1984 Map of Chinook

About this map

Chinook sits at the northern edge of the Columbia River estuary, a landscape defined by the intersection of freshwater drainage and Pacific tides. This mid-1980s data includes bathymetric depths for Baker Bay and the Ilwaco Channel, revealing the underwater topography that guided coastal navigation. The map shows a transition from the marshy lowlands of the Chinook River to the steep rise of Bear River Ridge, with the Willapa National Wildlife Refuge protecting the northern wetlands near Willapa Bay. Several prominent family holdings, including Kyle Ranch and Goulter Ranch, are noted alongside infrastructure like the Port of Ilwaco Airport. Cultural landmarks such as Fort Columbia State Park and the Chinook Jetty provide a clear view of the defensive and navigational engineering required to manage the river's mouth during this era.