Klipsan Beach Life Saving Station
Klipsan Beach Life Saving Station is a wooden lifeboat station built in 1891 on the Washington coast to rescue ships and sailors in distress. The building maintains its original Marquette-style design and is preserved today as a private property, while its boathouse and watchtower remain part of the site.
The station was founded in 1891 and originally known as Ilwaco Beach before being renamed in 1912. Following a tragic 1891 shipwreck of the Strathblane, the station shifted to permanent staffing and remained active until 1922, when it was fully abandoned in 1947.
The station reflects the spirit of community responsibility that defined coastal life in the region. Its simple design and strategic placement show how locals prioritized swift, practical action in times of danger.
The site is now privately managed with the main building operating as a vacation rental for visitors. Access may be limited, so it is wise to check current visiting arrangements before planning your visit.
The shoreline has shifted several yards since 1891, leaving the ocean now far from where it once threatened ships near the station. This visible change in the coastline tells the story of natural erosion and land movement over time.
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