Oysterville

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Distance from Seattle:

186 mi

Oysterville Church - 1892

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Oysterville

Oysterville is a quaint, historic town located on the northern end of Long Beach Peninsula overlooking Willapa Bay. This sleepy village is reminiscent of a New England town. The 80-acre National Historic District Includes beautiful gardens, well preserved Victorian homes, a church, cannery, one-room schoolhouse, and a magical location on the bay.

Oysterville was founded in 1854 by R.H. Espy and I. A. Clark after discovering a rich supply of oysters in its tidal mudflats. The town soon flourished, fueled by strong demand for oysters from markets such as San Francisco. During the height of its boom, Oysterville’s population swelled to over 500, and a church, school and cannery was constructed.

Oyster supplies eventually declined, and the town’s fate was sealed in the late 1880’s when a decision was made to not extend the railroad line as far as Oysterville.

Things to do in Oysterville

Oysterville is a tiny village best explored on foot, with a Post Office, General Store and the Oysterville Sea Farms. Stop at the Oysterville Church for a Self Guided Walking Tour Map, and stroll past a number of well marked Victorian homes and dwellings. To experience the ultimate in solitude, sit on the bench overlooking Willapa Bay at the end of Clay Street.

The other highlight of a visit to Oysterville is the Oysterville Sea Farms, where visitors can enjoy enjoying succulent oysters, shrimp and crabs from the famous Willapa Bay oyster beds. The views across Willapa Bay are superb.