Garfield County, Washington is located in the eastern part of the state and is bordered by Columbia River to the north, Spokane County to the east, Lincoln County to the south, and Whitman County to the west. It has a population of about 4,000 people spread out across its four cities: Pomeroy, Garfield, Pomeroy-Garfield Junction and Albion.
According to psyknowhow.com, the area was originally inhabited by Native Americans who used it as hunting grounds for bison and other game animals. The first settlers arrived in 1871 and established farms along the Snake River. In 1881 Garfield County was officially formed from parts of Whitman and Spokane Counties and named after President James A. Garfield.
Today, Garfield County is known for its agricultural heritage with numerous farms that produce wheat, barley, corn, alfalfa hay as well as dairy products such as cheese and butter. The county also has several natural attractions such as Palouse Falls State Park which features a spectacular waterfall cascading into a deep ravine and Chief Timothy State Park which offers camping sites on an island in the middle of Lake Roosevelt.
In addition to its natural beauty Garfield County also has several cultural attractions including several museums such as the Pomeroy Historical Museum which highlights local history or the Palouse Falls Interpretive Center which tells stories about Native American culture in the region.
Famous people from Garfield County include actor/comedian Bing Russell who was born in Pomeroy in 1926 and singer/songwriter Brandi Carlile who grew up in Ravensdale just outside of Pomeroy-Garfield Junction.
Whether you’re looking for outdoor activities or cultural attractions there’s something for everyone in Garfield County.
Climate and weather in Garfield County, Washington
According to andyeducation.com, Garfield County, Washington has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters. The average temperature throughout the year is around 50°F (10°C). Summers in Garfield County are usually warm and dry with temperatures reaching up to 90°F (32°C) during the day and dropping to around 50°F (10°C) at night. Winters are cold and wet with temperatures dropping below freezing at night and snowfall occurring occasionally in the higher elevations.
The county receives an average of 14 inches (35 cm) of rain annually mostly concentrated in the winter season from October to March when weather is usually damp and cloudy. The summer months tend to be dry with occasional thunderstorms in July and August.
The highest recorded temperature in Garfield County was 108°F (42°C) on July 29th, 2009 while the lowest was -2°F (-19°C) on December 30th, 1968. Snowfall can vary greatly from year to year but typically averages around 10 inches (25 cm).
Garfield County has a mild climate with hot summers and cold winters that generally experience some snow but not enough for skiing or other winter activities. Temperatures can reach extreme lows during winter months but overall it remains relatively mild throughout the year making it an ideal location for outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, hiking, or biking.
Transportation in Garfield County, Washington
Garfield County, Washington is served by a variety of transportation options. The county is home to several major highways including Interstate 90, US Highway 12, and State Route 26. These highways provide access to nearby cities such as Yakima and Spokane as well as the larger Seattle metropolitan area. Public transportation services are also available in the form of bus routes operated by Garfield County Public Transportation Authority (GCPTA).
The GCPTA provides bus service throughout Garfield County and connects the county with neighboring counties via intercity buses. The GCPTA also operates a dial-a-ride service for seniors and those with disabilities who require special transportation needs.
In addition to public transit options, Garfield County also has several airports located within its borders. The Garfield county airport is located just outside of Pomeroy-Garfield Junction and offers flights to nearby cities such as Spokane and Seattle. There are also private airstrips located throughout the county for those interested in flying their own planes or chartering a flight.
For those looking for more eco-friendly methods of transportation, there are plenty of biking trails and hiking paths throughout the county that offer scenic views of the surrounding landscape. Bicycles can be rented from several local businesses or brought along on a car ride if needed.
Garfield County has plenty of options when it comes to getting around whether it’s by car, bus, plane, bike or foot. With its convenient location near major highways and airports as well as its well maintained biking trails and hiking paths, it’s easy to find your way around this beautiful part of Washington State.
Cities and towns in Garfield County, Washington
According to Countryaah, Garfield County, Washington is home to several cities and towns. The largest city is Pomeroy-Garfield Junction, which serves as the county seat and has a population of over 7,000. Other notable cities in the county include Garfield, Touchet, and Pataha. These cities offer a variety of services such as restaurants, shopping centers, and medical facilities.
In addition to these larger cities, Garfield County also has several small towns scattered throughout its borders. These towns offer a more rural atmosphere with plenty of outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, hiking or biking. Some of the smaller towns in Garfield County include Asotin, Anatone, Clarkston Heights-Vineland, and Waitsburg.
No matter where you choose to stay in Garfield County you can expect plenty of recreational activities for all ages. The county is home to numerous parks with playgrounds and picnic areas where families can spend quality time together outdoors. There are also several golf courses located throughout the area for those looking to practice their swing or just enjoy a round with friends.
Garfield County offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for outdoor activities like camping or fishing or prefer more urban amenities like shopping centers or restaurants there’s something here for everyone. With its convenient location near Spokane and Seattle as well as its wide range of recreational options it’s easy to see why so many people choose to call this part of Washington State home.