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19 Best and Fun Things To Do In St. Helens, Oregon


TouristWire Editors

While Portland may be the most well-known tourist destination in the state, it’s not the only town that’s worth visiting in the area.

Located just 30 miles away is the quaint hamlet of St. Helens, which is known for its spectacular waterfront views, laid-back atmosphere, and charming riverfront restaurants and shops.

St Helens also has its fair share of history, which visitors can experience in a variety of ways.

For example, you could start by wandering around the charming historic district, then pay a visit to one of the museums, or follow in the footsteps of famous explorers by walking along the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail.

For those looking for a combination of nature and history, there are several hiking trails located on the nearby Sauvie Island, which is also home to the historic Warrior Rock Lighthouse.

Another major drawcard for visitors to St. Helens is its annual Halloween celebration, during which the town transforms into a wonderland of spooky surprises.

If we’ve piqued your interest in this gorgeous little town, check out our list of recommendations below for even more activities and attractions to enjoy here

The 19 Most Popular Things To Do In St. Helens, Oregon

19. Carty Lake

5.0 ★★★★★ (2 reviews)

18. Bachelor Island

3.7 ★★★★☆ (3 reviews)

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Credit: A.Davey, License, Flickr

17. Dalton Lake Nature Preserve

4.0 ★★★★☆ (6 reviews)

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Credit: Francisco Rivas, Google Maps

Location: St Helens OR

16. Bonnie Falls

4.2 ★★★★☆ (9 reviews)

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Credit: J G, Google Maps

15. Asburry County Park

4.3 ★★★★☆ (23 reviews)

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Credit: Oscar420cls, Google Maps

Location: 4N2W 100 3600 Street Helens OR

14. Caples House Museum Complex

4.7 ★★★★★ (34 reviews)

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Credit: Caples House Museum Complex, Google Maps

Location: 1925 1st Street Columbia City OR

Tel:  503 397 5390

Web Address:   http://capleshouse.com/

13. Horseshoe Lake

4.6 ★★★★★ (34 reviews)

12. Stavalaura Vineyard

5.0 ★★★★★ (43 reviews)

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Credit: Robyn Nash, Google Maps

Location: 29503 NW 41st Ave Ridgefield WA

Tel:  360 887 1476

Web Address:   http://stavalaura.com/

11. Pekin Ferry RV Park

4.6 ★★★★★ (89 reviews)

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Credit: Eric Wise, Google Maps

Location: 34115 NW Pekin Ferry Road Ridgefield WA

Web Address:   http://pekinferry.com/

10. Paradise Point State Park

4.0 ★★★★☆ (1,078 reviews)

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Credit: Shivam Bansal, Google Maps

Location: 33914 NW Paradise Park Road Ridgefield WA

Tel:  360 263 2350

Web Address:   https://parks.state.wa.us/560/Paradise-Point

Our Top picks

9. Scappoose Bay

4.6 ★★★★★ (12 reviews)

8. Nob Hill Nature Park

4.2 ★★★★☆ (43 reviews)

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Credit: Micka Austin, Google Maps

Location: S 6th Street Street Helens OR

Web Address:   http://ci.st-helens.or.us/parks/page/nob-hill-nature-park

7. Columbia Botanical Gardens

4.1 ★★★★☆ (62 reviews)

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Credit: Elizabeth Johnston, Google Maps

Location: St Helens OR

Tel:  503 397 6272

Web Address:   http://ci.st-helens.or.us/parks/page/columbia-botanical-gardens

6. Warrior Rock Lighthouse

4.5 ★★★★★ (87 reviews)

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Credit: EncMstr, License, Wikimedia commons

Location: St Helens OR

5. Sand Island Marine Park

4.5 ★★★★★ (90 reviews)

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Credit: mary unger, Google Maps

Location: Helen’s Way Street Helens OR

Tel:  503 397 9585

Web Address:   http://sandislandcampground.com/

4. Columbia View Park

4.5 ★★★★★ (501 reviews)

Location: 3 Streetrand Street Street Helens OR

Web Address:   http://ci.st-helens.or.us/parks/page/columbia-view-park

3. McCormick Park

4.5 ★★★★★ (649 reviews)

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Credit: SkateOregon, License, Flickr

Location: 475 S 18th Street Street Helens OR

Tel:  503 397 6272

Web Address:   http://ci.st-helens.or.us/parks/page/mccormick-park

2. Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge

4.7 ★★★★★ (988 reviews)

Location: 28908 NW Main Ave  Carty Unit & 1071 S Hillhurst Road   River ‘S’ Unit Ridgefield WA

Tel:  360 887 4106

Web Address:   https://fws.gov/refuge/Ridgefield/visit/plan_your_visit.html

1. ilani

4.0 ★★★★☆ (16,998 reviews)

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Credit: ilani, Google Maps

Location: 1 Cowlitz Wy Ridgefield WA

Tel:  877 464 5264

Web Address:   https://ilaniresort.com/

Final Words:

Thank you for reading our list of the best things to do in St. Helens, Oregon! We hope it helped you plan the perfect itinerary for your next trip to this fantastic destination. Happy travels!

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