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St. Helens, OR

Frequently asked questions

St. Helens, OR

St. Helens is the county seat of Columbia County, Oregon. It was founded by Captain Henry Montgomery Knighton, a native of New England, in 1845, as "Plymouth". The name was changed to St. Helens in the latter part of 1850 for its view of Mount St. Helens, roughly 39 miles (63 km) away in Washington. The city is about 28 miles (45 km) northwest of Portland. Its population was 12,883 at the 2010 census.

St. Helens was established as a riverport on the Columbia River in the 1840s. The original town was surveyed and platted by Scottish-born Peter Crawford. In 1853, the Pacific Mail Steamship Company tried to make the city their only stop on the Columbia River. Portland's merchants boycotted this effort, and the San Francisco steamship Peytona helped break the impasse. St. Helens was incorporated as a city in 1889.

The Lewis and Clark Expedition passed through and camped in the area that is now St. Helens on the night of November 5, 1805, while on their way to the Pacific Ocean. While there, the party encountered Native Americans and Clark observed "low Rockey clifts".

U.S. Route 30 passes through the city. It is located along the west bank of the Columbia River north of where the Multnomah Channel enters it. Milton Creek flows through the town, entering Multnomah Channel via Scappoose Bay. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 5.51 square miles (14.27 km²), of which 4.53 square miles (11.73 km²) is land and 0.98 square miles (2.54 km²) is covered by water.

Health and wellness are priorities in St. Helens, with the Legacy Medical Group–St. Helens serves as a central healthcare hub for residents. Sacagawea Health Center provides accessible and comprehensive healthcare services to all, ensuring that everyone in the community has the opportunity to prioritize their well-being. St. Helens Parks and Recreation provides a range of fitness classes, sports leagues, and recreational activities for individuals of all ages. Columbia Health Services offers counseling, therapy, and mental health services to promote emotional well-being and personal growth. Yoga Younion and Yogasita conduct yoga classes focused on flexibility, strength, and mindfulness for physical and mental wellness. Anytime Fitness St. Helens is a 24/7 gym facility offering cardio equipment, strength training, and fitness classes.

The top sites in St. Helens, OR are Columbia View Park, McCormick Park, and Sand Island Marine Park.

Population: 13,817 (2020). ZIP Code: 97051. Area code: 503. Elevation: 89 ft (27 m). Area: 5.95 sq mi (15.41 km²).

FAQs

Is it expensive to live in St Helens, OR?

The cost of living in St. Helens is generally more affordable than in Portland and other major cities in Oregon. Housing costs are lower, making it an attractive option for those looking to buy a home without the high price tag of many other cities. Renting in St. Helens is also feasible for those looking to save money for a home. According to Best Places, the cost of living index in St. Helens is 114/100, only 14 points above the national average.

Is St. Helens, OR a good place to live?

St. Helens is in Columbia County. Living in St. Helens offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In St. Helens, there are a lot of bars, coffee shops, and parks. Many families live in St. Helens and residents tend to lean conservative.

Is St. Helens, OR worth visiting?

Situated on the confluence of four rivers just 30 miles from Portland, the town of St. Helens offers a sublime outdoor getaway. Enjoy several parks and walking trails along the St. Helens riverfront, featuring expansive views of the Columbia River, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Hood. Camp and hike on Sand Island, a man-made island with free dock access to the Columbia River. Kayak, fish, and birdwatch while you explore sites recorded in Lewis and Clark’s journals. 

Sources

St. Helens, Oregon - Wikipedia

City of St. Helen

Travel Oregon

Nw Self Storage

Niche

Columbia View Park

McCormick Park

Sand Island Marine Park

Legacy Medical Group–St. Helens

Sacagawea Health Center

St. Helens Parks and Recreation

Columbia Health Services

Yoga Younion

Yogasita 

Anytime Fitness St. Helens

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