Tokeland is located on the north shore of Willapa Bay. For trip planning, activities at the marina, the history of the Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe, and local events are distinct areas of focus. The Tokeland Hotel connects the subject of accommodations with a clearly dated history. You can choose your stay based on whether you primarily want to enjoy activities on the water, learn about cultural history, or plan around an event.

Activities on Willapa Bay

Tokeland Marina has a public fishing pier and a boat launch. Visitors can fish or set a crab pot there; on calm waters, you can also kayak. Tokeland is an important access point for small-boat fishing on Willapa Bay. The marina is also recommended for observing shorebirds, including Marbled Godwit and Long-billed Curlew. At the marina, you can choose among fishing opportunities, kayaking, and observing the two named shorebirds as distinct activities.

History and Museum

The Shoalwater Bay Museum is dedicated to the history of the Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe. It displays paintings and drawings by tribal artist Eugene Landry, as well as a historic canoe nearly 27 feet long. The works and the canoe offer tangible points of connection; the museum’s subject gives them a shared historical context.

The museum is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is closed daily from 1 to 2 p.m. Admission is free; donations are accepted. Take the daily midday closure into account when planning, and check the current opening hours before your visit.

Places to Stay and Hotel History

The Tokeland Hotel was built in 1885 and is the oldest hotel in Washington State. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. The dates mark two distinct milestones: 1885 is the year the building was constructed, while 1978 is the year it was added to the register. This makes the hotel relevant both as a place to stay and for its history.

The Tokeland Hotel has 17 guest rooms on the second floor and two cottages farther up the road. This specific layout is a starting point if you want to compare accommodation options. If you have a particular property in mind, check availability directly with the hotel.

Events Throughout the Year

The Old Fashioned Tokeland 4th of July Parade & Picnic is an annual local tradition that includes a family picnic. The Tokeland Woodfest is an annual summer event featuring live music, chainsaw carving demonstrations, and an arts and crafts festival. The events have different highlights: the parade pairs a picnic with a celebration, while the Woodfest features music and crafts. If an event is the reason for your trip, check the dates for your chosen year in advance.

Tokeland in Its Coastal Context

For regional context, Tokeland, on the shores of Willapa Bay, marks one end of the 18-mile South Beach Area of Washington’s Seashore Conservation Area. This also lets you consider the town in the context of this larger coastal area.

Discover more destinations: Seaview, Ocean Park, Ilwaco, Long Beach.

See the broader travel overview: Pacific County.