These Towns in Eastern Washington are Worth a Trip

Towns in Eastern Washington are very different from the state’s well-known destinations to the west. Here, lush evergreen forests give way to fertile farmlands, rolling plains, and rugged river canyons. There are only a few larger cities but many cozy, small towns.

In this guide, I share some of my favorite places in an often-overlooked corner of the Pacific Northwest. Many are known for outdoor recreation. Others are famed for their impressive universities, cultural attractions, seasonal events, and agriculture — including stellar beer and wine!

9 Best Towns in Eastern Washington

Ellensburg

This cozy college town combines many of the best aspects of Western and Eastern Washington.

🏠 Population: 20,680 | 📍 Google Maps | Ellensburg Website

Ellensburg may be closer to the western half of Washington, but its character is closer to Eastern Washington’s. You get the best of both worlds here. 

It’s in sight of the Cascades with evergreen forests to the west and rolling plains to the east. There’s also the Yakima River Canyon to the south, with great hiking trails and camping spots such as Umtanum Creek Canyon. 

Home to Central Washington University, Ellensburg is a college town with awesome cafes, restaurants, and breweries (check out Iron Horse!). Many of these establishments are located in its picturesque downtown. Ellensburg also hosts a huge rodeo each year at the end of August.

West Richland

West Richland is one of the best ways to experience the Tri-Cities while enjoying a more suburban vibe.

🏠 Population: 20,036 | 📍 Google Maps | West Richland Website

West Richland sits on the northwestern corner of the Tri-Cities area. This town has urban amenities close by but still retains a quieter suburban feeling. It’s considered one of the safer communities in Washington and has good schools, too.

The Tri-Cities (Kennewick, Richland, and Pasco) have tons of options for shopping, dining, and recreation. Aquatic activities are especially popular, such as paddleboarding and fishing. Plus, there are river cruises for something a bit fancier. The Tri-Cities Airport is a good hub for getting to major cities across the West. 

Walla Walla

Walla Walla offers a one-of-a-kind combination of wines, walks, and natural wonders.

🏠 Population: 33,714 | 📍 Google Maps | Walla Walla Website

Walla Walla is a stone’s throw away from the Tri-Cities and well worth a visit of its own. This town sits in the middle of Washington’s wine country. Here, you’ll find fantastic local wines and stellar tasting rooms, including the popular Amavi Cellars and Pepper Bridge Winery. 

The area around Walla Walla differs from the foggy forests and city skylines of Seattle, showing the more arid and (in places) rugged side of the PNW. The 200-foot Palouse Falls north of Walla Walla is one of the region’s most spectacular sights. Much of the country east of town features barren rolling hills and tiny farming communities.

Whitman College’s campus in town is a lovely place for a relaxing outdoor excursion, especially in autumn. There are also tons of trails for hiking and trail running in the Walla Walla area. Just be sure to follow best practices for the area’s elusive, but present cougar population.

Cheney

This small town is perfect for exploring the urban and outdoor attractions of the greater Spokane area.

🏠 Population: 12,360 | 📍 Google Maps | Cheney Website 

Cheney, Washington is 16 miles southwest of Spokane. Here, you can enjoy easy access to the city’s attractions and conveniences, plus the peace and quiet of a small town. Cheney is home to Eastern Washington University, an excellent regional college. Locals also love Cheney for its safe and cozy atmosphere.

Cheney is near the Spokane River, a great spot for kayaking and whitewater rafting. There are several great ski spots not too far from town, too. Day hikes are also popular in places such as the Turnbull Wildlife Refuge. Turnbull is considered to be one of the best places in Eastern Washington for wildlife viewing.

Wenatchee

Alpine activities and apples abound in this town at the foot of the Wenatchee Mountains.

🏠 Population: 35,299 | 📍 Google Maps | Wenatchee Website

Wenatchee is a good gateway for visiting the village of Leavenworth, but it has many of its own merits. There are tons of hiking trails near town and the area gets over 300 days of sunny weather (a welcome relief for some “west-siders!”). There are longer, harder trails but also short walks leading to scenic vistas overlooking the town and the river valley.

Wenatchee is one of the leading apple-growing areas in America, with acres upon acres of orchards surrounding the town. This makes for some stellar ciders, but the town also has some great beers and wines on tap. 

Pybus Public Market is one of the best places to sample local goods. It’s been compared to Pike Place Market in Seattle, but much less crowded.

Moses Lake

Explore this oasis of aquatic sports and creature comforts amidst the rolling plains of Central Washington.

🏠 Population: 27,736 | 📍 Google Maps | Moses Lake Website

Moses Lake is one of the best places to cool off during Eastern Washington’s hot, arid summers. The lake for which the town is named is great for kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet-skiing. There’s also a water park which is a good alternative for families with small children. 

Blue Heron Park can’t be beaten for lakeside picnics. It offers 24 acres of often well-shaded lawns, as well as a designated swimming area. There’s a 9-hole disc golf course here, too, plus a bridge for fishing.

Moses Lake has excellent farmers’ markets in summer offering locally-grown produce. The town is also a good jumping-off point for exploring the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge. Its vast wetlands are ideal for fishing, hunting, canoeing, and birdwatching.

Sunnyside

Sunnyside is a down-home farm town featuring great breweries, wineries, and festivals.

🏠 Population: 16,277 | 📍 Google Maps | Sunnyside Website

Sunnyside is a cozy agrarian town in the fertile Yakima Valley. It has direct access to the area’s abundant hop harvest. This is ideal for the local taproom Varietal Beer Company, which makes some of the best beers I’ve tasted in Washington. 

Hops are just one of many crops that thrive in the fields surrounding Sunnyside. Grapes, for one, grow quite well and there are over 50 wineries in the area around town! Farmers’ markets offer a taste of the best local produce every Wednesday from late July through August. 

Sunnyside also has several celebrations throughout the year. Cinco de Mayo makes for a festive start to summer. The Summer Ale Festival pays tribute to the area’s outstanding ales later on in the season. The fun continues in winter with December’s annual lighted farm implement parade — the oldest of its kind in the country!

👉 Local Tip: Yakima, Washington is just 35 miles from Sunnyside and has plenty of things to do and see. Be sure to add it to your itinerary when passing through!

Clarkston

Walk in the steps of Lewis and Clark in this tiny town on the border of Idaho.

🏠 Population: 7,091 | 📍 Google Maps | Clarkston Website

Clarkston sits across the Snake River from its twin city of Lewiston, Idaho. The two towns bear the names of the famous American explorers who passed through the area on their expedition to the Pacific Ocean. It’s also a stop on the historic trail that retraces their journey.

Clarkston makes a good base for tours of Hells Canyon. The Hells Gate State Park, closer at hand, features unique basalt formations and scenic riverside camping. Granite Lake Park, back in town, is another great place for riverside relaxation. It’s also right next to Riverport Brewing, one of the most popular local breweries.

Pullman

Pullman is a slice of classic Americana with its small population, rolling farmlands, and a university complete with a local favorite sports team.

🏠 Population: 33,886 | 📍 Google Maps | Pullman Website

Pullman is home to Washington State University, famous for its academic excellence. Many Eastern Washingtonians, though, know it more for the WSU Cougars. Pullman is a major hub for local agriculture, too. It still retains a distinct small-town atmosphere despite (or maybe because of) these factors. 

There are several excellent hiking trails in the area around Pullman. Kamiak Butte County Park has one of the best, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. 

Start your adventures with a hearty breakfast at the Old European Restaurant. It makes traditional Old World favorites such as Swedish crepes, German potato pancakes, and much more!

***

Thanks for reading my guide to towns in Eastern Washington! Check out Chelsea’s article on towns in Washington for a look at other great communities in the Evergreen State. 

(Featured Image Credit: Ian Dewar Photography / Shutterstock)