WA Peninsula map Klipsan BeachBefore the Coast Guard was established, the United States Life Saving Service was tasked with rescue service for endangered mariners. The mouth of the Columbia River was the scene of many shipwrecks and the Klipsan station (originally named the Ilwaco Beach station) was built to rescue unfortunate mariners. The IR&NC railroad had a stop there and the train could transfer men and equipment to other parts of the peninsula. The boathouse and station are still there today.