Skamania County, Washington

Skamania County, Washington
County	Skamania County
State	Washington
Founded	March 9, 1854
Seat	Stevenson
Largest city	Stevenson
Area total sq mi	1686
Area land sq mi	1656
Area water sq mi	30
Area percentage	1.8%
Population as of	2020
Population total	12,036
Population density sq mi	7.3
Time zone	Pacific
Web	www.skamaniacounty.org
District	3rd

Skamania County, Washington. Located in the southwestern region of the state, it is a rugged and scenic area defined by the Columbia River Gorge and the volcanic peaks of the Cascade Range. The county seat and largest community is Stevenson, serving as a gateway to extensive national forests and significant geological landmarks. Its economy has historically been tied to natural resources, transitioning from logging and fishing towards recreation and tourism centered on its dramatic landscapes.

History

The area has been inhabited for millennia by various Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast, including bands of the Cascade Indians and Klickitat people. Early European contact came via the Lewis and Clark Expedition, which passed through the Columbia River Gorge in 1805 and 1806. The Oregon Treaty of 1846 solidified U.S. control, and the county was created by the Washington Territorial Legislature on March 9, 1854, from parts of Clark County and Pacific County. Its early development was driven by the salmon industry, lumber mills, and transportation along the Columbia River, with notable events like the Bonneville Dam construction in the 1930s bringing significant change. The county was also the site of the infamous Bridge of the Gods landslide, a major geological event chronicled in local Native American mythology.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,686 square miles, making it one of the larger counties in Washington by area. It is situated within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area and is dominated by the Cascade Range, including the iconic Mount St. Helens, which erupted catastrophically in 1980. Major waterways include the Columbia River, which forms its southern border, and the Wind River. A significant portion of the county is comprised of protected federal land, including the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and parts of the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. The terrain varies from deep, forested river gorges to alpine zones near Mount Adams.

Demographics

At the 2020 United States census, the population was 12,036, making it one of the least populous counties in the state. The population density is extremely low, at about 7.3 people per square mile. The racial makeup was predominantly White, with smaller populations of American Indian, Asian, and Hispanic or Latino residents. The largest population center is the Stevenson area, with smaller clusters in communities like North Bonneville. The county has experienced modest growth, largely driven by its proximity to the Portland metropolitan area and its appeal for outdoor recreation.

Economy

Historically, the economy was based on extractive industries such as timber harvesting from the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and hydroelectric power generation from dams like the Bonneville Dam and The Dalles Dam. While some logging continues, the economic base has shifted towards tourism and outdoor recreation, including wind surfing in the Columbia River Gorge, hiking on trails like the Pacific Crest Trail, and visitor centers related to Mount St. Helens. Government employment, through entities like the United States Forest Service and the Skamania County Public Utility District, is also significant. Agriculture is limited but includes Christmas tree farms and vineyards.

Government and politics

Skamania County operates under a three-commissioner form of government, as outlined by the Washington State Constitution. The county seat is the Skamania County Courthouse in Stevenson. At the federal level, the county is part of Washington's 3rd congressional district, represented in the U.S. House by Marie Gluesenkamp Perez. In presidential elections, it has been a competitive bellwether county, voting for both George W. Bush and Barack Obama, but has trended more reliably for Democratic candidates in recent cycles like the 2020 election.

Communities

There are no incorporated cities in Skamania County; all population centers are census-designated places or unincorporated communities. The county seat and largest community is Stevenson. Other significant CDPs include North Bonneville, located near the Bonneville Dam, and Carson, known for its hot springs resort. Smaller unincorporated areas include Underwood, Home Valley, and Willard. Many of these communities are strung along Washington State Route 14, the major transportation corridor through the Columbia River Gorge.

Category:Skamania County, Washington Category:Washington (state) counties Category:1854 establishments in Washington Territory Category:Columbia River Gorge