The Pacific Northwest is home to numerous secluded towns that offer a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. I live in the Northwest and am familiar with pretty much most of it having done many road-trips throughout. Whether you’re considering relocation or seeking a tranquil vacation spot, these hidden gems provide serene environments, rich histories, and close-knit communities. From the rugged coastlines of Oregon to the majestic mountains of Washington and the expansive forests of Idaho, each town offers unique experiences amidst breathtaking landscapes. In this article, we explore 15 of the most secluded towns in the Northwest USA, ideal for those yearning to get away from it all.
15. Troy, Montana
Troy, Montana, is a small town located in the northwestern corner of the state, near the Idaho border. Accessible via U.S. Highway 2, it’s approximately 90 miles northwest of Kalispell. With a population of around 900, Troy offers a tranquil setting surrounded by the Kootenai National Forest and the Cabinet Mountains. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities such as hiking, fishing, and exploring the nearby Ross Creek Cedars Scenic Area, home to ancient western red cedars. The town’s economy is primarily supported by tourism, small local businesses, and forestry-related industries. Troy’s remote location and natural beauty make it an ideal retreat for those seeking solitude and adventure in Montana’s rugged landscape.
14. Joseph, Oregon
Joseph, Oregon, is a small town located in the northeastern part of the state, nestled at the base of the Wallowa Mountains. Accessible via Oregon Route 82, it’s approximately 70 miles northeast of La Grande. With a population of around 1,200, Joseph offers a tranquil setting surrounded by stunning natural beauty. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities such as hiking, fishing, and exploring the nearby Wallowa Lake and Eagle Cap Wilderness. The town’s economy is primarily supported by tourism, agriculture, and local arts and crafts. Joseph’s remote location and scenic surroundings make it an ideal retreat for those seeking solitude and adventure in Oregon’s picturesque landscape.
13. Wallace, Idaho
Wallace, Idaho, is a small town located in the northern part of the state, nestled in the Silver Valley of the Coeur d’Alene Mountains. Accessible via Interstate 90, it’s approximately 50 miles east of Coeur d’Alene. With a population of around 1,000, Wallace offers a tranquil setting rich in mining history and surrounded by lush forests. Visitors can explore the town’s historic district, tour old mines, and enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and biking on nearby trails like the Route of the Hiawatha. The town’s economy is primarily supported by tourism, mining, and local businesses. Wallace’s remote location and well-preserved heritage make it an ideal retreat for those seeking a blend of history and natural beauty in Idaho’s rugged landscape.
12. Sisters, Oregon
Sisters, Oregon, is a small town located in the central part of the state, nestled at the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. Accessible via U.S. Highway 20, it’s approximately 20 miles northwest of Bend. With a population of around 3,475 as of 2022, Sisters offers a tranquil setting surrounded by natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, fishing, and exploring the nearby Three Sisters Wilderness area. The town’s economy is primarily supported by tourism, small local businesses, and outdoor recreation industries. Sisters’ remote location and scenic surroundings make it an ideal retreat for those seeking solitude and adventure in Oregon’s picturesque landscape.
11. Winthrop, Washington
Winthrop, Washington, is a small town located in the Methow Valley of north-central Washington State. Accessible via State Route 20, it’s approximately 100 miles northwest of Wenatchee. With a population of around 602 as of 2024, Winthrop offers a tranquil setting with a unique Western-themed downtown. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, fishing, and exploring the nearby North Cascades National Park. The town’s economy is primarily supported by tourism, small local businesses, and outdoor recreation industries. Winthrop’s remote location and scenic surroundings make it an ideal retreat for those seeking solitude and adventure in Washington’s picturesque landscape.
10. Stanley, Idaho
Stanley, Idaho, is a small town located in the central part of the state, nestled in the Sawtooth Valley. Accessible via State Highway 21, it’s approximately 130 miles northeast of Boise. With a population of around 116 as of the 2020 census, Stanley offers a tranquil setting surrounded by the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, fishing, and exploring the nearby Sawtooth Mountains. The town’s economy is primarily supported by tourism, small local businesses, and outdoor recreation industries. Stanley’s remote location and scenic surroundings make it an ideal retreat for those seeking solitude and adventure in Idaho’s picturesque landscape.
9. Eureka, Montana
Eureka, Montana, is a small town located in the northwestern part of the state, near the Canadian border. Accessible via U.S. Highway 93, it’s approximately 66 miles northwest of Kalispell. With a population of around 1,380 as of the 2020 census, Eureka offers a tranquil setting surrounded by the Kootenai National Forest and the Tobacco Valley. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, fishing, and exploring the nearby Lake Koocanusa and Ten Lakes Scenic Area. The town’s economy is primarily supported by tourism, small local businesses, and outdoor recreation industries. Eureka’s remote location and scenic surroundings make it an ideal retreat for those seeking solitude and adventure in Montana’s picturesque landscape.
8. Twisp, Washington
Twisp, Washington, is a small town located in the Methow Valley of north-central Washington State. Accessible via State Route 20, it’s approximately 100 miles northwest of Wenatchee. With a population of around 1,087 as of 2024, Twisp offers a tranquil setting with a unique Western-themed downtown. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, fishing, and exploring the nearby North Cascades National Park. The town’s economy is primarily supported by tourism, small local businesses, and outdoor recreation industries. Twisp’s remote location and scenic surroundings make it an ideal retreat for those seeking solitude and adventure in Washington’s picturesque landscape.
7. Cascade, Idaho
Cascade, Idaho, is a small town located in the west-central part of the state, nestled along the southeastern shore of Lake Cascade. Accessible via State Highway 55, it’s approximately 75 miles north of Boise. With a population of around 1,016 as of 2024, Cascade offers a tranquil setting surrounded by the Payette National Forest and the West Mountains. Visitors can enjoy activities such as boating, fishing, and exploring the nearby Lake Cascade State Park. The town’s economy is primarily supported by tourism, small local businesses, and outdoor recreation industries. Cascade’s remote location and scenic surroundings make it an ideal retreat for those seeking solitude and adventure in Idaho’s picturesque landscape.
6. Bigfork, Montana
Bigfork, Montana, is a charming town located on the northeastern shore of Flathead Lake, approximately 18 miles southeast of Kalispell. Accessible via Montana Highway 35, Bigfork has a population of around 5,067 as of 2024. The town offers a variety of activities, including boating, fishing, and hiking in the nearby Jewel Basin. Visitors can also enjoy the vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries and the renowned Bigfork Summer Playhouse. The local economy is primarily driven by tourism, supported by art galleries, fine dining, and boutique shops. Bigfork’s scenic location and cultural offerings make it a delightful destination for those seeking both adventure and relaxation in Montana’s picturesque landscape.
5. Republic, Washington
Republic, Washington, is a small town located in the northeastern part of the state, nestled in the Okanogan Highlands. Accessible via State Route 20, it’s approximately 120 miles northwest of Spokane. With a population of around 1,120, Republic offers a tranquil setting rich in mining history and surrounded by natural beauty. Visitors can explore the Stonerose Interpretive Center and Eocene Fossil Site, hike in the nearby Colville National Forest, or enjoy water activities at Curlew Lake State Park. The town’s economy is primarily supported by tourism, small local businesses, and outdoor recreation industries. Republic’s remote location and scenic surroundings make it an ideal retreat for those seeking solitude and adventure in Washington’s picturesque landscape.
4. Ashland, Oregon
Ashland, Oregon, is a charming city located in the southern part of the state, near the California border. Accessible via Interstate 5, it’s approximately 16 miles north of the California state line. With a population of around 20,946 as of 2024, Ashland offers a vibrant cultural scene, highlighted by the renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival, which attracts theater enthusiasts from around the world. Visitors also enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking in Lithia Park, exploring local art galleries, and dining at a variety of restaurants. The city’s economy is primarily supported by tourism, education, and small local businesses. Ashland’s unique blend of cultural richness and natural beauty makes it a delightful destination for those seeking both adventure and relaxation in Oregon’s picturesque landscape.
3. Sandpoint, Idaho
Sandpoint, Idaho, is a picturesque town located in the northern part of the state, nestled between the Selkirk, Cabinet, and Bitterroot mountain ranges. Accessible via U.S. Highway 95, it’s approximately 75 miles northeast of Spokane, Washington. With a population of around 10,024 as of 2023, Sandpoint offers a tranquil setting on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho’s largest lake. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, and hiking, as well as skiing at the nearby Schweitzer Mountain Resort. The town’s economy is primarily supported by tourism, small local businesses, and outdoor recreation industries. Sandpoint’s scenic surroundings and vibrant community make it an ideal retreat for those seeking both adventure and relaxation in Idaho’s picturesque landscape.
2. Hood River, Oregon
Hood River, Oregon, is a scenic city located along the Columbia River Gorge, approximately 60 miles east of Portland. Accessible via Interstate 84, it’s known for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. With a population of around 8,340 as of 2024, Hood River offers a vibrant community atmosphere. Visitors and residents enjoy activities such as windsurfing and kiteboarding on the Columbia River, hiking in the surrounding mountains, and exploring local wineries and breweries. The city’s economy is primarily supported by tourism, agriculture—particularly fruit orchards—and outdoor recreation industries. Hood River’s combination of natural beauty and active lifestyle makes it a popular destination for both residents and visitors seeking adventure and relaxation in Oregon’s picturesque landscape.
1. Whitefish, Montana
Whitefish, Montana, is a picturesque town located in the northwestern part of the state, near the Canadian border. Accessible via U.S. Highway 93, it’s approximately 25 miles north of Kalispell. With a population of around 8,032, Whitefish offers a tranquil setting surrounded by the Rocky Mountains and pristine lakes. Residents and visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including skiing at Whitefish Mountain Resort, hiking in Glacier National Park, and boating on Whitefish Lake. The town’s economy is primarily supported by tourism, small local businesses, and outdoor recreation industries. Whitefish’s scenic surroundings and vibrant community make it an ideal place for those seeking both adventure and relaxation in Montana’s picturesque landscape.
