Dayton combines rich history with abundant recreation
Situated within the foothills of the Blue Mountains, Dayton comprises quiet living along the Touchet River in Southeast Washington. “It has a slower pace of life,” says Julie Bickelhaupt, a local Realtor with Kelly Right Real Estate who has called the community home for over 50 years. “Part of the charm and drive for living here is that it’s a smaller town, but it’s easy to get in and out of.” Though less than 2 square miles in size, the Columbia County seat offers robust recreation, a selection of locally owned restaurants and a commitment to preserving its rich history.
From Dayton Historic Depot to city parks, fishing and skiing
Pietrzycki City Park is the hub for recreation, with playgrounds, athletic facilities and the Dayton Skate Park. “They have a fishing pond for children 15 and under,” Bickelhaupt says. “It’s very popular, and they usually stock it in March or April.” Touchet Valley Golf Course on North Pine Street offers a nine-hole course open to the public. Dayton Historic Depot is the longest-standing passenger train station in the state. Now a museum, the depot's exhibits detail the history of Columbia County, and the adjacent Caboose Park has a life-size train car. “Bluewood Ski Resort is nearby, and there’s a lot of fishing, hiking and snowmobiling in the area as well. Oftentimes, there will be fly fishermen in the Touchet River under the bridge in town.”
Longstanding homes with shaded sidewalks and back alleys
Buyers will find a combination of architectural styles, from late 19th-century Victorians to 20th-century Craftsman, ranch and split-level styles. “There aren’t any cookie-cutter homes here,” Bickelhaupt says. Most feature narrow front walkways and back alleys that lead to detached garages. Mature trees provide spots of shade for sidewalks running below, and the surrounding hillsides backdrop properties located along the outskirts. The median price for a home in Dayton is $300,000. The community also has a CAP Index Crime Score of 2 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4.
Local schools are within walking distance
Dayton School District serves the community and has a B-minus rating on Niche. Dayton Elementary School earns a C-plus, and Dayton Middle School has a B-minus. Dayton High School scores a B and offers CTE Dual Enrollment in partnership with Walla Walla Community College and Central Washington University. The program allows students to earn high school and college credits for selected coursework simultaneously. All three schools sit at the center of the community, and the middle and high schools share a campus. “There are lots of kids who walk and ride bikes to school,” Bickelhaupt says.
Residents dine along Main Street and shop in Walla Walla
A handful of locally owned restaurants dot Main Street, including My Dad's Place Restaurant. The laid-back spot is the place to go for a slice of pizza and a beer. Fiesta En Jalisco serves authentic Mexican dishes, and Moose Creek Cafe & Bakery covers breakfast with coffee, donuts and other homemade pastries. Dayton Mercantile and Blue Mountain Station Co-op are in town for quick grocery runs, but residents must head out of the area to shop retail. Commercial developments in Walla Walla, 30 miles southwest, are home to big-box stores like Walmart Supercenter and Old Navy.
Annual events bring the community together
Dayton Days and Rodeo brings the community together over Memorial Day Weekend. The staple celebration includes a Friday night rodeo, Saturday morning parade and activities for all ages. Vintage rides fill Main Street for All Wheels Weekend in mid-July. “It’s huge,” Bickelhaupt says, “I go every year and am always in awe of the turnout.” Alongside a classic car show, the annual event hosts competitions like Outlaw Lawn Dragster Races, live music, food vendors and more. The Liberty Theater also hosts several concerts and local stage productions throughout the year. “They put on the A Christmas Charol there and its usually sold out every night,” Bickelhaupt says.
Getting around on U.S. Route 12 and Valley Transit buses
Dayton has no public transportation opportunities, but U.S. Route 12 runs through the community's center. The throughway links the area to Walla Walla and its namesake airport. Valley Transit buses also provide rides into the city and surrounding areas. “It’s a great public transportation system,” Bickelhaupt says. “They take kids going to Walla Walla Community College and even dropped me off at the car shop once.” Dayton General Hospital is closer to home, on South 3rd Street.
Written By
Matthew Simmons
