Guest Author - Denise Hoffman

Willapa Bay is a 25 mile long oyster rich bay and protected wildlife estuary that empties into the Pacific Ocean. The bay consists of a shallow mud bottom along the southern end, with sandy areas beginning near the central area along its largest island, Long Island. The Hudson Bay Company had originally cultivated oysters in the bay but now private companies own the farming rights. Local stories tell of families that had lived on the island that is now host only to wildlife, campers, and a stand of old growth red cedars.

Long Island
Thick with underbrush, swamp and trees (bring mosquito spray); Long Island provides a welcome home to black bear, elk, birds, and smaller wildlife. The only access is by boat with one of my favorite camping spots at Sandspit. Following the trails inland, we’ve seen many signs of bear, including scat, but never encountered one. Do not visit Long Island without learning about ocean tides. During an outgoing tide, the water is eliminated very quickly and you may find your boat sitting on a muddy bottom. If you walk out, you can sink to your hips which can easily present a life threatening situation.

When on the island, most side trails lead to an old road that traverses from north to south. Obtain a refuge map from the National Wildlife Refuge in Ilwaco (or contact through the Internet) for directions to the red cedars.

Long Beach Peninsula
The easiest route to viewing Willapa Bay is by crossing the four mile Astoria-Megler Bridge in Oregon on Highway 101 and driving north along the Long Beach Peninsula.

The sandy peninsula is home to several towns, notably, Ilwaco, Long Beach, Oceanside, Ocean Park, and Oysterville. It is bordered on the south by the Columbia River, on the west by the Pacific Ocean and the east by Willapa Bay.

Ilwaco offers opportunities for charter fishing with a marina located at the mouth of the Columbia River.

Long Beach is a cute beach town complete with a bakery (sweets are always on my mind), tourist shops, and beach access. An interesting point to note is that driving on the peninsula beach area is allowed and even considered a state highway. Side streets lead directly to the beach but keep in mind that a vehicle can still get stuck. You can also rent horses to ride on the beach.

Oysterville is a small village that is home to the fishing marina on Willapa Bay and where oysters are processed. Mountains of white shells stacked everywhere are the result of farming activities. Bring a cooler to store the dozens of oysters sold by farms along the way.