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Pacific County, Washington

Explore local resources and participating businesses in Pacific County, Washington.

Pacific County at a Glance

Population24,357 (July 1, 2025 Census estimate)
County SeatSouth Bend
Largest City (2026)Raymond (2026 OFM)
Year Organized1854 (organized; NACo County Explorer)
ZIP Code Examples98537, 98577, 98586, 98624, 98638
Total Area, Including Water1,226.537 square miles, including water (2020 Census geography)
Major RoutesUS 101, SR 6, SR 4
Local Area Codes360 / 564
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Meet Local Businesses

Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.

Pacific Salmon Charters advertisement
County guide photograph
Discover Pacific County

Pacific County

Pacific County was established from part of Lewis County in 1851 under Oregon territorial government. Pacific City was initially designated the seat, but a federal military reservation changed that arrangement. County government subsequently operated at Chinookville and Oysterville before moving to South Bend in 1893. The region's Indigenous history long preceded these institutions. Its succession of seats shows how government locations could respond to land decisions and community change within a landscape shaped by the ocean and the Columbia River.

Use South Bend and one earlier county-seat community for a focused coastal history route. Historical interpretation can distinguish an original institutional location from a surviving building or present visitor destination. The ocean and river settings invite a wider outing, but choose managed public access points individually. A short route with time for local context can reveal the differences among the communities more clearly than attempting every former seat in one day.

What Shapes Us

Place And Character

South Bend anchors Pacific County in southwestern Washington, where the Pacific Ocean and Columbia River define major edges of the landscape.

The Local Story

Pacific County was established from part of Lewis County in 1851 under Oregon territorial government. Pacific City was initially designated the seat, but a federal military reservation changed that arrangement.

Explore The County

Use South Bend and one earlier county-seat community for a focused coastal history route. Historical interpretation can distinguish an original institutional location from a surviving building or present visitor destination.

Discover coastal history through its changing community centers.
Chinook Observer · Local

El Niño warms into strongest-ever territory

The El Niño forming in the mid-Pacific already is venturing into record-setting territory, and climate forecasting models suggest…

Read the Story Oct 27, 2026 • Read at source
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Meet Local Businesses

Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.

Pacific Salmon Charters advertisement
County Resources

Find the Right Local Connection

Start with the organization responsible for the service you need. Follow its official link for current requirements, office locations and availability.

Get to Know Pacific County

Useful answers for residents, visitors and anyone planning their next step.

Local Questions

Pacific County Questions, Answered

Explore practical details about the county and the organizations that serve it.

24,357 (July 1, 2025 Census estimate). This is a dated Census Bureau estimate, rather than a live resident count.

Shop - Dine - Discover

Meet Local Businesses

Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.

Pacific Salmon Charters advertisement
My Local Guide

Find Something Fun

Make Time to Explore

Browse local places by the kind of day you have in mind.

Explore Pacific County

Featured local businesses

Pacific Salmon Charters

Parks and outdoor places

Cape Disappointment State Park — Plan a visit using the official park information.

Pacific County parks and trails

Getting around

Pacific Transit

A New Stop, a Local ConnectionExplore the Listings Below
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