Yacolt, Washington
Welcome to Yacolt
Nestled in Clark County, Washington, just 30 miles northeast of Vancouver, Yacolt is a small town with a big history. Our name comes from the Klickitat word "Yalicolb," meaning "haunted place" or "place of spirits," reflecting the deep indigenous heritage of our land.
Location Map
Our History
Indigenous Heritage
Long before European settlers arrived, the Yacolt area served as an important gathering place where the Cowlitz and Klickitat tribes met to trade with coastal tribes and those from east of the Cascades. The Klickitat, known as exceptional horsemen, prospered as intermediaries in this trade network. Cowlitz women were admired for their skill in weaving intricate, watertight baskets.
The Meaning of "Yacolt"
The name "Yacolt" derives from the Klickitat word "Yalicolb," meaning "haunted place" or "place of spirits." Several legends explain this name—one tells of children gathering berries who vanished and were believed taken by spirits. Another speaks of a maiden who disappeared after her father rejected her suitor. The Indigenous peoples used this name long before Euro-Americans arrived.
First Settlers
Joseph and Charlotte Eaton became the first documented non-Indigenous settlers in 1873, establishing a homestead on Rock Creek after losing their Lewis River home to flooding. Joseph opened the area's first post office in 1876, naming it Yacolt. For the next 11 years, the Eatons had no neighbors. The Garner family arrived in 1887, and by early 1902, Yacolt had only 50 residents and 15 buildings.
In 1891, Charles and Catherine Landon arrived from the Boston area, eventually platting 16 lots from their 160-acre homestead—land that became downtown Yacolt. The McCutchen family, who arrived in 1894 after a three-year journey from Nevada, donated land for the town's school and later the Yacolt Cemetery in 1913. Their descendants still live in Yacolt today.
The Great Yacolt Burn of 1902
Over three blazing days in September 1902, the largest forest fire in Washington state history (until 2014) raged through 350 square miles of Clark, Cowlitz, and Skamania counties. The inferno reached the very edge of town, blistering paint on buildings from half a mile away, but miraculously spared most of Yacolt. The fire claimed 38 lives, killed countless animals, and destroyed at least $30 million in timber (1902 dollars).
The disaster transformed both Yacolt and the Weyerhaeuser Company. With vast timberlands charred but still salvageable, Weyerhaeuser established headquarters in Yacolt to manage the massive salvage operation—employing over 300 workers with a monthly payroll of $25,000. The Portland, Vancouver and Yakima Railroad completed tracks to Yacolt in 1903, and the town's population grew to 500 by 1908 when residents voted to incorporate.
Boom and Decline
Yacolt prospered during the salvage years, gaining hotels, stores, restaurants, churches, and a hospital built by Weyerhaeuser. But when timber operations ended in 1929, the population fell from 520 to just 207 by 1940. The Civilian Conservation Corps helped sustain the community through the Depression, planting seedlings in the burn area and building fire breaks.
Modern Revival
The town slowly recovered in the latter half of the 20th century. By 1980, population reached 544, and as commuting became more practical, Yacolt's rural charm attracted new residents. Population nearly doubled to 1,055 by 2000 and continues growing today. The railroad returned as the volunteer-operated Chelatchie Prairie Railroad, offering scenic rides on vintage steam locomotives.
Historical information sourced from HistoryLink.org Essay 9329 by John Caldbick (CC BY-NC-ND), the Washington State Digital Archives, and the Clark County Historical Museum.
Historical Archives
The Washington State Digital Archives holds several photographs and records documenting Yacolt's history, including images of the Yacolt Burn aftermath and the logging railroads that shaped our community.
A group inspecting ground ravaged by the Yacolt Burn forest fire, photographed 52 years after the disaster.
Shows land burned in the Yacolt Burn. Two men are visible surveying the still-affected landscape.
Historic steam locomotive with loaded log cars approaching Yacolt, operated by Harbor Plywood Corp.
Historic logging locomotive from the era when railroads connected Yacolt to the timber industry.
Search the Washington State Digital Archives for more historical records about Yacolt and Clark County.
Photo Gallery
Parks & Outdoor Activities
🚂 Chelatchie Prairie Railroad
One of Yacolt's crown jewels is the historic Chelatchie Prairie Railroad, operated entirely by volunteers. Ride our vintage steam locomotive through the beautiful countryside, with special holiday-themed trips including our famous Christmas Train that delights visitors from across the region.
🏞️ Nearby Natural Attractions
- Lucia Falls Park - Stunning waterfall with picnic areas and hiking trails
- Moulton Falls Regional Park - Popular spot for swimming, fishing, and scenic walks
- Yacolt Burn State Forest - Extensive trail system for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding
- Bells Mountain Trail - Challenging hike with panoramic views
- Sunset Falls - Beautiful cascade along the East Fork Lewis River
- Big Tree - Historic giant Douglas fir, survivor of the 1902 Yacolt Burn
🏛️ Town Parks & Facilities
- Yacolt Recreational Park - Main community park
- Yacolt Town Park & Skate Park - Popular with youth and families
- Town Cemetery - Historic cemetery dating back to early settlers
- North Clark Little League - Youth baseball programs
🎣 Popular Activities
- Hiking & Backpacking
- Mountain Biking & Off-Roading
- Fishing (Lewis River and area streams)
- Hunting (seasonal)
- Wildlife Photography
- Scenic Driving
Frequently Asked Questions
What county is Yacolt in?
Yacolt is located in Clark County, Washington.
What is the population of Yacolt?
As of 2023, Yacolt has a population of approximately 1,628 residents.
What does "Yacolt" mean?
The name comes from the Klickitat word "Yalicolb," meaning "haunted place" or "place of spirits."
How far is Yacolt from Vancouver, WA?
Yacolt is approximately 30 miles northeast of Vancouver, Washington.
What school district serves Yacolt?
Yacolt is served by the Battle Ground Public Schools district.
What is there to do in Yacolt?
Popular activities include riding the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad, hiking in Yacolt Burn State Forest, visiting Lucia Falls and Moulton Falls, fishing, and exploring the scenic countryside.
What was the Yacolt Burn?
The Yacolt Burn was the largest forest fire in Washington state history, occurring on September 12, 1902. It consumed 350 square miles and came right to the edge of town but miraculously spared most of the community.
Living in Yacolt
As the smallest incorporated town in Clark County, Yacolt offers a unique small-town lifestyle while remaining part of the greater Portland-Vancouver metropolitan area. With a median household income of $90,625 and a homeownership rate of 90.5%, our community attracts families seeking rural living with urban access.
Our residents enjoy excellent schools through the Battle Ground Public Schools district, a strong sense of community, and the benefit of being part of a growing town (4.16% population growth in 2023). While the average commute is 51.8 minutes, many find the peaceful, forest-surrounded environment worth the travel to urban employment centers.
Community Services & Government
The Town of Yacolt provides essential municipal services from our Town Hall at 202 W. Cushman Street. Our local government is committed to serving residents with transparency and community involvement.
Town Hall Information
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Phone: (360) 686-3922
Physical Address: 202 W Cushman St, Yacolt, WA 98675
Email: townofyacolt@townofyacolt.com
🎉 Community Events
Yacolt hosts several annual events that bring our community together, including Rendezvous Days, the Harvest Market with Chili Cook-off, Easter Egg Hunt, and family-friendly kickball tournaments. Our Yacolt Outdoor Market provides regular opportunities for local vendors and community gathering.
Yacolt Primary School
Yacolt Primary School, home of the Beavers, serves pre-kindergarten through fourth grade students and is part of the Battle Ground Public Schools district. With approximately 716 students and a 16:1 student-teacher ratio, the school provides a close-knit educational environment for Yacolt families.
School Information
Grades: Pre-K through 4th Grade
Address: 406 W Yacolt Rd, Yacolt, WA 98675
Phone: (360) 885-6000
Attendance Line: (360) 885-6015
Email: info.yps@battlegroundps.org
Student Hours: 9:00 AM – 3:40 PM (Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri)
10:00 AM – 3:40 PM (Late-start Wednesdays)
After fourth grade, students continue to Amboy Middle School for grades 5-8, then on to Battle Ground High School for grades 9-12.
Local Businesses
Support the businesses that make Yacolt a great place to live and visit. From dining to services, these local establishments serve our community.
Yacolt Trading Post
Local grocery, hardware, hunting supplies, deli, and gas station. A community hub since the early days.
Stellar Luxe
Vendor mall and vintage marketplace featuring locally-made home decor, antiques, and unique gifts.
Arrowhead Coffee
Drive-through coffee shop with quality espresso drinks and a welcoming atmosphere. Known for strong, flavorful coffee.
PNW Pizza Co.
Family-friendly pizza, burgers, wings, and full bar. Features outdoor patio, trivia nights, and karaoke.
Impact Automotive
Family-owned auto repair serving Yacolt since 2009. Gas and diesel repairs, tires, oil changes, and more.
Bold Point Solutions
Local IT support and technology services for homes and businesses.
Coastal Pacific Excavating
Professional excavation, land clearing, grading, and Verti-Block retaining wall specialists. Licensed and insured.
Redinger Inc.
Water well drilling with 30+ years experience. Family-owned, serving Clark, Cowlitz, Skamania, and Lewis counties.
Own a business in Yacolt? Contact us to be listed here.
Helpful Resources & Links
🏛️ Government & Services
- Official Town of Yacolt Website
- Clark County Government
- Clark County Public Health
- Clark County Public Works
🏫 Schools
🚨 Emergency Services
- Emergency: Dial 911
- Clark County Sheriff's Office
- Emergency Management
- Fire District Information
💡 Utilities & Services
🌲 Outdoor Recreation
About This Site: Yacolt.us is an independent hobby website created to celebrate the history and community of Yacolt, Washington. This is not an official government website. For official municipal information, services, and announcements, please visit the Official Town of Yacolt Website.
Information Currency: Content on this site is current as of November 16, 2025.