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Cathlamet

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Perched above the Columbia River, the picturesque town of Cathlamet, in Wahkiakum County, (County Seat), is along the southwest border of Washington State. Cathlamet is nestled in a gentle slope with an evergreen backdrop of forested hills. The population of the town is about 550, making it the larger of the two towns in this isolated county. The neighboring community is Skamokawa, 10 miles to the west.

Attractions in this community include the, (Former), Senator Julia Butler Hansen House, now a community meeting facility and Public Library. Cathlamet city park, an historic remodeled Victorian hotel and an 18 hole golf course.

The town was established as Birnie's Retreat in 1846 as a trading post on the river. Cathlamet and Wahkiakum Indian tribes were found here by the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center offers detailed insight on local area history. Of special interest is the 1895 Pioneer Church, built into a rock outcropping that overlooks the village. Cathlamet is a unique little cosmopolitan village. Two or three families have controlled the town government, (and County government), for many decades. Members of the same family oppose each other politically in the City Council, City Administration and County Administration.

Access to the town is via Washington State Highway 4 out of Longview, which offers wonderful vistas of the Columbia River along the way. The highway continues along the river and through dense forests to the Astoria-Megler Bridge and Ilwaco.

River access to Cathlamet from the Oregon side of the Columbia River is from Westport, OR on Oregon State Highway 30. The Washington Sate Ferry, an all steel, diesel powered craft that can carry a dozen automobiles crosses the deep-water channel hourly during the daylight hours and one round-trip at midnight. Docking at Puget Island, WA., (Pop. 800). Autos then disembark and cross the island on a paved road that crosses an all steel bridge into downtown Cathlamet. The ferry is home-based on Puget Island, WA.


History Wahkiakum County Historical Museum |
Washington Counties Wahkiakum County |

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03/19 Coming to The area
Water Music Festival Seaview WA April1 The Water Music Festival is an all-volunteer non-profit organization dedicated to bringing quality chamber music to the Lower Columbia River Region.
Astoria-Warrenton Crab and Seafood Festival Warrenton OR April26 Crab and seafood as well as entertainment. Listen to the Astoria HS Jazz Band on Sunday.
Seattle Japanese Cultural Festival Seattle WA April26-28 The festival features Japanese exhibits, performances, and demonstrations. Held at the Seattle Center in the Fisher Pavilion. The annual festival began in 1976 with a gift of 1,000 cherry trees to the city of Seattle from the Japanese government to celebrate the U.S. Bicentennial.
Grays Harbor Shorebird Festival Hoquiam WA April26-28 Witness the migrating shorebirds at Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge and other birding hotspots in Grays Harbor County.
Columbia Gorge Wine and Pear Fest Hood River OR May18-19 Start off the weekend with friends and fun featuring Columbia Gorge wineries and eateries. Highlights include entertainment, live music, wine tasting, great food, fruit exhibits with samples, and local artisans.
Northwest Folklife Festival Seattle WA May24-27 Music and dance performances, visual arts, folklore exhibits, hands-on children's activities, workshops, crafts, food, demonstrations, and more!