Quote of the Month:
“Nature gives to every time and season some beauties of its own." - Charles Dickens
Population: 20,866
Area: 1.904 square miles
County Seat: Goldendale
OVERVIEW
Klickitat County is located in the central part of Washington State and is considered to be very diverse both culturally and historically. The area of the county is 1,904 square miles and the population is 20,866. Klickitat County is home for the most popular attractions, including the Cascade Mountains, the Mount Adams Recreation Area and the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. County Seat and the largest city in the county is Goldendale.
HISTORY
The area round Celilo Falls was densely populated by Native Americans. This region was the main trading and fishing center on the Columbia River. It should be also mentioned that Klickitat County was the place where Native Americans groups, such as Chinooks and Sahaptins, who spoke different languages came together.
Its name the county received after the Klickitat Tribe of the Yakama Native Americans. Klickitat County was formed out of Walla Walla County in 1859. Samuel Hill was an important person in the development of the county; he promoted the area by building roads, popular landmarks that have become symbols of the county. The Sam Hill Memorial Bridge was named in the name of this person.
COUNTY SEAT
Goldendale is the largest city in the county, which is located near the Columbia River Gorge. The population of the city is less than 4,000. It should be said that Goldendale is located in a very picturesque valley that offers stunning views of the Cascade Mountains.
In 1872 the town was named by the early settler of the region John Golden. His house is still can be found in the downtown. In 1878 the town officially became the county seat.
Goldendale has lots to offer to its visitors, the most popular attraction of the city is the Goldendale Observatory, the Maryhill Stonehenge and other historical landmarks.
Klickitat County’s seat has very fertile lands and the Columbia River is located only 13 miles south from Goldendale. Different places in the city offer perfect views of the tops of Mt. Hood, Mt. Rainier, Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Adams.
ATTRACTIONS
Goldendale Observatory State Park
Goldendale Observatory State Park is a 5-acre park, which is located two miles north of the city center. Goldendale Observatory has one of the biggest public telescopes in the US, which attracts a great number of visitors. It should be also said that during the day from the top of the hill wonderful views of the town are opened and at nights visitors may enjoy perfect views of the sky and the universe.
Rodeo
Rodeos, which are held in Klickitat County, are great community events that gather lots of visitors. Local ranching that has old traditions in this region serves as a perfect supporter for the county rodeos. It should be said that there are several rodeos that are held in the county during summer.
There are numerous school rodeos that are held throughout a year.
Wineries
Klickitat County is home for the best vineyards and wineries in the state. Every visitor of the county has the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the vineyards and sweet taste of wines. Wine history in Klickitat County began in 1972, when Don Mercer planted seven acres of Cabernet Sauvignon.
Nowadays, Klickitat Wine Country grows some of the best grapes.
Stonehenge
Stonehenge in Klickitat County is a replica of the famous English Stonehenge. Klickitat’s Stonehenge was built by Sam Hill to honor the heroes and victims of World War I.
The memorial was finished in 1929.
Klickitat Trail
The Klickitat Trail is a 31-mile trail that runs along the Klickitat River in the Columbia River Gorge. There are well-maintained hiking and cycling trails that offer views of the canyon and the river. The path runs along the old railroad track that linked Goldendale and Lyle.
Information: Marina Petrova
Leave your comment