Skamania County, Washington

Skamania_County,_WA,_USA_-_panoramio_(7)

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WA-14

Skamania County is a county located in the southwestern part of the U.S. state of Washington. As of the 2020 census, the population was 12,083. The county seat and largest city is Stevenson. The county was founded on March 9, 1854, and its name is derived from a Chinook Jargon word meaning "swift waters."

Geography

Skamania County is situated in the Cascade Range and includes a significant portion of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The county is known for its rugged terrain, including Mount St. Helens, an active stratovolcano that erupted in 1980. The Columbia River forms the southern boundary of the county, providing a natural border with the state of Oregon.

Adjacent counties

• Lewis County - north
• Yakima County - northeast
• Klickitat County - east
• Hood River County, Oregon - south
• Multnomah County, Oregon - southwest
• Clark County - west
• Cowlitz County - northwest

National protected areas

• Gifford Pinchot National Forest (part)
• Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument (part)

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, Skamania County had a population of 12,083. The population density was approximately 7 people per square mile. The racial makeup of the county was predominantly White, with small percentages of Native American, Asian, and other racial groups.

Economy

The economy of Skamania County is largely based on forestry, tourism, and agriculture. The presence of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument attracts numerous visitors each year, contributing to the local economy. Additionally, the county has a growing wine industry and several vineyards.

Education

Skamania County is served by several school districts, including the Stevenson-Carson School District and the Washougal School District. Higher education opportunities are available in nearby counties, including Clark College in Vancouver and Washington State University Vancouver.

Transportation

The primary transportation routes in Skamania County include Washington State Route 14, which runs along the Columbia River, and several county roads that provide access to the more remote areas of the county. The Columbia River Gorge is a major transportation corridor, with the BNSF Railway and Union Pacific Railroad operating freight services through the region.

Communities

Cities

• Stevenson (county seat)
• North Bonneville

Unincorporated communities

• Carson
• Underwood
• Stabler
• Skamania

Points of interest

• Mount St. Helens
• Gifford Pinchot National Forest
• Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
• Beacon Rock State Park

See also

• List of counties in Washington
• Washington (state)
• Columbia River Gorge
• Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument