Our Treasured Neighbors - Surrounding Areas
Columbia County
www.co.columbia.or.us
Yes, northwest Oregon's premier playground, Columbia County, is waiting for you! There's something for everyone here: enjoy world-class windsurfing, fishing, boating, canoeing, bird-watching, cycling, camping, picnicking, rural aviation, historic buildings and much more.
We're proud that the famous Columbia River hugs our shoreline, offering some of the finest recreation opportunities anywhere. Columbia County is fortunate to have this recreational resource, and has in turn developed a full-service parks system, much of which relies on the river itself and its many tributaries.
Nature is at its best here in Columbia County, and you can view it up close at one of several county facilities.
Walk among the wildflowers and forests and discover a new meaning of the word "relaxation."
We invite you to see what many have already discovered about Columbia County: here is a treasure chest of recreational experiences you don't want to miss. So make plans to relax, and come see us! You'll discover a whole new world!
Clatskanie
Clatskanie is located in the center of sportsman's paradise in North Columbia County. Deer, elk, and game birds abound. There is a long tradition of salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon fishing in the river nearby. Trout fishing is also popular in many streams in the area. Pan fish are found in large numbers in the warm tidewaters of the dikelands.
The ocean beaches and mountain ski slopes are only a little over an hour's drive away. Boating and wind surfing are popular sports on the Columbia River.
Other enjoyable activities that Clatskanie promotes are walking and hiking, bike riding, and visiting the local areas of interest. Including the Flippin Castle and the Shooting Star
Lavender Farm. Clatskanie, literally, has something for everyone!
Rainier
Head into Rainier and explore an early river town. A white-columned two-story city hall marks the center of town.
Down at the waterfront, there's a boat launch, shops, and restaurants and the spacious and newly renovated Riverfront Park.
The wide-open park lays on the west edge of downtown and is a local favorite. It has basketball and tennis courts, a skateboard park, and a first-rate playground. It offers a close view of maritime activity at the Port of Longview.
A couple of miles west (downstream) from Rainier, is Dibblee Point, an undeveloped but popular sandy beach along the Columbia River.
People hike or ride horseback through the sandy trails. Dibblee Point has extensive bank fishing on the Columbia, as well.
Vernonia
A haven of peace and quiet, this quaint Nehalem River Valley town beckons Oregon explorers.
While downtown Vernonia exudes turn-of-the-century charm, the surrounding scenery reflects
the beauty of the Northwest. Spend a weekend browsing through the antique and collectible
shops lining the city's main street. Enjoy a bite at a small cafι or coffee house. Work
off those calories with a bike ride along the Banks-Vernonia Linear trail, a float down
the Nehalem River, or a horseback ride at Anderson Park, which also offers camping.
Directions to Area Attractions
Mt. St. Helens
From the Chamber, get on Hwy. 30 Go north toward Rainier - at Rainier, cross the Lewis and Clark Bridge to Longview after you cross the bridge, be in the right lane, and take the Truck Route, which also says to I-5 Follow the signs to Seattle - From the I-5 freeway, take the Castle Rock exit and follow the signs to Mt. St. Helens from there. This could be an all day trip or just a few hours whatever you have time for!
Astoria & the Oregon Coast
Approximately 70 miles from South Columbia County Follow Hwy 30 all the way into Astoria. Hwy 101 (South) follows the Oregon Coast line with gorgeous ocean views, year round greenery and dramatic, rocky shorelines.
Columbia River Gorge
Historic Columbia River Scenic Byway Multnomah Falls, Hood River, The Dalles
Approximately 40 miles to the beginning of the Scenic Byway Go East on Hwy 30 towards Portland Hwy 30 becomes NW St. Helens Road and then NW Yeon and then turns into I-405 North Take the I-5 South exit (from I-405) Take the I-84 East exit (from I-5) towards The Dalles Take exit 18 and travel south along the Sandy River to the Sandy River Bridge. Follow the keystone-shaped signs through Springdale, Corbett and the waterfall area to the junction with I-84. Continue east on Interstate 84 to Mosier (exit 69). Follow the keystone signs through Mosier to Rowena Crest, and then to Chenoweth Creek, located just west of The Dalles. You can visit the Crown Point Vista House, various waterfalls & hiking trails, as well as many historic landmarks along the byway.
Mt. Hood / Timberline Lodge
Approximately 80 miles from South Columbia County Go East on Hwy 30 towards Portland Hwy 30 becomes NW St. Helens Road and then NW Yeon and then turns into I-405 North Take the I-5 South exit (from I-405) Take the I-84 East exit (from I-5) towards The Dalles Take the 181st Ave exit (from I-84) Turn right onto 181st and then left onto Burnside (approx. 1 mile) Follow Burnside towards Sandy, OR (this road becomes US Hwy 26) all the way to Mt. Hood. To continue on to Timberline Lodge turn left onto Timberline Hwy travel approximately 5 miles to Timberline Lodge
Oregon Wine Country
Oregon is known for amazing Pinor Noir wines, as well as a vast array of others including Chardonnay and Riesling. Visit Washington County for the afternoon, just a quick drive over Cornelius Pass Road, where the only American owned Sake distiller is located. Venture into the Willamette Valley for an extended taste of Oregon wines or head off into the Columbia Gorge to try wines on both sides of the river. Follow the links below for additional information on Oregons Wine Country.
Washington County
Hwy 30 east to Cornelius Pass Road and turn right at the stop light continue on to US Hwy 26 go west on US Hwy 26 from here you can take Hwy 6, Hwy 8, or Hwy 47 to many different wineries. See a map of wineries at
www.gatewaytooregonwines.com.
Willamette Valley
From Washington County continue heading south further into wine country in the Willamette Valley. The Willamette Valley is a mecca of wineries of all sizes, located all along Hwy 99, Hwy 18 and Hwy 47. Dont forget you can find even more wineries on the back country roads throughout Oregon as well. Find out more about Willamette Valley vineyards at
www.willamettewines.com.
Pacific NW Wines - Oregon
For more information on other wineries & regions throughout the state, visit
www.winesnw.com/orhome.html.
Portland
Approximately 28 miles from South Columbia County (St. Helens, Oregon). Head east on Highway 30 beginning in St. Helens and proceed 28 miles until you reach Portland. Merge onto I-405 South and exit at Everett or Burnside/Couch to get into Downtown Portland.