Columbia County: Nature, River and History

Riverfront, river and outdoor recreation

Columbia County has 62 miles of Columbia River shoreline; the river is also suitable for boating. The water thus shapes two distinct aspects of a stay: the river landscape and an activity on the river. When planning your trip, you can consider whether you would prefer to experience the shoreline or make boating the focus.

Columbia County owns or maintains a total of 24 forests, parks and trails, making these recreational opportunities available to residents and visitors. The number refers to the three categories combined: in addition to parks, it includes forests and trails. You can tailor your time outdoors to your interests. Along with the river, these places and paths add to the county’s nature and recreation options.

Observe and experience nature

The Sauvie Island Wildlife Area protects important habitat for waterfowl. Its diverse wildlife includes hundreds of bird, mammal, reptile and plant species; birdwatching is possible there. If you are interested in observing nature, you will find a specific focus here—birds—as well as an area whose importance is tied to habitat protection and biodiversity.

On Scappoose Bay, The Paddle Shack offers guided excursions through wetlands using beginner-friendly kayaks. Unlike birdwatching, the focus here is on a guided kayaking outing. These are two different nature experiences to consider when planning: wildlife observation and a tour through wetlands.

Maritime history and museums

The Columbia County Museum displays artifacts and photographs about maritime history and activity in Columbia County. The museum is located in the John Gumm Building and Civic Center, 251 St. Helens Street, in St. Helens, Oregon. The two forms of exhibition—objects and photographs—offer different ways to explore the subject. Its specific location and maritime focus can help you decide how the museum fits with your cultural interests on your trip.

The Caples House Museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and tells the story of the Charles G. Caples family, considered an early pioneer family in Oregon. Throughout the year, the museum offers educational programs for all ages that provide insights into life in the late 19th century. This connects the story of one family with a broader look at a historical period. The programs are designed for different age groups and take the subject beyond family history alone.

Chapman Landing also combines a historical theme with a specific route: the site is a historic log terminal and can be reached via the Crown Z Trail. The Historic Columbia Theatre opened in 1928. Since 2017, the Flippin House has been home to the Clatskanie Historical Society Museum. These places offer different points of interest—from a log terminal to a theater with a known opening year and a museum in the Flippin House.

Choose the focus of your stay

When choosing a hotel, it may help to first identify the subjects that interest you: the river and outdoor recreation, wildlife, maritime history or local family and community history. Consider whether nature and water experiences or museums and historic sites should be the focus of your stay. This can help you tailor your hotel search to what you want to experience in Columbia County.

Discover more destinations

Clatskanie, Deer Island, St. Helens, Lincoln, Umatilla, Curry, Klamath County, Jackson

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