Nesika, Washington

Nesika was an unincorporated town in Lewis County, Washington, southeast of Mossyrock. It is now a flooded town.

Etymology

The name of the town was chosen by Mrs. J. T. Chilcoat, an early settler. It is derived from the Cowlitz language name of the area, meaning "we, our, ours, us, or mine".

The town's post office was constructed in April 1898. The area was primarily inhabited by the Cowlitz people and Nesika was known for a balancing rock landmark located off Highway 5.

In 1914, the town was connected via bridge over the Cowlitz River to Riffe. The bridge faced issues as floods changed the course of the Cowlitz River and subsequently damaged the span multiple times. The -long structure lasted until November 1967, a few months ahead of its scheduled demolition once the new reservoir of Mossyrock Dam had filled the valley. The creosote planking was accidentally set ablaze by workers using cutting torches. The fire destroyed of the bridge, which was permanently closed and later salvaged.

The town remains submerged under Riffe Lake, the reservoir created by the Mossyrock Dam.