City of Willamina

Willamina is located in the northwest Willamette Valley. It is a member of Yamhill and Polk Counties, both. It is named after the river that runs through it. Named after Willamina Craig Maly Williams, a pioneer who was, allegedly, the first woman of color to cross the river in 1846.

The town’s population tripled by 1939. The quiet community became known as The Little Town With the Big Payroll. In its heyday, more than 250 log trucks crossed the bridge that crosses the town over the Willamina River every day.

The timber industry continues to be the mainstay of the community, which is often called Timber Town.

Willamina had a population of 2,239 in 2020.