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 starts long before the town: the area was a Cowlitz and Klickitat trading ground whose Klickitat name means "haunted place." Homesteaders arrived in 1873, and in September 1902 the Great Yacolt Burn—the largest wildfire in Washington's recorded history for more than a century—stopped just half a mile from the settlement. The timber salvage that followed brought a railroad, a logging boom, and incorporation in 1908, followed by decades of decline and a slow, steady comeback.
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.
Yacolt is located in Clark County, Washington.
As of 2023, Yacolt has a population of approximately 1,628 residents.
The name comes from the Klickitat word "Yalicolb," meaning "haunted place" or "place of spirits."
Yacolt is approximately 30 miles northeast of Vancouver, Washington.
Yacolt is served by the Battle Ground Public Schools district.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Support the businesses that make Yacolt a great place to live and visit. From dining to services, these local establishments serve our community.
Local grocery, hardware, hunting supplies, deli, and gas station. A community hub since the early days.
Vendor mall and vintage marketplace featuring locally-made home decor, antiques, and unique gifts.
Drive-through coffee shop with quality espresso drinks and a welcoming atmosphere. Known for strong, flavorful coffee.
Family-friendly pizza, burgers, wings, and full bar. Features outdoor patio, trivia nights, and karaoke.
Family-owned auto repair serving Yacolt since 2009. Gas and diesel repairs, tires, oil changes, and more.
Professional excavation, land clearing, grading, and Verti-Block retaining wall specialists. Licensed and insured.
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.
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.