Day Trip to St. Helens

When you really need to get out of the house and do not know where to "take a drive" I would recommend the short drive to St. Helens. From NE Portland can head west on Lombard St. (business 30). This way you can drive over the recently upgraded and painted St. Johns Bridge. St. Johns Bridge is beautiful whether you drive over it or visit Cathederal Park under it. It reminds me of the OZ books. Of course you will also be able to see some of the Willamette waterfront docks - not so beautiful, but that is just the way it is.

Once over the bridge you enter the small community of Linnton. Lewis and Clark made their way through this area the great 1805 expidition. Linnton/Lewis & Clark Linnton has many old houses high up on a cliff above the Willamette River.

Highway 30 follows the Willamette River to where the Willamette flows into the Columbia River. At the mouth of the Willamette is Sauvie Island, the biggest inland island in the United States and maybe the biggest inland island in the world. Sauvie Island is very fertile and today it has many beautiful farms. The west end of the island is a bird sanctuary and a great place to bird watch. Before Lewis and Clark, Native Americans used this island for hunting and fishing.

There are several little areas along Highway 30 that I would like to know more about. For instance there is Burlington. The main things that you see in Burlington are 1. a tavern 2. another building that for years had mannequins inside and outside 3. a house that has been "in remodel mode" since at least 1987. Another place I would like to know more about is the area where there are about 4 or 5 small houses (cabins) that all look the same. What were they used for when they were fist built? Someday I will find out.

The next town along Highway 30 is Scapoose. You will know when you get close to Scapoose because you will see the Giant Flaming Candle. Or maybe it is a giant stick of dynamite! One time while "checking out" Scapoose we discovered that there are miles and miles and miles of tree farms along the Columbia River. The trees that were growing, I am sure, were to be used in the paper mill that is located in St. Helens.

Along Highway 30 you will pass at least two Pioneer Cemeteries. One is well hidden. See if you can find them.

Next town is St. Helens. This day trip destination. Enjoy the old town houses, the old town square, the new boat dock and watching the tanker ships in the Columbia River traveling up river to Portland and back down river to the Pacific.

Yes, you too can enjoy a few hours out of the house on this little day trip.