About Grapeview Washington
About Grapeview
Few communities can match the peaceful waterfront ambience of tiny Grapeview. Nestled near the top of Case Inlet, residents here enjoy a life far from the beaten path, and nowhere near the “fast lane” by any stretch of meaning.
The first white settler to the region was Lambert Evans, a former Confederate soldier, who applied for a homestead on Stretch Island in 1872. Eventually he purchased 172 of the 365-acre island (at $2.50 per acre) and set about planting grapes cuttings, which he had been gathering in his journeys from California.
The area was expected to grow into another Seattle or San Francisco, and for years the town was officially known as Detroit, named by former Canadian and Michigan residents who hoped the town would flourish once they dug a connecting waterway between Case Inlet and Hood Canal, among other dreams.
Fortunately for current visitors, Grapeview did not become another metropolis. To the delight of all, it has remained rural, secluded, and true to its nature-respecting roots. Only one main road reaches and passes through the community. And while development and “progress” march proudly throughout other waterfront towns, Grapeview retains a beauty and serenity that are truly priceless when one is seeking a vacation or private retreat.
Grapeview’s many nearby attractions and activities are covered in depth in our See & Do and State Parks & Nature Preserves sections.
For more information on current events and local association news, visit http://www.grapeviewwa.com/ .