Study the history of the bay and its wildlife at the Willapa Bay Interpretive Center. This destination showcases the history of oyster harvesters over nearly 150 years. Now, guests can view quotes from various farmers, historic photos and supplies used for harvesting.
Nahcotta is home to a busy fishing port on scenic Willapa Bay with commercial fishing and shellfish operations. There are plenty of picnic areas for enjoying views of the bay, Willapa Hills, Long Island, and local wildlife. Some of the amenities at the port include public restrooms and showers, a public boat launch, and small boat moorage.
Named for Chief Nahcati, the small community of Nahcotta (nuh-caught-uh) was the terminus of the Clamshell Railroad. This unique railroad, the only one that ran with the tides, carried passengers and shipments of oysters from Willapa Bay to steamers bound for San Francisco during the late 1800s.
At Nahcotta, the propeller steamers Shamrock and Reliable would meet the train at the end of the Nahcotta dock and pick up passengers bound for South Bend across Willapa Bay. In 1896, another steamer, the Edgar, joined the Willapa Bay run.
Razor clams were canned along the shore and the original canneries can still be seen. Interpretive sites describe the history of this native shellfish as well as other fishing interests.
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