Pacific County Tour

Raymond in the past | South Bend - County Seat |
Long Beach Peninsula - tourist hub | Wilson Point - home to many elk

Pacific County

	Pacific County, located in Southwestern Washington, was one of the State's early pioneer entry points. The pristine and primitive feeling of the early days still exist today. Side-wheelers, Peninsula steam trains, Willapa Bay vessels, and log and passenger trains are easy to recall. The successful melting of the past with the present in Pacific County gives it the potential of a major tourist attraction waiting to be uncovered. Pacific County, rich in historic transportation modes, offered the early 1890 and 1900 visitor a trip on a side-wheeler down the Columbia River from Portland. Visitors could then catch the steam train beginning at Ilwaco which ran the length of the Long Beach Peninsula to Nahcotta. At this point one of the Willapa ferries could be boarded to Tokeland, Bay Center, South Bend or Raymond. During this time, the Northern Pacific Railroad laid track from Chehalis to the Raymond/South Bend area. South Bend, the Pacific County seat was to become the western most terminus for Northern Pacific Railroad (NPRR). The train connected the many small lumber and farming towns, along its route and opened a transportation corridor from the east to Willapa Bay. Traveling 53 miles from Chehalis along Highway 6, today's automobile traveler motors alongside the original railroad track through timberland, picturesque dairy farms and over bubbling streams. Relatively untouched from the early 1900's this area is a historic treat with the remaining towns reminiscent of the lumber industry's thriving past The towns of Frances, Lebam and Menlo have developed into dairy farm communities. In Frances, a German-Swiss settlement, the Catholic Church is and outstanding feature. Several ethnic celebrations are held each year at the Swiss Picnic Grounds. Menlo is in the heart of the Willapa Valley agricultural district and has been the hum of the Pacific County Fair every August since 1938. One can tour historic pathways taking in the timeless vistas, observing native birds and animals in their natural habitat. Pacific County is a rich educational experience, offering information about the unique commercial tidelands and marine harvest. The culinary products of local fish, crab, clam and oyster industries are available in many of the fine county restaurants. To continue this tour, click below on your desired destination and learn more about our wonderful county, and possibly your future new home!
		Raymond in the past South Bend - the County Seat The Long Beach Peninsula - the hub of tourist activity Wilson Point - home to many elk Pacific County Home Page - contact us!

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