tables. This is the lovely Quartzite Brewery, a must visit in Chewelah. Here you can find unique, locally brewed beers and ciders, art talks, trivia nights, etc. It is the best place in town for meeting up with friends, bringing your dog or kids, and gathering with the community. They are open Thursday-Saturday but check their Facebook for specifics. They do not serve food but there is Lola’s Good Eats food truck outside where you can get a great lunch or dinner and eat it at the brewery, also limited hours. Stop here on your way back from a day at the ski hill or lake to grab a beer.
The General Store
The new kid on the block in Chewelah is one of my favorites! The owners have done such an amazing job turning this into a charming space. Here, you can find locally made goods, quirky finds, home decor, local meat, eggs, bread, ice cream, grab and go food, wine and beer, coffee, and lunch and dinner. On Sundays they serve brunch. The General Store‘s hours are limited to Thursday through Sunday currently so check ahead but it’s an absolute must-visit!
The Yale Press
For beautiful little pastries and coffee in a quaint and historic setting, the Yale Press is the perfect spot to catch up with a friend or stop on your way up to the ski hill to caffeinate.
Andie’s Sandwich and Sports
A nice big space with lots of seating to watch games on TV, a large bar, yummy sandwiches and nachos.
Monica’s Buttermilk Kitchen
This quintessential small town, classic American breakfast spot is quaint, small, and delicious. Breakfast is typical and hearty, with a variety of sizes and combinations and they often have really impressive specials that I desperately want to try but I’m watching my blood sugar these days.
Where to Stay in Chewelah
There are only three hotels in Chewelah and only one or two of those would I suggest staying. The Nordlig has good reviews, and although I’ve not stayed personally, I know a few who have and the reviews are good. The Chewelah Creek Inn doesn’t even have a website so I don’t see anywhere to book unless you called on the phone. If it were me, I’d definitely go for an Airbnb.
Studio On the Fairway – This is actually my Airbnb, so naturally it’s my top pick for where to stay in Chewelah, haha.
Airbnbs in Chewelah – There are plenty of great rentals in Chewelah. Reviews are your most important thing to consider. Out of town or in town, both are convenient and easy if you have a car.
Mistequa Casino Hotel – This is a new casino hotel just south of town. Personally I can’t stand casinos, but for someone who enjoys that, this will be perfect.
Chelan, Washington
At the shores of Lake Chelan and in the heart of wine country in Washington is the adorable town of Chelan, Washington. It took me until just a couple years ago to finally visit this cute town! There is far more to do here than what I saw; I just barely scratched the surface. But I can tell you it’s beautiful and worthy of at least a couple days visit.
What to do in Chelan, Washington
Naturally the lake is the main attraction here. With a max depth of 1,486 feet, Lake Chelan is the third deepest lake in the US after Crater Lake and Lake Tahoe. Three communities lie along the shores of the 50 mile long lake: Chelan (population around 4,200), Manson (population around 1,500), and Stehekin (population around 75). Since the lake is so long, the landscape is diverse from one end to the other, being dryer in the south around Chelan and wetter and more mountainous in the north near Stehekin.
Get on the Water
You can go rent a boat, jet ski, or paddle board by the hour or the entire day. There are a number of primitive campgrounds all the way along the lake as well.
Take the Ferry to Stehekin
This is a dream of mine and I’m determined to go eventually. Stehekin is the tiny remote village at the end of the lake. You can only get there by boat. You can certainly take one of the two ferry services just to visit for the day or book a cabin rental or lodge room or even one of the campgrounds. Once there, Stehekin has a grocery store, bakery, numerous hikes, a waterfall and bike trails.
Stehekin Ferry or Lady of the Lake
Go Wine Tasting
There are plenty of wineries all through the area and you can find a list HERE. Or combine two activities and go on an E-bike wine tasting tour like this one.
Where to Stay in Chelan, Washington
Check out Deep Water Inn for budget friendly but highly rated accommodations right in town. Also The Landing is super cute with a bar, grill, ice cream shop, plus hotel combo. I’d definitely want to stay there. If you’re looking for more of a family friendly, full service with pool etc. right on the water, the Grandview on the Lake should hit the mark. You can also rent beautiful private homes on the water like this.
Where to Eat In Chelan, Washington
Admittedly we were in the van cooking most of the time we spent in Chelan, so I’m no expert. HOWEVER, we made it a point to visit a particular spot just outside of Chelan that came highly recommended. It was pretty neat.
Blueberry Hills Farm and Restaurant – This is the only place I can insist you go because it was pretty amazing. And everyone else must think so too because there was a long wait and the place was packed. I had the cheese blintzes and they were pretty fantastic. Their waffles looked heavenly too. They don’t take reservations so there may be a wait, especially on the weekend. In the summer, you can also pick fruit at the farm.
Walla Walla, Washington
This one surprised me. I had friends who grew up in Walla Walla, but I’d never given it a second thought as a destination. Again, this one took me until the last couple years to finally visit and I was totally impressed. Walla Walla has a thriving and bustling downtown scene. The landscape is a bit more rolling hills and wheat fields than I prefer, but it’s still beautiful and the region is a major wine haven.
What to do in Walla Walla, Washington
Go Wine Tasting – This is definitely one of the top things to do in the area with over 130 wineries and tasting rooms. Although I’m not a big drinker, I do enjoy a bit of red wine so I wasn’t going to miss it here.
You can either walk around the tasting rooms in the convenient downtown, or venture out of town to the many scenic vineyards. I won’t pretend to know which are the best, but you can find plenty of information on the city’s website HERE.
Highly Rated Walking Wine Tour
Walla Walla has an impressive arts scene with theatre, live music, and local galleries and museums. They even have an annual hot air balloon festival!
If you’re into birds, there is an aviary at Pioneer Park that was rather interesting.
Visit U-Pick Farms – Blue Mountain Lavender Farm is a great example as well as Frog Hollow Farm.
Where to Stay in Walla Walla
The Finch is a beautifully done hotel in downtown Walla Walla. It’s walking distance to everything, very modern but nothing extravagant, and affordable. They care to provide you with a personalized stay and offer you the best introduction to Walla Walla culture.
The Wesley is a small, trendy boutique hotel in a big old historic mansion. The Wesley is also in the heart of town and has excellent reviews. The rooms are elegant and well priced. They have a patio space, hot tub, and bike rentals.
The Eritage is a more tradition elegant resort and is about ten minutes out of town. But if you’re looking for a more luxury stay, this probably fits the bill better. They have a really nice included breakfast.
What to Eat in Walla Walla
We had some good tacos at AK’s Mercado one evening. It’s located right on the main street in the heart of downtown. Saffron and Hattaway’s both look beautiful for a nice dinner. But my absolute favorite place we ate was the Maple Counter Cafe. It has such a spectacular breakfast we went both days we were in Walla Walla. Their pancakes are some of the best I’ve ever had.
Republic, Washington
I debated whether to list Republic or not, but I figured it couldn’t hurt. Maybe the little town and area aren’t on your radar and you’ll be passing through. Republic isn’t a place I’d personally go out of my way to visit, however it’s a worthy stop along an itinerary in the area. Similar to Winthrop, Republic has a cute old west theme, although not quite as impressive.
With a mining and logging history, Republic is a small town of one main street and a population of just over 1,000.
Republic lies along Highway 20, the route across the North Cascades, and Sherman Pass Scenic Byway through the Kettle River Range. If you come from the west heading east, Sherman Pass leads to the Columbia River and the intersection at Kettle Falls to head north to Canada or south towards Spokane.
Things to do in Republic, Washington
Dig for Fossils – Republic is known for its fossils in the area. I can remember as an elementary student going on a field trip here to dig for fossils.
Visit the Lakes – Curlew Lake is 10-15 minutes from Republic. Here you can fish, swim, kayak, paddle board, etc. Swan, Long, Ferry, and Fish Lake are other small lakes clustered about 30 minutes outside of Republic and are also good for fishing or paddling. There are also campgrounds and trails in the area.
Ferry County Rail Trail – this track of paved (in portions) trail runs north from Republic to Danville and is perfect for biking, walking, running, and cross country skiing.
Sherman Pass – it may surprise you to know Sherman Pass is the highest mountain pass in Washington that is maintained year round at 5,575 feet elevation. A number of year round trails begin here at the Kettle Crest Trailhead as well as a campground. My favorite seasons for Sherman Pass are fall and winter. In the fall, it is a sea of Western Larch trees that far exceed what you can see in the North Cascades. In winter, the snow shoeing in this area is fantastic with the apparently highest Sno-Park in the state. One of the best adventures I’ve had here is an overnight snowshoe trip to Snow Peak cabin.
Where to Stay in Republic
Northern Inn – This adorable hotel stays true to the historical old west theme of the town. It has great reviews and is within easy walking distance to anything on the main street.
K Diamond Guest Ranch – Just a few minutes outside of town, this ranch is more of a full dude ranch experience. You can stay in their lodge, go horseback riding, hiking, fishing, and have your meals included.
Airbnb – There are a handful of cute homes and cabins, but THIS earthen home looks so neat! I’d love to stay here. If you want to enjoy a lakefront cabin, check out THIS listing.
What to Eat in Republic
For how small Republic is, they have a surprisingly decent selection of restaurants.
18 North Kitchen and Bar looks great, Esther’s Mexican is well reviewed, and Fat Guys Grill has some monstrous looking burgers. For nice coffee and pastries, head to Sitka Coffee Roasters. If you’re looking for the best place to grab a drink and hang with friends and get a vibe for the town, head to Republic Brewing Company.
Well, this rounds up my list of Most Charming Small Towns in Eastern Washington State. I hope you’ve enjoyed this post and gotten some ideas for your visit to Eastern Washington. We truly live in one of the most beautiful states in the country and the east side is totally underrated.
Let me know in the comments what other small towns in Washington I should visit and add to my list!
