What County is White Salmon, Washington Located In?

White Salmon is a small city located in the scenic Columbia River Gorge area of Washington state. With a population of just over 2,400 as of 2020, White Salmon serves as the Klickitat County seat and is one of the main population centers in the county. So to answer the question – White Salmon is located in Klickitat County in southern Washington state.

A Brief History of White Salmon

White Salmon was first settled by Erastus Joslyn and his wife in 1852 and was officially incorporated as a city on June 3, 1907. The city took its name from the White Salmon River which flows through the area.

The land surrounding White Salmon was originally home to the Klickitat Tribe, part of the Yakama Nation. In the 1850s, the Klickitat were forced to give up their ancestral lands after losing a war against white settlers. By 1858, white settlers had rapidly claimed land in the area following the Klickitat’s defeat.

Geography and Location

White Salmon is located along the Columbia River directly across from Hood River Oregon. The two cities are connected by the Hood River Bridge. White Salmon sits at an elevation of 623 feet above sea level.

The city has a total area of 154 square miles, all of it land It lies in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. The iconic snow-capped Mount Hood can be seen from White Salmon on clear days.

Geographically White Salmon is situated at the coordinates 45°43′44′′N 121°29′1′′W.

In terms of its location within Washington state, White Salmon lies:

• About 140 miles southeast of Seattle
• About 60 miles east of Portland, Oregon
• About 110 miles southwest of Yakima
• About 15 miles west of The Dalles, Oregon

So White Salmon enjoys a picturesque and convenient position along the Columbia River, within easy driving distance of several major cities.

White Salmon’s County – Klickitat

As mentioned earlier, White Salmon is the county seat of Klickitat County. Klickitat County was carved out of the neighboring Skamania County in 1859, just one year after White Salmon was opened up for white settlement.

With a total population of just over 22,000 residents, Klickitat County is one of the more rural and least populated counties in Washington state. Over half of the county’s residents live in unincorporated, rural areas.

Klickitat County covers 1,904 square miles in south-central Washington. Most of the county sits between the Cascade Mountains to the west and the Columbia River to the south. Klickitat County is bordered by Yakima County to the north and Skamania County to the west.

The county’s economy relies heavily on agriculture, lumber, and aluminum production. The scenic Columbia River Gorge makes tourism a growing industry as well. Klickitat County is considered very conservative politically compared to other parts of Washington.

In addition to White Salmon, some of the other communities located within Klickitat County include Goldendale, Bingen, Lyle, Dallesport, and Glenwood. But White Salmon is definitely the main population and commercial hub for Klickitat County.

Why White Salmon is Important to Klickitat County

As the county seat, White Salmon holds the Klickitat County government offices and courthouse. Most county business and local political decisions take place in White Salmon.

With around 2,500 residents, White Salmon accounts for over 10% of Klickitat County’s total population. And it has by far the highest population density in the predominantly rural county.

White Salmon serves as a commercial center for Klickitat County residents. It offers more shopping, restaurants, and services than any other Klickitat community.

The city also boasts the Klickitat Valley Health hospital – the county’s only hospital. And White Salmon is home to the county’s main library branch.

Major employers in White Salmon include Insitu, Mt. Adams Orchard, and Cardinal Glass. The city provides jobs and economic benefits to Klickitat County.

Given its scenic location along the Columbia River, White Salmon is a tourist destination that brings in outside dollars to the county’s economy. The city hosts festivals and events that attract visitors year-round.

Fun Facts About White Salmon and Klickitat County

• White Salmon got its name from the Native American term for the run of white salmon fish that once populated the river.
• Klickitat County is named after the Klickitat Tribe who originally inhabited the area.
• At 8,151 feet, Mt. Adams is the tallest peak in Klickitat County.
• Goldendale, county seat from 1859-1904, features the county’s oldest operating courthouse.
• White Salmon is home to a massive aluminum smelter operated by Norsk Hydro.
• Hood River Bridge connecting Oregon and Washington opened in 1924.
• Klickitat County has 18 designated wilderness areas.
• The Columbia Hills Historical State Park lies just north of White Salmon.
• White Salmon hosts an annual Salmon Bake Festival in October.
• Klickitat County’s economy relies heavily on lumber, aluminum, and agriculture.
• The county has a semi-arid climate, averaging just 15 inches of rain annually.

So in conclusion, the small but scenic city of White Salmon is located within the rugged, rural Klickitat County in southern Washington state. It serves as the governmental and economic heart of its county. White Salmon’s identity is closely tied to the surrounding Klickitat County that it calls home.

White Salmon is a Washington town known for its vibrant outdoors and proximity to the Columbia River Gorge, making it a popular destination for whitewater rafting, kayaking, hiking, and skiing.