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Skamokawa, Washington facts for kids

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Skamokawa, Washington
Unincorporated community
Over the slough in Skamokawa, Washington.jpg
Skamokawa, Washington is located in Washington (state)
Skamokawa, Washington
Skamokawa, Washington
Location in Washington (state)
Country United States
State Washington
Counties Wahkiakum County
Elevation
30 ft (9 m)
Population
 • Total 449
Time zone UTC-8 (PST)
 • Summer (DST) UTC-7 (PDT)
ZIP codes
98647
Area code(s) Area code 360
GNIS feature ID 1508379

Skamokawa (say "skuh-MAW-kuh-way") is a small place in Wahkiakum County, Washington, United States. It is called an unincorporated community. This means it is a group of homes and businesses that is not officially a city or town. The name Skamokawa comes from the Chinook language. It means "smoke or fog on the water."

Skamokawa is located right next to the Columbia River. It is also on WA 4, a main road. The first American trading post in this area was set up near Skamokawa in 1844. This was a place where people could trade goods.

Today, Skamokawa has a post office, a restaurant, and a general store. There is also a historical museum nearby and a covered bridge. In the past, the main job here was logging, which means cutting down trees. Now, Skamokawa is a popular spot for kayaking and fishing.

Skamokawa's Location

Skamokawa Valley is a census-designated place (CDP) just north of Skamokawa. A CDP is a special area that the government counts for population, but it is not a city. Skamokawa sits on the banks of the mighty Columbia River. This river is very important for the region.

History of Skamokawa

The area around Skamokawa has a long history. The first American trading post was built here in 1844. This shows how important the location was for trade and travel. For many years, logging was the main industry. People cut down trees and floated them down the river.

Things to See and Do

Skamokawa offers a few interesting places to visit.

  • The local post office helps people send and receive mail.
  • There is a restaurant where you can get food.
  • A general store sells many different items.
  • You can visit a historical museum to learn about the past.
  • There is also a charming covered bridge.

Today, Skamokawa is known for outdoor activities. Many people come here for kayaking on the water. It is also a great place for fishing.

Panoskam
Looking over Steamboat Slough toward downtown Skamokawa and the Paddle Center.

Images for kids

  • Skamokawa, WA - post office 01 (19879230645)

    Post Office

  • Skamokawa, WA - Redmen Hall 03 (19871756392)

    Red Men Hall

  • Skamokawa, WA - general store 01 (19879264035)

    General Store

  • Crew in front of donkey engine, Columbia River Timber Company, Skamokawa, ca 1918 (KINSEY 2194)

    Donkey engine crew, around 1918

  • Felling men, Columbia River Timber Company, Skamokawa, ca 1918 (KINSEY 2195)

    Men cutting down trees, around 1918

  • Rafting logs on river, Columbia River Timber Company, Skamokawa, ca 1918 (KINSEY 2200)

    Logs floating on the river, around 1918

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Skamokawa (Washington) para niños

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