Clatsop County, Oregon is located in the northwest corner of the state and encompasses an area of 1,069 square miles. The county is bordered by the Columbia River to the east, Pacific Ocean to the west, Washington to the north and Tillamook County to the south.
The landscape of Clatsop County is varied and includes both coastal plains and mountains. The coastal plains are largely flat with some hills along the ocean shores while the mountains are primarily part of the Coast Range which runs along much of Oregon’s coast. These mountains are heavily forested with Douglas fir, western hemlock, and western red cedar being some of the most common trees found in this region.
In addition to its varied terrain, Clatsop County also has a number of waterways which include several rivers such as Youngs River and Necanicum River as well as numerous creeks and streams. These waterways provide important habitat for local wildlife including salmon which can be found spawning in certain areas during certain times of year.
The climate in Clatsop County is generally mild with temperatures ranging from 40-70 degrees Fahrenheit throughout most of the year. Summers tend to be warm while winters are often cool but rarely cold enough for snowfall or extremely low temperatures. Rainfall is also fairly common throughout most parts of Clatsop County with an average annual precipitation rate around 40 inches per year.
Overall Clatsop County has a diverse geography that provides a unique setting for both residents and visitors alike to enjoy. With its varied terrain, waterways, mild climate, and abundant wildlife this region offers something for everyone who visits it.
Country Seat and Other Main Cities of Clatsop County, Oregon
The county seat of Clatsop County, Oregon is Astoria which is located along the Columbia River. Astoria is the oldest American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains and was originally established by the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1811. Today, Astoria is a vibrant city with a population of around 10,000 people and numerous attractions including its historic downtown area, several museums, and an array of shops and restaurants.
According to countryaah.com, other cities in Clatsop County include Warrenton which is located just across the river from Astoria. This city has a population of around 5,000 people and offers visitors a variety of activities including fishing on the Columbia River and exploring its historic downtown area.
Seaside is another popular city in Clatsop County located on the Oregon coast about 25 miles south of Astoria. This coastal town has a population of about 7,000 people and offers visitors plenty to do including beachcombing along its sandy shores, exploring its quaint downtown area or visiting one of its many museums or galleries.
Gearhart is another small town located just south of Seaside with a population around 1,500 people. Gearhart has long been known as an idyllic spot for vacationers seeking some peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of larger cities like Portland or Seattle. Here visitors can enjoy activities such as golfing at one of Gearhart’s two courses or strolling through its historic downtown area lined with old Victorian homes.
Overall Clatsop County offers visitors plenty to see and do. From exploring one of its many cities to taking in some peaceful scenery along the Oregon Coast this region provides something for everyone.
History of Clatsop County, Oregon
Clatsop County, Oregon is located on the northwest coast of Oregon and was first inhabited by the Clatsop Native American tribe. The area was explored by Captain Robert Gray in 1792 and was later settled by Lewis and Clark in 1811 with the establishment of Fort Clatsop.
In 1844, the Oregon Treaty was signed between Great Britain and the United States which established the boundary between Oregon and British Columbia. This allowed for more American settlers to come to Clatsop County, including a group of settlers led by William T. Newby who established Astoria in 1845.
In 1848, Clatsop County officially became part of Oregon Territory and Astoria became its county seat. Over the next few decades, other cities such as Warrenton, Seaside, Gearhart, Cannon Beach and Manzanita were established as well as numerous logging camps throughout the area.
The late 1800s saw an economic boom in Clatsop County with a number of industries such as fishing, lumbering and tourism taking hold. In 1915, Astoria’s Columbia River Highway opened which provided easy access to many of these industries but also made it easier for visitors to explore all that this region had to offer.
Today Clatsop County is home to around 37,000 residents who enjoy its mild climate, abundant wildlife and varied terrain. Many people visit Clatsop County each year for its stunning scenery along the Oregon Coast or to explore one of its many cities such as Astoria or Seaside. No matter what brings visitors here they are sure to find something that they will enjoy.
Economy of Clatsop County, Oregon
Clatsop County, Oregon is located on the northwest coast of Oregon and has a diverse economy that includes fishing, lumbering, tourism, and manufacturing. The county’s mild climate and abundant wildlife make it an attractive destination for visitors from around the world.
The fishing industry is one of the most important economic pillars in Clatsop County. The county’s location makes it ideal for commercial fishing as well as recreational activities such as sport fishing and crabbing. Astoria is home to one of the largest commercial fishing fleets in Oregon and the seafood industry provides jobs to many local residents.
The timber industry has also been a major contributor to Clatsop County’s economy for many years. Logging camps throughout the area provide jobs to locals while helping to sustain healthy forests. In addition, wood products such as lumber and paper are produced in Clatsop County which are then sold both locally and around the world.
Tourism is another major economic driver in Clatsop County with visitors coming from all over to experience its stunning scenery along the Oregon Coast or explore one of its many cities such as Astoria or Seaside. Hotels, restaurants, shops, attractions, recreational activities and other businesses all benefit from this influx of tourists each year.
Manufacturing is also important to Clatsop County’s economy with several large companies based here including Columbia Sportswear, a leading outdoor apparel company; Tillamook Cheese Factory; and Daimler Trucks North America which produces heavy trucks at its factory near Portland International Airport.
Overall Clatsop County’s economy is thriving thanks to its diverse mix of industries that provide jobs to local residents while bringing visitors from around the world here each year.