Everybody loves Raymond (Washington, that is.) This hidden gem is a tight-knit community brimming with outdoor activities, charming museums, craft beverages, and artwork. With a myriad of fun things to do in Raymond, you’ll end up loving it too.
Wildlife Heritage Sculpture Corridor
The Wildlife Heritage Sculpture Corridor announces itself before you even pull into town. Hand-crafted metal statues are scattered like patinaed gems across the community and grace the roadways as you pull into town. The Heritage Sculpture Project started in 1993 when local artists created sculptures as part of a project to draw attention to this unique town. Now, you can find more than 200 sculptures throughout three miles of the Raymond landscape.
The designs reflect the heritage of the area. You’ll see Native Americans, loggers, deer, elk, fish, birds, and bears. Each one is lovingly crafted and speaks to a way of life in the region. One of the fun things to do in Raymond is a sculpture scavenger hunt. Try to find all 200 installations during your next visit here.
WooHoo Winery
We’ve talked a lot about our craft beers, but we must tell you about our wine. WooHoo Winery is a boutique family winery nestled in the beautiful Willapa Valley. The owners chose the name because it was easy to remember, and we assure you that you won’t soon forget your time here.
One of the fun things to do in Raymond is to stop by their tasting room. Sip on their chardonnay. Marinate on their merlot. Ponder their pinot. Or get silly on their sangria. No matter what flavor you favor, spending a leisurely afternoon at WooHoo Winery is time well spent.
Alder + Co.
It may be surprising that visiting a coffee shop is on our list of fun things to do in Raymond, but this isn’t your ordinary café. Alder + Co. is more than simply a place to grab a delicious cup of Wild Pines Coffee. It’s a retail and community destination. The shop is the place to catch up with your friends, chow down on tasty pastries, and shop to your heart’s content. The store houses hundreds of locally made products, meaning you shop directly from the source. They are an outlet for Rhodesia Flower Farm, whose breathtaking blooms will brighten up any day. And Alder’s artistic displays are nothing short of awe-inspiring, so bring your best selfie game. You’ll be back more than once to sit in their cozy living room and visit with some of the friendliest staff in town.
Wild Man Brewing
We’re proud to boast several hometown breweries, and Wild Man Brewing is one of them. The brainchild of three friends, this neighborhood watering hole brews beer and mead. They offer weekly dinner specials and a full menu for those that like a little poutine with their pilsner. No one is a stranger here, so be prepared to make new friends. And feel free to let your hair down because they love to “Keep It Wild” in this bar.
Northwest Carriage Museum
Our small-town museums are near and dear to our hearts. With eleven unique galleries, our museums will take you on a journey of history and charm. And no visit to Raymond is complete without a trip to the Northwest Carriage Museum. More than 60 historic carriages and buggies await, along with replicas of early school rooms and blacksmith shops. The displays include horse-drawn vehicles from cinematic masterpieces.
Raymond Theatre
The historic Raymond Theatre opened in 1928. It is on the register of National Historical Buildings so history buffs will be delighted by its charm. The building was renovated and now includes a Dolby sound system and new seats. The theatre plays old classics and new releases. And if you’re lucky, you’ll catch a showing of fan favorites filmed in the region.
Willapa Valley Lavender Farm
The Willapa Valley Lavender Farm is a family-owned and operated farm along the Willapa River. The farm started in 2016 with 4,500 tiny lavender plants. In the summer of 2022, the family moved their farm to the current location and bloomed into the business they are today. Their farm is also the location of the Willapa Valley Music Festival, which is another fun thing to do in Raymond. We love visiting the lilac-hued flowers and shopping in their store. All their products are full of natural ingredients and that dreamy lavender scent.
Willapa Seaport Museum
As a coastal town, we’d be remiss if we didn’t have a museum devoted to seafaring. If you’re looking for fun things to do in Raymond, add the Willapa Seaport Museum to your list. Peruse the plethora of paraphernalia covering their walls and displays. Learn about fishing boats, “tramp ships,” and the Great White Fleet. Be sure to snap photos of their replica wheelhouse, ticket office, and Shoalwater Bay Lifesaving Station. While you’re there, don’t forget to look for their pirate loft. (After all, what maritime museum would be complete without one?)
Willapa Paddle Adventures
Paddleboarding and kayaking are easily one of the most fun things to do in Raymond! Willapa Paddle Adventures gets you onto the river to experience nature up close. Paddle along the smooth current as fish swim by, and eagles fly overhead. If the tide is on your side, you can paddle out to Long Island, a small, uninhabited island in the Willapa National Wildlife Refuge.
Willapa Hills Trail
The Willapa Hills Trail was once a railroad between South Bend and Chehalis. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, the trail is one of the fun things to do in Raymond if you love hiking, running, and biking. Don’t be surprised if you see a few friends on horseback! Equestrians also enjoy this route for daily trots. It’s important to note that the trail is in various stages of development, so be prepared for pavement, gravel, dirt, or detours (depending on your route.)
Pitchwood Alehouse & Inn
Another staple in the region is the Pitchwood Ale House. They’ve been pouring local craft beer in Pacific County since 1934. Formally the Top Notch Tavern, it came under new ownership and name in 2012. Located in downtown Raymond, the bar lures loggers and travelers with its full menu and robust beer selection.
Visitors can enjoy pours from Buoy Beer Co. or Widmer Brothers Brewery from one of their 19 taps. Their food menu is extensive, and they’re famous for their burgers. Don’t snooze on their pub fries tossed with garlic, butter, and parmesan. And it’s always a good idea to get an oyster shooter with your beer.
If you over-indulge in craft beer, don’t fret. Get a room at the Pitchwood Inn across the parking lot. The cheerful, yellow roadside motel is mere steps from the ale house’s entrance.
It’s easy to see why everybody loves Raymond, and we can’t wait for you to join the club. Bring the whole family and see why Raymond on the Willapa will win your heart too.
By: Danelle Dodds
Danelle is an international traveler, road tripper, writer, and artist. She firmly believes in testing the limits of word count, mileage, and AYCE sushi.