Columbia County, Washington
Columbia County is tucked into the southeastern corner of Washington, right along the Oregon border. Dayton, the county seat, is famous for its beautifully preserved historic downtown, where 19th-century buildings give Main Street a charming step-back-in-time feel.
The Blue Mountains rise across the horizon, offering plenty of opportunities for hiking, camping, and enjoying the outdoors. Agriculture remains the heart of the local economy, with expansive wheat fields covering much of the countryside.
The Tucannon River also runs through the county and attracts anglers looking for steelhead and salmon. Winters can be challenging, but residents are known for their determination and strong community spirit. Columbia County may be small, but it has a proud history and a welcoming rural character.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Columbia County |
| County Seat | Dayton |
| Population | Approximately 4,000 |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Dayton, Starbuck, Huntsville |
| Interstates and Highways | US-12, WA-261 |
| FIPS Code | 53-013 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 874 sq mi (Land: 869 sq mi; Water: 5 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Whitman County (North), Garfield County (East), Wallowa County, Oregon (Southeast), Umatilla County, Oregon (Southwest), Walla Walla County (West), Franklin County (Northwest) |
| Time Zone | Pacific Time Zone (PT) |
| State | Washington |
| Coordinates | 46.3007° N, 117.9075° W |
| Etymology | Named after the Columbia River |
| Major Landmarks | Palouse Falls State Park, Tucannon River, Lewis and Clark Trail State Park |
