Quote of the Month:
“Nature gives to every time and season some beauties of its own." - Charles Dickens
Population: 2,256
Area: 718 square miles
County Seat: Pomeroy
OVERVIEW
Garfield County is located in the southeastern part of Washington State. With the population of 2,256 people, Garfield County is the least populated county in the state. And with the area of 718 square miles, the county is considered to be the seventh-smallest in Washington State. Garfield County borders with Whitman County to the north, with Wallowa County and Oregon State to the south, with Asotin County to the east and to the west it borders with Columbia County. The largest town of the county and its county seat is Pomeroy. Agriculture has been the major industry in the county. Agricultural farms occupy two-thirds of the territory; the main crop is wheat, though other grains, such as barley, are also grown.
HISTORY
Garfield County was an important county to Native Americans, because here about seven miles east of where Pomeroy is nowadays, the Nez Perce Trail ran.
First white settlers came here in the 1860s, but by early 1870s settlers began to establish farms here and started growing grains. It should be said that by 1875 there were about 200 agricultural farms, which later would be called Garfield County.
COUNTY SEAT
Pomeroy is the county seat of Garfield County. Its’ population is 1,425. The town was officially incorporated in 1886 and since 1882 has been the county seat.
Pomeroy is a town that has rich history and offers year-round opportunities for perfect recreation. Guests of the county are invited to the Snake River and Blue Mountains.
Camping, boating, hiking, fishing, winter sports, hunting and other recreation opportunities are very popular in Garfield County.
Pomeroy and Garfield County allows spending a perfect old-fashioned rural weekend. It’s a perfect place for getting-away from busy life.
ATTRACTIONS
Umatilla National Forest
Umatilla national Forest is a 1.4 million-acre forest in the Blue Mountains with diverse nature and landscapes. The word “Umatilla” from Indian means “water rippling over sand”. Three wilderness areas are found in the Forest: the Wenaha-Tucannon, the North Fork John Day and the North Fork Umatilla. The wilderness areas stretch down into canyons and gorges from high plateaus. A great number of recreational activities are available at the Forest, including hiking, hunting, fishing, camping, riding Off Highway Vehicles, rafting, etc.
Even driving in a car, you can enjoy the scenic beauty of Umatilla National Forest. You just need to drive the Blue Mountain Scenic Byway. Keep in mind that this Byway is not accessible in winter due to the snowfalls.
Lower Granite Dam
Lower Granite Dam is a hydroelectric concrete gravity dam on the Snake River, which connects Garfield and Whitman Counties. This place is considered to be perfect for water recreation: for swimming, boating, water sports, picnicking, BBQ, fishing etc. If you decide to take a tour to the Dam, it is recommended visiting a fish viewing room, different interpretive displays, outdoor esplanade and other interesting places here.
Port of Garfield
Port of Garfield on the Snake River offers wonderful opportunities for boating, water sports, camping, fishing, etc. It also operates a boat launch at central ferry.
The Last Resort
The Last Resort is a family owned resort, which is situated in picturesque Tucannon Valley of the Blue Mountains. The Last Resort is situated really close to the Wooten Wildlife area, the Tucannon Lakes, Umatilla National Forest and the Tucannon – Wenaha Wilderness area. This beautiful territory is perfect for hiking, fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing and bird watching.
Information: Marina Petrova
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