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
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.
I
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.
Downtown Ilwaco and Ilwaco Harbour Village: Where the Columbia
River meets the mighty Pacific Ocean. Come experience it all for yourself.
ONE OF THE
WORLD’S MOST SCENIC
HARBORS, ILWACO
OFFERS A SENSATIONAL
EXPERIENCE OF THE
COLUMBIA RIVER AND
PACIFIC OCEAN
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 2018-19 • ChinookObserver.com