Chinook, WA Attractions

The Fort Columbia State Park is both a scenic and historical park. This fort, along the Columbia River, was in operation from 1896 to 1947. Located within Fort Columbia State Park is an interpretive trail, a small museum, and good opportunities for birdwatching.

An interesting sight just off State Route 4 at Grays River is the oldest covered bridge in the northwest.

The little community of Ilwaco is located in the far southwestern corner of Washington Sate, along the Pacific Ocean just north of the mouth of the Columbia River. Ilwaco is primarily a fishing port but there is much history in the area to explore. Nearby attractions include Cape Disappointment State Park and the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center.

The Ilwaco Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum is a great place to visit to learn about the history of the town and the local area. The museum is divided into theme rooms, some of which include Native American history, Fur Traders, Natural History, the Columbia River Estuary, and more.

Oysterville is located near the northern tip of the Long Beach Peninsula. The town was settled in the mid 1800s after it was discovered the area was rich in oysters. Oysterville was a boom town but the oyster supplies eventually dwindled, as did the town's population. The town is listed on the Register of National Historic Districts and visitors come here largely for the scenery.

The Willapa National Wildlife Refuge, on Willapa Bay, protects spawning habitat for fish, stopping areas for migratory birds, and areas used by harbor seals for pupping. The area includes shoreline, dunes, sand bars, marshlands, mud flats, beaches, grasslands, and forest. The Willapa National Wildlife Refuge is a great place for wildlife observation, particularly during the spring or fall.