There’s a tiny spot in southwest Washington where the sidewalks are lined with metal sculptures and unusual artwork pops up all around town.
This place is full of surprises and the kind of charm that’ll make you smile.
You won’t find big crowds or flashy attractions here but you will find offbeat art, a museum full of old-timey carriages, and plenty of weird things scattered around.
Curious yet?
Keep reading because this little Washington town is way weirder than you’d ever expect.
Where Is It?
Raymond is a small town in southwest Washington, right along the scenic Highway 101.
It’s a little over 2 hours southwest of Seattle and around 2 hours and 20 minutes from Portland, Oregon, making it an easy day trip if you’re cruising the coast.
You’ll find it located between Willapa Bay and the forested hills of Pacific County, around 20 minutes north of Long Beach.
If you’re road-tripping the Olympic Peninsula, Raymond is a fun little stop you won’t want to miss.
About
Raymond, Washington is one of those blink-and-you-might-miss-it towns—unless you happen to spot a herd of life-sized metal elk crossing the street.
Yep, you read that right.
This tiny town is best known for its unique outdoor art, especially the dozens (and dozens) of welded metal sculptures scattered along Highway 101 and throughout the town.
These aren’t just random pieces either. The whole setup is called the Wildlife Heritage Sculpture Corridor, and it’s one of the most unexpected things you’ll stumble upon in Washington.
We’re talking steel bears, fishermen, dogs, and a variety of wildlife and human sculptures.
The sculptures are made by local artists and volunteers and have become kind of a local trademark.
You’ll see them perched along sidewalks, in front of businesses, and in parks or along the highway.
But Raymond isn’t just about its metal wildlife.
It’s also got small-town charm, a logging and fishing history that goes way back to the early 1900s, and a deep connection to the natural world around it.
The town sits along the Willapa River, surrounded by forests, wetlands, and some of the most peaceful backroads you’ll find in Washington.
Expect a super relaxed pace, friendly folks, and a town that doesn’t take itself too seriously especially when it comes to its art.
Things To Do In Raymond
Okay, so once you’ve stopped pointing at all the metal dogs and jazz-playing silhouettes, what else is there to do in Raymond?
Surprisingly, a lot.
Start with the Northwest Carriage Museum, which is way cooler than it sounds.
This place has over 60 antique carriages, buggies, and wagons from the 1800s, including ones used in old movies and shows.
They’ve got everything from fancy Victorian carriages to mail wagons, plus a bunch of hands-on exhibits where you can hop in a buggy or take a look at some old tools.
It’s fun, super well done, and the kind of museum that’s actually worth spending time in (even if you don’t care about carriages yet, you will by the end).
Right next door is the Raymond Theatre, a charming 1928 building that still hosts plays, live music, and movie nights.
If you’re in town during an event, it’s worth checking out as there’s something extra fun about catching a show in a vintage theater that still looks like it did decades ago.
Want to stretch your legs a bit?
Head to Willapa Hills Trail, which passes right through Raymond and connects all the way from Chehalis to South Bend.
It’s a flat, easy trail that’s perfect for walking, biking, or just wandering and watching for herons along the river.
From Raymond, you can also do a chill out-and-back walk with great views of the Willapa River and forested hills.
Into local history?
The Pacific County Historical Society Museum, located in nearby South Bend, is a quick stop packed with vintage logging gear, old photographs, and stories from Raymond’s boom days as a lumber town.
Need a snack break?
Check out C&C Classic Diner, a retro spot with milkshakes and big ol’ burgers, or Hungry Heifer for homemade hash browns.
If you’re after something stronger, the Wild Man Brewing Company has local craft beer and a relaxed, cozy vibe.
Whether you’re here for the art, the trails, the offbeat museums, or just a fun roadside stop, Raymond delivers way more than you’d expect from a town with few stoplights.
Know Before You Go
Raymond is one of those places that’s great year-round, but if you want the best experience (aka no rain in your shoes), aim for late spring through early fall.
June through August usually brings the driest, most comfortable weather, which is perfect for walking around town and spotting all the outdoor sculptures without a soggy hoodie.
Summer is also when you’ll catch local events like Raymond’s Willapa Harbor Festival—think parades, food vendors, and small-town fun.
Getting there is pretty simple.
If you’re coming from Olympia or Seattle, hop on Highway 101 and cruise west for a little over an hour.
From Portland, it’s about 2 hours and 20 minutes—just head north on I-5, then west at Longview toward the coast.
If you’re road-tripping the Olympic Peninsula, Raymond makes an awesome pit stop between Aberdeen and Long Beach.
Parking is generally available at local motels and some businesses, and since the town is small, you can walk to most places once you’re there.
Heads up: There aren’t any big chain hotels in town, but you’ll find a few cozy motels like the Golden Lion or Pitchwood Inn.
If you’re into camping, check out Bruceport County Park just 20 minutes away—it’s right on the water with forested sites and epic sunset views over Willapa Bay.
Oh, and bring your camera or phone with plenty of storage.
Between the sculptures, river views, and random roadside oddities, you’re gonna want a lot of pictures.
Cell service is decent in town, but can get spotty on nearby backroads which is just something to know if you’re planning to wander.
And lastly: don’t rush it.
Raymond might be small, but it’s full of weird, wonderful surprises if you take your time and look around.
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