Skamania County, Washington

County in Washington, United States

County in Washington

Skamania County

County

Skamania County panorama

Location within the U.S. state of Washington

Washington's location within the U.S.

Coordinates: 46°02′N 121°55′W﻿ / ﻿46.03°N 121.91°W﻿ / 46.03; -121.91
Country|  United States
State|  Washington
Founded| March 9, 1854
Seat| Stevenson
Largest city| Carson
Area

• Total| 1,683 sq mi (4,360 km2)
• Land| 1,656 sq mi (4,290 km2)
• Water| 28 sq mi (70 km2)  1.7%
Population

(2020)

• Total| 12,036
• Estimate

(2022)

| 12,460
• Density| 7.15/sq mi (2.76/km2)
Time zone| UTC−8 (Pacific)
• Summer (DST)| UTC−7 (PDT)
Congressional district| 3rd
Website| www.skamaniacounty.org

Skamania County (/skəˈmeɪniə/ skə-MAY-nee-ə) is a county located in the U.S. state of Washington. As of the 2020 census, the population was 12,036.[1] The county seat and largest incorporated city is Stevenson,[2] although the Carson River Valley CDP is more populous. Skamania County is included in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA Metropolitan Statistical Area.

## History

[edit]

### Etymology

[edit]

The county was founded in 1854 and derives its name from the Cascades Chinook word sk'mániak, meaning 'swift waters'.[3]

### County beginnings

[edit]

The area delineated by the future Washington state boundary began to be colonized at the start of the nineteenth century, both by Americans and British subjects. However, the majority of British exploration and interest in the land was due to the fur trade, whereas American settlers were principally seeking land for agriculture and cattle raising. The Treaty of 1818 provided for the region to be an Anglo-American condominium. During this period, the future Washington Territory was divided into two administrative zones: Clark County and Lewis County (made official in 1845).

The condominium was unwieldy and led to continual argument, and occasional conflict. The status of the Washington area was settled in 1846, when the Oregon Treaty ceded the land south of North latitude 49 degrees to American control.

On March 9, 1854, Skamania County was split from the original Clark County. Also in 1854, Walla Walla County was split from the new Skamania County. After that, Skamania County retained its shape, including through the period after Washington became the 42nd state of the Union in 1889.[4] Fort Cascades, built to protect the Columbia River, served as an early county seat, but the county seat has been in Stevenson since 1893.

### 20th century to present day

[edit]

Skamania County is also known for enacting what has been described as the "Bigfoot Ordinance", passed by the Board of County Commissioners at its meeting of April 1, 1969, and published twice in the Skamania County Pioneer, the newspaper of highest circulation in the county, as required by law. The ordinance forbids the slaying of any "nocturnal primate mammal variously described as an ape-like creature or a sub-species of Homo sapiens ... generally and commonly known as a 'Sasquatch', 'Yeti', 'Bigfoot', or 'Giant Hairy ape'", subject to a maximum penalty of a $10,000 fine and five years imprisonment. Although its passage coincided with April Fool's Day, Ordinance 69-01 was real, was amended in 1984, and has not been repealed. Its purposes included protection of residents and visitors from in the county from a very real concern, "an influx of scientific investigators as well as casual hunters, many armed with lethal weapons", who had been attracted to the area by reported sightings of a creature.[5][6][7]

Mt. St. Helens, which is located in Skamania County, erupted in 1980.

## Geography

[edit]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,684 square miles (4,360 km2), of which 1,656 square miles (4,290 km2) is land and 28 square miles (73 km2), or 1.7%, is water.[8] 90% of Skamania is forested and 80% is a part of Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The highest elevation in the county is 8,920 feet (2,720 m), on the slopes of Mount Adams,[9] although prior to its eruption, Mount Saint Helens was the highest point at 9,677 feet (2,950 m).

### Geographic features

[edit]

* Cascade Mountains
* Columbia River
* Mount St. Helens \- the highest point in Skamania County
* Indian Heaven

### Major highways

[edit]

* State Route 14
* Wind River Highway

### Adjacent counties

[edit]

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

## Demographics

[edit]

Historical population Census| Pop.| Note| %±

|
|
|

1860| 173| | —
1870| 133| | −23.1%
1880| 809| | 508.3%
1890| 774| | −4.3%
1900| 1,688| | 118.1%
1910| 2,887| | 71.0%
1920| 2,357| | −18.4%
1930| 2,891| | 22.7%
1940| 4,633| | 60.3%
1950| 4,788| | 3.3%
1960| 5,207| | 8.8%
1970| 5,845| | 12.3%
1980| 7,919| | 35.5%
1990| 8,289| | 4.7%
2000| 9,872| | 19.1%
2010| 11,066| | 12.1%
2020| 12,036| | 8.8%
2022 (est.)| 12,460| [10]| 3.5%
U.S. Decennial Census[11]
1790–1960[12] 1900–1990[13]
1990–2000[14] 2010–2020[15]

### 2020 census

[edit]

As of the 2020 census, there were 12,036 people and 4,723 households in the county.[1] The population density of the county was 7.3 people per square mile. The racial make up of the county was 92.1% White, 0.8% African American, 2.0% Native American, 1.1% Asian, 0.3% Pacific Islander,and 3.7% from two or more races.[1] Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 7.4% of the population.

17.2% of the population were under 18, and 3.7% were under 5. People over 65 made up 24.2% of the population. The gender make up of the county was 49% female and 51% male.[1]

The median household income was $75,565 in the county, and the per capita income was $37,691. 10.9% of the population were below the poverty line.[1]

### 2010 census

[edit]

As of the 2010 census, there were 11,066 people, 4,522 households, and 3,072 families living in the county.[16] The population density was 6.7 people per square mile (2.6 people/km2). There were 5,628 housing units at an average density of 3.4 units per square mile (1.3 units/km2).[17] The racial makeup of the county was 92.8% white, 1.6% American Indian, 0.9% Asian, 0.4% black or African American, 0.1% Pacific islander, 1.3% from other races, and 3.0% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 5.0% of the population.[16] In terms of ancestry, 20.6% were German, 15.7% were Irish, 11.0% were English, 6.3% were Norwegian, and 5.0% were American.[18]

Of the 4,522 households, 28.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.3% were married couples living together, 8.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 32.1% were non-families, and 25.6% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.44 and the average family size was 2.92. The median age was 44.0 years.[16]

### 2000 census

[edit]

As of the 2000 census, there were 9,872 people, 3,755 households, and 2,756 families living in the county. The population density was 6 people per square mile (2.3 people/km2). There were 4,576 housing units at an average density of 3 units per square mile (1.2 units/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 92.11% White, 0.30% Black or African American, 2.20% Native American, 0.54% Asian, 0.17% Pacific Islander, 2.43% from other races, and 2.25% from two or more races. 4.03% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 17.7% were of German, 12.5% English, 12.1% Irish, 11.2% United States or American and 5.2% Norwegian ancestry.

There were 3,755 households, out of which 34.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.50% were married couples living together, 8.20% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.60% were non-families. 21.10% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.60% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.61 and the average family size was 3.02.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 26.60% under the age of 18, 6.70% from 18 to 24, 28.60% from 25 to 44, 27.10% from 45 to 64, and 11.00% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 101.30 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.40 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $39,317, and the median income for a family was $44,586. Males had a median income of $36,732 versus $25,130 for females. The per capita income for the county was $18,002. About 10.00% of families and 13.10% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.10% of those under age 18 and 7.90% of those age 65 or over.

There are more Seventh-day Adventists in Skamania County than members of any other religious group. Skamania County is the only county in the United States for which this is true.[19]

## Recreation

[edit]

* Skamania County has abundant trails within its borders, including hiking at the Columbia River Gorge and Gifford Pinchot National Forest, which includes the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. The Pacific Crest Trail passes through Skamania County.
* Fishing in Skamania County allows for the opportunity to catch certain popular species such as rainbow trout, steelhead and bass.
* The Columbia Gorge Museum, in Stevenson, examines the geologic and human past in the Columbia River Gorge.
* The Lewis and Clark Expedition passed through Skamania County, and some of their campsites can be visited.
* Historical markers are located in several areas, such as Fort Cascades and Fort Raines, both built in the 1850s to protect the portage road around the Cascades Rapids.
* Kiteboarding and windsurfing are seasonal sports popular in the Columbia River Gorge.

### Parks and other protected areas

[edit]

#### County parks

[edit]

* Prindle Park is a county-maintained park with picnic facilities and a playground.
* Big Cedars Campground is a county-maintained campground with primitive campsites.
* Home Valley Campground is another county-maintained camping area.

#### State parks

[edit]

* Beacon Rock State Park offers hiking, camping, rock climbing, and picnicking facilities.

#### Sites maintained by the US Forest Service

[edit]

* Sams Walker Day Use Site offers an interpretive trail, access to the Columbia River, and opportunities to view wildlife. Portions of it are typically wheelchair-accessible. However, vegetation growth sometimes prevents people in wheelchairs from using the trails.
* St. Cloud Day Use Site features a short, easy trail through a meadow, picnic area, access to the Columbia River and wildlife viewing opportunities.

#### National protected areas

[edit]

* Franz Lake National Wildlife Refuge
* Gifford Pinchot National Forest (part)
* Mount St. Helens National Monument (part)
* Pierce National Wildlife Refuge
* Wind River Arboretum
* Wind River Experimental Forest

## Communities

[edit]

### Cities

[edit]

* North Bonneville
* Stevenson (county seat)

### Census-designated place

[edit]

* Carson
* Carson River Valley (former)

### Unincorporated communities

[edit]

* Cook
* Mill A
* Skamania
* Stabler (also known as Hemlock)
* Underwood
* West End
* Willard

## Politics

[edit]

Skamania County is a fairly competitive county in presidential elections. The Republicans and Democrats won the county four times each between 1988 and 2016.

United States presidential election results for Skamania County, Washington[20][21] Year  | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies)

|
|
|

No. | % | No. | % | No. | %
2020 | 3,885  | 53.13% | 3,192  | 43.65%  | 235  | 3.21%
2016 | 2,928  | 50.23% | 2,232  | 38.29%  | 669  | 11.48%
2012 | 2,687  | 48.57% | 2,628  | 47.51%  | 217  | 3.92%
2008 | 2,524  | 45.97%  | 2,817  | 51.31% | 149  | 2.71%
2004 | 2,695  | 52.24% | 2,374  | 46.02%  | 90  | 1.74%
2000 | 2,151  | 50.62% | 1,753  | 41.26%  | 345  | 8.12%
1996 | 1,387  | 36.61%  | 1,724  | 45.50% | 678  | 17.89%
1992 | 1,102  | 29.95%  | 1,474  | 40.05% | 1,104  | 30.00%
1988 | 1,356  | 42.88%  | 1,748  | 55.28% | 58  | 1.83%
1984 | 1,736  | 51.99% | 1,552  | 46.48%  | 51  | 1.53%
1980 | 1,416  | 45.75% | 1,373  | 44.36%  | 306  | 9.89%
1976 | 1,102  | 41.55%  | 1,436  | 54.15% | 114  | 4.30%
1972 | 1,288  | 48.70% | 1,153  | 43.59%  | 204  | 7.71%
1968 | 968  | 40.67%  | 1,221  | 51.30% | 191  | 8.03%
1964 | 653  | 27.05%  | 1,758  | 72.83% | 3  | 0.12%
1960 | 1,032  | 44.75%  | 1,269  | 55.03% | 5  | 0.22%
1956 | 1,014  | 45.90%  | 1,193  | 54.01% | 2  | 0.09%
1952 | 1,072  | 52.29% | 978  | 47.71%  | 0  | 0.00%
1948 | 707  | 38.38%  | 1,067  | 57.93% | 68  | 3.69%
1944 | 668  | 40.56%  | 968  | 58.77% | 11  | 0.67%
1940 | 765  | 36.80%  | 1,292  | 62.15% | 22  | 1.06%
1936 | 406  | 17.58%  | 1,863  | 80.65% | 41  | 1.77%
1932 | 444  | 30.37%  | 934  | 63.89% | 84  | 5.75%
1928 | 631  | 55.99% | 473  | 41.97%  | 23  | 2.04%
1924 | 533  | 52.15% | 207  | 20.25%  | 282  | 27.59%
1920 | 409  | 52.71% | 247  | 31.83%  | 120  | 15.46%
1916 | 489  | 49.95% | 451  | 46.07%  | 39  | 3.98%
1912 | 251  | 30.24%  | 262  | 31.57% | 317  | 38.19%
1908 | 310  | 60.08% | 143  | 27.71%  | 63  | 12.21%
1904 | 297  | 68.43% | 61  | 14.06%  | 76  | 17.51%
1900 | 175  | 45.10%  | 203  | 52.32% | 10  | 2.58%
1896 | 122  | 32.28%  | 252  | 66.67% | 4  | 1.06%
1892 | 91  | 39.74%  | 99  | 43.23% | 39  | 17.03%

## See also

[edit]

* National Register of Historic Places listings in Skamania County, Washington

## References

[edit]

1. ^ a b c d e "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved October 31, 2023.
2. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
3. ^ Bright, William (2004). Native American placenames of the United States. University of Oklahoma Press. p. 450\. ISBN 978-0-8061-3598-4. Retrieved April 10, 2011.
4. ^ "Milestones for Washington State History -- Part 2: 1851 to 1900". HistoryLink.org. March 6, 2003.
5. ^ "Skamania County, Washington State Bigfoot Ordinance, No. 69-01
6. ^ Joe Gisondi, Monster Trek: The Obsessive Search for Bigfoot (University of Nebraska Press, 2016)
7. ^ Courthouse Library of British Columbia
8. ^ "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Retrieved July 16, 2015.
9. ^ "Mount Adams - West Slope, Washington". Peakbagger. Retrieved April 8, 2024.
10. ^ "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2022". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved October 31, 2023.
11. ^ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 7, 2014.
12. ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved January 7, 2014.
13. ^ "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 7, 2014.
14. ^ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 26, 2015. Retrieved January 7, 2014.
15. ^ "U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Skamania County, Washington". U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved September 27, 2021.
16. ^ a b c "Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved March 6, 2016.
17. ^ "Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved March 6, 2016.
18. ^ "Selected Social Characteristics in the United States – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved March 6, 2016.
19. ^ "Leading Church Bodies". Archived from the original on February 18, 2011. Retrieved February 5, 2011.
20. ^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved April 10, 2018.
21. ^ The leading "other" candidate, Progressive Theodore Roosevelt, received 218 votes, while Socialist candidate Eugene Debs received 86 votes, Prohibition candidate Eugene Chafin received 10 votes, and Socialist Labor candidate Arthur Reimer received 3 votes.

## External links

[edit]

* Official county website

* v
* t
* e

Places adjacent to Skamania County, Washington

|  | Lewis County | Yakima County

|
|

|  |
Cowlitz County and Clark County |

Skamania County, Washington

| Klickitat County
|  |
Multnomah County, Oregon | Hood River County, Oregon |

* v
* t
* e

Municipalities and communities of Skamania County, Washington, United States

County seat: Stevenson

Cities|

* North Bonneville
* Stevenson

Map of Washington highlighting Skamania County

CDP|

* Carson

Unincorporated
communities|

* Cook
* Home Valley
* Mill A
* Prindle
* Stabler
* Skamania
* Underwood
* Willard

Former
communities|

* Cascades

* Washington portal
* United States portal

* v
* t
* e

State of Washington

Olympia (capital)

Topics|

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Society|

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Politics|

| Government|

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|

State agencies|

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Regions|

| Western|

* Kitsap Peninsula
* Long Beach Peninsula
* Olympic Peninsula
* Puget Sound
* San Juan Islands
* Skagit Valley

|

Eastern/Inland|

* Central Washington
* Columbia Plateau
* Methow Valley
* Okanogan Country
* Palouse
* Yakima Valley

Shared|

* Cascade Range
* Columbia Gorge
* Columbia River

Largest
cities|

* Seattle
* Spokane
* Tacoma
* Vancouver
* Bellevue
* Kent
* Everett
* Renton
* Spokane Valley
* Federal Way
* Yakima
* Kirkland
* Bellingham
* Auburn
* Kennewick
* Pasco
* Redmond
* Marysville
* Sammamish
* Lakewood
* Richland
* Shoreline
* Olympia
* Lacey
* Burien

Metropolitan
areas|

* Greater Seattle
* Greater Spokane
* Tri-Cities metropolitan area
* Wenatchee metropolitan area
* Greater Portland and Vancouver

Counties|

* Adams
* Asotin
* Benton
* Chelan
* Clallam
* Clark
* Columbia
* Cowlitz
* Douglas
* Ferry
* Franklin
* Garfield
* Grant
* Grays Harbor
* Island
* Jefferson
* King
* Kitsap
* Kittitas
* Klickitat
* Lewis
* Lincoln
* Mason
* Okanogan
* Pacific
* Pend Oreille
* Pierce
* San Juan
* Skagit
* Skamania
* Snohomish
* Spokane
* Stevens
* Thurston
* Wahkiakum
* Walla Walla
* Whatcom
* Whitman
* Yakima

* Washington (state) portal
* Pacific Northwest portal

Authority control databases

International|

* VIAF

National|

* Germany
* United States
* Israel

46°02′N 121°55′W﻿ / ﻿46.03°N 121.91°W﻿ / 46.03; -121.91
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