Welcome to the Friends of Skamokawa / River Life Interpretive Center
Located in the historic Central Schoolhouse/Redmen Hall, a building over 120 years old, our center celebrates the history of Skamokawa and its vibrant river life. Explore captivating photos, exhibits, and unique gifts in our shop. Visit us to uncover the rich heritage of our community!
Admission
Donations appreciated.
– TOURS AVAILABLE BY APPOINTMENT-
Hours of Operation
Saturday and Sunday
12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
– CLOSED JANUARY & FEBRUARY –
Volunteers Needed
Become a volunteer or docent at the Friends of Skamokawa’s River Life Interpretive Center and help share the captivating stories of our river town! Your passion and knowledge can make a lasting impact, enriching visitors’ experiences and preserving our community’s history for future generations.
Mission Statement
“FOS exists to promote, support, and enhance the Skamokawa Historic District through the interpretation of its natural and human history.”
About Us
Welcome to Friends of Skamokawa’s River Life Interpretive Center! Housed in the historic Central Schoolhouse/Redmen Hall, a building over 120 years old, our center is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of Skamokawa and its vibrant river life.
At our center, visitors can explore a variety of historic photographs and engaging displays that bring the past to life. Our gift shop and bookstore offer unique items that celebrate the heritage of the region, making perfect souvenirs or gifts.
Join us for an enriching experience as you listen to our knowledgeable docents share captivating stories about the once-bustling river town of Skamokawa. For those seeking a breathtaking view, don’t miss the chance to climb the 88 steps to our bell tower, where you can enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the Columbia River.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast or just curious about the area, we invite you to visit and discover the stories that shaped our community!
Read more about our history below!
Friends of Skamokawa +
River Life Interpretive Center
First Floor: Gift Shop – Bookstore – Local History
Second Floor: Self Guided Exhibits -Beautiful views of Skamokawa, Vista Park and the Lower Columbia River
Third Floor: Bell Tower (visitors are always welcome to ring the bell) – Amazing views of Skamokawa and even Astoria on a clear day!
Bookstore
As the largest bookstore in Wahkiakum County, we’re excited to announce our expansion, bringing even more books to our shelves!
Discover local authors and a diverse selection—gardening, foraging, river life, children’s books, and more.
Plus, browse our used book section—every book is just $5!
Gift Shop
Step into our charming gift shop and discover a delightful selection of unique treasures!
Whether you’re shopping for a thoughtful gift or a little something for yourself, our carefully curated collection is sure to bring joy.
Visit us in-store or shop a selection of items online!
Events
Don’t miss out on exciting upcoming events! From community gatherings to special performances and workshops, our events calendar has it all.
Stay updated, get involved, and make the most of what’s happening!
Newsletter
Our newsletter delivers quarterly with updates on our events, lastest book deals, giftable goodies, and much more!
History of Skamokawa
National Historic District Est. 1976
The entrance to Skamokawa, with Moe Hill in the background, circa 1910.
Skamokawa was listed on the National Register as a National Historic District in 1976, as one of the few surviving examples of a small water-based community once common along the lower Columbia River. The village is spread out along a system of creeks and sloughs which drain three valleys and once formed the only transportation network. Before 1917 there were no roads, all transportation was by water: by sternwheeler, sailing vessel and fishing boat.
Founded as a Riverfront Community
Skamokawa was sometimes referred to as “Little Venice.” Houses and other buildings were built facing the water, usually with a dock and boat, and were linked by boardwalks. People rowed to church, to mercantile establishments, or to visit friends or family in other parts of the community.
Steamboat Slew, Silverman Mercantile, and the Hotel, circa 1910. The hotel is the only surviving building from this historic scene.
Businesses of Skamokawa
By the period of the 1890s, Skamokawa would boast of a draw-bridge linking the island church to the rest of the community, several lumber and shake mills, a ship-yard connected with the Columbia River Lumber and Manufacturing Company, a newspaper, the Skamokawa Eagle, still in business today as the Wahkiakum County Eagle. In 1894 the community built the Central School, today known as the Redmen Hall and containing the River Life Interpretive Center.
The Creamery
The Skamokawa Creamery Coop was a cornerstone of the community from 1898 to 1943, renowned for its high-quality butter, which earned numerous awards at state and regional fairs. Today, the site is home to the Skamokawa Resort.
Creamery Coop History
In 1898, John Strom helped organize the Skamokawa Farmers’ Creamery Association, the first cooperative creamery on the West Coast, after the Proebstal Brothers Creamery was purchased and turned into a co-op. Many of the dairy farmers in Wahkiakum County were Scandinavian immigrants who brought a strong cooperative tradition with them. The creamery grew as demand increased, and the county saw more cooperatives form, including the Farmers Cooperative Produce and Warehouse Association in Grays River. The cooperatives thrived until the 1930s, when the Great Depression and the expansion of the state highway system introduced competition, leading to their decline. By the 1940s, local dairy milk was shipped out for processing, and the cooperative creamery movement in Wahkiakum County faded.
An aerial view of Skamokawa from the 1920s that shows the Creamery and the school in the foreground. Brooke Slew can be seen in the background, and the town’s boardwalks are visible, indicating how people navigated the area.
Steam donkey used for timber tree pulling.
Old Grove, Timberfallers
What a catch!
Snowy Day! Creek frozen over in 1930.
Settlers of Skamokawa
The first pioneers settled in Skamokawa in the 1860s, attracted by natural resources like timber and salmon, and the opportunity to establish farms. They took out land claims, fished, and worked in logging camps to support their families. The Bayview Cannery, founded in 1873, created a market for salmon. Today, the area’s economy still relies on commercial fishing, logging, and small-scale farming, along with tourism, including activities like kayaking, fishing, biking, camping, and visits to attractions like Redmen Hall museum, Skamokawa Resort, and Lewis and Clark Heritage sites.
Haven't seen enough of Skamokawa? Check out other local attractions!
Columbia River Kayaking
360.747.1044
The Duck Inn
360.795.6055
Lucky Mud Inn & Disc Golf Resort
360.795.8770
River Loft Vacation Rental
844.884.7955
Skamokawa Farmstead Creamery
360.795.8700
Skamokawa Resort
360.795.0726
Skamokawa Vista Park
360.795.8605
Viewpoint Landing
360.329.2622
Twin Gables Bed and Breakfast Inn
360.957.3884
Wahkiakum Fairgrounds
360.795.3480
