Welcome to Wahkiakum county
Wahkiakum County
  • Lower Columbia mists
  • 4th of July fireworks
  • Wedding on the Columbia River
  • Kids, parade float
  • Fire Engines, July 4th parade
  • Cathlamet Marina, Lower Columbia River
  • Columbia River
  • covered bridge
  • River view of Cathlamet
  • Ferry boat crossing
  • Trolley
  • Peaceful living on the river

Skamokawa historic waterfront

Location & History

History of Skamokawa
Skamokawa was listed on the National Register as a National Historic District in 1976, as one of the few surviving examples of a small water-based community once common along the lower Columbia River. The village is spread out along a system of creeks and sloughs which drain three valleys and once formed the only transportation network. Before 1917 there were no roads, all transportation was by water: by sternwheeler, sailing vessel and fish boat.

Skamokawa was sometimes referred to as “Little Venice.” Houses and other buildings were built facing the water, usually with a dock and boat, and were linked by boardwalks. People rowed to church, to mercantile establishments, or to visit friends or family in other parts of the community.

The earliest pioneers settled in the Skamokawa area in the 1860s, drawn from all over the world by abundant natural resources, such as timber and salmon, as well as by the opportunity to establish farms. Early settlers took out donation land claims, fished, and worked in logging camps in order to provide incomes for their families. The Bayview Cannery, established in 1873 about a mile down river from the town, provided a market for commercially caught salmon from the Columbia River.

By the period of the 1890s, Skamokawa could boast of a draw-bridge linking the island church to the rest of the community, several lumber and shake mills, a ship-yard connected with the Columbia River Lumber and Manufacturing Company, a newspaper, the Skamokawa Eagle, still in business today as the Wahkiakum County Eagle.  In 1894 the community built the Central School, today known as the Redmen Hall and containing the River Life Interpretive Center.

Skamokawa brochureThe Skamokawa Creamery was renowned for the quality of its butter and won many prizes at state and regional fairs, it now the site of Skamokawa Resort.

Today, commercial fishing on the Columbia River, logging and small scale farming still provide the economic sustenance for the community, along with several tourist-oriented activities and business such as Kayaking, fishing, Canoeing, Biking,  bed-and-breakfasts, camping at Vista Park, Redmen Hall museum, Skamokawa Resort, Skamokawa Inn and the Julia Butler Hanson Game Refuse, and several  Lewis and Clark Heritage sites.

Additional historical resources:

Historylink.org - More about Skamokawa Creamery
FindAGrave.com - Victor Edward Anderson, Fern Hill Cemetery

 

Wahkiakum County Chamber of Commerce

Information

Skamokawa

(PRONOUNCED SKA-MA-KA-WAY)
Skamokawa is on the Lower Columbia River in historic Skamokawa, Washington (just 90 minutes from Portland) is a place of incredible natural beauty, with wildlife in native habitats, islands to explore, ancient Sitka spruce swamp, and hidden places of perfect solitude. It is a world that remains much the same as Lewis and Clark saw it 200 years ago.

Skamokawa Resort

Columbia River Kayaking
In April of 2009, Columbia River Kayaking took over running the paddle center at  Skamokawa Resort. We will be open 7 days a week, from 10 AM to 4 PM, from Memorial Day weekend through mid September, and by appointment at any other time. Rentals and beginner level tours will be available as in the past. 

Ginni and Mark can both be reached at 
columbiariverkayaking.com
For Lessons, Tours, Baja, and LoCo Roundup please call the office at 360-849-4016
Fireworks, Cathlamet Marina. Photo by Dale DimmickFor kayak, canoe, or rowboat rentals at Skamokawa Paddle Center, please call 360-795-8300 and visit the website here: www.skamokawakayak.com

Skamokawa Resort 
Features: Lodging, Cafe, Store, Trips and Tours, Maps, Lessons, Kayak/Bicycle/Canoe information and more! Visit their website www.skamokawaresort.com.

Vista Park, Skamokawa

YurtsVista Park
If you are looking for a picnic spot, or a place to camp. Vista Park is ideal. With RV hook-ups, yurts in the mountains and a great beach, this park is the perfect location for a family get-away. You'll enjoy the view of the mighty Columbia and be able to watch the occasional giant ship heading in from the Pacific Ocean. Call 360-795-8605 or e-mail us at: skamokvistapark@centurytel.net. Or visit the Vista park website.

Redmen Hall
Home of the RiverLife Interpretive Center owned and operated by the Friends of Skamokawa Foundation. Stop by the RiverLife interpretive center and walkinto history as you marvel at photo's, listen to docents and learn about the history of the once bustlingtown of Skamokawa. Climb the 88 steps up to the bell tower and experience a panoramic view of the Columbia.Skamokawa historic redmen hall

Suggested donation is $2.00 for Adults and $1.00 for Children/Students
Hours: Thursday through Sunday
12 Noon to 4:00 p.m.
Call (360)795-3007
E-mail: friendsofskamokawa@gmail.com
Website: http://redmenhall.blogspot.com

Skamokawa landingSkamokawa Landing
This historic steamboat landing site is located in the historic community of Skamokawa (Skuh-mah-kuh-way), Washington. The building is listed on the National Register of Historical Places, is on the Lewis & Clark Trail and has a sweeping view of the lower river.
www.skamokawa.com

Skamokawa historic redmen hallWahkiakum County Fairgrounds

The first County Fair was held in Gray's River in 1912, The second was held in Cathlamet and the third in Skamokawa, it's present home. In 1915, 3 acres of land at $100.00 per acre was purchased from Alexander  Moe, for a permanent site for the county fair. The Moe family opened the first store in Skamokawa on Price Island, and Albert Moe was the first postmaster.. The Commercial building was built in 1917, and the T-Building was build by Tom Monroe for the cost of $3,200.00 in 1918

The 1914 County fair was a complete success.  The ferndale Creamery of Grays River placed first with their butter. The Ladies Aid Society of Skamokawa served chicken dinners for $.35 cents each. Daylight and evening dances at the Fredrickson hall and Sliverman's new hall kept up a perpetual whirl of enjoyment.

Now our fair is over 100 years old and still young and old love to visit.  Our fair visitors travel hundreds of miles to enjoy the food, displays, animals, shows, and play games and meet old friends. Please join us in August every year for the Wahkiakum County Fair.Wahkiakum County Fair

16 Fairgrounds Rd., P.O. Box 1,
Skamokawa, WA 98647

www.co.wahkiakum.wa.us
wahkiakumfair@centurytel.net
(360) 795 3480

Collupy glassTreasure Collupy
Collupy Glass is a small but growing company still in the early stages. Treasure and Michelle Collupy are a husband and wife living their American dream. They are partners in life as well as in business. Treasure's creative shapes and techniques combined with Michelle's brilliant colors make for a unique piece of glass.

Kyle Gribskov
began his career as a designer for a stained glass firm which led to him opening his own stained glass studio which he excelled in for 12 years. Craving the challenge that working with molten glass provides, Gribskov started handblowing glass in 1984 and established his own glassblowing studio in 1988.
www.collupyglass.com

 

 

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