Cold, clear winter days like those experienced locally recently offered incredible views of the snow-covered Olympic mountain range to the north. While you can see the mountains from just about anywhere along Westhaven Drive, the view is especially clear when observed from the elevated Fishermen’s Boardwalk off the end of Float 20 at the head of the Pt. Chehalis revetment.
The popular fishing and viewing pier is situated atop two breakwater structures that shelter the Westport Marina from the rough waves of Grays Harbor. A bridge arches over the marina from the end of Float 20 to the first breakwater to access the boardwalk.
The Port of Grays Harbor constructed the 1,000-foot-long structure at a cost of $152,000 in 1983, opening it to the public that fall. The project also included parking lot paving adjacent to Float 20 at the head of Pt. Chehalis.
Funding for the work came from the Port, the state Department of Fish & Wildlife and the federal Bureau of Outdoor Recreation.
Since its construction, the structure has been one of the most popular spots for locals and tourists, not only for fishing but also for viewing harbor and marina activities.
The railed boardwalk includes fishing stations where anglers may secure their poles after casts while awaiting a bite.
It also includes benches for those who want to spend some quality time observing seabirds, marine life and fishing boats, both inside and outside the marina, along with those spectacular snow-capped Olympics.