Columbia County is located in the Northwest region of Oregon. It is bordered by Clatsop County to the north, Washington County to the east, Multnomah County to the south, and Tillamook and Yamhill Counties to the west. According to gradphysics, the county seat is St. Helens, which is located near the Columbia River and has a population of 12,883 as of 2019.
The geography of Columbia County consists mainly of rolling hills and valleys with elevations ranging from sea level to 1,800 feet above sea level. The major rivers that flow through Columbia County include the Columbia River and its tributaries; Willamette River; Clackamas River; Sandy River; Tualatin River; Nehalem River; Lewis and Clark Rivers; and their tributaries. The county also includes several smaller lakes such as Merwin Lake, Hagg Lake, Henry Hagg Lake, and Scoggins Reservoir.
The climate in Columbia County is typically mild with warm summers and cool winters. Average temperatures range from around 40-80 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year with an average annual precipitation of 39 inches per year. Snowfall can occur during winter months but it generally does not accumulate more than a few inches at a time.
The county seat of St Helens was established in 1845 as a trading post along the Columbia river by Captain John C Henry who named it after his hometown in England. Today, it serves as the commercial center for Columbia County offering many services such as retail stores, restaurants, banks, medical care facilities and other businesses catering to both local residents and visitors alike. It also contains many historic sites such as Fort Stevens State Park which was used for military defense during World War II.
Columbia County offers many recreational activities including camping at one of several state parks or national forests such as Beacon Rock State Park or Mount St Helens National Volcanic Monument; fishing on any number of rivers or lakes including Merwin Lake or Scoggins Reservoir; hiking along trails like Oregon Coast Trail or Lewis & Clark Trail; kayaking down rivers like Tualatin River or Nehalem Bay Estuary Trail; mountain biking along trails like Banks-Vernonia Rail Trail or Sandy Ridge Trail System; golfing at courses like St Helens Country Club or Wildwood Golf Course.; skiing/snowboarding at resorts like Mt Hood Meadows Ski Resort or Cooper Spur Mountain Resort.; bird watching at spots like Sauvie Island Wildlife Area or Nehalem Bay State Park.; horseback riding on trails like Nestucca Ridge Trailhead.; water sports on waterways such as Willamette Falls.; hot air ballooning over nearby areas such as Mt Hood National Forest.; rock climbing on cliffs like Beacon Rock.; white water rafting down rapids like White Salmon River Rapids..and much more.
School districts in Columbia County, Oregon
Columbia County, Oregon is home to several excellent school districts that serve the educational needs of the local community. The county is made up of five public school districts: St. Helens School District, Rainier School District, Scappoose School District, Vernonia School District, and Knappa School District. Each of these districts offers a comprehensive education for students in grades K-12, with options for both traditional and alternative learning pathways.
The St. Helens School District serves the city of St. Helens and its surrounding areas with five elementary schools, one middle school, one high school, as well as an alternative high school program. This district offers a wide range of educational opportunities including advanced placement classes, college preparatory courses, and vocational programs such as automotive repair and welding. In addition to academic classes, students can participate in a variety of extracurricular activities such as sports teams and clubs like robotics or chess club.
The Rainier School District serves the city of Rainier and its surrounding areas with three elementary schools, one middle school and one high school offering a variety of traditional classroom instruction as well as online courses through its virtual academy program. This district also provides an array of extracurricular activities including band and choir programs, sports teams such as football and basketball teams along with other activities like drama club or student council meetings.
The Scappoose School District serves the city of Scappoose along with its surrounding areas providing four elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school offering a comprehensive education to students in grades K-12 with options for both traditional instruction through classrooms or online courses through their virtual academy program. Students here have access to numerous extracurricular activities such as sports teams like baseball or basketball along with clubs like Future Business Leaders or National Honor Society.
The Vernonia School District serves the city of Vernonia along with its surrounding areas providing three elementary schools, one middle school and one high school offering traditional classroom instruction along with online courses through their virtual academy program for students in grades K-12. This district also offers many extracurricular activities such as sports teams like soccer or volleyball along with clubs like Environmental Club or Debate Team for students who wish to get involved outside the classroom setting..
Finally, the Knappa School District serves the city of Knappa along with its surrounding areas offering three elementary schools, one middle school and one high school providing both traditional instruction through classrooms or online courses through their virtual academy program for students in grades K-12. Extracurricular activities here include sports teams such as football or basketball teams alongside other organizations like 4H Club or Art Club where students can express themselves creatively outside the classroom setting. With so many great options available in Columbia County’s public schooling system parents are sure to find something that fits their child’s individual needs.
Major schools in Columbia County, Oregon
Columbia County, Oregon is home to a variety of public schools offering a comprehensive education to students in grades K-12. The county is composed of four school districts: Scappoose, Vernonia, Knappa and Rainier. Each district provides an array of educational options for parents and students to choose from.
The Scappoose School District serves the city of Scappoose along with its surrounding areas providing four elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school offering traditional classroom instruction along with online courses through their virtual academy program for students in grades K-12. Students here have access to numerous extracurricular activities such as sports teams like baseball or basketball along with clubs like Future Business Leaders or National Honor Society.
The Vernonia School District serves the city of Vernonia along with its surrounding areas providing three elementary schools, one middle school and one high school offering traditional classroom instruction along with online courses through their virtual academy program for students in grades K-12. This district also offers many extracurricular activities such as sports teams like soccer or volleyball along with clubs like Environmental Club or Debate Team for students who wish to get involved outside the classroom setting.
The Knappa School District serves the city of Knappa along with its surrounding areas offering three elementary schools, one middle school and one high school providing both traditional instruction through classrooms or online courses through their virtual academy program for students in grades K-12. Extracurricular activities here include sports teams such as football or basketball teams alongside other organizations like 4H Club or Art Club where students can express themselves creatively outside the classroom setting.
Finally, the Rainier School District serves the city of Rainier along with its surrounding areas providing two elementary schools, one middle school and one high school offering a variety of educational opportunities such as traditional classrooms instruction and online courses through their virtual academy program for students in grades K-12. Extracurricular activities here include band and choir programs, sports teams such as football and basketball teams along with other activities like drama club or student council meetings.
Overall, Columbia County’s public schooling system provides excellent options for parents seeking a comprehensive education for their children while also allowing them to get involved in extracurricular activities that suit their individual interests and needs. With so many great options available Columbia County’s public schooling system is sure to help parents find something that best fits their child’s unique needs.
Notable people of Columbia County, Oregon
According to cheeroutdoor, Columbia County, Oregon is home to a variety of notable people, from politicians to athletes to business leaders. One of the most prominent figures in the county’s history is former U.S. Senator Mark Hatfield, who represented Oregon in the Senate from 1967 to 1997 and was the longest-serving senator in Oregon’s history. Hatfield was known for his independent views and for championing environmental causes and civil rights issues during his time in office. Another well-known figure from Columbia County is professional golfer Peter Jacobsen, who won seven PGA Tour events during his career and has served as a commentator on various golf broadcasts since retiring from competitive play. Other notable individuals include entrepreneur and philanthropist Robert Dolde, who founded several successful businesses in the county; Dr. Tom McCall, a former governor of Oregon; and businessman Bill Naito, who helped revitalize downtown Portland with his development projects. All of these figures have contributed significantly to the growth and prosperity of Columbia County over the years.