The chief resource of the county is in its timber and lumber, yet its mineral and agricultural wealth is becoming better known and appreciated yearly. The fruit raised in its valleys is of excellent flavor, early in season, and the soil is generous in its yield. Splendid pasturage in the foothills encourages stock-raising, and fishing in the Columbia river is profitably followed by some of the citizens.
TRANSPORTATION.
Boats on the Columbia river and a railroad on each side of it are the means of transportation, and ample for the residents of the county in its southern portion. The coming of the North Bank railroad has given a decided stimulus to the growth of the county.
DEVELOPMENT.
Skamania county has developed slowly and the bulk of its natural wealth is still practically untouched. Its minerals, well known to be valuable, are attracting the attention of prospectors, while the forests, fisheries and farming lands will furnish a competence to hundreds of additional familles. The scenery, combined with the fishing and hunting afforded, are additional attractions that will prove alluring to many newcomers.
PRINCIPAL TOWNS.
Stevenson, a small town on the Columbia river and railroad, is the county seat and has a population of about 450.
Tributary to Stevenson is considerable improved land, and the people are engaged in stock-raising, fruit-growing and farming.
Butler is a town of about 300 people on the railroad and river.
Carson, Cape Horn, Mt. Pleasant and Bear Prairie are smaller villages, destined to become centers of commercial distribution.