Pacific County, Washington

Pacific County, Washington
County	Pacific County
State	Washington
Founded	February 4, 1851
Seat	South Bend
Largest city	Long Beach
Area total sq mi	1,223
Area land sq mi	933
Area water sq mi	290
Population as of	2020
Population total	23,365
Population density sq mi	25.0
District	3rd
Time zone	Pacific
Named for	Pacific Ocean

Pacific County, Washington. Located in the southwestern corner of the state, it is a coastal county defined by its extensive shoreline along the Pacific Ocean and the Columbia River. The county was established by the Oregon Territorial Legislature in 1851, making it one of the oldest counties in the region. Its economy and culture have long been tied to maritime industries, including commercial fishing, shellfish harvesting, and, more recently, tourism centered on its expansive beaches and natural preserves.

Geography

The county's geography is dominated by its position on the Long Beach Peninsula, a narrow landmass separating the ocean from Willapa Bay, one of the most pristine estuaries in the contiguous United States. Major waterways include the Naselle River and the North River, which flow into Willapa Bay, while the southern border is formed by the mighty Columbia River. Significant natural features include Leadbetter Point State Park at the peninsula's northern tip, the Willapa National Wildlife Refuge, and the Lewis and Clark National and State Historical Parks, which commemorate the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The county seat is South Bend, situated on the shores of Willapa Bay, while the most populous city is the coastal resort town of Long Beach.

History

The area has been inhabited for millennia by several Coast Salish peoples, including the Chinookan-speaking Chinook and Chehalis. European exploration began with Spanish and British mariners, but the region was profoundly shaped by the American Robert Gray's discovery of the Columbia River in 1792. Settlement increased following the Lewis and Clark Expedition's arrival in 1805. The county was officially created from portions of Lewis County and named for the adjacent ocean. Its early economy was built on logging, fishing, and oystering in Willapa Bay. The arrival of the Ilwaco Railroad and Navigation Company's narrow-gauge "Clamshell Railroad" in the late 19th century opened the peninsula to tourism and development, with towns like Long Beach and Seaview becoming popular resorts. The county was also the site of the Fort Columbia military installation, established near the mouth of the Columbia River.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 23,365, representing modest growth from previous decades. The racial makeup is predominantly Non-Hispanic White, with significant communities of Native American and Hispanic or Latino residents. The largest ancestries reported include German, Irish, English, and Norwegian. Population centers are concentrated in the northern part of the county, including the cities of Long Beach and Ocean Park on the peninsula, and Raymond just outside the county's northeastern border. The median age is significantly higher than the national average, reflecting its status as a retirement destination.

Economy

Historically reliant on natural resources, the economy remains anchored by the maritime sector. Willapa Bay is a world-renowned producer of Pacific oysters, and the county is a major center for commercial fishing, particularly for salmon, Dungeness crab, and tuna. The timber industry, managed by entities like the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and private companies, continues to be important. In recent decades, tourism has become a primary economic driver, with visitors drawn to the long beaches, state parks, festivals like the Long Beach Washington State International Kite Festival, and historic sites such as the North Head Lighthouse. The Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe and the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation also contribute to the local economy through various enterprises.

Government and politics

The county operates under a three-member Board of County Commissioners system. Other elected officials include the Sheriff, Auditor, and Prosecuting Attorney. Pacific County is part of Washington's 3rd congressional district, represented in the U.S. House by Marie Gluesenkamp Perez. At the state level, it lies within the 19th Legislative District, sending representatives to the Washington State Legislature. Politically, the county is considered a swing area, having voted for both Democratic and Republican candidates in recent presidential and gubernatorial elections, including Donald Trump in 2016 and Joe Biden in 2020.

Transportation

Major state routes serve the county, including U.S. Route 101, which runs north-south along the peninsula, and State Route 4, which connects South Bend to Interstate 5 via the Willapa River valley. There are no interstate highways or commercial airports within the county; the nearest major air service is via Portland International Airport in Oregon. Public transportation is provided by Pacific Transit System, which offers bus services. The Port of Ilwaco and the Port of Peninsula support commercial and recreational maritime activities, while the historic Columbia River Bar is a challenging but vital passage for ships entering the river, guided by the United States Coast Guard from Station Cape Disappointment.

Category:Pacific County, Washington Category:Washington (state) counties Category:1851 establishments in Washington Territory Category:Counties on the Pacific Ocean