Lice Clinic Serving Washougal, WA

The Heart of the City: The Washougal Woolen Mill

Washougal’s identity is deeply tied to the Washougal Woolen Mill. Operated by Pendleton since 1912, this facility is a rarity in the modern world: a mill where every step of the weaving process—from the arrival of raw wool to the final finishing of world-famous blankets—takes place under one roof. It remains the city’s most significant economic landmark and a major draw for heritage tourism.

The Washougal River: A “Blue Ribbon” Resource

Flowing through the center of the community is the Washougal River, a crystal-clear waterway that defines the city’s geography. It is celebrated for several key features:

• The Swimming Holes: Locations like Dougan Falls and the basalt “S” curves provide some of the best natural swimming and tubing spots in the state.
• Steelhead Fishing: As a “Blue Ribbon” river, it is a premier destination for anglers chasing winter steelhead and fall salmon.
• Hydrology: The river is known for its “rushing water” (the literal translation of its name), which carved the dramatic canyons that lead into the Cascades.

Conservation and Wildlife: Steigerwald Lake

Located on the eastern boundary of the city, the Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a 1,049-acre sanctuary. Following one of the largest restoration projects in the region, the refuge now allows the Columbia River to naturally flood the plains, creating a thriving ecosystem for:

• Migratory Birds: A critical stop on the Pacific Flyway for herons, egrets, and bald eagles.
• The Art Trail: A scenic walking path that integrates local art with educational markers about the refuge’s unique geology.

Pro Motocross: Washougal MX Park

In the hills north of town lies the Washougal MX Park. This isn’t just a local track; it is a legendary stop on the AMA Pro Motocross Championship circuit. Its geography is world-renowned for its “loamy” soil and the “Horsepower Hill” climb, set against a dense forest backdrop that makes it one of the most photographed tracks in the sport.

Neighborhoods and Districts

Washougal’s residential and commercial landscape is divided into several distinct zones:

• The Marina District: The hub for boating and riverside dining at the Port of Camas-Washougal.
• Downtown: A walkable area featuring historic brick buildings, local taprooms, and the “Reflections” sculpture park.
• Mount Pleasant: A rural upland area offering expansive views of Mt. Hood and the Columbia River.
• Canyon Creek: A lush, forested residential area tucked along the river’s edge.

Primary Washougal Zip Codes

Washougal covers a large area that transitions from urban streets to rugged mountain terrain:

History and Roots: The Rushing Water

The city’s history predates the mills and tracks. It is the ancestral home of the Watlala (Chinookan) people. In 1806, Lewis and Clark utilized the geography of Cottonwood Beach for their “Provision Camp” before heading back east. The name “Washougal” itself remains a permanent tribute to the indigenous description of the river’s swift, powerful current.