The story of our musuem begins with the Sequim Natural History Museum which for nine years was an adjunct of the Sequim School District, created and maintained entirely by volunteers. In 1993 the Museum’s space in the old high school building had to be relinquished for school district use, and the specimens and exhibit materials were stored. Soon thereafter, the museum took advantage of a unique opportunity to reorganize as a nonprofit corporation — the Rainshadow Natural Science Foundation — and to join forces with the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe in a partnership to interpret the natural history of the river, the watershed, and the Olympic Peninsula.

The Rainshadow Natural Science Foundation needed a permanent home for its displays and a facility for educational programs. The Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe has always been deeply involved with the well-being of the Dungeness River and the restoration of the salmon. The Railroad Bridge Park, dedicated in 1992, is an exceptional setting for an interpretive center. It was natural for the Foundation and the Tribe to cooperate in working toward these compatible goals by developing the River Center.

In 1992, many volunteers helped replace the railroad ties and planked deck of the former railroad bridge.  The approach trestle provides elevated views into the woodland canopy as well as varied river vistas. A nature trail provides glimpses of local wildlife and the native plants and trees.