Aberdeen in Grays Harbor County, Washington — The American West (Northwest)
KC Riverfront Park
Wishkah River
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, August 28, 2013
1. KC Waterfront Park Marker
The name "Wishkah is an adaptation of the Chehalis Indian word hwish-kahl, meaning "stinking water." You are now standing upon the Banks of the Moddy Wishkah, home and inspiration to one of the world's greatest musical icons.
Kurt Cobain, founder of the band Nirvana and originator of what is now known as grunge music, grew up just two blocks from this spot. Having spent much of his youth beneath this bridge, Kurt drew inspiration for his music from these surroundings. His song "Something in the Way" recalls his experience under the bridgehis bridge.
Kurt immortalized this river. In turn, the river now immortalizes him. After his death, family and friends gathered here to spread a third of Kurt's ashes into the Wishkah. His spirit flows with the tide twice daily, changing forever the meaning of the old Indian name.
Two years after Kurt's death. Nirvana released their last album "From the Muddy Banks of the Wishkah." Today, fans flock here from around the world to pay their respects and honor the memory of our beloved hero.
This park is a people's park, meaning it will become what you make of it. Remember that it was created for all to enjoy. Please help us keep it clean, and pick up after your pet.
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Location. 46° 59.053′ N, 123° 48.326′ W. Marker is in Aberdeen, Washington, in Grays Harbor County. It is on East 2nd Street east of Stanton St. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1311 E 2nd St, Aberdeen WA 98520, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. It is also on the American Pacific Coast, in the Pacific Northwest, and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: The Spirit Of The American Doughboy (approx. 0.6 miles away); First Aberdeen School and Sam Benn's Salt House (approx. 0.6 miles away); Breaker - 2013 (approx. 1.4 miles away); Cosmopolis Treaty Grounds (approx. 2.4 miles away); F. Arnold Polson House and Alex Polson Grounds (approx. 3.6 miles away); 7th Street Theatre (approx. 3.8 miles away); Hoquiam Public Library (approx. 3.9 miles away); Hoquiam Library (approx. 3.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Aberdeen.
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, August 28, 2013
2. KC Riverfront Park
Other features in the park include a sculpture of Kurt Cobain's guitar, with a plaque honoring his life.
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, August 28, 2013
3. Kurt Cobain Quotations
A marker at the park includes a series of quotes from Kurt Cobain etched into a granite plaque.
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, August 28, 2013
4. Kurt Cobain's Air Guitar
Credits. This page was last revised on September 30, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 20, 2025, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 126 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 20, 2025, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.
