As I approached Waterville this past week, I contemplated its place in regards to elevation relative to other Washington State cities and towns.
The approach from the west on Highway 2 involves a steady steep road grade up out of the Columbia River valley. The city with its trees stands out in contrast to the dry land wheat fields that surround the community.
Despite the wheat fields and rolling landscape around the city, Waterville is the highest elevation city in Washington State at 2,622 feet. Republic is a couple of hundred feet lower. Unless one of the ski areas incorporates into a small city, Waterville, a city in the dry land wheat lands of central Washington is the elevation leader.
Molson is ≈3748 ft elevation, but is no longer an incorporated entity. That is/was the highest town in the state.
ReplyDeleteMaybe Molson will make a comeback. I suspect there must be a few other old towns in the northern highlands as well as in the Cascades.
ReplyDeleteIncorporation is a key word here, as there are several towns higher than Waterville, real towns that aren't incorporated. Bickleton and Anatone are two standouts, both above 3,000'.
ReplyDeleteYears ago I wrote out a list of the highest incorporated towns in the state, mostly using detailed topographic maps. I don't know if Wikipedia was a thing then. The top town was tough to name, because Waterville and Farmington were so close, but using post office sites I decided Farmington was higher by a few feet. Now Wikipedia confirms this, listing Farmington as 2,641' and Waterville 2,625'. But who knows or cares that Farmington is incorporated? It's small, but it has been incorporated since 1888.
Mark H
I might have to look at those Farmington elevations again. Sort came out as a tie. Parts of northwest Waterville are definitely higher but if you use the post office sites maybe Farmington wins. It is amazing it is still incorporated.
ReplyDeleteI own property in town Farmington, including the Post Office itself. I learned today Farmington is indeed the highest! Wow! Good job folks keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteWe also have to look at McNeal canyon which now has homes on it and is at 3,057ft. Which is very close to Waterville.
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