ILWACO
WASHINGTON’S FAMOUS
FISHING CAPITAL
The legendary salmon fishing village of Ilwaco nestles inside Cape Disappointment at the mouth of the Columbia River. The port buzzes with excitement during most of the year, hosting a fleet of charter, commercial and private
recreational fishing boats — all protected by the U.S. Coast Guard station that makes its home on the shore of the cape. Named by an early explorer who didn't know the entryway to a massive river when he encountered it, there is
nothing disappointing about this incredible place! — BOB DUKE PHOTO
I
lwaco is an incredible place. It possesses a proud maritime
tradition stretching back thousands of years, first in the cedar
canoes of the Chinook Indian people and continuing on
through the sailing era, up to the commercial and sport fishing
fleets of today.
Framed by one of the world’s most scenic harbors, Ilwaco
offers a first-hand experience of humanity’s long partnership
with the Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean.
Summer and fall offer unparalleled opportunities to get out on the
water, either in the pursuit of fish, or just to partake in the sights and
sensations of one of the world’s great rivers and nearby ocean waters.
If fishing is your heart’s desire, public boat launches provide easy
access to the water. There are plenty of charter offices to fulfill any
angler’s request. Salmon, catch-and-release sturgeon, tuna and
bottom fishing trips are available in season and fresh seafood is
available year around.
Seals, sea lions and whales all are spotted offshore. A pod of
orcas, or killer whales, is sometimes observed in the ocean here,
and humpback whales recently spent weeks inside the Columbia
River. See page 6.
A full-service marina and boatyard and a waterfront promenade
for strolling makes Ilwaco Harbour Village a stop you don’t want
to miss. Unique gift shops with that special something you can’t
find anywhere else and art galleries for that one-of-a-kind treasure
dot the waterfront.
Downtown Ilwaco, a short stroll from the port, is in the midst of
renewal, with old buildings being refurbished.
If you are hungry, there are several dining experiences to choose
from in Ilwaco, from artisanal pizza to perfectly fresh seafood.
FRAMED BY ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST SCENIC
HARBORS, ILWACO OFFERS A FIRST-HAND EXPERIENCE
OF THE COLUMBIA RIVER AND PACIFIC OCEAN.
Downtown Ilwaco and Ilwaco Harbour Village: Where the
Columbia River meets the mighty Pacific Ocean. Come experience
it all for yourself.
SATURDAY MARKET AT THE PORT OF ILWACO
May through September, the Port of Ilwaco hosts a Saturday Market that attracts vendors, craftspeople and musicians from around the
region. Pick from the freshest produce, baked goods and plants. Wonderful crafts and handiwork abound with something new every
weekend. It is open every Saturday, rain or shine, all summer long from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
4 • DISCOVERY COAST 2017-18 • www.chinookobserver.com