Stevenson, Washington
Encyclopedia
Stevenson is a town in Skamania County, Washington, United States. The population was 1,465 at the 2010 census, a 22% increase over 2000. It is the county seat
of Skamania County and home to the Skamania County Court House and Sheriff's Office. Stevenson is home to the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center, which focuses on several tribes that were once located near the Columbia River
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Stevenson is named for early settler George H. Stevenson. Stevenson was officially incorporated on December 16, 1907.
According to the United States Census Bureau
, the city has a total area of 1.6 square miles (4.1 km²), of which, 1.5 square miles (3.8 km²) of it is land and 0.1 square miles (0.3 km²) of it (6.37%) is water.
, and 3.17% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.33% of the population.
There were 474 households out of which 31.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.2% were married couples living together, 14.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.2% were non-families. 29.5% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.41 and the average family size was 2.95.
In the city the age distribution of the population shows 25.1% under the age of 18, 9.8% from 18 to 24, 25.8% from 25 to 44, 25.5% from 45 to 64, and 13.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 91.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.7 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $31,979, and the median income for a family was $38,750. Males had a median income of $36,042 versus $25,893 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,602. About 17.8% of families and 22.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 30.2% of those under age 18 and 17.0% of those age 65 or over.
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County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
of Skamania County and home to the Skamania County Court House and Sheriff's Office. Stevenson is home to the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center, which focuses on several tribes that were once located near the Columbia River
Columbia River
The Columbia River is the largest river in the Pacific Northwest region of North America. The river rises in the Rocky Mountains of British Columbia, Canada, flows northwest and then south into the U.S. state of Washington, then turns west to form most of the border between Washington and the state...
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History
Geography
Stevenson is located at 45°41′46"N 121°53′18"W (45.696203, −121.888424).According to the United States Census Bureau
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the city has a total area of 1.6 square miles (4.1 km²), of which, 1.5 square miles (3.8 km²) of it is land and 0.1 square miles (0.3 km²) of it (6.37%) is water.
Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,200 people, 474 households, and 307 families residing in the city. The population density was 813.4 people per square mile (313.1/km²). There were 523 housing units at an average density of 354.5 per square mile (136.4/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 91.92% White, 0.17% African American, 2.42% Native American, 0.58% Asian, 1.75% from other racesRace (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 3.17% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.33% of the population.
There were 474 households out of which 31.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.2% were married couples living together, 14.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.2% were non-families. 29.5% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.41 and the average family size was 2.95.
In the city the age distribution of the population shows 25.1% under the age of 18, 9.8% from 18 to 24, 25.8% from 25 to 44, 25.5% from 45 to 64, and 13.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 91.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.7 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $31,979, and the median income for a family was $38,750. Males had a median income of $36,042 versus $25,893 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,602. About 17.8% of families and 22.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 30.2% of those under age 18 and 17.0% of those age 65 or over.
Recreation
Stevenson is in the heart of the Columbia River GorgeColumbia River Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge is a canyon of the Columbia River in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. Up to deep, the canyon stretches for over as the river winds westward through the Cascade Range forming the boundary between the State of Washington to the north and Oregon to the south...
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- Hunting and fishing are popular seasonal sports, as are windsurfingWindsurfingWindsurfing or sailboarding is a surface water sport that combines elements of surfing and sailing. It consists of a board usually two to four metres long, powered by the orthogonal effect of the wind on a sail. The rig is connected to the board by a free-rotating universal joint and comprises a...
, hiking and kiteboarding. - Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center Museum: Located in the middle of the National Scenic Area in Stevenson, Washington, the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center is ideally situated to interpret the natural and cultural history of this beautiful region. This museum is designed for all age levels. $0–$7.
- The Bridge of the Gods: Located between Stevenson and Cascade Locks and is open 24/7. The Bridge of the Gods connects Oregon and Washington in the midst of the Columbia River Gorge. The bridge is part of the Pacific Crest Trail that stretches from Mexico to Canada. Enjoy amazing views of the Gorge. $1.00.
- Beacon Rock: This giant monolith was once the core of an ancient volcano and acquired its name from Lewis and Clark during their expedition west. An average hiker can reach the top in less than thirty minutes, while enjoying spectacular views of the river and gorge.
- Hamilton Mountain: For all hikers there is the Hamilton Mountain trail. There is a 7.5 miles (12.1 km) loop for more experienced hikers but families and beginners can walk a mere 1.25 miles (2 km) up the trail to view Rodney Falls and the Pool of the Winds.
- Dog Mountain: Intermediate and experienced hikers will enjoy Dog Mountain. It is a very steep 6.5 miles (10.5 km) round trip hike with great views of the Columbia River and a flourish of wildflowers.
- Bonneville Dam: Less than 5 minutes down the road from Stevenson is the Bonneville Dam. Take a tour on the Washington side through the Dam and check out the fish ladders. Kids will enjoy watching the fish swim up the strong river currents.
- Bonneville Dam Fish Hatchery: On the Oregon side of the dam is the Bonneville Fish Hatchery, home to Herman, the 70-year-old, 11 feet (3.4 m), 500 pounds (226.8 kg) sturgeon. He is quite a sight.
- Bonneville Hot Springs Resort & Spa: A high end resort and spa secluded in the forest of the Columbia River Gorge. A beautiful retreat for anyone in need of relaxation and an escape.
- Multnomah Falls: Only 15 minutes from Stevenson on the Oregon side of the Columbia River is Multnomah Falls, the second tallest year-round waterfall in the nation (stretching 620 feet (189 m) from top to bottom).
- Carson Mineral Hot Springs Resort: Located in nearby Carson, this resort has nearby hot springs and provides baths in the water.
- Columbia Gorge Bluegrass Festival: Held on the 4th weekend of July. The festival attracts outstanding national talent as well as premier regional bands. Held on the picturesque Skamania County Fairgrounds, the festival offers four days of fun, music, dances, workshops and jammin'.
- Skamania Lodge Resort: Right on the west edge of town. A magnificent mountain resort nestled on 175 wooded acres, is located in the spectacular Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. "Skamania" is the Chinook Indian word for "swift water". The resort, which overlooks the Columbia River is aptly named, as there are also over 70 waterfalls nearby, including the famous Multnomah Falls, which, at 620 feet (189 m), is the fifth highest waterfall in the United States. The Pacific Northwest Resort offers 254 nicely appointed guest rooms, a 22000 square feet (2,043.9 m²) conference and event center, an 18-hole par 70 golf course, full service spa and fitness center which includes an indoor heated swimming pool, dry saunas and indoor and outdoor whirlpools, tennis, basketball, volleyball and hiking trails.