Washington's Tiny Roadside Community Is A Rustic Gem With Ethereal Mountain Views And Outdoor Fun

There's no limit to the charm of small towns, whether it's immersing yourself in the local community, exploring what makes a town's personality shine, or discovering hidden gems along the way. Nothing beats taking a break in a smaller destination, away from the more touristy hustle and bustle of bigger cities. The Pacific Northwest boasts many small towns that blend dramatic views with laid-back charm, but in southeast Washington, there's a truly tiny community located in the Blue Mountains that offers several outdoor escapes just waiting to be discovered. 

Anatone had its roots in 1878 and, as per Revisiting Washington, was said to be named after a Nez Perce Indian woman who lived in the area. A story on 98.3 The Key Radio shares that the community is so small that they do their own census, regularly updating the population count on the Anatone welcome sign. Aside from the people, the sign also includes the count for cats, dogs, and horses. A photo of the sign from 2020 shows 38 people, 20 dogs, 17 cats, and 11 horses. Make sure to stop by the cafe and restaurant, Millie's Grille, and get to know the local fare. A Google review says, "Don't let the unassuming appearance deter you from this local flavor." It's a welcoming hamlet that shines with a no-frills, rustic vibe.

Although the population is small, Anatone is surrounded by outdoor adventures. One of the most popular spots to head to is Fields Spring State Park. The park spans 800 acres with activities for everyone all year round. Visitors should be sure to check out Puffer Butte Viewpoint, the jewel of the park that offers stunning vistas of the Blue Mountains. The hike to the top covers 2.7 miles and is considered a moderate trek. The loop trail takes up to two hours to finish on average. Reviews say that most of the way there is filled with wildflowers, with the panoramic views saved for when you reach the top. You'll find vistas of the Wallowa Mountains, Hells Canyon, and the Grande Ronde River. If you're visiting during winter, you'll also find a warming hut and plenty of snow. 

In fact, the state park includes the Fields Spring Sno-Park, complete with 6 miles of trails that are perfect for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Aside from the viewpoint, you can also go biking, mountain climbing, and horseback riding. Picnicking and birdwatching are other favorite pastimes here. If you'd like to stay overnight, campsites and teepees are available for rent. Although you might want to splurge with the entire family on the Tamarack Cabin or the Wohelo Lodge. 

If spending time on the water is more your style, head further south of Anatone to the banks of Boggan's Oasis on the Grande Ronde River. About a 20-minute journey from town, Boggan's is a good base if your main focus is river activities. The spot has both overnight accommodations and a restaurant on-site, as well as guided river trips on offer. These guided river trips typically focus on steelhead, trout, and bass fishing.

You'll find the community of Anatone on Highway 129. It's one of the towns you'll pass along the way to Rattlesnake Grade, a famed road known among motorcyclists. This stretch of road is characterized by the many twists and turns you encounter. It stretches along Washington State Route 129/Oregon Route 3 and passes through Anatone, Asotin, and Clarkston on the Washington side.

If you're coming from further away, you can fly into Lewiston-Nez Perce Airport, about 35 minutes away. From here, you can stop first at Asotin, perched on a sparkling river and ranked highly for retirement. Alternatively, Walla Walla Regional Airport is about 2.5 hours away via car and makes for the perfect excuse to explore one of America's most charming small town Main Streets, before heading to Anatone.