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.

Big white house with a tree out front

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.

Glass mosaic of flowers Try your hand at doing stained glass on glass at Marvelous Mosaic Fine Art. Glass on Glass workshops with Kory Dollar are being brought to a whole new level focusing on all aspects of glass on glass, cutting, color theory, composition and design. Marvelous Mosaic Fine Art is bringing innovated designs incorporated with fusion inclusions and new themes. For more info go to (Marvelous Mosaic) and see what they have to offer.

Next Adventure Scappoose Bay Padding Center
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, Scappoose Bay has something for everyone. Call them at 503-397-2161.

Various produce on a table with shoppers Scappoose Community Club Farmer’s Market is entering our 13th season. 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.

looking through a window at the inside of a cafe Unwined with Art is a place to come hang with friends and family and explore your creative side with a wide range of Art! Adult beverages are provided for all classes. Come in and unwined! Look and book your classes online.

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.

2 bicyclists riding in front of a big red barn South Columbia County has some of the most beautiful rural biking in Oregon. (Map) 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 30 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.

picture of a golf course with a lake and trees 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.

Strobel Stables and Arena offers Barrel racing, Barrel lessons, Practice sessions and Schooling shows. They have a 90” x 200” Indoor arena, 125” x 285” Outdoor arena, restrooms and a full concession on the grounds. Visit the website or call 503-543-2040 Arena or 503-543-2581 House.

Big white house with a flag on a pole out front

The Caples House Museum is located in Columbia City, Oregon. Perched on a hillside above the Columbia River, the historic home of the Caples Family is a time-capsule in history. There is a tool shed, a Country Store, Knapp Center & Children’s Attic.

Caples Museum Director – 503-397-5390
1925 First Street
Columbia City, OR 97018
Museum Hours March 1 through October 31 Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Major Holidays 1 – 5 pm

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

A dock with boats Welcome, members and visitors! The Multnomah Channel Yacht Club is located in Scappoose, Oregon, about 12 miles north of Portland. We are a member of the Columbia River Yachting Association. We are an active club with cruises and events all year round. Check out our Event Calendar.

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.

Dining in Columbia County

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

Mod Pizza 503/410-5218

Pizza Vendor 503/543-7197

Plymouth Pub 503/396-5108

Roof (Sandwiches) 503/396-5514

Rosebud Cafe (American) 503/987-1374

Simm (Oriental) 503/543-4098

Sunshine Pizza (Pizza & Subs) 503/397-3211

Micro Breweries and Distilleries

Running Dogs Brewery (Micro Brews) 503/397-1103

Tap Into Wine (wine tasting) 503/201-4545

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