South Bend, Washington
South Bend sits at the mouth of the Willapa River on the edge of Willapa Bay. This is a haven for kayaking and canoeing, a region rich in history, long known as the oyster capitol of the world.
A constant dance between the ebb and flow of tides reveals two starkly different faces of Willapa Bay. When the high tide washes out more than half of the bay is exposed, creating as many as 40,000 acres of intertidal mud flats and marshes – an ideal habitat for oysters and a mecca for all manner of birds and other aquatic life.
This dramatic shift in seascape is just one of the natural wonders that makes the drive south a stunning feast for the eyes as the 105 wanders leisurely along the edge of the bay toward the towns of Raymond and South Bend.
While its less than 30 miles from Tokeland Road to the edge of Raymond, you’ll want to plan extra time to stop at various places and take in the interplay of wetlands, streams and forests as the coast gives way to the bay waters, and the bay leads to the mouth of the Willapa River.
After the drive, you’ll find two communities that offer up several sight-seeing and recreation opportunities, including places to stay, restaurants, museums, and prime access to river and sea kayaking, canoeing and other boating opportunities.
Raymond
Born as a lumber town on the shores of the Willapa River -- as many as 20 sawmills operated here in the early 1900s -- this community continues that role today as timber giant Weyerhaeuser Co. retains a significant operation. Commercial fishing on the river and in the bay – for salmon, sturgeon, shrimp and crab – also contributed a large share to the community’s livelihood over the past century.
As you drive into town, one of the first things you’ll notice are remarkable metal sculptures that dot the roadside of US 101 and SR 6. These works of art depict the community’s history and portray its surroundings. In the summer and early fall months, a public market offers fresh produce and the work of local artisans. There’s a popular 9-hole golf course as well as the fascinating Willapa Seaport Museum and the wonderful Northwest Carriage Museum.
South Bend
This town, aptly named for its perch on the southern bend of the Willapa River, is just down US 101 a stone’s throw from Raymond and well worth investigating. This is the seat of Pacific County (a distinction local residents literally wrested away from Oysterville in the late 1800s), but is known to many as the Oyster Capital of the World.
You'll want to find a spot to sample the oysters here. The oyster business played a crucial role in this town’s past and continues to do so today. A number of commercial fishers still ply their trade here, primarily through gillnetting. In fact, those who want to launch recreational watercraft in these waters should be sure to read the signs on how to avoid the gillnets.
You'll also want to stop by the stunning Pacific County Courthouse, built in 1910, as well as the Pacific County Museum to brush up on the region’s interesting past.
Char-lee’s
428 W Robert Bush Dr.. South Bend, WA 98586 | 360-875-6108
Wonderful shopping, many hand made one- of-a-kind gifts & treasures. “Two thumbs up.” Stop and look around you’ll be glad you did.
Chens Restaurant Hotel & RV Park
206 E Robert Bush Dr.. South Bend, WA 98586 | 360-875-5523 | 360-875-5523
A Beautiful place to stay with a view of the Willapa River. Hotel Rooms, RV Spaces and Chinese food to die for, just ask the locals!
East Point Seafood Market
313 Robert Bush Dr.. South Bend, WA 98586 | 360-875-5417 | 360-875-5419
8am-6pm -7 days a week.
Just a few hundred feet from the source, find the freshest oysters and seafood available from the pristine waters of Willapa Bay. We ship anywhere. Order your products online.
Harbor Realty Inc.
105 Hwy 101 & Quincy. South Bend, WA 98586 | 360-942-7486
A warm welcome from Broker Heidi Keller. Whether your thinking of investment property, a new home or commercial property for business, Harbor Realty, Inc. is everything you need. Our team of experienced professionals has the decades of knowledge and will find you the perfect property.
Knot Just Another Baking Co.
1101 W. Robert Bush Dr. South Bend, WA 98595 | | 360-875-0166
Smells like Grandma’s kitchen! Homemade breads, huge Craisin cinnamon rolls, muffins, soft pretzels, garlic croutons, croissants, scones and Espresso.
Pacific County Historical Society & Museum
1008 W. Robert Bush Dr. South Bend, WA 98586 | | 360-875-5224
Museum, visitor info center, book store and a wealth of information on the history of the area. Archives and even children’s books. This is a one of a kind and a ‘must see’ if you travel thru South Bend.
Powell, Seiler & Company, P.S.
912 W Robert Bush Dr. South Bend, WA 98595 | | 360-875-6565
If your C.P.A. can't show you enough savings to pay his own fees, you need another C.P.A.
Rachel Niles
Highway 101 & Quincy St.. South Bend, WA 98586 | 360-942-8373
Rachel Niles at Harbor Realty ~ The Great Outdoors ... just out your front door!
River View Dining
618 W Robert Bush. South Bend, WA 98586 | | 360-875-6155
While this place isn't world-famous yet, it should be! Oysters & BBQ to die for. Prepared in outdoor BBQ. How do you want your oysters? You can get 'em: Cajun, sauteed, smoked, grilled, buttered, marinated, spicy, hot and more.
Seaquest Motel
801 W First St. South Bend, WA 98547 | 888-399-9955 | 360-875-5349
This motel is the place to stay while visiting South Bend at the Willapa Bay. We offer so much more than great views. Enjoy a mini retreat or a romantic getaway. Quiet, calm & serene. One of the last pristine bays left in the continental U.S.! Fully-equipped kitchens.
Security State Bank - South Bend
111 Central Ave. South Bend, WA 98586 | 360-942-2401
Open Monday - Friday 9:30 am to 5pm.
Local community bank looking forward to helping with all your personal and business banking needs from checking accounts to loans. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
Willapa Chamber of Commerce
606 Robert Bush Dr. E.. South Bend, WA 98586 | | 360-942-5419
Once you have visited you will agree that Pacific County is nature's best effort. A sportsman's paradise. Visit our website for all our secrets
Willapa Lanes
128 W Robert Bush Dr. South Bend, WA 98586 | 360-875-6773
Full-Service Restaurant with the freshest seafood on the Willapa Harbor. Lounge, bowling and more. Sun-Thurs., 7 am to 10 p.m., Friday and Sat., 7 am to midnight.