Skamania County is one of Washington’s smallest, most rural, and most scenically dramatic counties — a 1,684-square-mile expanse of the Columbia River Gorge, Cascade mountain terrain, and old-growth forest where 90% of the land is forested and 80% is within Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The county sits along Washington’s southern border with Oregon, with the Columbia River defining its entire southern edge and State Route 14 running along the Gorge beneath basalt cliffs and waterfalls. The county seat is Stevenson, a small Columbia River town of approximately 1,572 residents that serves as the commercial and governmental center. Mount St. Helens — which erupted catastrophically in 1980 — rises in the county’s northwest. The county is part of the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA Metropolitan Statistical Area, making it a distant exurb of the Portland metro.
Skamania County’s rental market is extraordinarily thin — total covered employment is only about 2,200 jobs, and Stevenson has only 1,572 residents. Despite its remoteness, the county has a surprisingly high median household income of approximately $93,265 (2024), driven by a significant population of remote workers, retirees, and Skamania Lodge employees who earn well above the county’s $55,267 average annual covered wage. Tourism — especially the Columbia River Gorge’s world-famous windsurfing and kiteboarding, Beacon Rock State Park, hiking, and the Skamania Lodge resort — is the dominant economic driver alongside government employment. The rental market is primarily concentrated in Stevenson, Carson, and North Bonneville, with median rents around $1,375/month in Stevenson. The county’s Superior Court judge is shared with neighboring Klickitat County, alternating weekly between Stevenson and Goldendale.
📊 Quick Stats
County Seat & Largest Incorporated City
Stevenson (~1,572; courthouse; SR-14; Columbia River; county government)
Other Communities
Carson River Valley CDP (more populous than Stevenson), North Bonneville (~1,000; Bonneville Dam), Wind River area, Skamania Lodge (resort community), Beacon Rock
Population
~12,276 (2023) — one of WA’s smallest counties; 7.3 people per square mile; Portland-Vancouver MSA
Land Use
90% forested; 80% Gifford Pinchot National Forest — extremely limited private land and rental stock
Economy
Tourism (Gorge windsurfing/kiteboarding, Skamania Lodge, hiking); government; Bonneville Dam (federal); manufacturing; remote workers; timber history
Median HH Income
~$93,265 (2024) — surprisingly high; driven by remote workers and retirees
Avg Annual Wage (Covered)
$55,267 — below HH income median; reflects hospitality/tourism service workers vs. higher-income remote workers
Skamania & Klickitat Counties share one Superior Court judge — alternates weekly between Stevenson and Goldendale
Ex Parte Note
$30 fee; contact court administrator to confirm judge availability on specific dates
Rent Control
None locally; WA statewide rent cap applies (RCW 59.18.700)
⚡ Eviction At-a-Glance
Nonpayment Notice
14-Day Pay or Vacate (statutory form — RCW 59.18.057)
Lease Violation
10-Day Comply or Vacate
Waste / Nuisance / Unlawful Activity
3-Day Notice to Quit
No-Cause (month-to-month)
Not permitted — just-cause required statewide
Owner Move-In
90-Day Advance Written Notice
Sale of Single-Family Home
90-Day Advance Written Notice
Demolition / Rehab / Change of Use
120-Day Advance Written Notice
Security Deposit Return
30 days after vacancy or notice of abandonment
Rent Increase Notice
90 days advance written notice
Rent Increase Cap
Lesser of CPI+7% or 10% per 12 months (RCW 59.18.700)
Courthouse
240 NW Vancouver Avenue, Stevenson, WA 98648
Court Phone
(509) 427-3765 (court) / (509) 427-3770 (clerk)
Skamania County — Local Rules & Washington State Law Highlights
Topic
Rule / Notes
Shared Skamania/Klickitat Superior Court Judgeship
By state legislative authority, Skamania and Klickitat counties share one Superior Court judge. The judge — currently Hon. Brian P. Altman — alternates on a weekly basis between the two county seats: Stevenson (Skamania) and Goldendale (Klickitat). This means the judge is physically present in Stevenson’s courthouse only alternating weeks. Before scheduling any hearing, filing, or ex parte order, verify which weeks the judge is in Stevenson. Ex parte orders may be submitted to the clerk’s office with a $30 fee — contact Court Administrator Lizbeth Hermansen at (509) 427-3765 to confirm judge availability before any time-sensitive submission. Commissioner Karen S. Wyninger also serves the court. Docket information is published at skamaniacounty.org/departments-offices/superior-court — but confirm with the clerk at (509) 427-3770 for current availability, as docket dates are subject to change.
Extremely Thin Rental Market — Full RLTA Applies
With only about 12,000 residents and 90% of land in federal or state forests, Skamania County has one of the thinnest rental markets of any Washington county. The total number of available rental units is very small, concentrated primarily in Stevenson and Carson. Despite this small scale and the informal, personal nature of many landlord-tenant relationships in a close-knit rural community, Washington’s RLTA applies with full force. Every rental requires a written lease, a signed move-in condition checklist, a trust account for deposits, statutory notice forms, and just-cause compliance before any termination. Informal evictions — verbal, without statutory notice — result in dismissed cases and potential tenant claims, and may damage relationships in a community where everyone knows everyone.
Gorge Tourism, STRs & Remote Work Economy
The Columbia River Gorge’s outdoor recreation economy — windsurfing and kiteboarding at the world-famous Columbia River sites, Beacon Rock State Park climbing, hiking, and Skamania Lodge — drives significant short-term vacation rental activity. STRs rented to transient visitors for under 30 days are generally not RLTA-covered. The post-2020 influx of remote workers from the Portland metro area has also driven property values up significantly and squeezed long-term rental supply further. Verify current STR licensing requirements with Skamania County Community Development before operating any vacation rental. Month-to-month tenancies entered with remote workers or long-term renters are fully RLTA-covered regardless of the property’s vacation rental history.
Rental Licensing
No county-level rental registration or licensing for standard long-term leases in Skamania County. Washington has no statewide landlord licensing statute. The City of Stevenson and Town of North Bonneville do not currently require general residential rental registration for long-term leases as of 2025.
Rent Control & Rent Increase Cap
No local rent control. Washington’s statewide rent increase cap (RCW 59.18.700, effective 2025): annual increases for 12-month+ tenancies capped at the lesser of CPI+7% or 10%. Exemptions (RCW 59.18.710): buildings under 10 years old, single-family residences not in a rental complex, subsidized housing, tenancies under 12 months. 90 days’ advance written notice required for all rent increases.
Just-Cause Eviction
Washington’s just-cause eviction law (RCW 59.18.650) applies statewide. No-cause month-to-month terminations are not permitted. Permitted causes: nonpayment (14-day statutory form), substantial lease violation (10-day cure notice), waste/nuisance/crime (3-day), owner/family move-in (90-day), sale of single-family home (90-day), demolition/rehab/change of use (120-day). In a small community like Skamania County, displacing a long-term tenant can mean they have nowhere local to go — just-cause protections carry significant community weight.
14-Day Notice — Statutory Form Required
Washington’s 14-day pay-or-vacate notice must use the exact statutory form (RCW 59.18.057): separately itemize rent, utilities, and recurring charges; require non-electronic payment unless the agreement provides otherwise; include the Eviction Defense Screening Line (855-657-8387) and the AG’s website (www.atg.wa.gov/landlord-tenant). A non-conforming notice results in dismissal.
Security Deposit Requirements
No statutory cap under state law. Required: (1) written rental agreement; (2) signed written move-in condition checklist (failure = landlord liable for full deposit); (3) trust account deposit with written notice of depository (RCW 59.18.270); (4) return with itemized statement within 30 days (RCW 59.18.280). No deductions for ordinary wear and tear. Gorge properties near the Columbia River may have moisture and humidity conditions — document pre-existing weathering at move-in.
Deposit Installment Plans
Upon written tenant request, allow deposits in installments (RCW 59.18.610): 3 monthly for 3-month+ leases; 2 otherwise. No fees or interest. Refusal: 1-month rent penalty plus attorneys’ fees.
Source of Income
Statewide prohibition on source-of-income discrimination (RCW 59.18.255). Cannot reject applicants based on HCV, public assistance, veterans benefits, Social Security, SSI, or any government/nonprofit benefit. Civil penalty: up to 4.5x monthly rent. Bonneville Dam federal workers receive federal employment income — a highly stable source regardless of income type designation.
Landlord Entry
Minimum 2 days’ (48 hours’) advance written notice with exact date and time (RCW 59.18.150). Emergency entry without notice permitted. After one written warning, each unauthorized entry: $100 per violation.
Late Fees
No late fees within 5 days of the due date (RCW 59.18.170). Late fees in court judgments capped at $75 total (RCW 59.18.410).
Skamania/Klickitat Superior Court
Address: 240 NW Vancouver Avenue, Stevenson, WA 98648 Mailing: P.O. Box 790, Stevenson, WA 98648 Phone: (509) 427-3765 • Fax: (509) 427-3768 Judge: Hon. Brian P. Altman (shared with Klickitat County — alternates weekly between Stevenson and Goldendale) Commissioner: Karen S. Wyninger Administrator: Lizbeth Hermansen Clerk Phone: (509) 427-3770 • Superior court records viewable at public access terminal; copies by cash, check, or credit card Ex Parte: $30 fee; contact court administrator to confirm judge availability before submitting time-sensitive materials District Court: 509-427-3780 • Judge Ron Reynier • Also handles Stevenson Municipal Court and North Bonneville Municipal Court under interlocal agreements
Confirm judge schedule at skamaniacounty.org.
Tenant Right to Counsel & Legal Aid
Indigent tenants have the right to a court-appointed attorney in eviction proceedings (RCW 59.18.640) — at or below 200% FPL. Eviction Defense Screening Line: 855-657-8387 (must appear on notice and summons). Northwest Justice Project serves Skamania County. Legal aid delivery in this rural county is primarily remote/phone-based. The Fort Vancouver Regional Library System serves Skamania County and may provide legal resource referrals.
Tenant Can Cure?Yes - tenant can pay full amount due within 14 days to cure. Payment must first be applied to amounts shown on notice.
Days to Hearing7-20 days
Days to Writ3-5 days
Total Estimated Timeline30-75 days
Total Estimated Cost$300-$800
⚠️ Watch Out
VERY tenant-friendly. Just Cause Eviction statewide (RCW 59.18.650) - landlord must have enumerated cause to evict. 14-day notice must use specific statutory form language including info about legal aid, dispute resolution centers, and right to appointed counsel. Notice must be in multiple languages per AG website. Rent increases capped at 7%+inflation or 10%, whichever lower. 60-day notice for rent increases. Right to counsel for qualifying low-income tenants.
Serve the required notice based on the eviction reason (nonpayment or lease violation).
Wait for the notice period to expire. If tenant cures the issue (where allowed), the process stops.
File an eviction case with the Superior Court - Unlawful Detainer. Pay the filing fee (~$45-60).
Tenant is served with a summons and has the opportunity to respond.
Attend the court hearing and present your case.
If you prevail, obtain a writ of possession from the court.
Law enforcement executes the writ and removes the tenant if necessary.
⚠️ Disclaimer: This page provides general information about Washington eviction laws and does not constitute legal advice.
Eviction procedures can vary by county and may change over time. Local jurisdictions may have additional requirements or tenant protections.
For specific legal guidance, consult a qualified Washington attorney or local legal aid organization.
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⚠️ Disclaimer: These calculations are estimates based on state statutes and typical court timelines. Actual results vary by county, court backlog, and case specifics. Always verify current requirements with your local courthouse. This is not legal advice.
Underground Landlord
🏘️ Communities & Screening Tips
Stevenson (county seat; courthouse; SR-14 Gorge corridor): Stevenson is the county’s commercial and governmental center. Year-round tenants are county government employees, school district staff, Skamania County Transit workers, and local service industry employees. Screen for stable government, school district, or healthcare employment as the most reliable income base. Skamania Lodge employees and Bonneville Dam workers (US Army Corps of Engineers) are also strong stable income sources. The courthouse is here — the shared judge is present alternating weeks; verify the current week’s schedule before any filing.
Carson / Carson River Valley (larger CDP than Stevenson; Wind River area): The Carson River Valley CDP is actually more populous than the county seat. The community is a mix of long-term rural residents, retirees, and some remote workers. Rental supply is minimal — primarily individual houses. Screen for stable year-round income; seasonal tourism workers may have variable income.
North Bonneville (Bonneville Dam area; federal workers): North Bonneville (~1,000 residents) sits near Bonneville Dam and the US Army Corps of Engineers facilities. Federal hydropower workers are among the most stable tenants available in Skamania County — federal employment, stable salary, long tenure. Screen for Corps of Engineers or federal contractor employment as a prime income source in this community.
Remote Workers & Portland Metro Refugees: Post-2020, Skamania County attracted a meaningful influx of remote workers from the Portland metro area seeking lower costs, outdoor access, and Columbia River Gorge scenery. These tenants typically have higher incomes than local service workers and verifiable remote employment. Screen for stable remote employer income — verifiable through pay stubs, employer letters, or bank statements. These tenants are excellent long-term renters but must be given full RLTA protections like any other tenant.
Shared Judge Scheduling: When planning any eviction action in Skamania County, verify with the Clerk’s Office at (509) 427-3770 which weeks Hon. Brian P. Altman is in Stevenson vs. Goldendale. The weekly alternation means Skamania hearings may only be available every other week — build this into your eviction timeline.
Background checks, eviction history, credit reports — get the full picture before handing over the keys.
Skamania County Washington Landlord-Tenant Law: Renting in the Columbia River Gorge
Skamania County is one of the most dramatically scenic and least populated counties in Washington — 1,684 square miles of Columbia River Gorge basalt, Cascade mountain wilderness, and old-growth forest, of which 90% is forested and 80% lies within Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Only about 12,000 people live here. Mount St. Helens, whose 1980 eruption is one of the defining geological events in Pacific Northwest history, rises in the county’s northwest. The Columbia River forms the entire southern border, and SR-14 — one of the most scenic highways in Washington — runs along the Gorge below towering basalt cliffs. Stevenson, the county seat, is a small riverside town of 1,572 that hosts the courthouse, county government, and access to Skamania Lodge, a well-known Columbia Gorge resort. The county’s rental market is tiny — perhaps a few hundred long-term rental units scattered across Stevenson, Carson, and North Bonneville — but it is fully subject to Washington RLTA, and landlords who treat informal relationships as exempt from statutory requirements will find themselves in legal jeopardy.
One Judge for Two Counties — Weekly Alternation
Washington state law directs that Skamania and Klickitat counties share a single Superior Court judge. Hon. Brian P. Altman alternates weekly between the Skamania County courthouse at 240 NW Vancouver Avenue in Stevenson (phone 509-427-3765) and the Klickitat County courthouse in Goldendale. Commissioner Karen S. Wyninger and Administrator Lizbeth Hermansen support the court. The Clerk’s Office can be reached at (509) 427-3770. Because the judge is only in Stevenson alternate weeks, Skamania County eviction hearings may only be available every other week — landlords must build this scheduling reality into their eviction timelines. Ex parte orders require a $30 fee and advance confirmation with the court administrator that the judge will be available. The District Court (Judge Ron Reynier; 509-427-3780) handles limited jurisdiction matters and also serves as the Stevenson Municipal Court and North Bonneville Municipal Court under interlocal agreements.
This page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. All residential evictions in Skamania County are filed at Skamania/Klickitat Superior Court, 240 NW Vancouver Avenue (P.O. Box 790), Stevenson, WA 98648 — (509) 427-3765 (court) / (509) 427-3770 (clerk). The judge alternates weekly between Stevenson and Goldendale — verify judge availability before any filing or ex parte submission. Washington requires the exact statutory 14-day pay-or-vacate notice (RCW 59.18.057); defective notices result in dismissal. Just-cause eviction requirements apply statewide (RCW 59.18.650). Rent increases for 12-month+ tenancies capped at lesser of CPI+7% or 10% with 90 days’ notice (RCW 59.18.700). Source of income discrimination prohibited (RCW 59.18.255). STRs under 30 days are generally not RLTA-covered; month-to-month tenancies are fully covered. Consult a licensed Washington attorney for specific guidance. Last updated: March 2026.
⚠️ Legal Disclaimer: This page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. All residential evictions in Skamania County are filed at Skamania/Klickitat Superior Court, 240 NW Vancouver Avenue (P.O. Box 790), Stevenson, WA 98648 — (509) 427-3765 (court) / (509) 427-3770 (clerk). The judge alternates weekly between Stevenson and Goldendale — verify judge availability before any filing, hearing, or ex parte submission. Ex parte orders require a $30 fee and advance confirmation with the court administrator. Washington requires the exact statutory 14-day pay-or-vacate notice (RCW 59.18.057); non-conforming notices result in dismissal. Just-cause eviction requirements (RCW 59.18.650) apply statewide. Rent increases for 12-month+ tenancies are capped at the lesser of CPI+7% or 10% with 90 days’ advance written notice (RCW 59.18.700). Source of income discrimination is prohibited statewide (RCW 59.18.255). Short-term vacation rentals under 30 days are generally not RLTA-covered; month-to-month tenancies are fully covered. Consult a licensed Washington attorney for specific guidance. Last updated: March 2026.
