SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            Washington, D.C. 20549

                                   Form 10-K

(Mark One)
[X]  Annual report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
     Act of 1934
                                [Fee Required]
                For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998 or
[  ] Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
     Exchange Act of 1934
                               [No Fee Required]
                        Commission File Number 0-20288

                         Columbia Banking System, Inc.
            (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

         Washington                                     91-1422237
(State or other jurisdiction of                      (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)                     Identification Number)

                              1102 Broadway Plaza
                           Tacoma, Washington  98402
             (Address of principal executive offices)  (Zip code)

      Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (253) 305-1900
       Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None
          Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

                           Common Stock, No Par Value

                               (Title of class)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant
was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days.

                          Yes   X          No
                             -------         -------        

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K (17 C.F.R. 229.405) is not contained herein, and will not be
contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or
information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K
or any amendment to this Form 10-K.

The aggregate market value of Common Stock held by non-affiliates of registrant
at February 26, 1999 was $172,462,210.
The number of shares of registrant's Common Stock outstanding at February 26,
1999 was  10,070,786

          Documents incorporated by reference and parts of Form 10-K
                           into which incorporated:

Registrant's Annual Report to Shareholders        Parts I and II
 for the year ended December 31, 1998
Registrant's definitive Proxy Statement           Part III
 Dated  March 26, 1999

 
                             CROSS REFERENCE SHEET

   Location in Annual Report to Shareholders and Definitive Proxy Statement
                        of Items required by Form 10-K



                                                                                                        
                                                                           Annual Report to Shareholders and 
               Form 10-K                                                      Definitive Proxy Statement
- ------------------------------------------------------     -------------------------------------------------------------
 Part and                                                                                                     Page 
 Item No.                       Caption                                       Caption                        Number
- -----------     --------------------------------------     -------------------------------------------     -------------
                                                                                                   
Part I                                                         Annual Report to Shareholders
Item 1            Business
 
                  Consolidated Average Balance Sheet           Consolidated Five-Year Summary of
                   and Analysis of Net Interest Income          Average Balances and Net Interest 
                   and Expense                                  Revenue                                        48

                                                               Management Discussion and Analysis of
                                                                Financial Condition and Results of
                                                                Operations ("Management Discussion")           13
 
                  Investments                                  Note 5, Notes to Consolidated Financial
                                                                Statements                                     35
 
                                                               Management Discussion - Securities              20
 
                  Lending Activities                           Management Discussion - Loan Portfolio          16
                                                                                                                       
                                                               Management Discussion - Nonperforming
                                                                Assets                                         17
 
                                                               Note 6, Notes to Consolidated Financial
                                                                Statements                                     36
 
                  Summary of Loan Loss Experience              Note 7, Allowance for Loan Losses               37
                                                               Management Discussion - Provision and
                                                                Allowance for Loan Losses                      18
 
                  Supervision and Regulation                   Management Discussion - Capital                 24
 
 Item 2           Properties                                   Note 8, Notes to Consolidated Financial
                                                                Statements                                     37
 
 Item 3           Legal Proceedings                            Note 14, Notes to Consolidated Financial
                                                                Statements                                     42
  
Part II                                                        Annual Report to Shareholders
Item 5            Market for the Registrant's Common           Management Discussion - Quarterly Common
                   Stock and Related Stockholder                Stock Prices and Dividend 
                   Matters                                      Payments                                       26
 


 


                                                                                                       
                                                                        Annual Report to Shareholders and
                         Form 10-K                                          Definitive Proxy Statement
- -----------------------------------------------------------   ---------------------------------------------------------
 Part and                                                                                                     Page 
 Item No.                       Caption                                      Caption                         Number
- -----------     --------------------------------------     ------------------------------------------     -------------
                                                                                                   
Item 6            Selected Financial Data                    Consolidated Highlights                            2
                                                              Consolidated Five-Year Statements of
                                                              Operations                                       47
                                                             Consolidated Five-Year Summary of
                                                              Average Balances and Net Interest
                                                              Revenue                                          48
 
Item 7            Management's Discussion and                Management Discussion                             13
                   Analysis of Financial Condition and
                   Results of Operations                     Consolidated Five-Year Summary of
                                                              Average Balances and Net Interest
                                                              Revenue                                          48
 
Item 7a           Market Risk Disclosure                     Management Discussion-                            16
                                                              Credit Risk Management 

Item 8            Financial Statements and                   Audited Financial Statements                      28
                   Supplementary Data
                                                             Note 17, Summary of Quarterly Financial
                                                              Information (Unaudited)                          46
 
Part III                                                     Definitive Proxy Statement

Item 10           Directors and Executive Officers           Election of Directors                              4
                   of the Registrant                         Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership
                                                              Reporting Compliance                             15
 
Item 11           Executive Compensation                     Executive Compensation                             7
 
Item 12           Security Ownership of Certain              Security Ownership of Management                   2
                   Beneficial Owners and Management
 
Item 13           Certain Relationships and Related          Interest of Management in Certain
                   Transactions                               Transactions                                     16
 


 
                         COLUMBIA BANKING SYSTEM, INC.
                                   FORM 10-K
                               December 31, 1998

                               TABLE OF CONTENTS


 
                                                    PART I                                            Page
                                                                                                   ----------
Item  1.                                           Business
 
                                                                                             
             General                                                                                    1
             Strategy                                                                                   1
             Market Area                                                                                2
             Competition                                                                                4
             Employees                                                                                  4
             Executive Officers of the Company                                                          4
             Effects of Governmental Monetary Policies                                                  6
             Consolidated Average Balance Sheet and Analysis of Net Interest Income and Expense         6
             Consolidated Analysis of Changes in Interest Income and Expense                            7
             Investments                                                                                7
             Lending Activities                                                                        10
             Summary of Loan Loss Experience                                                           11
             Deposits                                                                                  12
             Significant Financial Ratios                                                              12
             Short-term Borrowings                                                                     12
             Supervision and Regulation                                                                12
                                                                                               
Item  2.     Properties                                                                                14
Item  3.     Legal Proceedings                                                                         14
Item  4.     Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders                                       14
                                                                                               
                                                   PART II                                     
Item  5.     Market for the Registrant's Common Stock and Related Stockholder Matters                  14
Item  6.     Selected Financial Data                                                                   14
Item  7.     Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of        
             Operations                                                                                15
Item 7a.     Market Risk Disclosure                                                                    15
Item  8.     Financial Statements and Supplementary Data                                               15
Item  9.     Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure      15
                                                                                               
                                                                                               
                                                   PART III                                    
Item 10.     Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant                                        15
Item 11.     Executive Compensation                                                                    15
Item 12.     Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management                            15
Item 13.     Certain Relationships and Related Transactions                                            16
                                                                                               
                                                   PART IV                                     
Item 14.     Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K                           16


                                     PART I
                                        
Item 1.  Business

General

Columbia Banking System, Inc. ("the Company"), a Washington corporation, is a
registered bank holding company whose wholly owned subsidiary, Columbia State
Bank ("Columbia Bank"), conducts a full-service commercial banking business.
Headquartered in Tacoma, Washington, the Company serves small and medium-sized
businesses, professionals and other individuals through 25 banking offices
located in the Tacoma metropolitan area and contiguous parts of the Puget Sound
region of Washington, as well as the Longview and Woodland communities in
southwestern Washington.  At December 31, 1998, the Company had total assets of
$1.1 billion.

The Company was reorganized and additional management was added in 1993 in order
to take advantage of commercial banking business opportunities resulting from
increased consolidation of banks in the Company's principal market area,
primarily through acquisitions by out-of-state holding companies, and the
resulting dislocation of customers.  Since the reorganization, Columbia Bank has
grown from four branch offices at January 1, 1993 to its present 25 branch
offices and has regulatory approval to open three additional branch offices in
its market area.  Between January 1, 1993 and December 31, 1998, the Company
increased its consolidated assets to $1.1 billion from $198.2 million, its loans
to $828.6 million from $146.2 million and its deposits to $938.3 million from
$151.9 million. Net interest income per year increased to $42.0 million from
$14.8 million and net income per year increased to $10.2 million from a loss of
$139,000 during the 5 year period ending December 31, 1998.  The Company's sole
subsidiary, Columbia Bank, is a Washington state-chartered commercial bank, the
deposits of which are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the
"FDIC").  Columbia Bank is subject to regulation by the FDIC and the Washington
State Department of Financial Institutions, Division of Banks.  Although
Columbia Bank is not a member of the Federal Reserve System, the Board of
Governors of the Federal Reserve System has certain supervisory authority over
the Company, which can also affect Columbia Bank.

Strategy

Management believes the ongoing consolidation among financial institutions in
Washington has created significant gaps in the ability of large banks operating
in Washington to serve certain customers, particularly the Company's target
customer base of small and medium-sized businesses, professionals and other
individuals.  The Company's business strategy is to provide its customers with
the financial sophistication and breadth of products of a regional bank while
retaining the appeal and service level of a community bank. Management believes
that as a result of the Company's strong commitment to highly personalized
relationship-oriented customer service, its varied products, its strategic
branch locations and the long-standing community presence of its managers,
lending officers and branch personnel, it is well positioned to attract new
customers and to increase its market share of loans and deposits.

The Company's goal over the next several years is to create a well-capitalized,
customer focused, Pacific Northwest banking institution with a significant
presence in selected markets.  The Company intends to effect this growth
strategy through a combination of growth at existing branch offices, new branch
openings (usually following the hiring of an experienced branch manager and/or
lending officer with strong community ties and banking relationships) and
acquisitions.  In particular, the Company anticipates continued expansion in
Pierce County, north into King County (the location of Auburn and Bellevue),
south into Thurston County (the location of the state capitol, Olympia) and
northwest into Kitsap County (the location of Bremerton and Port Orchard).
Expansion by acquisition into these and other markets will be considered as
promising opportunities arise.  In order to fund its lending activities and to
allow for increased contact with customers, the Company is establishing a branch
system catering primarily to retail depositors, supplemented by business
customer deposits and other borrowings.  The Company believes this mix of
funding sources will enable it to expand its lending activities rapidly while
attracting a stable core deposit base.  In order to support its strategy 

                                       1

 
of growth, without compromising its personalized banking approach or its
commitment to asset quality, the Company has made significant investments in
experienced branch, lending and administrative personnel and has incurred
significant costs related to its branch expansion. Although the Company's
expense ratios have improved since 1993, management anticipates that the ratios
will remain relatively high by industry standards for the foreseeable future due
to the Company's aggressive growth strategy and emphasis on convenience and
personal service. Management is placing increased emphasis on control of
noninterest expense.

The Company completed its first bank acquisitions during the fourth quarter of
1997, merging Cascade Bancorp, Inc. ("Cascade") and Bank of Fife ("Fife") into
Columbia Bank, thereby adding three branch office locations. Cascade operated
three banking offices in the south King County market area. Two of the branches
are located in Auburn (a market in which Columbia did not have a branch) and the
third in downtown Kent. Columbia consolidated its Kent branch office into the
Cascade branch location. Fife operated one banking office in the town of Fife, a
commercial market in which Columbia did not have a branch.

During 1998, Columbia Bank opened four new branches. The Westgate branch in
north Tacoma opened in January, and the 176th and Meridian branch in eastern
Pierce County opened in February. Both are newly constructed, full-service
facilities. In November, its fifteenth Pierce County location opened in the
Stadium district of Tacoma. Also, in November the Bank opened its fourth Cowlitz
County branch inside the Triangle Mall Thriftway store in Longview. The Company
opened its twenty-sixth branch and first Kitsap County location in mid-February
1999 in Port Orchard. The Company's future plans include new locations in
Pierce, King, and Thurston counties of western Washington. The Company currently
has regulatory approval to open three additional branch offices in its market
area. Management continues to pursue opportunities for expansion via a
combination of internal and external growth by acquisition. New branches
normally do not contribute to net income for many months after opening.

In addition to its ongoing expansion, the Company continuously reviews new
products and services to give its customers more banking options. In addition,
new technology and services are reviewed for business development and cost
saving purposes. During the third quarter, the Company occupied a new state-of-
the-art Operations Center that will allow for substantial future growth.

Market Area

The economy of the Company's principal market area, while primarily dependent
upon aerospace, foreign trade and natural resources, including agriculture and
timber, has become more diversified over the past decade as a result of the
success of software companies such as Microsoft and the establishment of
numerous research and biotechnology firms. The Washington economy and that of
the Puget Sound region generally have experienced strong growth and stability in
recent years. The Pierce County Economic Index, a regional publication providing
economic forecasts and commentary, reports that "Five years after it started in
late 1992, the Pierce County economy continued its growth through the first half
of 1998. The local economy has grown at an average rate of just under 2.5%,
that's 0.5% above the long-term historical growth rate. The outlook is for some
cooling off and slower growth over the six quarters from the second half of 1998
through 1999."

In the third quarter of 1998 the Company was named in the Fortune magazine
annual ranking of America's 100 fastest growing companies as judged by earnings
growth. The Company was the only banking company on the list and was ranked
82nd.

Pierce County, the area in which the Company's expansion is primarily focused,
is located in the South Puget Sound region. With 15 branch offices in Pierce
County at the end of 1998, the Company is positioning itself to increase its
market share in this County of approximately 687,000 residents, the second most
populous county in Washington State.

                                       2

 
Bellevue, where the Company has two banking offices, is located in an area known
as the "Eastside," a metropolitan area with a population of approximately
230,000 that includes several King County cities located east of Seattle. A
large portion of that economy is linked to the aerospace, construction, computer
software and biotechnology industries. Microsoft is headquartered just north of
Bellevue and several biotech firms are located on the Eastside. In recent years,
the area has experienced relatively rapid growth in population and employment,
and household incomes are among the highest in Washington.

During 1997, the Company further expanded into neighboring south King County, an
area of several residential communities whose employment base is supported by
light industrial, aerospace, and forest products industries. In early 1997, the
Company opened a branch office in Kent and with the merger of Cascade added two
branches in Auburn, a market where Columbia had no branch offices. The newly
opened Kent branch was then consolidated into Cascade's Kent branch location.
The merger brought the Company's branch office total in south King County to
four, including the Federal Way office, which opened during 1995. With its close
proximity to Tacoma, the south King County market area is considered an
important natural extension of the Company's Pierce County market area. The
Weyerhaeuser Corporation maintains its world headquarters in Federal Way, which
is located in south King County adjacent to the King/Pierce County line. The
Auburn and Kent Valley areas to the east of Federal Way are high residential and
commercial growth markets and considered by management to be natural areas of
expansion for the Company.

The Company's market area also includes the Longview and Woodland communities in
southwest Washington. The population of Cowlitz County, in which Longview and
Woodland are located, is approximately 93,000. Cowlitz County's economy has
become more diversified in recent years, but remains materially dependent on the
forest products industry and, as a result, is relatively vulnerable to the
cyclical downturns of that industry as well as environmental disputes.

Olympia, with a population of approximately 39,000, and the neighboring
community of Lacey, with a population of approximately 28,000, are the principal
cities in Thurston County.  The county has an approximate population of 200,000.
The area enjoys a stable economic climate due largely to state government
employment and the proximity of the Fort Lewis Army Base and McChord Air Force
Base.  According to the Washington State Almanac (an annual publication of
demographic information of Washington State counties and cities), approximately
40% of the average employment in Thurston County was through federal, state, and
local government agencies. The area also has a significant population of retired
military personnel.

Kitsap County, with a population of approximately 229,000 (sixth largest in the
State), is home to the Bremerton Naval shipyard and the Trident Submarine Base.
Directly west of Seattle across Puget Sound, commuters and visitors are able to
travel by ferry in 30 to 60 minutes to jobs and entertainment in Seattle from
residences in Kitsap County.   According to the Washington State Almanac,
approximately 39% of the average employment in Kitsap County was government 
related.

                                       3

 
Competition

The Company anticipates that the substantial consolidation among financial
institutions in Washington that has occurred to date will continue due in part
to recent federal legislation concerning interstate banking. Federal law allows
mergers or other combinations, relocations of a bank's main office and branching
across state lines. Several other financial institutions, which have greater
resources than the Company, compete with the Company for banking business in the
Company's market area. Among the advantages of some of these institutions are
their ability to make larger loans, finance extensive advertising campaigns,
access international money markets and allocate their investment assets to
regions of highest yield and demand. The Company currently does not have a
significant market share of the deposit-taking or lending activities in the
areas in which it conducts operations, other than in Pierce County where its
share of bank deposits has grown substantially over the last several years. In
June 1998, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) market share report
classified the Company with 13.4% of the deposit market share in Pierce County,
which placed the Company second in the County. Although, the Company has been
able to compete effectively in its market areas to date, there can be no
assurance that it will be able to continue to do so in the future.

Employees

At December 31, 1998, the Company had 439 full-time equivalent employees. The
Company has placed a high priority on staff development. This development
involves selective hiring and extensive training (including customer service
training). New hires are selected on the basis of both technical skills and
customer service capabilities. Emphasis has been placed upon hiring and
retaining additional key officers in areas such as lending, administration and
finance. None of the Company's employees are covered by a collective bargaining
agreement with the Company, and management believes that its relationship with
its employees is satisfactory.

Executive Officers of the Company

The following table sets forth certain information about the executive officers
of the Company.



                                                                                         
                                                                                            Has Served as an  
                                                                                          Executive Officer of
       Name                   Age                        Position                          the Company Since   
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                   
W. W. Philip/1/               72      Director, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer             1993         
J. James Gallagher/2/         60      Director and Vice Chairman                                  1998         
Melanie J. Dressel/3/         46      Director, Executive Vice President - the Company;           1997         
                                      President and Chief Operating Officer - Columbia                         
                                      Bank,                                                                    
H. R. Russell/4/              44      Executive Vice President - Senior Credit  Officer           1996         
Gary R. Schminkey/5/          41      Executive Vice President and Chief Financial                1993         
                                      Officer                                                                  
Evans Q. Whitney/6/           55      Executive Vice President, Retail Banking                    1994         
Donald A. Andersen/7/         53      Senior Vice President, Senior Loan Production               1996         
                                      Officer - Columbia Bank                                                  
Janet D. Hildebrand/8/        50      Senior Vice President, Credit Administrator -               1998          
                                      Columbia Bank


                                       4

 
/1/  Mr. Philip has been a director of the Company since July 1993. He became
President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company and President and Chief
Executive Officer of Columbia Bank in August 1993 when the Company's
reorganization was completed and the Company began operations in Tacoma. In
November 1997, Mr. Philip was appointed Chairman, President and Chief Executive
Officer of the Company and Columbia Bank. Until his retirement in December 1992,
Mr. Philip was Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Puget Sound
Bancorp ("PSB") since its inception in 1981 and was Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer of Puget Sound National Bank prior to and after the
inception of PSB, having served with that institution for more than 40 years.

/2/  Mr. Gallagher joined the Company as a Director and Vice Chairman in July
1998. From January 1994 until his appointment at Columbia, Mr. Gallagher was a
principal of Gordon, Thomas, Honeywell, Malanca, Peterson & Daheim, P.L.L.C., a
law firm headquartered in Tacoma, Washington, where he served as outside legal
counsel for the Company. Mr. Gallagher, who is a former bank regulator, has over
30 years of experience as legal counsel to financial institutions throughout the
Northwest.

/3/  Ms. Dressel joined Columbia Bank as Senior Vice President -- Private
Banking in June 1993. In November 1997, she was appointed Executive Vice
President -Retail Banking for Columbia Bank and subsequently was appointed
President and Chief Operating Officer in July 1998. She became a Director of the
Company in 1998. Ms. Dressel served as Senior Vice President and directed the
private banking division of Puget Sound National Bank for nearly five years and
was employed by Bank of California for over 14 years.

/4/  Mr. Russell joined Columbia Bank as Senior Vice President -- Commercial
Loans in October 1993. He was appointed Executive Vice President - Senior Credit
Officer for Columbia Bank in November 1997. Mr. Russell was employed by Puget
Sound National Bank and its successor institution for nearly 14 years, having
served as Vice President -- Commercial Loan Officer from 1991 to 1993.

/5/  Mr. Schminkey joined Columbia Bank as Vice President and Controller in
March 1993. In 1994, he was appointed Senior Vice President -- Chief Financial
Officer of Columbia Bank and the Company and subsequently was appointed
Executive Vice President -- Chief Financial Officer in December 1998. Mr.
Schminkey was employed by PSB, Puget Sound National Bank and its successor
institution for nearly 10 years, having served from 1991 to 1993 as Assistant
Vice President -- Assistant Controller for PSB and during that same period as
Vice President -- Accounting and Finance for Puget Sound National Bank and its
successor institution.

/6/  Mr. Whitney joined Columbia Bank as Senior Vice President -- Human
Resources in March 1993. In July 1998, Mr. Whitney was appointed Executive Vice
President -- Retail Banking for Columbia Bank and the Company. Mr. Whitney was
employed by PSB and Puget Sound National Bank for nearly 27 years, having served
as Senior Vice President -- Human Resources for PSB and Puget Sound National
Bank from 1991 to 1993.

/7/  Mr. Andersen joined Columbia Bank as Senior Vice President -- Commercial
Loans in January 1995. Mr. Andersen was employed by Puget Sound National Bank
and its successor institution for nearly 25 years, having served as Vice
President -- Commercial Loan Officer from 1991 to 1995.

/8/  Ms. Hildebrand joined Columbia Bank as Senior Vice President Credit
Administrator in August 1997. Ms. Hildebrand was employed by First Interstate
Bank of Washington and its successor, Wells Fargo Bank, for 23 years, having
served as Senior Vice President and Regional Manager of Loan Review prior to
leaving that institution in 1997.

All officers are elected by the Board of Directors and serve at the pleasure of
the Board for an unspecified term.

                                       5

 
Effects of Governmental Monetary Policies

Profitability in banking depends on interest rate differentials. In general, the
difference between the interest earned on a bank's loans, securities and other
interest-earning assets and the interest paid on a bank's deposits and other
interest-bearing liabilities are the major source of a bank's earnings. Thus,
the earnings and growth of the Company are affected not only by general economic
conditions, but also by the monetary and fiscal policies of the United States
and its agencies, particularly the Federal Reserve. The Federal Reserve System
implements national monetary policy for such purposes as controlling inflation
and recession by its open-market operations in United States government
securities, control of the discount rate applicable to borrowings from the
Federal Reserve and the establishment of reserve requirements against certain
deposits. The actions of the Federal Reserve in these areas influence growth of
bank loans, investments and deposits and also affect interest rates charged on
loans and paid on deposits. The nature and impact of future changes in monetary
policies and their impact on the Company are not predictable.

Consolidated Average Balance Sheet and Analysis of Net Interest Income and
Expense

For information concerning consolidated daily average balances, along with
average yields for earning assets and average interest rates for interest-
bearing liabilities, see "Consolidated Five-Year Summary of Average Balances and
Net Interest Revenue" at page 48 of the Annual Report to Shareholders for the
year ended December 31, 1998 ("Annual Report"), which is incorporated herein by
reference.  See also "Management Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations" ("Management Discussion") beginning at page 13 of the
Annual Report for additional details on various asset and liability categories.

                                       6

 
Consolidated Analysis of Changes in Interest Income and Expense

The following table sets forth the amounts of the changes in consolidated net
interest income attributable to changes in volume and changes in interest rates
for the Company.  Changes attributable to the combined effect of volume and
interest rates have been allocated proportionately to the changes due to volume
and the changes due to interest rates.



                                                     1998 Compared to 1997                     1997 Compared to 1996
                                                  Increase (Decrease) Due to                Increase (Decrease) Due to
                                                -------------------------------             --------------------------
(in thousands)                                   Volume      Rate       Total     Volume        Rate          Total
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                        
Interest Income
Loans:
  Commercial business                            $ 8,086    $  (219)   $ 7,867    $ 5,532       $ 487        $ 6,019    
  One- to four-family residential                 (1,188)    (1,236)    (2,424)      (293)        761            468    
  Five or more family residential and                                                                                   
    commercial properties                          4,081        200      4,281      6,199        (945)         5,254    
  Consumer                                         1,095       (137)       958        916         279          1,195    
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total loans                                   12,074     (1,392)    10,682     12,354         582         12,936    
Securities                                           763        (54)       709      1,284         102          1,386    
Interest-earning deposits with banks                 242        (45)       197       (205)         79           (126)   
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total interest revenue                       $13,079    $(1,491)   $11,588    $13,433       $ 763        $14,196     
======================================================================================================================
 
Interest Expense
Deposits:
  Certificates of deposit                        $ 3,061    $  (161)   $ 2,900    $ 2,414       $(168)       $ 2,246
  Savings accounts                                    43       (100)       (57)       158         (47)           111
  Interest-bearing demand                          2,178        (37)     2,141      2,185        (137)         2,048
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total interest on deposits                     5,282       (298)     4,984      4,757        (352)         4,405
Federal Home Loan Bank advances                      (59)        (4)       (63)        80         (47)            33
Other borrowings                                     (42)       (42)       (84)       (99)        (50)          (149)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total interest expense                       $ 5,181    $  (344)   $ 4,837    $ 4,738       $(449)       $ 4,289
======================================================================================================================


Investments

For additional information concerning securities (securities available for sale
and held to maturity), see Note 5 of "Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements" at page 35 of the Annual Report and "Management Discussion -
Securities" at page 20 of the Annual Report, all of which are incorporated
herein by reference.

Securities to be held for indefinite periods of time and not intended to be held
to maturity or on a long-term basis are classified as available for sale and
carried at market value. Unrealized gains and losses are recorded directly to a
component of shareholders' equity. Securities available for sale include
securities that management intends to use as part of its asset/liability
management strategy and that may be sold in response to changes in interest
rates and/or significant prepayment risk.

Securities held to maturity are those securities which the Company has the
ability and intent to hold to maturity. Events, which may be reasonably
anticipated, are considered when determining the Company's intent to hold
investment securities until maturity. Investment securities are carried at cost,
adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts using a method
that approximates the interest method. Gains and losses on the sale of all
securities are determined using the specific identification method.

At December 31, 1998, there were no securities of any issuer, other than the
U.S. Government and its agencies and corporations, that exceeded ten percent of
shareholders' equity.

                                       7

 
The following table summarizes the amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and
losses and the resulting market value of Company's securities available for sale
for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997, and 1996.



Securities Available For Sale                                             Gross            Gross
                                                        Amortized      Unrealized        Unrealized       Market
(in thousands)                                            Cost            Gains            Losses          Value
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                           
December 31, 1998:
U.S. Treasury & government agency                         $81,549            $474                          $82,023
Mortgage-backed                                            10,672               1                           10,673
Other securities                                              992              38                            1,030
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total                                                     $93,213            $513                          $93,726
==================================================================================================================
December 31, 1997:
U.S. Treasury & government agency                         $48,178            $ 78                          $48,256
Mortgage-backed                                             7,046                           $ (27)           7,019
Other securities                                              990              14                            1,004
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total                                                     $56,214            $ 92           $ (27)         $56,279
==================================================================================================================
December 31, 1996:
U.S. Treasury & government agency                         $40,562            $104           $ (19)         $40,647
Mortgage-backed                                            10,874                            (114)          10,760
FHLMC preferred stock                                         250               8                              258
Other securities                                              249                              (3)             246
State and municipal securities                                130               3                              133
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total                                                     $52,065            $115           $(136)         $52,044
==================================================================================================================


The following table provides the carrying values, maturities and weighted
average yields of the Company's securities available for sale at December 31,
1998.



Securities Available For Sale                                               Maturing
                                        -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                           After 5 But 
                                                           After 1 But      Within 10     
(dollars in thousands)                   Within 1 Year    Within 5 Years      Years         After 10 Years      Total
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                           
U.S. Treasury
  Balance                                  $ 3,521                                                             $ 3,521
  Weighted Average Yield                      6.19%                                                               6.19%
U.S. government agency
  Balance                                    6,489            $32,293         $39,405           $  293          78,502
  Weighted Average Yield                      5.08%              5.75%           5.98%            7.06%           5.81%
Mortgage-backed (1)
  Balance                                                       1,978                            8,695          10,673
  Weighted Average Yield                                         6.36%                            5.92%           6.00%
Other Securities
  Balance                                                       1,030                                            1,030
  Weighted Average Yield                                         6.75%                                            6.75%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total
  Balance                                  $10,010            $35,301         $39,405           $9,010         $93,726
  Weighted Average Yield                      5.47%              5.81%           5.98%            5.96%           5.86%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


(1)  The maturities reported for mortgage-backed securities are based on
     contractual maturities and principal amortization.

                                       8

 
The following table summarizes the recorded value, gross unrealized gains and
losses and the resulting market value of securities held to maturity for the
years ended December 31, 1998, 1997, and 1996.



Securities Held To Maturity                                            Gross           Gross
                                                     Amortized       Unrealized      Unrealized         Market
(in thousands)                                          Cost           Gains           Losses           Value
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                          
December 31, 1998:
U.S. government agency                                $   497            $  7                           $   504
State and municipal securities                          5,115             121                             5,236
Other Securities                                          496              18                               515
FHLMC preferred stock                                     250               1                               251
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total                                                 $ 6,358            $147                           $ 6,505
===============================================================================================================
December 31, 1997:                                                                                   
U.S. Treasury & government agency                     $ 4,743            $  8                           $ 4,751
State and municipal securities                          4,191              54                             4,245
Other Securities                                          495               6                               501
FHLMC preferred stock                                     250               7                               257
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total                                                 $ 9,679            $ 75                           $ 9,754
===============================================================================================================
December 31, 1996:                                                                                   
U.S. Treasury & government agency                     $ 8,484            $ 15            $(56)          $ 8,443
State and municipal securities                          2,482              31              (2)            2,511
Other Securities                                          655               1                               656
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total                                                 $11,621            $ 47            $(58)          $11,610
===============================================================================================================


The following table provides the carrying values, maturities and weighted
average yields of the Company's securities held to maturity at December 31,
1998.



Securities Held To Maturity                                        Maturing
                                   -------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   After 1 But   After 5 But
                                       Within 1      Within 5     Within 10     After 10
(dollars in thousands)                   Year         Years         Years         Years        Total
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                              
U.S. government agency
  Balance                                               $  497                                  $  497
  Weighted Average Yield                                  7.10%                                   7.10%
State and municipal securities *                                                            
  Balance                                  $ 732         2,670        $1,713                     5,115
  Weighted Average Yield                    6.63%         6.46%         6.36%                     6.45%
Other securities                                                                            
  Balance                                                  496                                     496
  Weighted Average Yield                                  6.77%                                   6.77%
FHLMC stock                                                                                 
  Balance                                    250                                                   250
  Weighted Average Yield                    6.72%                                                 6.72%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total                                                                                       
  Balance                                  $ 982        $3,663        $1,713                    $6,358
  Weighted Average Yield                    6.65%         6.59%         6.36%                     6.54%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


*    Yields on fully taxable equivalent basis, based on a marginal tax rate of
     34%.

                                       9

 
Lending Activities

The following table sets forth the composition of the Company's loan portfolio
by type of loan at the dates indicated.



(in thousands) December 31,                       1998            1997            1996            1995            1994
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                 
Commercial business                             $332,638        $270,946        $194,843        $133,885        $ 89,546
Real estate:
One-to four-family residential                    61,132          71,095          77,359          77,603          83,582
Five or more family residential and
 commercial properties                           291,868         206,628         151,179         113,784          80,010
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total real estate                                353,000         277,723         228,538         325,272         253,138
Real estate construction:
 One- to four-family residential                  26,444          29,695          31,446          32,819          23,462
 Five or more family residential and
  commercial properties                           23,213          33,806          10,724           8,985           4,307
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total real estate construction                  49,657          63,501          42,170          41,804          27,769
Consumer                                          94,572          74,710          58,249          51,788          38,120
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Subtotal                                        829,867         686,880         523,800         418,864         319,027
Less deferred loan fees and other                 (1,228)           (991)           (649)           (807)           (953)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Total loans                                    $828,639        $685,889        $523,151        $418,057        $318,074
========================================================================================================================
Loans held for sale                             $ 10,023        $  4,377        $ 11,341        $  1,367        $  1,612
========================================================================================================================


     Note: During 1994, as part of its focus on loan quality, management
      developed more detailed statistical information on various types of
      lending.  In this connection, the December 31, 1994 through December 31,
      1998 loan balances in the table above reflect changes in classifications
      from prior periods.  Due to the impracticality of developing similar
      information for prior period balances, prior period balances have not been
      restated and, as a result, are not comparable with balances at December
      31, 1994 through December 31, 1998.

The following table presents at December 31, 1998, (i) the aggregate maturities
of loans in each major reportable category of the Company's loan portfolio and
(ii) the aggregate amounts of variable and fixed rate loans that mature after
one year.



                                                                   Maturing
                                     -----------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands)                       Within 1 Year       After 1 But       After Five
                                                       Within 5 Years         Years            Total
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                               
Commercial business                     $191,824           $128,428          $12,386          $332,638
Real estate construction                  44,332              2,707            2,618            49,657
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total                             $236,156           $131,135          $15,004          $382,295
======================================================================================================
Fixed rate loans                                           $ 55,285          $ 6,363          $ 61,648
Variable rate loans                                          75,850            8,641            84,491
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total                                                $131,135          $15,004          $146,139
======================================================================================================


                                       10

 
The following table sets forth, at the dates indicated, information with respect
to nonaccrual loans, restructured loans, total nonperforming loans (nonaccrual
loans plus restructured loans), real estate owned, total nonperforming assets,
accruing loans past-due 90 days or more and potential problem loans of the
Company.



(in thousands)
 December 31,                                   1998           1997           1996           1995           1994
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                             
Nonaccrual                                     $3,603         $1,462         $2,256         $  449         $  452
Restructured                                    1,783             20             25             29             44
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Total nonperforming loans                     $5,386         $1,482         $2,281         $  478            496
Real estate owned                                 901            231            484          3,304          3,227
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Total nonperforming assets                    $6,287         $1,713         $2,765         $3,782         $3,723
==================================================================================================================
 
Accruing loans past-due 90 days or more        $   40                        $  111         $  154         $   82
==================================================================================================================
 
Potential problem loans                        $1,862         $  669         $  346         $  239
==================================================================================================================


For information pertaining to risk elements, see the appropriate sections in
"Management Discussion - Credit Risk Management" beginning at page 16 of the
Annual Report, "Management Discussion - Nonperforming Assets" beginning at page
17 of the Annual Report, "Management Discussion  Provision and Allowance for
Loan Losses" beginning at page 18 of the Annual Report, and Note 7 of "Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements" beginning at page 37 of the Annual Report,
all of which are incorporated herein by reference.


The table below shows the allocation of the Allowance for Loan Losses for the
last five years.  The allocation is based on an evaluation of loan problems,
historical ratios of loan losses and other factors which may affect future loan
losses in the categories of loans shown.



(dollars in thousands)
December 31,                   1998                  1997                  1996                  1995                  1994
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                    % of                 % of                  % of                  % of                   % of 
Balance at End          Amount      Total     Amount     Total     Amount      Total      Amount     Total       Amount     Total
 of Period                          Loans*               Loans*                Loans*                Loans*                 Loans* 
 Applicable to:                      
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                              
Commercial 
 business               $5,540       40.0%    $4,109      39.4%    $3,178       37.2%     $2,006      32.0%      $1,537       28.1%
Real estate and 
 construction:
 One- to four-family 
  residential              972       10.6      1,041      14.7      1,115       20.8         699      26.3          773       33.6
 Five or more family 
  residential and 
  commercial properties  2,008       38.0      1,414      35.0        490       30.9         330      29.3          249       26.4
Consumer                   482       11.4        334      10.9        499       11.1         386      12.4          295       11.9
Unallocated                                              1,542                                         919                     321
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total                 $9,002      100.0%    $8,440     100.0%    $5,282      100.0%     $4,340     100.0%      $3,175      100.0%
====================================================================================================================================


*Represents the total of all outstanding loans in each category as a percent of
 total loans outstanding.

                                      11

 
Deposits

The following table presents the average balances outstanding and weighted
average interest rate for each major category of deposits:



years ended December 31,                             1998                            1997                            1996
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            Average         Average         Average         Average         Average         Average
(dollars in thousands)                      Balance        Rate Paid        Balance        Rate Paid        Balance        Rate Paid
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                    
Interest-bearing demand and
  money market accounts                     $287,007          3.43%         $223,514          3.45%         $160,020          3.53%
Savings accounts                              39,768          2.51            38,301          2.75            32,438          2.91
Certificates of deposit                      337,557          5.60           282,899          5.66           240,214          5.73
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total interest-bearing deposits            664,332          4.48           544,714          4.55           432,672          4.71
Demand and other noninterest-
  bearing                                    149,353                         111,492                          74,940
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total deposits                            $813,685                        $656,206                        $507,612
====================================================================================================================================

                                                                                

The following table shows the amount and maturity of certificates of deposit
that had balances of more than $100,000:



(in thousands) December 31,                                                                                          1998
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Remaining maturity
                                                                                                      
  Three months or less                                                                                             $ 52,673
  Over three through six months                                                                                      23,827
  Over six through twelve months                                                                                     28,596
  Over twelve months                                                                                                  7,681
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total                                                                                                          $112,777
====================================================================================================================================



Significant Financial Ratios

Ratios for the last three years, based on daily average balances, are as
follows:



                                                                        1998               1997               1996
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                  
Return on assets                                                        1.09%              1.21%              0.78%
Return on equity                                                       12.05              14.41              10.15
Dividend payout ratio
Equity to assets                                                        9.02               8.42               7.67


Short-term Borrowings

At December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, there were no short-term (original maturity
of one year or less) borrowings that exceeded 30 percent of shareholders' equity
at the end of the period.

Supervision and Regulation

The Company is a bank holding company within the meaning of the Bank Holding
Company Act of 1956 ("BHC Act") registered with and subject to examination by
the Federal Reserve Board ("FRB"). The Company's Bank subsidiary is a Washington
state chartered bank and is subject to examination, supervision, and regulation
by the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions - Division of Banks
("Division"). The FDIC insures Columbia Bank's deposits and in that capacity
also regulates the Bank.

                                      12

 
The Company's earnings and activities are affected by legislation, by actions of
the FRB, the Division, the FDIC and other regulators, and by local legislative
and administrative bodies and decisions of courts in Washington state. For
example, these include limitations on the ability of Columbia Bank to pay
dividends to the Company, numerous federal and state consumer protection laws
imposing requirements on the making, enforcement, and collection of consumer
loans, and restrictions by regulators on the sale of mutual funds and other
uninsured investment products to customers.

Legislation may be enacted or regulations imposed to further regulate banking
and financial services or to limit finance charges or other fees or charges
earned in such activities. There can be no assurance whether any such
legislation or regulation will place additional limitations on the Company's
operations or adversely affect its earnings.

Federal law imposes certain restrictions on transactions between the Company and
any nonbank subsidiaries, on the one hand, and Columbia Bank on the other. With
certain exceptions, federal law also imposes limitations on, and requires
collateral for, extensions of credit by insured depository institutions, such as
Columbia Bank, to their non-bank affiliates, such as the Company.

Subject to certain limitations and restrictions, a bank holding company, with
prior approval of the FRB, may acquire an out-of-state bank. Banks in states
that do not prohibit out-of-state mergers may merge with the approval of the
appropriate federal banking agency. A state bank may establish a de novo branch
out of state if such branching is expressly permitted by the other state.

The activities of bank holding companies are generally limited to managing or
controlling banks. Nonbank acquisitions are generally limited to 5% of voting
shares unless the FRB determines that the acquisition is so closely related to
banking as to be a proper incident to banking or managing or controlling banks.

Among other things, applicable federal and state statutes and regulations which
govern a bank's activities relate to minimum capital requirements, required
reserves against deposits, investments, loans, legal lending limits, mergers and
consolidations, borrowings, issuance of securities, payment of dividends,
establishment of branches and other aspects of its operations. The Division and
the FDIC also have authority to prohibit banks under their supervision from
engaging in what they consider to be unsafe and unsound practices.

Under longstanding FRB policy, a bank holding company is expected to act as a
source of financial strength for its subsidiary banks and to commit resources to
support such banks. The Company could be required to commit resources to its
subsidiary banks in circumstances where it might not do so, absent such policy.

The Company and Columbia Bank are subject to risk-based capital and leverage
guidelines issued by federal banking agencies for banks and bank holding
companies. These agencies are required by law to take specific prompt corrective
actions with respect to institutions that do not meet minimum capital standards
and have defined five capital tiers, the highest of which is "well-capitalized.

Columbia Bank is required to file periodic reports with the FDIC and the
Division and is subject to periodic examinations and evaluations by those
regulatory authorities. These examinations must be conducted every 12 months,
except that certain well-capitalized banks may be examined every 18 months. The
FDIC and the Division may each accept the results of an examination by the other
in lieu of conducting an independent examination.

In the liquidation or other resolution of a failed insured depository
institution, deposits in offices and certain claims for administrative expenses
and employee compensation are afforded a priority over other general unsecured
claims, including non-deposit claims, and claims of a parent company such as the
Company. Such priority creditors would include the FDIC, which succeeds to the
position of insured depositors.

The Company is also subject to the information, proxy solicitation, insider
trading restrictions and other requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934.

                                      13

 
The earnings of the Company are affected by general economic conditions and the
conduct of monetary policy by the U. S. government.

Item 2. Properties

The Company's executive offices and the Main Office of Columbia Bank are located
in approximately 51,000 square feet of leased space in downtown Tacoma. The
lease of the downtown Tacoma office has an initial lease term of seven years.
With an expiration of August 2000, the lease agreement provides for one renewal
option for three years and two additional renewal options for five years each.
The base rent is approximately $50,745 per month for the first four years,
subject to certain increases for landlord operating expenses. Beginning in the
sixth year of the lease and at each five-year renewal date, the base rent may be
adjusted pursuant to a formula which limits the adjustments to an average of 3%
of the base rent per year or 15% of the base rent over the five-year renewal
term. The downtown lease also includes customer and employee parking spaces at
rates at or below current market rates for downtown parking. As of December 31,
1998, Columbia Bank had 15 offices in Pierce County, including the Main Office
(7 leased and 8 owned), three offices in Longview (two owned and one leased),
two offices in Bellevue (1 leased and 1 owned), two offices in Auburn (both
owned), one office in Federal Way (owned), one office in Kent (owned) and one
office in Woodland (owned). Commerce Plaza, one of Columbia Bank's banking
offices in Longview, houses a retail banking office and other tenants.

For additional information pertaining to properties, see Note 8 of "Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements" at page 37 of the Annual Report, which is
incorporated herein by reference.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

For information concerning legal proceedings, see Note 14 of "Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements" at page 42 of the Annual Report, which is
incorporated herein by reference.

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

None


                                    PART II

Item 5. Market for the Registrant's Common Stock and Related Stockholder Matters

For information concerning the Company's common stock and related security
holder matters, see "Quarterly Common Stock Prices and Dividend Payments" at
page 26 of the Annual Report, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 6. Selected Financial Data

For selected financial data concerning the Company, see "Consolidated
Highlights," "Consolidated Five-Year Statements of Operations" and "Consolidated
Five-Year Summary of Average Balances and Net Interest Revenue" at pages 2, 47
and 48, respectively, of the Annual Report, which are incorporated herein by
reference.

                                      14

 
Item 7.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
         of Operations

For management's discussion and analysis, see "Consolidated Analysis of Changes
in Interest Income and Expense" in Part I of this report, "Management Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" at pages 13
through 26 of the Annual Report and "Consolidated Five-Year Summary of Average
Balances and Net Interest Revenue" at page 48 of the Annual Report, all of which
are incorporated herein by reference.

Item 7a.  Market Risk Disclosure

For market risk disclosure, see "Credit Risk Management" at page 16 of the 
Annual Report which is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

For consolidated financial statements of the Company, see "Audited Financial
Statements" beginning at page 28 of the Annual Report which is incorporated
herein by reference.  Note 17, the "Summary of Quarterly Financial Information
(Unaudited)" on page 46 of the Annual Report is also incorporated herein by
reference.

Item 9.  Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and
         Financial Disclosure

None


                                    PART III

Item 10.  Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

Information concerning directors of the registrant is incorporated herein by
reference to the section entitled "Election of Directors" beginning at page 4 of
the Company's definitive Proxy Statement dated March 26, 1999 (the "Proxy
Statement") for the annual meeting of shareholders to be held April 28, 1999.

The required information with respect to the executive officers of the Company
is included under the caption "Executive Officers of the Company" in Part I of
this report.  Part I of this report is incorporated herein by reference.

The required information with respect to compliance with Section 16(a) of the
Exchange Act is incorporated herein by reference to the section entitled
"Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance" beginning at page 15
of the Proxy Statement.

Item 11.  Executive Compensation

For information concerning executive compensation see "Executive Compensation"
beginning at page 7 of the Proxy Statement, which is incorporated herein by
reference.  Neither the Report of the Personnel and Compensation Committee on
Executive Compensation nor the Stock Performance Graph, both of which are
contained in the Proxy Statement, are incorporated by this reference.

Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

For information concerning security ownership of certain beneficial owners and
of management see "Security Ownership of Management" beginning at page 2 of the
Proxy Statement, which is incorporated herein by reference.

                                       15

 
                                    PART IV

Item 14.  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K

List of Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules.

(a)  (1)  Financial Statements:

      The following consolidated financial statements of the Company, included
      in the Annual Report of the registrant to its shareholders for the year
      ended December 31, 1998, are incorporated by reference in Item 8:



                                                                                             Page
                                                                                             ----
                                                                                          
      Consolidated Statements of Operations--Years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996      28
      Consolidated Balance Sheets--December 31, 1998 and 1997                                  29
      Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity--Years ended
         December 31, 1998, 1997, and 1996                                                     30
      Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows--Years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996      31
      Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                                               32
      Report of Independent Auditors                                                           27


     (2)  Exhibits:

      See "Index to Exhibits" at page 19 of this Form 10-K.

(b)  Reports on Form 8-K:

     None

                                       16

 
SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on the 26th day of March,
1999.

                                       Columbia Banking System, Inc.
                                             (Registrant)

                                       By  /s/ W. W. Philip
                                          ------------------
                                             W. W. Philip
                                             Chairman and
                                          Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report
has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and
in the capacities indicated, on the 26th day of March, 1999.


                                       Principal Executive Officer:


                                           /s/ W. W. Philip
                                          ------------------
                                             W. W. Philip
                                             Chairman and
                                          Chief Executive Officer


                                       Principal Financial Officer:


                                          /s/ Gary R. Schminkey
                                          ---------------------
                                            Gary R. Schminkey
                                       Executive Vice President and
                                         Chief Financial Officer

                                       17

 
W. W. Philip, pursuant to powers of attorney which are being filed with this
Annual Report on Form 10-K, has signed this report on March 26, 1999, as
attorney-in-fact for the following directors who constitute a majority of the
board of directors.


                                                 
          [Richard S. DeVine]                            [John Halleran]
         
          [Melanie J. Dressel]                          [Thomas L. Matson]
         
            [Jack Fabulich]                               [John Powell]
         
            [Jonathan Fine]                           [Robert E. Quoidbach]
         
            [John P. Folsom]                             [Donald Rodman]
         
          [J. James Gallagher]                           [Sidney Snyder]
         
         [Margel S. Gallagher]                      [William T. Weyerhaeuser]
         
         [W. Kelso Gillenwater]                          [James M. Will]
 


                                                     /s/ W. W. Philip
                                                    ------------------
                                                       W. W. Philip
                                                     Attorney-in-fact
                                                      March 26, 1999

                                       18

 
INDEX TO EXHIBITS


 Exhibit
   No.
 -------
    3     (a)  Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company. (5)

          (b)  Restated Bylaws of the Company. (3)

   10     (a)  Lease dated May 7, 1993 between the Company and William B.
                 Swensen Enterprises for Tacoma Main Office premises of Columbia
                 Bank. (1)

          (b)  Stock Option Plan as amended and restated effective
                 April 23, 1997. (4)

         *(c)  Employment agreement between the Company and W. W. Philip
                 effective January 1, 1998, except with respect to sections 4.3
                 and 4.4 (granting restricted stock awards) which are effective
                 August 28, 1996 and January 28, 1998, respectively. (7)

         *(d)  Employment agreement between the Company and J. James Gallagher
                 effective July 1, 1998, except with respect to section 4.3
                 (granting restricted stock award) which is effective April 22,
                 1998.

          (e)  Data processing servicing agreement dated May 3, 1993 between the
                 Company and M&I Data Services. (2)

          (f)  Deferred Compensation Plan for directors and certain key
                 employees effective April 1, 1995. (7)

   11     Statement re computation of per share earnings.

   13     The Company's Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended
          December 31, 1998. (6)

   21     Subsidiaries of the Company are:

          (a)  Columbia State Bank, Tacoma, Washington, a Washington state-
                 chartered commercial bank.


                                       19

 
24      Powers of Attorney dated March 9, 10, and 12, 1999.

27      Financial Data Schedule


     
 (1)    Incorporated by reference to the Form SB-2 (Registration No. 33-66224)
        previously filed by the Company, declared effective on August 16, 1993.
                                                          
 (2)    Incorporated by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the
        year ended December 31, 1993 previously filed by the Company.
                                                                  
 (3)    Incorporated by reference to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
        quarterly period ended March 31, 1997 previously filed by the Company.

 (4)    Incorporated by reference to the definitive Proxy Statement dated March
        20, 1997 for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders held April 23, 1997.
 
 (5)    Incorporated by reference to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
        quarterly period ended June 30, 1998 previously filed by the Company.

 (6)    Portions of the Annual Report to Shareholders have been specifically
        incorporated by reference elsewhere in this report.
 
 (7)    Incorporated by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
        ended December 31, 1997 previously filed by the Company.



  *     The listed documents are management contracts which contain compensatory
        arrangements.

                                       20