A relentless sea, rich history, and vibrant culture have carved our stunning evergreen coast since the dawn of time. Long before ships discovered our shore, the footprints of time tattooed our landscape. History has trekked through the sodden underbrush of our jade forests, stepped nimbly over the endless miles of our ocean sands, and wadded through the lapping shores of our rivers and bays. From the rugged coastline to the quaint towns, this region is home to some of the most unique historic sites in Washington. Whether you’re discovering the legacy of the Shoalwater or Chinook people or retracing the footsteps of Lewis and Clark, there are plenty of extraordinary places to explore. Join us as we embark on an engaging journey, revisiting the rich history and captivating tales of a few of Pacific County’s iconic locations.
Middle Village/Station Camp: A Glimpse into Native American History
As you cross into Washington from the famous Astoria-Megler Bridge, one of the first stops awaits you. Middle Village/Station Camp is a quiet, intriguing turnoff off Highway 101. One of the most treasured and unique historic sites in Washington, the camp was once a bustling hub for the Chinook Nation and a pivotal stop for Lewis and Clark.
Nestled where the river meets the ocean, the Chinook people lived here for countless generations. The strategic location along the Columbia River, known as Qíqayaqilxam, or Middle Village, allowed the Chinook to become powerful traders. With the arrival of Euro-Americans, the site became a settlement for a town, church, and salmon cannery.
Explore the lush trails, discover ancient artifacts and sculptures, and visit St. Mary’s Church. QR codes along the path will reveal additional insight into the culture along the shore. Perfect for history buffs, nature enthusiasts, and families alike, Middle Village/Station Camp is a journey back through time.
Tokeland Hotel: The Oldest Resort in Washington
Step into history at the Tokeland Hotel, the oldest hotel in Washington. In 1858, the Brown family settled among the Shoalwater Tribe on the soft banks of Willapa Bay. The family raised crops and livestock, trading with the Native Americans living in the region. In 1885, they built a structure on the property to welcome weary travelers. It stands today as a signature of their inviting hospitality.
Image Courtesy of: Adam Sawyer
The charming establishment exudes Southern charm and Victorian characteristics. With its quaint rooms, antique furnishings, and warm welcomes, the Tokeland Hotel is a delightful escape.
Wander through beautifully manicured gardens. Savor mouthwatering farm-to-table cuisine at the on-site restaurant. Relax on the welcoming porch with breathtaking bay views. If you sit for a spell by the fireplace, you might share space with a kind ghost. According to local lore, friendly spirits whisper in the halls, adding an air of mystery to this historic gem.
Discovery Trail and Lewis & Clark: Following in Legendary Footsteps
The Discovery Trail winds through the scenic landscapes of Pacific County, tracing the footsteps of Lewis and Clark. This trail commemorates their historic expedition, mirroring their journey along our peninsula. Fully paved, the trail offers hikers and cyclists a chance to experience the region’s natural beauty while reflecting on the explorers’ arduous journey. As you make your way over the 8.5-mile trail, you can imagine the stunning moments when Lewis and Clark finally took their trembling first steps onto the ever-stretching sands of our shoreline.
Interpretive signs and dramatic sculptures embed the trail. Visit Clark’s tree, a massive 10-foot sturgeon, and a wide-winged condor, all artistic interpretations of significant moments pulled from the explorers’ journals. A must-visit for history enthusiasts, the Discovery Trail remains one of the most popular and unique historic sites in Washington.
Oysterville: A Step Back in Time
Travel into the storied past of a town that feels frozen in time. Oysterville, a charming village on the Long Beach Peninsula, is a living history museum. Established in the 1850s during the oyster boom, Oysterville is designated as a National Historic District and retains much of its 19th-century character. So much so that descendants of the community’s founders still live in some of the storybook homes lining the roads.
Stroll through its shell-crackled streets dotted with fairytale gardens. Visit the historic Oysterville Church and sit in one of the original pews. Find the schoolhouse and post office and imagine life in this once-thriving community. Pay your respects in the serene Oysterville Cemetery, where the graves of the community’s founders quietly lay. You’ll discover a moving homage to unknown sailors lost at sea, as well as the decorated grave of Chief Nahcati. The village’s rich history and picturesque setting make it one of the most unique historic sites in Washington.
Cape Disappointment Lighthouse: A Beacon of History
Our treacherous coastline is ominously known as the Graveyard of the Pacific. Over the years, our shores have claimed more than 200 ships, and the unforgiving currents and sandbars challenged early navigators. To help struggling vessels, the Cape Disappointment Lighthouse was built in 1856. It is the oldest operating lighthouse on the West Coast. Standing majestically overlooking the turbulent waters where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean, it is a testament to resilience and maritime legacy.
This iconic beacon has witnessed countless tales of daring sea voyages and shipwrecks, earning its place as one of the unique historic sites in Washington. Today, visitors flock to its dramatic cliffs, breathtaking ocean views, and the rich history that shines across the water. Whether you’re an adventurer or a history lover, Cape Disappointment Lighthouse promises an unforgettable experience.
North Head Lighthouse: Where History and Mystery Meet
A stone’s throw from the Cape Disappointment Lighthouse is the North Head Lighthouse. Perched on a dramatic, wind-swept cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the North Head Lighthouse is our second sentinel of the sea. This beacon was built in 1898 to provide additional aid to sailors approaching from the north and help guide mariners safely through treacherous waters.
The stunning, weather-beaten lighthouse has seen many travelers (even one from the afterlife.) Sitting directly in the path of occasional banshee winds, this unique historic site in Washington may house a haunt. In 1923, the lighthouse keeper’s wife could “no longer bear the howling winds” and plunged to her death. Some say they have seen her spirit wandering the grounds, braving the gusts to revisit the living.
Knappton Cove Heritage Center: The Ellis Island of the Columbia
The Knappton Cove Heritage Center, once a quarantine station for immigrants arriving by ship, is one of the unique historic sites in Washington. Known as the “Ellis Island of the Columbia,” the station was the entry point for thousands of immigrants on their way to the American dream.
In the 1870s, salmon canneries boomed along the river. Many immigrants arrived from Europe and Asia in search of work. The mouth of the Columbia River was one of the few points of entry, and as a result, the station became the first stop on American soil.
Image Courtesy of: Knappton Cove Heritage Center
The museum’s location, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, makes it a compelling stop for history buffs. When you look out towards the river from the main building during low tide, you may spy the points of pilings peeking out from the river. These posts once bolstered the wharf and docks where passengers stepped into their future. If you listen close enough, you might hear the hopeful sound of your ancestor’s soles waking toward their new horizon.
Pacific County Courthouse: A Masterpiece of Architecture
In the heart of South Bend stands the Pacific County Courthouse, an architectural marvel completed in 1911. Once dubbed the “Gilded Palace of Extravagance,” this grand building is a testament to early 20th-century craftsmanship. The courthouse boasts a stunning blend of Renaissance and Romanesque Revival styles. Its most breathtaking feature is its golden and green stained-glass dome. On bright, sunny days, the dome bathes the interior of the building in a kaleidoscope of colors.
Visitors can admire delicate murals depicting the region’s history, making it one of the unique historic sites in Washington. As one of the many Pacific County buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it is a draw for history and architecture aficionados.
Fort Columbia State Park: A Military Legacy
Fort Columbia State Park, overlooking the Columbia River, offers a fascinating glimpse into the military history of the Pacific Northwest. This well-preserved fort, built between 1896 and 1904, served as a coastal defense installation. It is regarded as one of the most intact defense sites in the nation, making it one of the unique historic sites in Washington. While the fort is known as an early 20th-century location, the history of the land goes back much further. The setting of the fort is within the accustomed territory of the Chinook Indian Nation and holds a place on the National Historic Landmark for its historical significance.
Visitors can explore the fort’s bunkers, massive gun batteries, and officer’s buildings while enjoying breathtaking views of the river and surrounding landscape. The 618-acre park includes a self-guided interpretive walk that details its history. Visitors can also enjoy hiking trails and bird-watching during their visit.
Footprints of Time: Unveiling the Unique Historic Sites in Washington
The sands of history are as endless as our ever-stretching shoreline. Pacific County is a captivating destination for those exploring unique historic sites in Washington. From lighthouses and hotels to trails and forts, each location offers a window into the past, enriched by tales of adventure, mystery, and resilience. As you journey through this picturesque region, you’ll discover the stories that have shaped its character and continue to inspire visitors today. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply searching for a memorable experience, Pacific County’s historic sites promise an unforgettable adventure.
Feature Image Courtesy of: Robyn Unruh
By: Danelle Dodds
Danelle is an international traveler, road tripper, writer, and artist. She firmly believes in testing the limits of word count, mileage, and AYCE sushi.