Yacolt is derived from the Klickitat word "Yahkohtl," meaning "haunted place" or "place of (evil) spirits." Another name it was known by was "the valley of lost children". In September 1902 the town, which consisted of only 15 buildings at the time, was nearly destroyed by the Yacolt Burn, the largest fire in state history. Yacolt was rebuilt over time and officially incorporated on July 31, 1908.
