Olalla was settled in its early years by a large number of Norwegian and other Scandinavian immigrants because of its similarities to their native countries.

Noted as early as the 1860s, Olalla developed a commerce center by way of its good sea water access.

Shipping and the mosquito fleet (ferrying system at that time) was very busy moving materials, goods and people.

Olalla was served by many steamships, including the Virginia V which is the last operational example of a Puget Sound Mosquito Fleet steamer.

She was once part of a large fleet of small passenger and freight carrying ships that linked the islands and ports of Puget Sound in Washington state in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Since the Narrows Bridge was built, Olalla has enjoyed a quiet rural setting while being converted into a residential community for commuters to nearby cities and towns.

Olalla Bay Market & Landing[3] (formerly Al's Grocery Store) is the only old structure left by the lagoon and the locals hold it dear to their hearts.

[5] Olalla has some small claim to fame as the location of an early 20th-century health retreat (Sanitarium) called Wilderness Heights a.k.a.