Napavine, Washington
City in the United States in Lewis County
About Napavine
Napavine is a city in Lewis County, Washington, United States. The population was 1,888 at the 2020 census.
The early community of Napavine began during the 1850s, led by several pioneering families. The town was platted in 1883 and incorporated by 1913. Railroad and timber were the early economic drivers of the community during the late 19th and early 20th century. Several sawmills were constructed, and hotels and stores became numerous. The town's depot was a focal point until it was permanently shuttered in 1968.
Into the 21st century, Napavine has seen steady population growth, becoming known as a bedroom community with a small school district. The town has focused on creating neighborhood parks honoring long-time residents of the city and has been known since the 1970s for its annual Napavine Funtime Festival.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How Napavine is governed
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Residents of Napavine
Registered voters elect the officials below.
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Mayor
Executive
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The city's chief elected official. Presides over the executive branch, proposes the budget and represents the city.
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City Manager / Administrator
Executive
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The professional administrator who runs day-to-day operations (in some cities appointed by the council instead of the mayor).
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Police Chief
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Leads the police department.
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Fire Chief
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Leads the fire and emergency services department.
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Public Works Director
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Streets, water, sewer, and city buildings.
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Finance Director
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The budget, taxes, and city accounts.
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Planning & Zoning Director
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Land use, zoning, building permits.
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Parks & Recreation Director
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Parks, programs, and public facilities.
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City Council
Legislative
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The elected body that passes ordinances, sets the tax rate and approves the budget.
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City Clerk
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Keeps the official records, runs meeting agendas and, often, local elections.
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City Attorney
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The city's lawyer; advises officials and prosecutes ordinance violations.
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Boards & Commissions
Legislative
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Citizen advisory bodies, such as planning, zoning appeals and library boards.
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Municipal Court
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Hears traffic, ordinance and other minor cases.
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Municipal Judge
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Presides over the municipal court.
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- Website
- cityofnapavine.com
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Population over time
From 1,988 in 2010 to 1,888 in 2020 (−5.0%).
Show the numbers
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 1,888 |
| 2010 | 1,988 |
History
Early settlement history
Settlers began arriving in the Cowlitz area in the early 1850s. The earliest known pioneer family was the Cutting family in 1851, who settled south of the area of what became the town of Napavine, building a log cabin the following year. Horace Pinto arrived in 1852, setting up a general store. In 1853, James Urquhart purchased the Cutting land claim, platting the community in 1883. Napavine was officially incorporated as a town on November 21, 1913 after the populace voted for such in February of that year. Napavine's first mayor was A. M. McKinley.
The Northern Pacific Railroad was established in Napavine late 1872. A sawmill under the railway company was built shortly thereafter. The town grew quickly, with a Methodist church constructed in 1885 and the community's first newspaper, the Western Washington Farmer, was begun the following year. Urquhart opened a general store and became the town's postmaster. He died in Napavine at the age of 80 in 1901.
20th century
The duel between outlaws David Merrill and Harry Tracy, a convicted murderer, took place outside Napavine in late-June or early-July 1902, leading to Merrill's death. The pair were fugitives after escaping from the Oregon State Penitentiary weeks earlier, traveling into Southwest Washington. Merrill was found to have been shot in the back and his body, in a state of decomposition, was discovered by a local Napavine woman and her son while picking berries. The woman, known as Mary Waggoner, later sought to claim the $1,500 reward money based on a dead or alive decree for Merrill by the state of Oregon, but was denied. Waggoner eventually married Merrill's brother, Ben, in 1905.
By 1908, Napavine had grown to include nine mills for lumber and shingle production, four general stores, and three hotels. A Western Union office has also been established. Despite an approximate population count of 1,000 in 1909, the town offered free lots to encourage more growth. The "no strings" offer required only that newcomers become a "booster" for the town. Napavine, at the time, was being considered as a "railroad center" with plans to add two additional rail lines.
A railroad depot was built in the late 1910s and provided passenger service until 1960. The Napavine Depot continued to serve the area until the station was permanently closed in April 1968 despite local protest. The Northern Pacific Railway station marked the highest elevation on the line between Portland and Seattle.
Flooding
On December 9, 2025, during the 2025 Pacific Northwest floods, the Newaukum River in the community peaked at 205.36 feet (62.6 m), just shy of the record of 205.5 feet (62.6 m). The following day, the river "double-crested", just exceeding 205 feet (62.5 m). The excess waters flooded several roads and multiple people were rescued from submerged vehicles trapped on Rush Road. Interstate 5 ramps were temporarily closed.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.