Washington’s Evergreen Coast’s Rich History Comes Alive
For more than two centuries, Washington’s Evergreen Coast has drawn explorers with its diverse natural gifts and strategic seaside setting. As today’s travelers get acquainted with this vibrant destination, they find countless opportunities to enhance the present by learning about the area’s fascinating past.
Native American Heritage and the Chinook Tribe
Bordered to the south by the Columbia River, the region’s location has played a key role in its unique history. Attracted by its ideal geography and abundant resources, Chinook Tribe settled here, followed by 18th-century European and American traders. In 1805, Lewis and Clark culminated their historic Voyage of Discovery on the coast, establishing its significance as the western edge of the new America, today commemorated by the Lewis and Clark National and State Historical Park.
Oysterville: The Heart of Washington’s Oyster Industry
From the mid-19th century onward, Washington’s Evergreen Coast flourished with oyster farming. The town of Oysterville became a bustling community, and the Clamshell Railroad transported Willapa Bay bivalves to trains for export. Further prosperity emerged with the cranberry industry, nurtured by the area’s fertile growing conditions.
Maritime Legends: Cape Disappointment and The Graveyard of the Pacific
Visitors can delve into these fascinating eras at numerous attractions. Start with the interpretive center at Fort Columbia State Park – once a coastal defense fortification and now a heritage site – featuring thoughtful exhibits on Native American culture.
Renowned artist Maya Lin chose Cape Disappointment State Park for an installation in her Confluence Project. Through integrated art and landscape designs, this project pays a poignant tribute to the meeting of Native Americans and the Lewis and Clark expedition.
At the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, visitors can explore entries from the original journals of the 19th-century explorers and admire paintings, photographs, and murals depicting their historic trek.
The eight-mile Discovery Trail, marked with informative signs, allows travelers to trace Lewis & Clark’s journey along the Pacific coastline, from Ilwaco to the northern reaches of the coast.
High waves, shifting sandbars, and over 200 shipwrecks have earned the waters off Cape Disappointment the nickname “The Graveyard of the Pacific.” A visit to the Cape Disappointment Lighthouse and a short climb to North Head Lighthouse illustrate the vital role these cliff-top sentinels have played for more than a century.
Must-Visit Museums on Washington’s Evergreen Coast
At the Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum, visitors can journey through southwestern Washington’s history in four galleries, including a scale model of the area circa 1920 and an original “Clamshell Railroad” passenger car.
The Cranberry Museum, with its ten-acre demonstration farm, showcases old and new methods of cultivating this vibrant crop, particularly stunning from mid-September through mid-October.
For a lighter touch, the World Kite Museum enchants visitors with its one-of-a-kind collection of over 1,500 kites from around the globe, set beside miles of perfect kite-flying beaches.
Approaching from the north, the Northwest Carriage Museum in Raymond offers a step back in time with impeccably restored Victorian-era carriages.
Located in Tokeland, the Shoalwater Bay Tribal Museum offers a deep dive into the history, culture, and traditions of the Shoalwater Bay Tribe. Featuring artifacts, photographs, and exhibits, it provides visitors with a meaningful look at the tribe’s connection to the land and sea, as well as its enduring legacy.
Willapa Seaport Museum in Raymond, is a museum celebrating the maritime heritage of the Willapa region. Exhibits showcase the history of local fishing, shipping, and boatbuilding industries, featuring historic tools, photographs, and stories of those who worked on the water. Visitors can learn about the vital role of the sea in shaping the area’s economy and culture.
Situated in South Bend, the Pacific County Historical Society is a museum and a treasure trove of local history. It features exhibits on early settlers, logging, oyster farming, and more, offering insights into how Pacific County evolved over the years. A rich collection of photographs and artifacts brings the stories of the region’s past to life, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
While Washington’s Evergreen Coast is celebrated for its surf, scenery, and seafood, its captivating cultural heritage adds a rich layer of appreciation for all who visit. Together, these museums provide a comprehensive and engaging view of Pacific County’s diverse heritage, from Native American traditions to maritime and pioneer histories.
