No matter what part of Washington you call home, sometimes a change of scenery is essential. And when you want to head to a place that’s peaceful and quiet without going entirely off the grid, we highly suggest heading to the tiny town of Elbe.

Elbe is located in Pierce County on Highway 7 next to the Nisqually River, just past Alder Lake.

Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr As of 2010, the population here was a whopping 29 people.

There’s not much to Elbe, and that’s exactly how the locals like it.

Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr This is the historic Elbe Evangelical Lutheran Church.

For your accommodations, choose between the Mt. Rainier Ranch, which has teepees for camping and five guest rooms in a 120-year-old farmhouse…

management / TripAdvisor

…or you can book a caboose at the Hobo Inn.

TLinATL / TripAdvisor The Hobo Inn is one of the largest collection of cabooses in North America.

Enjoy delicious pizza on the patio of Pizza Express, which is connected to the Hobo Inn.

Ramyaa V. / Yelp This family owned and operated pizzeria is a big hit with Hobo Inn guests and travelers just passing through.

You can also dine in an actual train car at Mt. Rainier Railroad Dining Company.

LilianaDornel / TripAdvisor

The number 1 attraction in Elbe is the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad and Museum.

TLinATL / TripAdvisor Enjoy a two-hour ride on a steam powered train. Admission to the museum is included in your ticket price. The train rides operate Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and sometimes the railroad company has special events, like the Polar Express in the winter.

And when it’s time to really go off the grid, head to Mt. Rainier National Park.

LDELD / Flickr The Nisqually Entrance is a quick 20 minute drive from Elbe. This park is one of the prettiest places on Earth, so allow plenty of time for exploration.

Sometimes a refreshing and relaxing weekend away is just what we need to recharge. And if you’re ready to move to a quieter community, try living in one of these Washington towns.

Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr

As of 2010, the population here was a whopping 29 people.

This is the historic Elbe Evangelical Lutheran Church.

management / TripAdvisor

TLinATL / TripAdvisor

The Hobo Inn is one of the largest collection of cabooses in North America.

Ramyaa V. / Yelp

This family owned and operated pizzeria is a big hit with Hobo Inn guests and travelers just passing through.

LilianaDornel / TripAdvisor

TLinATL / TripAdvisor

Enjoy a two-hour ride on a steam powered train. Admission to the museum is included in your ticket price. The train rides operate Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and sometimes the railroad company has special events, like the Polar Express in the winter.

LDELD / Flickr

The Nisqually Entrance is a quick 20 minute drive from Elbe. This park is one of the prettiest places on Earth, so allow plenty of time for exploration.

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