Mattawa, WA

Mattawa, Washington is a small town located in Grant County in the state of Washington, USA. The history of Mattawa begins with its Indigenous roots. The area was traditionally inhabited by the Wanapum and Sinkiuse tribes, who used the Columbia River for fishing and transportation.

The first European settlers arrived in the late 1870s, led by Augustus D. Reynolds, a government explorer and surveyor. Reynolds established a small homestead along the Columbia River and named it "Pacheco," after his wife's Spanish family name. The settlement grew slowly, attracting a few more settlers and becoming known as "Priest Rapids City" due to the nearby Priest Rapids Dam.

In 1910, a man named Mattie Moore established a post office in the town and named it Mattawa, a combination of his own name and "Salawah," a Native American word meaning "good place." The name Mattawa quickly caught on, and the town officially adopted it.

The early economy of Mattawa centered around agriculture, particularly fruit orchards and vineyards. Irrigation projects in the early 20th century transformed the arid landscape into fertile farmland. The town continued to grow steadily, attracting more settlers and establishing businesses to support the agricultural industry.

In the mid-20th century, the construction of the Priest Rapids Dam and the Wanapum Dam brought more economic opportunities to Mattawa. The dams created Lake Wanapum and the Priest Rapids Reservoir, providing irrigation, fishing, and recreational opportunities.

Currently, Mattawa's economy remains heavily reliant on agriculture, with many residents engaged in farming and related industries. The town is known for its apple and cherry orchards, as well as the annual Harvest Festival that celebrates the region's agricultural heritage.

In recent years, Mattawa has become an increasingly diverse community, with a significant Hispanic population. Migrants from Mexico have been drawn to the area for agricultural work, contributing to the town's cultural richness.

Overall, Mattawa's history is deeply intertwined with the growth of agriculture and the development of infrastructure, such as dams, that have supported the local economy. Today, the town continues to thrive as a small agricultural community with a unique blend of cultural heritage.

Some attractions in Mattawa, WA are:

Priest Rapids Recreation Area

This park along the Columbia River offers opportunities for camping, fishing, boating, and hiking. There are also picnic areas and a playground.

Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park

Located nearby in Vantage, this park features ancient petrified logs, interpretive displays, and several nature trails. It is a great place for hiking and learning about the geological history of the area.

Wanapum Recreation Area

Situated on the Wanapum Reservoir, this area offers various water activities like boating, fishing, and swimming. There are also hiking trails and campgrounds available.

Desert Wind Winery

This local winery offers tastings of their award-winning wines and has a beautiful outdoor patio with views of the vineyards and surrounding area.

Sand Dunes Recreational Area

A popular spot for off-roading and dune buggies, the Sand Dunes Recreational Area offers an adrenaline-filled adventure. Visitors can rent off-road vehicles and explore the sand dunes.

Chandler Reach Vineyards

This vineyard and winery provide wine tastings and tours. They have a beautiful and scenic location, perfect for enjoying a glass of wine.

Royal Slope AVA

This American Viticultural Area is known for its vineyards and wineries. Visitors can explore and taste wines from various vineyards around Mattawa.

Sage Bluffs Alpaca Farm

A unique experience, this alpaca farm offers tours and opportunities to interact with these lovely animals. Visitors can learn about alpaca farming and even purchase alpaca products.

These are just a few of the attractions in and around Mattawa, WA. The area is known for its natural beauty, outdoor activities, and vineyards/wineries.

Mattawa, Washington experiences a semi-arid climate, also known as a steppe climate. This region is characterized by hot and dry summers and mild winters. Here are some details about the climate in Mattawa:

Summers

Summers in Mattawa are hot and dry, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-80s to mid-90s Fahrenheit (29-35 degrees Celsius). Heatwaves are not uncommon, and temperatures can exceed 100°F (38°C) during the hottest months. Rainfall is minimal during the summer months, leading to dry conditions.

Winters

Winters in Mattawa are mild, with average temperatures ranging from the low 30s to mid-40s Fahrenheit (0-7 degrees Celsius). Snowfall is relatively rare, and when it does occur, it is usually light and melts quickly. Rainfall is slightly higher during the winter months compared to summer, but overall, it remains relatively dry.

Spring and Autumn

Spring and autumn are transitional seasons in Mattawa. Spring can be windy, with occasional rain showers. Temperatures gradually rise from the 40s to the 70s Fahrenheit (4-26 degrees Celsius) during spring. Autumn is generally mild, with temperatures falling from the 70s to the 50s Fahrenheit (26-10 degrees Celsius). Both seasons experience moderate rainfall.

Precipitation

Mattawa receives an average annual precipitation of around 7 inches (178 mm). Most of the precipitation occurs during the winter and early spring months. The region is considered arid due to the scarcity of rainfall throughout the year.

Sunshine

Mattawa enjoys a high number of sunny days throughout the year, with an average of about 300 sunny days annually. This makes the region ideal for agricultural activities like growing crops and vineyards.

Overall, Mattawa, Washington has a warm and dry climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The lack of precipitation and high sun exposure make the region ideal for agriculture and outdoor activities.

Mattawa, WA is a small town located in Grant County, Washington. While it may not have many distinct neighborhoods, there are a few notable areas in the town:

Downtown

The heart of Mattawa, downtown is the central business district. Here you will find a mix of local businesses, restaurants, and shops. It has a small-town charm and serves as a gathering place for the community.

South Mattawa

This area is primarily residential, characterized by quiet streets lined with single-family homes. It is a family-friendly neighborhood with a relaxed atmosphere. The area is surrounded by agricultural fields, giving it a rural vibe.

The Heights

Located on the eastern side of Mattawa, The Heights is an elevated neighborhood with scenic views of the surrounding area. It features newer housing developments as well as a mix of residential and commercial properties. The Heights offers a slightly more suburban feel compared to other parts of town.

Desert Aire

Just outside of Mattawa, Desert Aire is a planned community that offers a resort-like experience. It is known for its golf course, marina, and access to the Columbia River. Many residents in Mattawa commute to Desert Aire for work or recreational activities.

Riverview

Situated along the Yakima River, Riverview is a picturesque neighborhood on the western side of Mattawa. It offers beautiful riverfront properties and a serene environment. Residents here can enjoy fishing, boating, or simply admiring the natural beauty of the river.

Despite its small size, Mattawa offers a diverse mix of neighborhoods that cater to different preferences, from more urban downtown living to rural and riverside settings.