Things to Do in Dayton, Washington
The best things to do in Dayton, Washington, are the 1881 train depot, the 1887 courthouse that’s still in use and Ski Bluewood in the Blue Mountains. Dayton is the seat of Columbia County, a city of 2,448 people on the Touchet River in the state’s far southeast corner.
Jesse N. and Elizabeth Day filed the town plat in 1871, and the city incorporated on November 10, 1881, under his name. In the 1980s and 1990s, a $3 million restoration fixed up the depot and courthouse. It also improved Main Street for walkers and created a National Historic District.
Dayton Historic Depot
This is the oldest train depot in Washington, built in 1881 in the Stick/Eastlake style for the Oregon Railway & Navigation line. In 1899 it was jacked up and rolled on logs, pulled by horse and capstan, to its current spot at 222 E. Commercial Ave. It served trains until the end of 1971 and is now a museum with the station agent’s quarters, a caboose and a gift shop.
★ Good to know It’s open Wednesday through Saturday, with shorter hours from October to April, and it closes for all of January.
Columbia County Courthouse
Built in 1887, Dayton’s courthouse is the oldest courthouse in Washington still in continuous use. It was restored in the same 1980s and 1990s program that saved the depot.
★ Good to know It’s a working county building, so look around quietly and respect court business.
Boldman House Museum
The Dayton Historical Depot Society also runs this Victorian house and garden at 410 N. First St. Its 1934 Chevrolet comes out for All Wheels Weekend over Father’s Day. After Thanksgiving, vintage Boldman ornaments and local greenery dress the house for the Christmas Kickoff.
★ Good to know The house is open Thursday through Saturday, the garden is open in daylight, and both close in January.
The Encampment on Patit Creek
Two miles northeast of town on US 12, local residents built life-size metal silhouettes for the bicentennial. There’s one for every member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. They recreate the camp of May 2, 1806, down to the horses and Lewis’s dog, Seaman. A legend plaque at the roadside pullout names each figure.
★ Good to know It’s billed as the only life-size Lewis and Clark encampment replica on the whole trail. You can see it all from the pullout.
Lewis and Clark Trail State Park
This 36-acre park at 36149 Highway 12 sits on the Touchet River, a shady strip of forest in otherwise dry grassland. Trails wind through ponderosa pine, alder, maple and cottonwood, with river access for tubing and wading. You can camp, or rent one of the park’s teepees.
★ Good to know The park closes November 1 to March 31, and parking requires a Discover Pass.
Ski Bluewood
Bluewood sits in the Blue Mountains in Umatilla National Forest, 22 miles up North Touchet Road; the only road in runs through Dayton. The base is at 4,545 feet and the summit at 5,670, with 24 runs and a reputation for dry powder and tree skiing. It makes all its own electricity with diesel generators.
★ Good to know Check Bluewood’s site for its schedule and conditions before you make the drive up.
Also in town
Main Street’s National Historic District is easy to walk; the Dayton Memorial Library, built in 1937 with New Deal money, is Columbia County’s only public library.
What is the oldest train depot in Washington?
The Dayton Historic Depot, built in 1881. It was moved to its current spot on Commercial Avenue in 1899 and is now a museum.
How far is Ski Bluewood from Dayton?
About 22 miles up North Touchet Road, climbing nearly 3,000 feet. Dayton is the only road access to the ski area.
Where did Lewis and Clark camp near Dayton?
On Patit Creek, about 2 miles northeast of town, on May 2, 1806. Life-size metal silhouettes now mark the camp beside US 12.
How far is Dayton from Walla Walla?
About 30 miles northeast along US 12. For more trip ideas in the state, see our small towns in Washington.
Where to find them
- Dayton Historic Depot 222 E. Commercial Ave., Dayton, WA 99328 Website Directions
- Columbia County Courthouse Main St., Dayton, WA 99328 Directions
- Boldman House Museum 410 N. First St., Dayton, WA 99328 Website Directions
- The Encampment on Patit Creek US 12, 2 miles NE of Dayton, WA 99328 Website Directions
- Lewis and Clark Trail State Park 36149 Highway 12, Dayton, WA 99328 Website Directions
- Ski Bluewood North Touchet Road, Dayton, WA 99328 Website Directions
Plan your trip: for events and current visitor info in Dayton, see Dayton Chamber of Commerce →
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