Welcome from Mayor Josette Mitchell

Welcome to Historic Vernonia, a city with a proud past and a bright future. The City of Vernonia was incorporated in 1891 with a population of 69 residents. The current population is approximately 2,260 citizens. Vernonia history is deeply rooted in the timber industry, but now includes a variety of businesses and attractions. Vernonia offers the best of two worlds; a convenient proximity to the metropolitan area to access all that it offers, but far enough off the beaten path to unwind in the peace of the countryside. Vernonia provides a quality of life that is unique.

Vernonia offers all of the essential services and a variety of businesses that supply the usual requirements of the citizens, along with many unique shops for the discerning customer. We also have a dedicated and visionary city government and city staff that is working hard to serve the community and prepare Vernonia for the future.

In the last decade Vernonia has under gone quite a face-lift through the leadership of the City and the help of many volunteers. Our revitalized downtown, our extensive park system (including a public summer swimming hole and a full-service RV park), the new City Hall and Library buildings, the Banks-Vernonia Linear Park trail, Vernonia Lake (a very popular fishing spot), the beautiful Scout Cabin, and the Vernonia Pioneer Museum have all instilled Vernonia with strong sense of community pride. The upcoming additions of a middle school facility, Learning Center, new Senior Center and the burgeoning Art Community will further contribute to an even better quality of life for all.

Vernonia offers a diversity of activities sure to please everyone. Hunting, fishing, camping, fossil-digging, biking, hiking, trail walks, bird-watching, shopping, or the joy of raising a family away from the hustle and bustle of the big city - it's all here. Annual festivals include the Riverfest in the spring, Vernonia Friendship Jamboree in the summer and the Salmon Festival in the fall. In Vernonia, we love to celebrate what we have and can't wait to share it with others.

Vernonia citizens are hard working, friendly and consistently willing to lend a hand to help their neighbor, which makes Vernonia a great community in which to live. Whether you have chosen to make Vernonia your new home or are here for a visit; I'm sure you'll find you have made a wise choice.

Welcome to our City!
Mayor Josette Mitchell

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