Growing up in Washington one of my favorite birthday traditions was receiving a really cool book from my aunt purchased at The Bookworm on George Washington Way in Richland. Great independent bookstores are getting hard to find, but the Pacific Northwest still has a handful you should definitely know about.
My favorite thing about visiting a great bookstore is people groan and complain when you add it to a vacation itinerary, and then they ALWAYS have a wonderful time. Exploring a good one is like a treasure hunt for all ages.

  • 1

    Powell's Books

    Portland, Oregon

    It's called a "city of books" and it definitely feels that way (sprawled across about four different buildings downtown). Powell's could make a case for largest bookstore west of the Mississippi.

  • 2

    The Bookloft

    Enterprise, Oregon

    My uncle discovered this store when they hosted a writing conference. Next to Joseph, Oregon, and Wallowa Lake, there are many reasons to make a trip here. The Bookloft has EXCELLENT titles on local history you probably can't find anywhere else.

  • 3

    Betty's Books

    Baker City, Oregon

    Betty's proves size isn't what counts. What it lacks in square footage it makes up in depth. Trust me, you can get lost in this little nook for hours and hours.

  • 4

    The Elliott Bay Book Company

    Seattle, Washington

    You could literally spend all day every day inside. It's peaceful like a church and features a cafe and trinkets. Formerly in Pioneer Square, it moved to Capitol Hill.

  • 5

    Chapter One Bookstore

    Ketchum, Idaho

    Another tiny store (compared to Powell's and Elliott Bay), but a serious bookstore nonetheless. Chapter One is a "classic" bookstore like you'd see in movies and TV shows.

  • 6

    Rediscovered Books

    Boise, Idaho

    It feels more like a library, personally, and having opened in 2006 it lacks the longevity of other stores on this list. Still, it's my favorite in Idaho, partly because of its great mural and solid events schedule. A solid bookstore worth a stop if you're in Boise.

  • 7

    Auntie's Bookstore

    Spokane, Washington

    Seriously beefy events calendar and a great location on Main Street not far from Riverfront Park and down from WSU Spokane and two blocks from River Park Square the other direction.

  • 8

    Book & Game Company

    Walla Walla, Washington

    On a picturesque corner of beautiful downtown Walla Walla, this bookstore is a favorite of mine. It doesn't have the depth of other stores, but still enough interesting finds to keep you occupied for hours. And honestly, wouldn't you prefer to shop for games right next to books? A perfect pairing.

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