With about 1300 full time residents, Ilwaco's population swells to over 3,000 during the busy summer months. Visitors flock to spend their vacation on the beaches, Columbia River fishing, digging for the famous razor clams, picnicking, whale watching, swimming, visiting local attractions, or simply relaxing.
Ilwaco, the "Fishing Capital of the West", boasts of having the nicest and largest port basin on the coast. Most of the waterfront consists of a large boat basin, which will accommodate 1000 sport and commercial fishing vessels. Commercial and sports fishing, with their related businesses, are the major industries today as they have been since the early days. Tourism, forestry, and cranberry farming also play an important role in the community's economy.
Ilwaco boasts the following: A combined Junior/Senior High School which serves the entire Peninsula area. Motels, Bed & Breakfasts, RV Parks and Fort Canby State Park which has 250 camping spaces offer lodging for every taste. A state-of-the-art hospital and two medical clinics employ 20 physicians. Ilwaco is proud to have a regional library and several community churches. Visitors and locals alike enjoy the Ilwaco Heritage Museum, Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, Cape Disappointment and North Head Lighthouses, City Park as well as Benson and Waikiki beaches and the North Jetty . Whether seeking out the Centennial murals or enjoying Ilwaco Harbour Village and Downtown Shopping, in Ilwaco, there is something for everyone.
The City government consists of a Mayor, five Councilmen, a 5-member Planning Commission, a City Planner, a City Clerk and a City Treasurer. There is a Utility Supervisor and seven crewmen. The Ilwaco Volunteer Fire Department has a crew of about 28 men.
The City owns and operates its own water and sewer plants. The electric service is under the control of the County Public Utility District. Ilwaco contracts for local Police services, and for Building Permits, with the City of Long Beach, which is 4 miles north of Ilwaco.
Businesses, other than those related to fisheries, include restaurants, art galleries, pharmacy, office supply/art shop, hardware store, gas station, taverns, boat repair shop, dry cleaner, grocery store, automotive repair shop, beauty shop, antique store, second hand store and several gift shops.
Chief ways of transportation are State Highway 101 and the Columbia River. The Astoria-Megler Bridge spans the Columbia River from the Washington shore to Astoria, Oregon. This scenic bridge is 4.1 miles long and is the longest continuous-truss bridge in North America. There is a small airport about 2 miles east of downtown Ilwaco. This paved strip is about 2200 feet long.
A hike up the hill to the lighthouse at Cape Disappointment is well worth the time as the view of the river and ocean is spectacular. Those with disabilities and many on stormy days are able to appreciate the spectacular panoramic view from the indoor viewing area within the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center. While inside, enjoy learning the story of the historic journey of Lewis and Clark, as depicted in pictures, stories and exhibits. Fort Canby is now a popular State Park offering a boat launching area, fishing and other outdoor activities in addition to camping facilities.
Ilwaco is proud of its well-stocked Branch of the Timberland Library as well as its world-class Heritage Museum. Visitors are heartily welcomed to take the time to enjoy the wealth of information within the doors of each. Our Centennial Murals are five of fifteen murals painted througout the Peninsula.
A birder's and kayaker's paradise, this pristine corner of the world remains greatly untouched by humans, uniquely like it appeared to Lewis & Clark nearly 200 years ago.
We hope you will soon visit our fascinating home!
