You don’t fall in love with Washington on I-5. You fall for it in the lush greenery that surrounds you. In the smell of cedarwood outside a local bakery in Eatonville, the fog rolling off the Columbia in Cathlamet, or standing in the mist of a waterfall in Snoqualmie. These towns don’t shout for attention- but they linger.
I’ll be exploring them myself, camera and tea in hand- sharing the hidden gems, weird thrift finds, and real moments. In this blog I’ll share stories and photos. On TikTok and Instagram I’ll share reels and short videos.
Here’s 10 that deserve a love letter, and maybe a visit.
La Push- rugged, spiritual, misty beaches.
Concrete- abandoned silos, mountain backdrop.
Twisp- artsy, small but vibrant.
Dayton- wheat fields and antique storefronts.
Winthrop- Old West aesthetic, gateway to the Cascades.
Port Townsend- Victorian, sea glass, salty air.
Coupeville- charming and magical.
Roslyn- forested and cinematic.
Stehekin- no roads in or out.
Snoqualmie- mountains, waterfalls, and a beloved herd of elk.
Which of these towns have wandered through, or wish you could?
Drop your favorite overlooked Washington town in the comments… or write your own love letter and tag me! I’ll add it to my list of Must-Wander’s!
Stay tuned for gear recs, tiny town itineraries, photos, and ways to make each detour worth it.
The Wanderlust Guide 