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Stanwood is located less than one hour north of Seattle, far enough to be outside of the metro area, yet easily accessible to all that the city offers.

Don't want to visit the city? Stanwood has everything you need combined with the rural ambiance you desire. It is the only community servicing Camano Island, a 'bedroom community' west of Stanwood.

Stanwood was settled during the years of 1870 and 1890. Initially called Centerville, it was the first Norwegian settlement in what is now Washington state. The principal idustries during those two decades were agriculture and logging with agriculture continuing to be a major industry today.

Stanwood's local museum of history, the D. O. Pearson (Pioneer) House and Museum provides a wonderfully comprehensive perspective of the Stanwood area. The Stanwood Historical Society publishes a free guide for a historical walking tour that is both authoritative and interesting.

Stanwood hosts a variety of parks and recreational activities. Parks include Church Creek Park, Kayak Point Country Park and Cavalero Beach County Park. 43.6 acre Heritage Park includes ballfields, a Skateboard Park and playfield. While Camano Island State Park and Wenberg State Parks offer recreational opportunities and camping.

Golf enthusiasts will appreciate Stanwood's beautiful and challenging public golf courses, Camaloch and Kayak Point Golf Courses.

The Skagit and Stilliguamish Rivers provide the angler with Chinook, Pink and Coho salmon and Steelhead, Dolly Varden, Whitefish and Cutthroat. Numerous lakes and Puget Sound also offer great fishing. Hunters head straight for the Skagit Wildlife Area where they can hunt waterfowl, pheasant and black-tailed deer on 11,000 acres.

Adventurous visitors to Stanwood may endulge themselves in air recreation compliments fo Paragliding and the Evergreen Soaring Club to test their wings.

Annual Events

February

Aberdeen's Rain or Shind Jazz Festival

March

Whale Watching at Westport, Festival of Colors in Ocean Shores

April

Whale Watching at Westport, Festival of Colors in Ocean Shores

May

Whale Watching at Westport, Festival of Colors in Ocean Shores

July

Fire Over the Water in Ocean City, Aberdeen Waterfront Festival, Black Hills Wranglers Rodeo in Oakville, Harbor Park Horse Races in Elma

August

Grays Harbor County Fair in Elma, International Nautical Chainsaw Carving Competition & Exhibition in Westport, Northwest Hobie Cat Championships on Lake Quinault

September

Loggers Playday in Hoquiam, Wild Blackberry Festival in Elma

December

Festival of Lights in Montesano

Where's Bigfoot? Reports of numerous sightings have been recorded throughout Grays Harbor County. The Sasquatch is reportedly 9 feet tall, is covered with thick hair or fur & leaves 13-16" long footprints - hence the name Big Foot! The creature is extremely shy, doesn't give interviews or autographs and has yet to pose - willingly - for photographs.

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