Pacific County

Pacific County is located in the southwestern corner of Washington State, bounded by the Pacific Ocean to the west, the Columbia River to the south, and Willapa Bay—one of the most pristine estuaries on the West Coast—to the north. Pacific County seat is South Bend, known as the 'Oyster Capital of the World,' while Raymond is the largest city. Established in 1851, Pacific County is one of Washington's oldest counties and covers approximately 933 square miles of land and 667 square miles of water. The population is approximately 23,750 residents, making it one of the least densely populated counties in the state. Major landmarks include the Long Beach Peninsula, Cape Disappointment State Park (site of the Lewis and Clark expedition's terminus), Willapa National Wildlife Refuge, and the historic South Bend Courthouse, a stunning example of late Victorian architecture completed in 1911. Pacific County's economy has historically centered on timber, fishing, and oyster harvesting. Pacific County public records are maintained by several agencies: Pacific County Auditor is the Recorder of Deeds (300 Memorial Drive, South Bend, WA 98586); Pacific County Assessor's Office (same address) manages property tax assessments and valuations; and Pacific County Clerk (part of the Superior Court) handles court records. Pacific County's remote coastal location and natural beauty make it a unique destination while presenting challenges for economic diversification.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

• Arrest records and incident reports in Pacific County are subject to Washington's Public Records Act (Chapter 42.56 RCW), which requires agencies to respond to public records requests within five business days.
• To request arrest records, citizens must submit a written request to the specific law enforcement agency that made the arrest, describing the records sought with reasonable specificity.
• Mugshots and booking photos are generally considered public records in Washington and can be requested through the Sheriff's Office, though the agency may charge fees for copies.
• Processing fees are typically $0.15 per page for copies.

Jail & Inmate Records

• The bond and bail process follows Washington state laws, allowing for the release of individuals pending trial under certain conditions.

• The fee schedule includes $5 for basic case searches and certified copies at $5 for the first page and $1 for each additional page.
• Case files can be reviewed in person at no charge, though copies incur fees.
• To request records by mail, written requests should be sent to Pacific County Clerk at the courthouse address with specific case numbers or party names.

Property records for Pacific County, Washington are maintained by the Pacific County Auditor. This office maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements for properties in Pacific County.

Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.

• Death certificates cost $25 for the first certified copy and $10 for each additional copy.
• The marriage license fee is approximately $64, with a three-day waiting period after issuance before the ceremony can be performed.
• Divorce records (Decrees of Dissolution) are maintained by Pacific County Superior Court Clerk and can be requested with appropriate identification and payment of copy fees.
• Online ordering of Washington vital records is available through VitalChek at www.doh.wa.gov/LicensesPermitsandCertificates/BirthDeathMarriageandDivorce, though convenience fees apply.

Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.

• The fee for registering a business name is typically $54.
• For formal business entity formation (LLCs, corporations, partnerships), businesses must register with the Washington Secretary of State, Corporations Division.