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.
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
Latest Instagram
A forgotten sailboat, once at home on the open seas, now rests as a forgotten relic in the parking lot near Damon Point, standing as a haunting reminder of forgotten dreams and the relentless power of time.
The golden hues of the sunset cascade through the dense trees of the Pacific Northwest forest. It's a sight that never gets old, a reminder of the beauty that can be found in even the simplest things.
Walking through the forest near our campground on the Strait of Juan de Fuca. It’s almost hypnotic listening to the breeze in the canopy and the waves on the shore.
As the sun ascends, an explosive burst of vibrant hues paints the sky over Damon Point, illuminating the world with a kaleidoscope of colors and reminding us of the breathtaking beauty that awaits those who embrace each new day. Read more about our adventure; the link is in the bio.
Theresa is leading the way to Pebble Beach. A local in the area had shared that this was once an Indian summer camp and that you could still find arrowheads and pottery.
Camping with Jason who found us a great spot on the Columbia River. It’s unbelievable how close the shipping channel comes to our sites.
Come explore the stunning beauty of Tokeland with us! 📸 Click the link in our profile to see what Theresa captured and to join in on the conversation about conservation.
Exploring the Coastal Charm of Tokeland - Essex Media & Explorations
From above, the waves on Long Beach Peninsula look like a canvas of abstract art, each one unique and captivating in its own way. It's like watching a symphony of nature in motion - powerful, graceful, and utterly mesmerizing. 🌊✨
I recently witnessed a breathtaking sunset on the Pacific Coast. The hues of orange, and pink painted the sky and reflected off the calm water. It was a truly unforgettable moment.
Theresa's enjoying a moment of peace in Long Beach - just look at that sunset! All of us can help preserve these beautiful places for people to enjoy for years to come. Share your favorite conservation memory in the comments below!
We recently camped at Lake Sylvia State Park and were fortunate enough to have a break in the weather. Just as we were rounding the lake's northern end, there was a break in the clouds revealing a golden sky.
I'd love for you to check my lastest article which includes a short video of my visit to one of Washington's fire lookouts. https://buff.ly/409XOYR
Just published an article over on the website which also has a short clip of my trip to find the Burley Mountain Fire Lookout. Find the link in the bio.
Fluffy cotton candy clouds adorn the serene skies and tranquil waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. We had to wait a bit for the tide to recede before we could start our #COASST bird survey.
We took shelter under an underhand to wait out a squall while conducting our #COASST bird survey on Murdock Beach. Theresa took advantage to do a bit of Agate hunting while the storm blew over head.
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
