Oysterville, Washington is a quaint little town on the northern end of the Washington State Peninsula. It looks like something out of a Better Homes and Garden magazine. Perfectly preserved homes from the 1800s line a sleepy street next to the stunning beauty of Willapa Bay, and beautifully designed gardens decorate the landscape. It’s like living in a Norman Rockwell painting. These are four reasons to visit the secret coastal gem of Oysterville, Washington.
Rich History
Oysterville became popular in the mid-1800s after Robert Hamilton Epsy, and Isaac Alonzo Clark befriended Chief Klickeas of the Chinook Indian tribe. The Chief introduced the men to oysters, and soon Oysterville oysters were being sold as far away as San Francisco where a single oyster was often sold for as much as a silver dollar!
Oysterville was once the county seat of Pacific County, but legend has it that in the dark of a night some rebel rousers from South Bend boated across the bay and broke into the courthouse, stole all the county documents, and took them back to South Bend. After that, South Bend became known as the county seat.
Small Town Charm
Oysterville Church
Aside from the handful of gorgeous historic homes, Oysterville consists of a beautiful old school house, a cute little church built in 1892, a cemetery, and the longest continually operated post office west of the Rocky Mountains (conveniently attached to the town’s general store). Everything about town is darling!
The saloons and brothels of the old west are long forgotten. Now, neighbors happily greet one another as they walk their dogs in the morning light of the golden sunrise reflecting off the bay. They tend to their gardens and enjoy the peaceful small town life of the Pacific Northwest. In fact, one of the residents, Bradley Huson, was kind enough to let us wander through his garden which was as lovely as any botanical gardens I’ve ever seen!
The home and garden of Bradley Huson
Stunning Willapa Bay
Leadbetter State Park
If you think the sandy beaches of Long Beach are incredible, take walk along the shores of Willapa Bay. Bald Eagles feast like gluttons off the small fish and oysters left behind in the tide pools, and an occasional seal enjoys the taste of some of the best salmon in the country. It’s a place of profound beauty that will leave your spirit singing. Be sure to take your camera, because it’s a photographers paradise.
Fresh Seafood
The deck at Oysterville Sea Farms
While you’re in Oysterville, don’t forget to enjoy some of the best seafood in the country at Oysterville Sea Farms, especially the oysters! Oysterville Sea Farms has a retail store with a large deck nestled perfectly on the bay where you can crack open your fresh oysters or enjoy any of the other specialty foods, like smoked salmon, tasty cheese, and delicious wine. It’s an ideal place to take in the picturesque view and enjoy the delights of nature.
The inside of the old Oysterville Post Office
Oysterville, Washington is such a wonderful little town that I have to wonder why it’s still a secret little gem on the Long Beach Peninsula often overlooked by visitors. Maybe it’s because it’s void of the usual souvenir stores and other tourist activities. However, I assure you that if you’re looking for a place that’s intriguing, relaxing, and gorgeous, Oysterville should be on the top of your list.