Asotin County

Located in the furthermost southeast corner of the state, Asotin County was formed in 1883 as a split from the eastern section of Garfield County. Asotin County is a historically significant place of commerce for the indigenous, semi-nomadic Nez Perce people, who annually traversed the Nez Perce Trail within the county to reach the plains on the other side of the Rocky Mountains. The customs and language of the Nez Perce have continued to influence modern day Asotin County, as both the county name and the location of county seat have origins in Nez Perce practices.

Asotin County’s economy largely rests on agricultural activity, including dairy and meat production as well as orchards, grain production, and vegetable farms. Asotin County’s agricultural industry is complemented by activity at the Clarkston-Lewiston port, which opened in 1975. The port has offered an increase in Asotin County’s population as well as a diversification of the economy, as trade and service sectors opened up in response to the influx of people.