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.
Yacolt's story begins with the Cowlitz and Klickitat tribes, who used this area as a gathering and trading place. The first non-indigenous settlers, Joseph and Charlotte Eaton, arrived in 1873, establishing a homestead on Rock Creek.
On September 12, 1902, Yacolt faced its greatest challenge when the largest forest fire in Washington state history swept through the region. The Yacolt Burn consumed 350 square miles and came right to the edge of town, blistering paint on buildings but miraculously sparing most of the community. This catastrophic event led to Yacolt becoming a temporary boom town as the Weyerhaeuser Company established salvage operations.
Despite economic ups and downs, including Weyerhaeuser's departure in 1929, Yacolt has shown remarkable resilience. The Civilian Conservation Corps helped rebuild the area in the 1930s, and today we're home to families who appreciate our rural charm and natural beauty.
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.
Surrounded by the recovered forests from the 1902 burn, Yacolt offers excellent opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and experiencing the Pacific Northwest's natural splendor. The area's history as a "haunted place" adds an intriguing mystique to our scenic landscape.
Yacolt has been home to several notable individuals, including figure skater Tonya Harding and former U.S. Army officer Joe Kent. Our community has also been shaped by generations of families like the McCutchens, who arrived in 1894 and whose descendants still call Yacolt home.
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.
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.
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
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 maintains several recreational facilities for residents and visitors:
Disclaimer: Information on this website is current as of October 5, 2025. For the most up-to-date municipal information, services, and official announcements, please visit the Official Town of Yacolt Website.