Ryderwood Street Scenes
Ryderwood, Washington has been a "Planned Community for Retired Persons in the Foothills of Western Washington" since 1953 - likely the country's oldest retirement community. Located about halfway between Portland and Seattle in the northwest corner of Cowlitz County, the I-5 Exit #59 is marked "SR 506 / Vader / Ryderwood". SR 506 meanders west for 9 miles through Vader and Lewis County before arriving at the "Village in the Woods".
The Ryderwood Improvement & Service Association, Inc. (RISA) is the association of homeowners that manages and maintains the retirement community. Community properties include the Community Hall, Library, and 2 parks. The community also boasts a Coffee Shop/Cafe and a beautiful non-denominational church.
Zillow, Redfin and Trulia are sources for properties currently for sale. Maruta Hiegel is a Windermere Realtor who lives in Ryderwood.
Learn more about life in the retirement community of Ryderwood on these pages:
Join the Celebration!
Welcome to Ryderwood, WA 98581
The Village in the Woods
Unless otherwise noted, all photos on this page are in the RHP Private Collection.
Ryderwood Improvement & Service Association
305 Morse Street; P. O. Box 143; Ryderwood, WA 98581
T: 360-295-3651; F: 360-295-3690; RISARyderwood@outlook.com
July 28, 29 & 30, 2023 ~ Friday, Saturday & Sunday
The Town With Two Histories
But Ryderwood's history dates back 30 more years to another historic era and life. The majority of the homes and buildings in the town were built in 1923-26 by the Long-Bell Lumber Co. It was the "World's Largest Logging Town" and the first time a town for loggers and their families had been built from the ground up.
Learn more about Ryderwood's logging history on these pages:
USPS Centennial Postmark Booth with Postcards and Note Cards.
Lots of fun, food & festivities for all ages!
Parade! History Displays! Time Capsule!
Live Music both nights ~ Bruce Meier Band!
Wood carver/sculptor Wade Lapp!
Balloon artist BaLunatic!
Quilt Show and Raffle! R. C. Boat Races!