Overview
St. Helens is the largest city and county seat of Columbia County, Oregon and had a population of 14,000 in 2019. In October, the town embraces the Halloween spirit with a month-long celebration of spooky events and decorations geared toward entertaining crowds of families.
1 sights · 5 places to eat · 1 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about St. Helens
Nob Hill Nature Park
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–Oct. Summer highs reach about 82°F; winter lows dip to about 36°F. Wettest: Dec and Nov. (climate data from nearby Portland)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- PDX Portland International Airport, Portland — 21 mi away (major hub). Directions
- SLE Salem-Willamette Valley Airport/McNary Field, Salem — 66 mi away. Directions
St. Helens is easily accessible only by U.S. 30 which connects the city to Portland, Longview, and Astoria. The nearest Columbia River crossings are in Rainier and Portland, respectively.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
- Typical meal: about $10 per person at listed restaurants.
Options are grouped as Bed & Breakfasts in the Sleep guide ↓.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
The town is named for its view of Mount St. Helens, roughly 39 miles (63 km) away in Washington state.
The city sits on the banks on Columbia River, about 30 miles north of Portland and 24 miles south of Longview, Washington.
Several films have been partially shot in St. Helens, notably Twilight and Halloweentown.
Get in
By car
St. Helens is easily accessible only by U.S. 30 which connects the city to Portland, Longview, and Astoria. The nearest Columbia River crossings are in Rainier and Portland, respectively.
By bus
The Columbia County Rider provides regular weekday service from St. Helens to Portland, Hillsboro, and Longview An additional route provides service between St. Helens and nearby Scappoose.
Get around
The majority of attractions and businesses are concentrated in downtown and along Columbia Boulevard. St. Helens, therefore, is easily walked.
See
Buy
Eat
Restaurants
Eat SunShine Pizza
Thin-crust pizza and a variety of pasta, bread, and salads in a family/large group friendly environment.
Food carts
Fast food
Eat Dari Delish
A 1950s-themed fast food restaurant with a walk-up window and outside seating. Burgers, hot dogs, and, of course, ice cream treats are the specialty. Keeping with the retro style, credit and debit are not accepted.
Other
Eat Bertucci's
Specialty chocolates, sandwiches and coffee.
Sleep
Bed & Breakfasts
Nearby
Ridgefield
City / town · 10 listings · 5 mi away
Woodland
City / town · 11 listings · 5 mi away
Sauvie Island
Rural area · 12 listings · 10 mi away
Rainier
City / town · 6 listings · 17 mi away
Vancouver
City / town · 39 listings · 19 mi away
Kelso
City / town · 16 listings · 20 mi away
Longview
City / town · 15 listings · 20 mi away
Hillsboro
City / town · 71 listings · 25 mi away
My experience
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