Cumberland, WA
Nestled in the lush forests of western Washington, the town of Cumberland has a rich history and unique character that makes it truly one-of-a-kind. For over 150 years, the rugged and determined people of this tight-knit community have formed an enduring bond with the stunning natural environment that surrounds them.
Cumberland was founded in 1893 by loggers and miners drawn to the area’s abundant timber and mineral resources. From its earliest days, the town’s pioneers had to contend with dense forests, raging rivers, and harsh winter conditions. But Cumberland’s first residents were hardy and driven by the quest for opportunity and a better life.
As the years passed, the cyclical boom and bust of the logging and mining industries brought both prosperity and hardship to Cumberland. Through it all, the townspeople developed a remarkable resilience and self-reliance born from their daily struggles against the forces of nature.
Today, Cumberland retains much of its historic charm and strong ties to the great outdoors, and you can still find loggers, miners, hunters, and fisherfolk as well as cyclists and motorcycle riding groups nursing cold beers at the City Hall Saloon.
But the true heart and soul of Cumberland lies in its people’s profound respect and appreciation for their unspoiled natural surroundings. Operating by a “live and let live” code, Cumberland’s residents form a diverse community bound by a shared love of the forests, mountains, rivers and wildlife that make this place so special.
From the retiree out walking their dogs on the wooded trail downtown to the third-generation logger working a remote cutblock, Cumberlanders live their lives in sync with the rhythms of nature. Whether it’s mushroom foraging, salmon fishing, or just admiring a blazing pink and orange sunset from their homestead porch, locals take every opportunity to immerse themselves in the great outdoors.
As environmental threats like an aggregate mine and asphalt plant and deforestation and climate change loom, the Concerned Citizens of Cumberland are committed to preserving this irreplaceable natural paradise for future generations. By drawing inspiration from our forebears who cleared the first paths and built the first homes here over a century ago, we hope to pass along our own cherished bond with the land to those who will follow in our footsteps.
Pass through Cumberland on a crisp fall evening as the scent of woodsmoke hangs in the air, and you’ll understand why this is such a rare and magical place worth protecting at all costs. Our heritage and our future flow like the rapids of the Green River Gorge through the heart of every person lucky enough to call Cumberland home.