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If you are familiar with the Pacific Northwest and have visited before, chances are you are familiar with Seattle, Portland, and maybe even Salem, Eugene, and Tacoma. These are some of the biggest cities in the area and most visited.
However, if you are looking for a new experience in the pacific Northwest, you may want to broaden your horizons and check out some cities you may never even have heard of. If that is the case, check out these underrated cities in the Pacific Northwest:
Hood River, Oregon
Hood River is located in the Columbia River Gorge, which lends to some great outdoor recreation. If you are the outdoorsy type, Hood River will be your spot to hike, explore waterfalls, and even wind surf. Mount Hood and several wineries are also nearby for your enjoyment.
Bellevue, Washington
Bellevue is located right across Lake Washington from Seattle, so if you like the idea of being near the big city but not in the big city, Bellevue is a great underrated city for you. There is plenty to do and see, including green spaces, gardens, the Bellevue Arts Museum, and the KidsQuest Children’s Museum. If you like this underrated city enough to move, there are plenty of Bellevue houses for sale.
Sisters, Oregon
While many may be familiar with nearby Ben, Oregon, Sisters is a great underrated city to consider for a visit or move. Sisters is located at the base of the Cascade Mountains between the forested mountains and the desert. If you love the small mountain town feeling of the Pacific Northwest, Sisters may be the city for you.
Sequim, Washington
Another city that is close to Seattle but overshadowed by the big city is Sequim. Sequim is a quick ferry ride and drive from Seattle and is located at the northernmost part of the state. Sequim is known all over the world for its lavender farms and is covered in purple, making gorgeous views. If you like to hike, you can also visit Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge to see Puget Sound.
Ashland, Oregon
Ashland is another Pacific Northwest city that has a great reputation but is generally overlooked. Ashland is known for its Shakespeare Festival, which runs from March to October and draws audiences from all over the world. It is located in the Rogue River Valley and is a pretty city with plenty of boutiques, breweries, and parks. It is perfect for a relaxing vacation, or for a move to a lovely city.
Port Townsend, Washington
Port Townsend is located at the top of Puget Sound and is a Victorian city. If you love architecture and would be delighted to be surrounded by charming period-style mansions, Port Townsend is the city for you. It is a town full of history, but also with modern conveniences like coffee shops, restaurants, and more to offer residents and visitors.
If you are looking for a unique, underrated city to visit or move to in the Pacific Northwest, there are plenty of options to choose from. Take your pick of the beautiful and charming cities listed.
