Elk, Washington facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Elk
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Welcome to Elk sign with church beyond
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 Elk
Location in Washington (state)
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| Country | United States |
| State | Washington |
| County | Spokane |
| Elevation | 1,840 ft (560 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-8 (Pacific (PST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-7 (PDT) |
| ZIP codes |
99009
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| GNIS feature ID | 1519263 |
Elk is a small, quiet community located in northern Spokane County, Washington, United States. It is an unincorporated rural community, meaning it does not have its own local government like a city. Elk is nestled near the Little Spokane River and the beautiful Selkirk Mountains. This community has had a post office since 1892, showing it has been a home for people for a long time!
Contents
A Look Back in Time
How Elk Got Its Name
Originally, this community was known as Peddit's Township of Elk. Over time, the name became shorter and simpler, just "Elk."
The Post Office and School
Elk has had its own post office since 1892. The current post office building stands where the old Elk Hotel used to be. That hotel was sadly destroyed by a fire in the early 1970s.
A one-room schoolhouse was built in Elk in 1902. Today, students in Elk are part of the Riverside School District. This district serves most of the rural areas in northern Spokane County.
Celebrating Elk Days
Every summer, Elk holds a special event called Elk Days. This celebration usually happens around Fathers' Day. It is a time for the community to come together and celebrate its history. People gather, often at Elk Park, to enjoy various vendors and fun activities. These festivities often include a cool car show and a parade!
The Oregon Road Fire
In August 2023, the community faced a big challenge. The Oregon Road Fire spread near Elk. This fire burned a large area of land, over 10,000 acres. Many homes in the area were damaged or lost. The fire was caused by human activity.
Exploring Elk's Geography
Where Elk is Located
Elk is found in the northern part of Spokane County. It sits along the upper parts of the Little Spokane River. The community itself is about 1,840 feet above sea level.
The Surrounding Landscape
The land around Elk rises quickly from the river valley. To the north and west, the hills reach about 2,000 feet high. To the east and south, they go even higher, over 2,200 feet. The area around Elk is a mix of forests and farmland. The foothills of the Selkirk Mountains are just a few miles away in almost every direction.
Roads and Connections
Elk is located about 3.5 miles east of U.S. Route 2. This is a major highway that connects Elk to bigger cities. You can travel north to Newport, Washington or south to Spokane, Washington for more services.
Smaller roads also connect Elk to other nearby communities. These include Elk–Chattaroy Road, Milan–Elk Road, and Elk–Camden Road. Elk is also about two miles south of the county line between Spokane and Pend Oreille counties.
See also
In Spanish: Elk (Washington) para niños
