Saint Helens is located in Columbia County, Oregon, along the Columbia River. The city is situated on the eastern bank of the river, approximately 25 miles northwest of Portland and 62 miles east of Astoria4.
The town of St. Helens is not named after the mountain, but rather after a chapel of ease dedicated to St. Elyn, which was first documented in 155234. The origin of the name “St. Helens” can be traced back to this chapel, with various spellings such as St. Hellins, St. Helins, St. Hellens, St. Helyns, and St. Elyns being used before the 19th century4. The modern spelling of the name was established in the 19th century4. The town of St. Helens in Merseyside, England, is the administrative center of the Metropolitan Borough of St. Helens, which had a population of 183,200 at the 2021 Census3. As of 2020, the estimated population of St. Helens, Oregon, was 13,8171.
The Columbia River is the main waterway in the area, with several channels and rivers of interest for boaters:
- Columbia River: The mighty Columbia River runs along the northern border of Saint Helens, serving as a major transportation route and offering various recreational opportunities for boaters4.
- Willamette River: The Willamette River flows through Portland, just south of Saint Helens, and eventually joins the Columbia River. It is an important waterway for the region, with 12 iconic bridges spanning its width1.
- Astoria-Megler Bridge: This bridge, carrying Highway 101, connects Astoria to the Washington side of the Columbia River. It is the first of many bridges that boaters will pass under when traveling from Saint Helens to Astoria3.
- The Multnomah Channel is of interest to boaters launching at Saint Helens, offering a scenic and calm passage around Sauvie Island from the Willamette River to the Columbia River6.
To travel by boat from Saint Helens to Astoria, boaters would need to navigate the Columbia River, following the charted ship channel that runs close along Astoria. The Port of Astoria’s West Mooring Basin, located a quarter mile before the Astoria Bridge, is the only public marina in town and offers easy access to fuel, provisions, and various eateries within walking distance4.
Saint Helens, Oregon, offers a variety of attractions for boaters. The city is home to several marinas that provide transient moorage, fuel docks, and fishing supplies.
St. Helens Marina is a full-service marina that offers safe, secure moorage for sailboats and power boats up to 80 feet. The marina provides transient moorage and serves as a convenient base for accessing boat supplies, provisioning, and other services. The marina also has a store located at the outboard end of the main dock, which offers fuel (regular unleaded and diesel), fishing equipment and supplies, basic boating supplies, and a limited selection of groceries2312.
There is a yacht club in Saint Helens, Oregon. The St. Helens Yacht Club is located at 154 South River Road, St. Helens, Oregon, 97051913. The St. Helens Sailing Club is also based at St. Helens Marina. The club welcomes new members, including owners of both sailboats and powerboats. On Thursday evenings in the spring and summer, you’ll see numerous sailboats departing the marina and heading out for the open water to the north of Sand Island. These are members of the St. Helens Sailing Club, and Thursdays are their race nights135.
Dillard’s Moorage, LLC is another marina in Saint Helens.
Rocky Pointe Marina and Fred’s Marina are also nearby, Both have fuel docks.
As for anchoring near Saint Helens, it is possible to anchor in the Multnomah Channel and the Columbia River. However, boaters should be aware that a lot of people troll this area, so you can anchor on the low side or the high side2.
The Columbia River offers dozens of islands and small anchorages that invite small-boat cruising. Two nice stops for overnighting are Cathlamet, Washington (23 miles from Astoria), and St. Helens, Oregon (62 miles from Astoria, 25 miles from Portland)4. However, it’s important to note that anchoring in the shipping channel of the Columbia River is illegal under state law and may result in boating citations up to $5,00015. Therefore, boaters should check their charts and exercise caution when choosing an anchoring spot.
For fishing enthusiasts, the Columbia River, Multnomah Channel, and local lakes offer a variety of fishing opportunities. The best fishing can be had on a rising barometer and also the time just before it is falling. Shallow water fishing is best done at times with a low UV index. When the UV is high, stick to early mornings, late evenings, and shaded areas49.
For those interested in local brews, the Big River Taproom offers 21 taps of craft beer, cider, and Oregon wine. The taproom is located in the historic River District in St. Helens, offering stunning views of the Cascade Mountains, Sand Island, Sauvie Island Wildlife Refuge, and Washington state10.
When does Saint Hellens have special events. Describe each event. Is there camping on an island at Saint Hellens? Which marina takes you to the island?
Saint Helens, Oregon, hosts several special events throughout the year that attract both locals and tourists.
One of the most popular events is the Sand Island Sand Castle Competition, which takes place on August 5-6. This event features award-winning sand carvers who showcase their creations. The competition is held on Sand Island, and attendees can watch as the carvers create amazing sand designs. The event also offers a boat ride to Sand Island, which begins directly in front of City Hall on the boat dock below the gazebo211.
Another major event in Saint Helens is the Spirit of Halloweentown, which takes place from September 16 to October 31. This event celebrates the city’s haunted history and its movie locations from Halloweentown and Twilight. The event offers fun attractions and family activities, mainly on weekends.
The courthouse plaza is home to the big pumpkin in the city, which is lit on the first Saturday of October following the Big Halloween Parade and stays lit for the month.
The event also includes costume contests, trick-or-treating through St. Helens’ Old Town District, haunted town tours, and scarecrows3812.
During the Spirit of Halloweentown event, which takes place from September 16 to October 31, there is an attraction called the “Alien Interview and Museum of Peculiarities & Oddities”34.
This attraction offers a tongue-in-cheek experience with alien displays and stories that you can listen to via headsets after downloading their exclusive app. The app also includes stories from the exhibits in the Museum of Peculiarities and Oddities34.
The Alien Interview and Museum of Peculiarities & Oddities is open from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. during the Spirit of Halloweentown event34.
Please note that this is a very limited attraction, so it’s recommended to get your tickets early. Also, ADA Access is limited to those who can ride their chair lift, and pets are allowed if carried4.
As for extraterrestrial visits to Saint Helens, there have been reports of UFO sightings in the area, but these have not been officially confirmed or recognized by local authorities189.
Please note that the information provided is based on the latest available data and may be subject to change. It’s always a good idea to check the official websites or contact the event organizers for the most up-to-date information.
The St. Helens Fourth of July celebration honors American heroes and includes a day of activities, music, and fireworks on the St. Helens Riverfront12.The fireworks are launched at approximately 10 p.m. from a waterfront barge in the Riverfront District of St. Helens1.
As for camping, the Sand Island Campground is an oasis nestled on an island in the middle of the Columbia River in St. Helens. This 30+ acre campground offers docks, nature trails, beaches, picnic tables, campsites, restrooms, kayak connections, water adventure rides, and more. It also provides spectacular views of Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Hood, along with the river views49.
The St. Helens Marina is the marina that provides access to Sand Island. It is a full-service marina that offers safe, secure moorage for sailboats and power boats up to 80 feet. The marina also provides a boat launching ramp at the north end of the marina, which is available to all. If you’re from out of town, St. Helens Marina offers transient moorage and a convenient base for accessing boat supplies, provisioning, and other services5.
Please note that it’s always a good idea to check the official websites or contact the event organizers for the most up-to-date information about these events and the camping facilities.
What birds are interesting in Saint Hellens and what is the best months for seeing them?
Saint Helens, Oregon, is a great place for bird watching, with a variety of interesting species to observe.
The Osprey is a common sight in Saint Helens, especially near the water. The city even has an Osprey Lookout, a steel bench on display just outside city hall, featuring an osprey looking out10.Ospreys are most active in Northwest Oregon from April to September, when they breed and raise their young3.
The Great Horned Owl is the most commonly encountered owl in Oregon. It is a large, powerful owl with large yellow eyes and distinctive feather tufts or “ears” above the eyes. It is a fairly common permanent resident throughout the state, including Saint Helens411.
The Belted Kingfisher is a common permanent resident throughout most of the state. This majestically crested bird is often heard before being seen due to its conspicuous harsh rattling call. Kingfishers are most frequently associated with lake and pond shorelines and islands, as well as coastal dunes with ponds and widely scattered shrubs and trees512.
The Tundra Swan is a fairly common transient throughout the state but most abundant at large bodies of water and wetland complexes. It is most readily distinguished from the similar-appearing trumpeter swan by voice. The best time to see these birds is from September to March, which is the perfect time to see wintering waterfowl, swans, and sandhill cranes69.
The Wood Duck is the most colorful of North American ducks. As their name implies, they are associated with timbered wetlands, nesting in cavities and sometimes even feeding in trees. It is a regular breeder in the Willamette Valley, along slow reaches and backwaters of the Cascade and Coast Range rivers, lakes, and ponds, and along the Columbia River and coastal counties7.
For the best bird watching experience, it is recommended to visit places like the St. Helens McCormick Park, which is a great spot for observing a variety of bird species8. The Sauvie Island Wildlife Area, located just outside of Portland, is also a great spot for bird watching, especially from September to March9.
Please note that bird activity can vary depending on the season and weather conditions, so it’s always a good idea to check local birding guides and resources for the most up-to-date information.
History of Saint Helens. What is the legend of Big Foot? Is Big Foot an Indian legend? Is Big Foot linked to Saint Hellens?
Saint Helens, located in Columbia County, Oregon, was originally inhabited by the indigenous Chinook people. The area was later explored by European fur traders and settlers in the 19th century. The city was officially incorporated in 1889 and grew rapidly due to its location on the Columbia River, which provided access to transportation and trade.
The legend of Bigfoot, also known as Sasquatch, is a large and mysterious humanoid creature purported to inhabit the wild and forested areas of Oregon and the West Coast of North America1.The origins of the Bigfoot legend can be traced back to indigenous cultures across the North American continent, including the Pacific Northwest3.
Native American tribes in Oregon have increasingly situated Bigfoot within their traditional belief systems as beings with deeply rooted cultural significance1. Tribes in coastal Oregon have related Bigfoot to ancient tales of “wild men” who lurked near villages and left immense tracks1.
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, North American settlers started reporting sightings of Bigfoot, with occasional findings of footprints, sporadic encounters, and even a few grainy photos and videos adding to the mystery2. In 1924, miners on Mount St. Helens claimed to have been attacked by giant “apes,” an incident widely reported in the Oregon press1. This event helped launch the public’s obsession with the Bigfoot legend4. The Iroquois also tell of an aggressive, hair-covered giant with rock-hard skin known as the Ot ne yar heh or “Stone Giant,” more commonly referred to as the Genoskwa3.
The name Bigfoot is generally attributed to the mountainous Western region of North America, while the common name Sasquatch comes from the Salish Sasquits2. The Algonquin of the north-central region of the continent refer to a similar creature as Witiko or Wendigo2. Other nations tell of a large creature much like a man but imbued with special powers and characteristics2. The legend of Bigfoot has become a symbol of the vast primitive wilderness of the Pacific Northwest, where nature reigns supreme5.
In the early 20th century, Saint Helens was a thriving industrial center, with lumber mills, Bigfoot, shipyards, and a booming economy. However, the decline of the timber industry in the late 20th century led to a shift in the city’s economy, and it is now primarily a residential and recreational area. As mentioned, the town did not take its name from the mountain.
Mount St. Helens takes its name from the British diplomat Lord St Helens, a friend of explorer George Vancouver who surveyed the area in the late 18th century1. Vancouver named the volcano after his fellow countryman, Alleyne Fitzherbert, who held the title Baron St. Helens and was the British Ambassador to Spain at the time4. The westernized name “Helens” was given by British explorer George Vancouver in 1792 when he first spied the mountain5.
Mount St. Helens, located in southwestern Washington State, was officially listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2013 as a Traditional Cultural Property to the Cowlitz Indian Tribe and the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation1. The area encompasses 12,501 acres of the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
The eruption of Mount St. Helens on May 18, 1980, had a significant impact on the surrounding area, including Saint Helens. The city experienced ash fall and a temporary decline in tourism, but it has since recovered and remains a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with its proximity to the Columbia River, Mount St. Helens, and the surrounding natural beauty.
In late September, a Macgregor 26x to launch, At Saint Helens, where Halloween spirits mix and flow. The yacht club bustling with excitement and cheer, As boaters prepare for a night at the marina, so near.
In the misty woods of Saint Helens town, A Macgregor 26x set sail, up and down. Late September, the air crisp and cool, The crew embarked on a journey, a boating duel.
As they glided through the channels and rivers, The beauty of the landscape made them shiver. Marinas with transient moorage, a welcoming sight, Provided a safe haven for the boat at night1.
Fuel for the outboard, they found with ease, Near Saint Helens, a place to appease. The fishing was bountiful, a joy to behold, With salmon and sturgeon, their stories were told1.
At the taproom in town, they sampled the brews, Craft beers on tap, a variety to choose. The tap room offers a taste of local brews, As tales of the river and its history ensue.
But little did they know, as the night grew late, They would encounter creatures, a mysterious fate. Two Bigfoot appeared, a male and his mate,
Frank, the Murrelet crew member, approached with a tale. He had befriended the male, their bond growing strong, But the female was wary, something was wrong.
Lisa, the captain with a calming presence, Approached the female with love and essence. Her gentle touch and soothing words, Helped the female Sasquatch calm her nerves.
As the two couples spent time together, Love and understanding grew, lasting forever. Photos were taken, proof of their encounter, A magical moment, a memory to treasure.
In the end, the crew bid farewell to their friends, Continuing their journey, the story never ends. A sail under the bridge, a few days later, Mooring at Portland, a city to savor.
Transit to Astoria, for a haul-out and rest, The Macgregor 26x, a trailerable vessel put to the test. A journey of wonder, a tale to bestow. The Macgregor 26x and its crew, Forever changed by the Sasquatch they know.
What films were shot at or near Saint Hellens?
Several films have been shot at or near Saint Helens, Oregon, making it a popular destination for movie enthusiasts. Some of the notable films include:
- Twilight (2008): Although the movie is set in Forks, Washington, many scenes were filmed in Saint Helens, including Bella Swan’s house and the trip to Port Angeles15.
- Halloweentown (1998): This Disney Channel original movie was also filmed in Saint Helens, adding to the town’s reputation as a filming location1.
- Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon: This 2006 horror-comedy film was partially shot in Saint Helens, further establishing the town’s presence in the film industry1.
- Men of Honor: While not filmed in Saint Helens, this 2000 drama starring Cuba Gooding Jr. and Robert De Niro had a scene set at an East Coast diving school, which was filmed in the area2.
These films have brought attention and visitors to Saint Helens, showcasing the town’s unique charm and picturesque locations on the big screen.
The film “Halloweentown” was shot in and around Saint Helens, Oregon, and Scappoose, Oregon, in May and June 19981. The majority of the production took place in Saint Helens, which has since transformed into a popular tourist destination for fans of the movie2. The festival, called the Spirit of Halloweentown, offers various activities and opportunities to visit the filming locations2.
The ‘Nob Hill Riverview’ bed and breakfast in Saint Helens was used for exterior shots of Aggie Cromwell’s Halloweentown home1. The film’s Grandma Aggie’s mortal realm house was located at 3814 SE Martins St in Portland, Oregon2.
Visitors can easily access the filming locations by taking the GREEN light rail from Portland or Bus CC from the Astoria area2.
The plot of the film “Halloweentown” follows the story of a young girl named Marnie Piper, who discovers that she comes from a family of witches. On her 13th birthday, Marnie learns that she and her siblings, Dylan and Sophie, are part of a magical world called Halloweentown, where supernatural beings live in harmony with humans1.
Marnie’s grandmother, Aggie Cromwell, is a powerful witch who is responsible for protecting Halloweentown from evil forces. When Aggie visits the Piper family on Marnie’s birthday, she reveals the existence of Halloweentown and invites Marnie to join her in learning about their magical heritage1.
Despite her mother Gwen’s initial reluctance, Marnie, Dylan, and Sophie secretly follow their grandmother through a magical portal to Halloweentown. There, they discover a town filled with witches, vampires, and other fantastical creatures.
However, they also learn that an evil warlock named Kalabar is plotting to take over both Halloweentown and the mortal world1.
In Halloweentown, Marnie, her brother Dylan, and her sister Sophie, work together with their grandmother to uncover a dark force that is turning the citizens of Halloweentown into zombies2. They must confront a terrifying warlock who plans to destroy not only Halloweentown but also the normal (mortal) world2.
With the help of her grandmother and a young warlock named Luke, Marnie must use her newfound powers to stop Kalabar and save both Halloweentown and the mortal world. Along the way, she learns the importance of family, friendship, and embracing her true self as a witch1.
“Halloweentown” is a beloved Disney Channel original movie that has spawned several sequels, including “Halloweentown II: Kalabar’s Revenge,” “Halloweentown High,” and “Return to Halloweentown”1. The film’s charming characters, magical setting, and heartwarming story have made it a Halloween classic for audiences of all ages. It has been praised for its entertaining and intelligent story, great sets, and strong performances, particularly from actress Kimberly J. Brown, who plays the character of Marnie4. Halloweentown, the film, captures the spirit of Halloween and the joy of being a kid, making it a fun and enjoyable watch for all ages5.
The Spirit of Halloweentown festival in Saint Helens features activities such as voting for the mayor of Halloweentown, magic shows, and a “Haunted Hot Rod” car show2. This annual event allows fans to immerse themselves in the world of the film and experience the real-life Halloweentown3.
