Activities, Recreation and Dining
There are plenty of activities to keep you busy in South Columbia County, whether you’re visiting for the day, the week, or a lifetime. Outdoor opportunities abound via kayaking, boating, fishing, biking, hiking, geocaching or golf. Indoor activities help you get through the rainy days such as an indoor rock climbing venue, unique restaurants, an old style movie theater with the technological upgrades needed to compete in the 21st century.
Columbia County, Oregon, is a nature lover’s paradise. Located just north of Portland, Columbia County boasts 62 miles of Columbia River shoreline and a wealth of recreational opportunities on the river and in the beautiful forest and countryside that surrounds it.
Yes! Twilight was filmed here. Olde Towne St Helens stands in for Port Angeles. Charlie”s house is also in St Helens. Halloweentown and Behind the Mask were also filmed in Olde Towne. Several Tour Companies are planning Twilight Tours.
13 Nights on the River Concert Series
Thursday nights June thru September the Columbia View Amphitheater in Historic Riverfront St. Helens becomes the living room of the community. Families & friends gather to enjoy a variety of music with the beautiful Columbia River as a backdrop. An Open Air Market offers options for dinner and a variety of merchandise vendors to peruse as well. Schedule information can be found at the 13 Nights on the River.
The Paddle Shack
Experience beautiful, calm, flatwater paddling secluded from boat traffic. Paddle through luscious forests while witnessing thriving wildlife in a family friendly setting that caters to all types of boaters, especially beginners. Whether you’re looking for SUP, canoe, or kayak rentals, going on one of our paddling tours, or taking a kayak or SUP class, The Paddle Shack has something for everyone. Call them at 503-397-2161.
Scappoose Community Club Farmer’s Market. If you are looking for a fun, family-friendly market with loyal customers, check us out on any Saturday, May 16th thru September 26th. Hours: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on most dates. Hours may extend during the special summer events in Heritage Park.
Sauvie Island. There are farms with U-Pick berries, corn mazes, and pumpkin patches. There is a lavender nursery where they sell tea and all things enhanced with lavender. There is a nude beach. There are clothed beaches too, but, well, they are admittedly less interesting. There are look out points and bird watching opportunities all over the place. Flocks and flocks of sandhill cranes can be found here. No need to go to the Everglades, folks. You can view cranes in our alligator-free environment right here in Oregon.
South Columbia County has some of the most beautiful rural biking in Oregon. Bike along dikes, pastureland, old tree-lined logging roads or through the many area parks. Bike rentals are available at Barlow Bikes in St. Helens. To enjoy this family friendly activity call 503-397-4900.
The Shoestring Community Players has been producing plays and other performances in Columbia County for over 40 years. Formed from a dedicated group of “Reader’s Theater” performers, SSCP was officially founded in 1982. The first production was Brigadoon, performed at the St. Helens High School Olmscheid Auditorium. SSCP has consistently produced productions and performances since that time, tapping into the rich and “undiscovered” talent Columbia County and its surrounding areas have to offer. We perform Revues, Musicals, Dramas, Comedies, Children’s Theater, and any other type of production that captures the attention of the community.
Golf at Wildwood Golf Course. Nestled in a quiet valley and among towering fir trees, this 5,675 yard, 18-hole course provides plenty of challenge for all golfers.
Legacy S Arena They have a 90” x 200” Indoor arena, 125” x 285” Outdoor arena and restrooms. Stay tuned for more details as we begin planning events! Legacy S will soon be hosting open ride nights, hourly arena rentals, and also available to host events. For all inquiries, please email LegacySArena@gmail.com or call/text Jaycee at 360-751-2712.
Columbia Theater always has 1st run movies in the most comfortable setting outside your own living room. Where you have rocking-chair seating and plenty of legroom. Every Wednesday and Thursday is Pub Night for adults only (21 & over) Serving beer, wine, pizza and more. 503-397-9791
River City Speedway gears up for fast paced racing on a ‘¼ mile clay track at the Columbia County Event Complex. You’ll see Sportsman, Street Stock, V-8 Modifieds and Women’s Division competitions from spring into fall. Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines! 503-397-6506 / 503-397-2393
Launch your boat at one of the several launches in the area. Choose from Brown’??s Landing, Scappoose Bay Marine Park, St. Helens Marina, Beaver Boat Ramp, Rainier, or Goble Landing. Or motor down for the day and dock at Sand Island Marine Park or the City of St. Helens docks at no charge. Call the Chamber of Commerce for additional contact information.
We’re designing a course that will be enjoyable for newcomers and challenging for seasoned players. The CCS Disc Golf Course will feature a blend of open fields, tree-lined fairways, gap shots, and strategically placed obstacles. Our goal is to make it a place that families, friends, and individual players can enjoy any day of the week.
And of course there’s always shopping/thrifting, dining and music. Below are just a few of our favorite places.
Dining in Columbia County
Big River Taproom (Bar and Grill) 503/410-4057
Fork’d 503/543-7332
Fultano’s Pizza 503/543-5100
Happy Garden Chinese Restaurant 503/366-4298
Ichabod’s Restaurant (American) 503/543-2450
Ixtapa Mexican Restaurant (Mexican) 503/543-3017
Noi’s Thai Kitchen (Thai) 971/222-4817
Longfellows Inn (Steak) 503/543-9996
Plymouth Pub 503/396-5108
Riverside Grill & Catering (American) 971/757-6990
Simm (Oriental) 503/543-4098
Sunshine Pizza (Pizza & Subs) 503/397-3211
Sushiro Ramen Cafe (Japanese) 503/793-0298
The Lodge Carts (11 food carts/taproom) 971/225-3335
Warren Country Inn (American) 503/410-5479
Wine Bars / Tap Rooms
Big River Tap Room 503/410-4057
Crooked Creek Brewery 971/203-4082
Limerick Whiskey Room 503/201-4545
Tap into Wine (wine tasting) 503/201-4545
Uptown Wine & Table (wine tasting/food) 503/410-5135
Hiking & Biking
Trojan Day-use Park 503-464-8515
Vernonia-Banks Linear Trail 503-429-5291
Old Crown Zellerbach Road
Tours
Twilight walking tour
Yes! Twilight was filmed here and Olde Towne St. Helens stands in for Port Angeles. But Charlie”s house is also in St. Helens. Tour maps available at the Visitors Center in St Helens and here at the Inn.
Watts House Pioneer Museum A 1902 victorian home built by James Grant Watts for his family. It is furnished and available by appointment for tours throughout the year. The home is decorated for Christmas and open during the month of December on weekends. No admission charge, donations welcome.
Olde Towne St. Helens Historic Walking Tour
(self-guided) 503-366-3650
