Potlatch, Washington facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Potlatch, Washington
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 Potlatch, Washington
Location in Washington (state)
Potlatch, Washington
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Washington |
| County | Mason |
| Time zone | UTC-8 (Pacific (PST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-7 (PDT) |
Potlatch is a small community in Mason County, Washington, United States. It is not an official city, but rather an unincorporated community. You can find it on the western shore of the Great Bend of Hood Canal, close to where the Skokomish River meets the water.
How Potlatch Began
The story of Potlatch started in 1900. A man named Thomas Bordeaux became the head of a new company. This company was called the Potlatch Commercial and Terminal Company. They bought land with lots of trees. Then, they started building a special railway. This railway helped them move the logs from the forests.
Potlatch was built as a company town. This means the town was created and owned by the company. It provided homes and services for its workers.
Later, in 1926, a hydroelectric dam was built at Lake Cushman. This dam helped create electricity. The Potlatch Powerhouse started making power that year. Another dam was finished in 1930 at Lake Kokanee. Huge pipes carry water from these dams to Potlatch. You can see these pipes from far away!
Potlatch is right next to the lands of the Skokomish Indian Tribe. During certain times of the year, tribal fishers sell their fresh catch. You might find fresh shrimp, crab, and salmon there.
How Potlatch Gets Power
The Cushman Dam No. 2 powerhouse is located in Potlatch. This powerhouse makes hydropower electricity. This power is sent to the city of Tacoma. Water from Lake Kokanee flows through pipes to this powerhouse. Lake Kokanee is on the North Fork Skokomish River.
For a long time, almost all the river's water was sent to the Potlatch Powerhouse. But in 2009, a new agreement was made. This agreement means more water will now flow back into the lower North Fork Skokomish River. This is good for the river's environment. The Cushman Hydro Project includes both Cushman Dam No. 1 at Lake Cushman and Dam No. 2 at Lake Kokanee.
Parks and Outdoor Fun
If you like being outdoors, Potlatch State Park is a great place to visit. It is located just south of the main part of town.
Learn More
In Spanish: Potlatch (Washington) para niños
