Oakville, WA

Oakville is a Grays Harbor County city on the north shore of the Chehalis River, just downstream from where the Chehalis and Black rivers meet. It incorporated in 1905 around timber, rail, and farming, and the town's name points to the native Garry oak woodlands that shaped the area. The old timber-and-farm past is still visible in the river crossings and historic buildings, while Al Brant City Park sits across from City Hall. The Sharon Grange's annual oyster dinner, first held in 1947, is one of the area's durable community traditions; its hall also hosts farmers markets and food-basket drives. Oakville's outdoor life follows the water, with boat launches and fishing, canoeing, and swimming on the Chehalis and Black rivers.