Facility Type:

Critical Access Hospital

Employer Selling Points:

Employment Status, Flexible Scheduling, Teaching, Perception of Quality, Stability of Workforce

Community Type:

Rural

Community/Service Population:

2,501 - 5,000 / 2,501 - 5,000

Community Information:

Nestled in a verdant valley at the base of the Blue Mountains, Dayton is the epitome of modern small town living. Residents and visitors alike enjoy the vast array of recreational opportunities along with the creature comforts suitable for daily living.

Founded in 1887, Dayton is flush with history, boasting the state’s oldest operating courthouse—fully restored —and the Dayton Historic Depot Museum, featuring the oldest existing train station in the state of Washington.  Dayton also served as part of the Lewis & Clark Trail, which is commemorated by the Patit Creek Campsite exhibit and statues and murals downtown. Other museums include the Palus Artifact, the Boldman House and Smith Hollow Schoolhouse.

With a population that nears 2,500, Dayton is home to a comprehensive school district with an elementary school and middle school/high school. Columbia County Health Service is the main healthcare provider with a hospital, ER facility and a nursing home.

A rich agricultural tradition still prevails in the area with wheat, apples and peas as the featured crops. Value-added agriculture has blossomed with the emergence of several farms offering products ranging from goat cheese to honey to heirloom tomatoes, and in 2013, Blue Mountain Station opened—an artisan food processing facility that is open to the public.

Arts and culture are central to the community which strongly supports the fully restored Liberty Theater (home to community theatrical productions and full-length, feature movies), the Wenaha Art Gallery and several annual art oriented events.

Recreational opportunities abound—from fishing and boating to hiking and cycling to skiing and snowboarding. Bluewood, Lyons Ferry Marina, Palouse Falls and the Umatilla National Forest, which offers a variety of day hiking and backpacking trails, are all within a short driving distance.

Community Selling Points:

Recreational Opportunities, Schools, Perception of Community, Internet Access, Community Need/Support of Health Professional

3RNET Network Coordinator
Contact Information:

Faith Johnson
Office of Community and Rural Health
P.O. Box 47853

Olympia, WA 98504-7853
Tel: 360.236.2815
faith.johnson@doh.wa.gov
Workforce Advisor

J-1 Contact Information:

Sarah Gambrill
Office of Community and Rural Health
PO Box 47853

Olympia, WA 98504-7853
Tel: 360-236-2862
J1VisaWaiver@doh.wa.gov
WA State J-1 Program Specifics