About Klickitat County
Klickitat County is located in south-central Washington State, bordered by the Columbia River to the south and the crest of the Cascade Mountains to the west. Klickitat County Seat is Goldendale, situated at an elevation of approximately 1,600 feet. Klickitat County includes 1,904 square miles of diverse terrain, from the forested western slopes to the semi-arid Columbia Plateau in the east. As of the 2020 Census, Klickitat County population was approximately 22,400 residents. Klickitat County was created on December 20, 1859, and named after the Klickitat Native American tribe.
Major landmarks include the Maryhill Museum of Art, a replica of Stonehenge overlooking the Columbia River, Mount Adams (visible from many areas), the Goldendale Observatory State Park, and the Columbia Hills State Park with ancient petroglyphs. The economy historically relied on timber, agriculture, and livestock, with growing renewable energy sectors including wind farms. Klickitat County Courthouse is located at 205 South Columbus Avenue in Goldendale, WA 98620.
Klickitat County Auditor is the official Recorder of documents and maintains vital records, reachable at the same courthouse address. The Assessor's Office, responsible for property valuations and tax assessments, operates from 228 West Main Street, MS-CH-26, Goldendale, WA 98620. Klickitat County Clerk functions are handled through Superior Court.
The community retains a rural character with incorporated cities including White Salmon, Bingen, and Goldendale, along with unincorporated communities like Trout Lake, Goldendale area, Lyle, and Centerville.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Klickitat County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement across the unincorporated areas of Klickitat County. The office oversees Klickitat County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office is also involved in community outreach programs and has specialized divisions such as search and rescue and marine patrol. The office is key to making sure of public safety and works closely with other local, state, and federal agencies to address crime and enhance community security.
Police Departments
In addition to Klickitat County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments serve Klickitat County, including the Goldendale Police Department and the White Salmon Police Department. These city departments handle law enforcement within their respective jurisdictions, focusing on local ordinances and community policing. The agencies coordinate with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and regional issues, making sure of full coverage and response across Klickitat County. This collaboration enhances public safety and resource sharing among the law enforcement entities.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Klickitat County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 228 West Main Street, Goldendale, WA 98620, provides primary law enforcement services throughout unincorporated areas of Klickitat County. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at and maintains a website at klickitatcounty.org where citizens can access non-emergency services information. Klickitat County Jail, operated by the Sheriff's Office at the same location, houses inmates awaiting trial or serving sentences.
- Processing may take several days depending on the complexity of the request, and agencies may charge for copying costs.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally considered public records in Washington and can be requested through the same public records request process.
Inmate information can be obtained by calling the jail directly at or visiting the Sheriff's Office in person during business hours. Washington State does not maintain a centralized county jail roster online for all counties, so inquiries must be directed to the facility. Municipal law enforcement exists in White Salmon and Bingen, with the White Salmon Police Department serving both communities through contractual arrangement.
Arrest records in Klickitat County are public records subject to disclosure under the Washington Public Records Act (RCW 42.56), and requests should be submitted in writing to Klickitat County Sheriff's Office or the respective municipal police department. The Yakama Nation maintains jurisdiction over certain areas within Klickitat County's boundaries, and the Yakama Nation Tribal Police have authority on reservation lands. Citizens should note that response times in remote areas of this large, rural county can be extended, and the Sheriff's Office coordinates with Washington State Patrol for highway enforcement along State Routes 14, 97, and 142.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Klickitat County's criminal records system includes felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. The Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, which are accessible to the public under the Washington Public Records Act. Residents can conduct background checks through the Washington State Patrol's Criminal History section, which provides full reports on individuals' criminal histories.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Klickitat County are maintained by Klickitat County Sheriff's Office. These records can be requested by residents and attorneys through formal applications, adhering to the Washington Public Records Act. An arrest record in Klickitat County typically includes the individual's personal information, details of the arrest, charges filed, and court dates. The process ensures transparency and accountability within Klickitat County's law enforcement operations, providing the public with access to important information while respecting privacy laws.
Jail & Inmate Records
Klickitat County Jail, located in Goldendale, is the primary detention facility for Klickitat County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and documenting personal information of the arrestees. Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility and typically require scheduling in advance.
- The bond and bail process follows Washington state guidelines, allowing for the release of detainees under certain conditions while awaiting trial.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Klickitat County are taken and retained by Klickitat County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These images are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office or online databases that compile such information. Washington state does not have specific mugshot removal laws, so individuals seeking to remove their mugshots must pursue other legal avenues. The availability of mugshots provides a visual record of arrests, aiding in law enforcement and public awareness.
Courts & Case Records
Klickitat County Superior Court, located at 205 South Columbus Avenue, Goldendale, WA 98620, has jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $100,000, domestic relations matters including divorce and child custody, probate and estate matters, and appeals from lower courts. The court can be reached for Klickitat County District Court, sharing the same courthouse address, handles misdemeanor criminal cases, civil cases up to $100,000, protection orders, small claims up to $10,000, and traffic infractions. District Court contact is.
- Washington State provides online case access through the statewide system, though not all counties participate fully.
- The Clerk's Office charges fees for certified copies of documents, judgments, and case files, typically $5 for the first page and $1 for each additional page, though fees are subject to change.
Court records are public under GR 31, Washington's General Rule on Privacy and Access to Court Records, which balances public access with privacy interests. Case searches can be conducted in person at the courthouse during business hours, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. Some records may be sealed or confidential by statute or court order, including juvenile records, certain mental health proceedings, and adoption files.
Online case lookups may be available through the Washington Courts website portal, though users should verify current availability with the specific court. Municipal courts in Goldendale, White Salmon, and Bingen handle violations of city ordinances and traffic infractions within city limits. Probate matters, including wills, trusts, and guardianships, are handled exclusively by Superior Court.
Klickitat County does not maintain a separate Justice Court system.
Property & Public Records
Klickitat County Auditor's Office, functioning as the County Recorder, maintains land and property records at Klickitat County Courthouse, 205 South Columbus Avenue, Goldendale, WA 98620, phone. The Auditor records and preserves deeds, mortgages, liens, reconveyances, easements, covenants, plat maps, surveys, and other documents affecting real property titles in Klickitat County. Washington State law (RCW 65.04) governs the recording of instruments and establishes requirements for proper recording.
- The office provides public access to recorded documents dating back to Klickitat County's creation in 1859, with indexes available to assist in document searches.
- Document images may be available for viewing and printing for a fee.
- Certified copies of recorded documents cost approximately $5 for the first page and $1 for each additional page, plus any applicable research fees.
- Klickitat County Treasurer, contactable, handles tax collection and provides information on current and delinquent taxes.
Klickitat County offers online property record searching through a partnership with third-party vendors, though verification should be made directly with the Auditor's Office. Klickitat County Assessor's Office, located at 228 West Main Street, MS-CH-26, Goldendale, WA 98620, phone, maintains property tax records, assessments, parcel maps, and ownership information. The Assessor's website provides a free online GIS mapping system and property search tool where users can look up parcels by owner name, address, or parcel number, view assessed values, tax history, sales data, and property characteristics.
Mobile home titles and certain chattel interests are also recorded with the Auditor. All property records are public under Washington's Public Records Act unless specifically exempted by statute.
Vital Records
Vital records for Klickitat County, Washington, are maintained by Klickitat County Auditor's Office at 205 South Columbus Avenue, Goldendale, WA 98620, phone. Birth certificates for births occurring in Klickitat County can be requested from the County Auditor or from the Washington State Department of Health, Center for Health Statistics, PO Box 47814, Olympia, WA 98504-7814. The fee for a certified birth certificate is approximately $25 for the first copy and $15 for each additional copy ordered at the same time, though fees are subject to change.
- Processing time at Klickitat County level is typically 1-2 weeks, while state-level requests may take 2-4 weeks.
- Death certificates for deaths occurring in Klickitat County are available from the same offices with identical fee structures.
- Requesters must provide valid government-issued photo identification and proof of relationship or legal interest.
- Marriage licenses are issued by Klickitat County Auditor's Office, with couples required to apply in person; the fee is approximately $64, and there is a three-day waiting period before the license is valid.
Washington State law (RCW 70.58A) governs vital records access and establishes who may obtain certified copies, generally limited to the registrant (if of legal age), immediate family members, legal representatives, or individuals with a direct and tangible interest. Marriage certificates can be obtained from the same office after the ceremony is performed and recorded. Divorce records and dissolution of marriage documents are court records maintained by Klickitat County Superior Court, not vital records, and must be requested through the Clerk's Office for Washington State offers VitalChek online ordering for birth and death certificates through the state Department of Health website, with expedited processing available for additional fees.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Klickitat County operates through multiple jurisdictions depending on the business type and location. Klickitat County Auditor's Office at 205 South Columbus Avenue, Goldendale, WA 98620, maintains registration of assumed business names (DBAs) and trade names for businesses operating in unincorporated areas of Klickitat County. The filing fee is approximately $5, and these records are public and searchable in person at the Auditor's Office.
- This database includes business names, registered agents, formation dates, status, and annual report compliance.
- The Greater Goldendale Area Chamber of Commerce, accessible online, provides business support, networking opportunities, and economic information for Klickitat County.
For full business entity searches including corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, and nonprofit organizations registered in Washington State, the Washington Secretary of State's Corporations Division provides a free online searchable database at www.sos.wa.gov/corps. Cities within Klickitat County, including Goldendale, White Salmon, and Bingen, issue their own business licenses for operations within city limits, and applicants should contact the respective city clerk offices. Klickitat County Building Department, phone, issues building permits, conducts inspections, and enforces zoning regulations for construction and development projects in unincorporated areas.
Commercial projects may require multiple permits including site development, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits. The Washington State Department of Revenue handles business and occupation (B&O) tax registration, sales tax permits, and various excise taxes; their online Business Licensing Service provides a streamlined application process. Professional and occupational licenses (contractors, healthcare providers, real estate agents, etc.) are issued by the Washington State Department of Licensing.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Klickitat County are administered by Klickitat County Auditor's Office, Elections Division, located at 205 South Columbus Avenue, Goldendale, WA 98620. The Elections Office can be reached, and election information is available on Klickitat County website at klickitatcounty.org. Washington State conducts all elections entirely by mail, and Klickitat County follows this vote-by-mail system for all federal, state, and local elections.
- Washington offers same-day voter registration through Election Day, though registering by the deadline 8 days before Election Day ensures a ballot will be mailed automatically.
- Klickitat County mails ballots to all registered voters approximately 18 days before each election.
- Citizens may request to observe ballot processing and counting at the elections office by appointment.
Voter registration in Klickitat County can be completed online through the Washington Secretary of State's VoteWA portal at vote.wa.gov, in person at the Auditor's Office, or by mail using a voter registration form. Citizens must be 18 years old by Election Day, a U.S. Citizen, a Washington State resident, and not disqualified due to a court order.
Voters can update their registration address online or verify their current registration status through the VoteWA portal. Voters complete their ballots at home and return them either by mail (postmarked by Election Day) or by depositing them in official ballot drop boxes located in Goldendale, White Salmon, and other communities throughout Klickitat County. Drop box locations and hours are listed on Klickitat County elections website.
The next major election is November 3, 2026, which will include U.S. House and Senate races, Washington State legislative seats, and county offices. In the November 2024 general election, Klickitat County voter turnout was approximately 78%, reflecting strong civic participation typical of Washington's mail-ballot system.
Election records that are public under Washington law (RCW 42.56 and RCW 29A.60) include voter registration lists (with some personal information redacted), campaign finance reports filed with the Washington State Public Disclosure Commission, candidate filings and declarations, precinct-level election results, and ballot reconciliation reports. Poll books and voted ballot records are maintained with security protocols. Absentee voting is essentially universal in Washington's vote-by-mail system; voters who need replacement ballots or have special circumstances can contact the Elections Office directly.
Accessible voting equipment is available at the Auditor's Office for voters with disabilities.
Economy & Demographics
Klickitat County's economy has traditionally centered on natural resource industries including timber harvesting, agriculture, and livestock production. Klickitat County's 1,904 square miles cover vast tracts of forestland managed by the U.S. Forest Service (Gifford Pinchot National Forest), private timber companies, and the Yakama Nation. Agriculture remains significant with wheat, cattle ranching, cherry orchards in the White Salmon-Bingen area (part of the Columbia River Gorge fruit belt), and hay production.
The median household income in Klickitat County is approximately $52,000, below Washington's state median.Renewable energy has emerged as a transformative economic sector, with multiple large-scale wind farms operating on the Columbia Hills and generating substantial property tax revenue and lease payments to landowners. The Renewable Energy Assessment District has handled development of wind and solar projects. Tourism contributes to the local economy through visitors to Maryhill Museum of Art, Columbia River Gorge recreation, Mount Adams wilderness areas, Goldendale Observatory State Park, and wine tasting rooms in the emerging Columbia Gorge wine region.
Unemployment rates in Klickitat County typically track slightly above state averages, reflecting the rural nature and seasonal employment patterns. Klickitat County has experienced modest population decline in recent decades as younger residents migrate to urban areas for employment opportunities. Economic development initiatives focus on broadband expansion, outdoor recreation amenities, small business support, and using Klickitat County's affordable land and quality of life to attract remote workers and entrepreneurs.
The Port of Klickitat County operates industrial sites and promotes economic development, though Klickitat County lacks major manufacturing facilities or corporate headquarters.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: In-Person Access / Limited Online | Property: Yes: Online Search Available | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person Only | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or Mail Required | Business: Yes: State Online / County In-Person | Elections: Yes: Online Resources | Overall Score: 6/10, Klickitat County provides moderate public records access with some online tools for property and elections, but many records require in-person visits or written requests to this rural county's offices.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Klickitat County
Explore public records for 15 cities and communities in Klickitat County, Washington.