This peaceful little town was built on the wealth of oysters in Willapa Bay in the mid-1800s. Many of the oysters were shipped to San Francisco and paid for with gold from the California Gold Rush. It is said that at one time, there was more gold per capita in Oysterville than any place outside of San Francisco. When the ships arrived from San Francisco Bay, the ballast of California redwood was unloaded and replaced with Willapa Bay oysters. The redwood was used to build homes in the area, some of which are still standing. Take the self-guided walking tour and slurp oysters on the half shell at Oysterville SeaFarms.
