The calming flow from the mighty Columbia River is the soundtrack for the community of St. Helens. Its’ majestic waters plays like an elaborate instrument, a complex composition that changes throughout the day and throughout the season. This audio landscape has long been a source of comfort and serenity for the citizens of this beautifully rugged community accentuating the city’s vast natural scenery.

St. Helens sits along the western banks of the mighty Columbia River in northwestern Oregon’s Columbia County (serves as the county seat). Originally, St. Helens was set up as a river port city in the mid-19th century. However over the years, the services of St. Helens as a port city became less necessary with the emerging growth of nearby Portland. Today, St. Helens is a busy small city of over 10,000 people. Important industries supporting the local economy include forestry, mining, and manufacturing.

St. Helens is situated just south of the Washington state lines about 35 miles north of Oregon’s largest city, Portland, and 70 miles from the state capitol of Salem. The community is named after the impressive Mount St. Helens, which is a looming presence across the Columbia River in Washington state.

For the outdoor enthusiast, you will be more than happy in St. Helens. Besides having the Columbia River at your doorstep hosting bountiful fishing opportunities and other water activities, St. Helens is never too far from the wilderness.