History of Hi-Tide Resort's Moclips River

By Ron Lee
Published: 07/10/23 Topics: Comments: 0

Once upon a time, in the small coastal town of Moclips, Washington, there was a creek known as Moclips Creek. 
 
This creek, originating from the slopes of MacAfee Hill, flowed west for 12 miles until it reached the mighty Pacific Ocean.
 
In the early 1900s, Moclips was a bustling tourist destination. The wealthy from the Pacific Northwest flocked to the town, drawn by the promise of a healthy getaway from the stresses of city life. 
 
The town was home to grand hotels, restaurants, and even a theater, all built along the new city streets.
 
One of the most prominent figures in the town was Dr. Edward Lycan, one of the first landowners in the area. Dr. Lycan had a dream of building the grandest hotel of them all, and in 1905, he did just that. 
 
The Moclips Beach Hotel, a two-story building with 150 rooms, stood proudly on the dunes, just a few dozen feet from the high-tide line. However, within two months of its opening, the hotel burnt down.
 
Undeterred, Dr. Lycan rebuilt the hotel by 1907, this time even more spectacular. The new Moclips Beach Hotel was the crown jewel of the Washington Coast, standing three stories tall and stretching for an entire block in length. 
 
It was considered perfect by the wealthy guests who frequented the area.
 
However, in 1911, a series of storms hit the town, causing significant damage. The Moclips River flooded, with a current reported to be 30 miles per hour. 
 
The storm toppled the school, numerous buildings, and the ill-fated Moclips Beach Hotel. The damage was reported to be $40,000 in 1911, which is nearly $1,000,000 today.
 
Despite the devastation, the spirit of Moclips remained unbroken. The town, like the Moclips Creek, continued to flow, embodying the resilience and strength of its people. 
 
Today, the story of Moclips Creek serves as a reminder of the town’s rich history and the enduring power of nature.

Author: Ron Lee – Hi-Tide Resort, Hi-Tide Resort
Blog #: 0969 – 07/10/23

Sponsor: Hi-Tide Resort – You can't get any closer to the beach than this. comfy, cozy, modern condos at Hi-Tide-Resort on Moclips Beach WA State. – Hi-Tide-Resort.com