Exploring the Coastal Charm of Tokeland

We took advantage of the weather and spent the day at a makeshift camp listening to the gentle sound of the waves near Tokeland

Tokeland's History

Tokeland is a charming little town located in Pacific County, Washington, nestled on the west side of Willapa Bay. Archaeologists believe that the area has been populated by native tribes for thousands of years, long before the arrival of European settlers in the 19th century. Tokeland’s first mention was recorded by Captain Robert Gray in his journals, who sailed into the bay in 1792 and named it after the Willapa tribe, who were the original inhabitants of the area.

The actual settlement of Tokeland began in the late 1800s when a wharf and sawmill were established. The community grew rapidly, attracting loggers, fishermen, and other laborers who were allured by the area’s abundant natural resources. In the early 20th century, Tokeland became a popular tourist spot, with visitors coming from all over the region to enjoy its beaches, fishing, and hunting. 

Nowadays, Tokeland is a tranquil, scenic village home to approximately 150 people, many of whom work in the fishing industry. The town is known for its long history, natural beauty, and laid-back lifestyle.

Tokeland
A day camp on Washington's coast near North Cove, or as the locals call it, 'Wash Away Beach.'

Wash-away Beach

Have you ever heard of Wash Away Beach? It’s a stunning location on the southern coast of Washington State, close to Grayland. The beach is famous for its dramatic erosion, which has caused it to recede by up to 100 feet per year in certain areas. This makes it a popular destination for people who are interested in studying coastal erosion and the impact of climate change on the environment.

 

The erosion at Wash Away Beach is caused by a combination of factors, including rising sea levels, increased storm activity, and the gradual sinking of the land. The beach is situated on a narrow strip of sand between the ocean and a series of tidal channels, which makes it particularly vulnerable to erosion. Over time, the relentless pounding of the waves has caused the beach to shrink and the nearby cliffs to crumble, resulting in a constantly changing landscape that is both beautiful and awe-inspiring. 

Support

Our mission is a labor of love, but it does come with overhead. If you’d like to support our efforts we’d certainly appreciate it. Currently, we’re actively participating in the following field research:

  • COASST Beached Bird Surveys
  • Wild and Scenic River Project

Thank you.

We took advantage of the weather and spent the day at a makeshift camp listening to the gentle sound of the waves near Tokeland

Affiliates

We are the learned society for geography and geographers.
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Working to provide opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to make a difference as they play in the outdoors.
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Working to translate long-term monitoring into effective marine conservation solutions.
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Provide integrated research, communication, and education to coastal communities that lead to the responsible use of the nation’s oceans.

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A Day of Relaxing

We took advantage of the weather and spent the day at a makeshift camp listening to the gentle sound of the waves was so soothing, and the sun was warm but not too hot. Our base was empty of people and quite a comfortable spot to sit and observe the birds flying around. Seagulls, pelicans, and some sandpipers were running along the shoreline. I felt so at peace just watching them go about their business. As the day went on, I took breaks to walk along the beach and enjoy the beautiful scenery. It was a wonderful day, and I can’t wait to do it again

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