Explore the resting places which hold stories of pioneers, Native American heritage, those lost at sea, and early settlers of the Pacific coast. Bay Center’s cemeteries are quiet witnesses to generations past and offer a unique window into history.

Bay Center Cemetery, established in the mid-20th century, serves as the town’s primary burial ground today. Located just outside the heart of Bay Center, Washington, this cemetery reflects the evolving history of the community, with burials dating from the 1950s to the present. It includes veterans from World War I and II, longtime residents, and families who helped shape the town’s fishing and logging industries. The cemetery is known for its peaceful setting, offering space for traditional burials, headstone placements, and ash interments. A notable feature is the Lost at Sea memorial plaque, which honors local fishermen and community members who never returned home from the waters of Willapa Bay and the Pacific Ocean. As the town grew and the Pioneer Cemetery reached capacity, Bay Center Cemetery was created to continue honoring loved ones with dignity and care.
Approx. 188 memorials documented
GPS Coordinates: 46.59865, -123.93556
Burial Records:

Bay Center Pioneer Cemetery, often referred to as the “Old Cemetery,” is one of the oldest burial grounds in Pacific County, Washington. It began informally in the mid-1800s. The original footprint was 185 by 216 feet, later expanded to accommodate growing needs. The cemetery holds numerous unmarked graves, especially of Chinook tribal members and early settlers, including veterans, children, and community leaders. Today, the Pioneer Cemetery stands as a testament to Bay Center’s layered history, Indigenous heritage, and enduring respect for those who came before.
Located near 2nd Street in Bay Center, WA
Bay Center Pioneer Cemetery holds over 290 burials. The site reflects a deep and diverse tribal legacy alongside early settlers and Civil War veterans.
Burial Records:
- Find a Grave: https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/1967235/baby-center-pioneer-cemetery
- Interment.net: https://www.interment.net/data/us/wa/pacific/baycenter_pioneer.htm
Bay Center Pioneer Cemetery, 2nd Street, Bay Center, WA, USA
Dawn to Dusk
To ensure that all activities conducted on cemetery grounds are properly coordinated and respectful of others, please contact us in advance before planning or carrying out:
Approval is required for all formal arrangements in order to maintain safety and preserve the integrity of the grounds for everyone who visits.
No new placements of any kind are permitted without approval from the Cemetery Committee. Any activity lacking approval may be removed or replaced without prior notice.
Only fresh-cut flowers, artificial arrangements, natural items, and small flags are permitted.
Permanent items such as trees, breakable objects, and long-term decorations are not allowed.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.