Skamania County, Washington facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Skamania County
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Skamania County panorama
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Location within the U.S. state of Washington
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Washington's location within the U.S. |
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Country | United States |
State | Washington |
Founded | March 9, 1854 |
Seat | Stevenson |
Largest city | Carson River Valley |
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)
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• Total | 12,036 |
• Estimate
(2021)
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12,170 |
• Density | 7.15/sq mi (2.76/km2) |
Time zone | UTC−8 (Pacific) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC−7 (PDT) |
Congressional district | 3rd |
Skamania County is a county located in the U.S. state of Washington. As of the 2020 census, the population was 12,036. The county seat and largest incorporated city is Stevenson, although the Carson River Valley CDP is more populous. The county was founded in 1854 and derives its name from the Cascades Chinook word sk'mániak, meaning "swift waters".
Skamania County is included in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA Metropolitan Statistical Area.
History
Skamania County was formed on March 9, 1854. On May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens erupted.
Geography
According to the U.S. 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) (1.7%) is water. 90% of Skamania is forested and 80% is a part of Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
Geographic features
Major highways
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 - west
Demographics
Historical population | |||
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Census | Pop. | %± | |
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% | |
2021 (est.) | 12,170 | 10.0% | |
U.S. Decennial Census 1790–1960 1900–1990 1990–2000 2010–2020 |
2010 census
As of the 2010 census, there were 11,066 people, 4,522 households, and 3,072 families living in the county. The population density was 6.7 inhabitants per square mile (2.6/km2). There were 5,628 housing units at an average density of 3.4 per square mile (1.3/km2). 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. 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.
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.
Recreation
- There are many hiking trails throughout Skamania County in the Columbia River Gorge and the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, which includes the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. The Pacific Crest Trail passes through Skamania County.
- There are many fishing opportunities throughout Skamania County. Some of the most popular species include rainbow trout, steelhead and bass.
- The Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center Museum, in Stevenson, offers information about 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.
- Those interested in historic markers can visit 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
There are many parks in Skamania County. Only a few have been listed.
County parks
- 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
State parks
- Beacon Rock State Park offers hiking, camping, rock climbing, and picnicking facilities.
Sites maintained by the US Forest Service
National protected areas
- 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
Cities
- North Bonneville
- Stevenson (county seat)
Census-designated place
- Carson
- Carson River Valley (former)
Unincorporated communities
See also
In Spanish: Condado de Skamania para niños