Port of St. Helens

The Port of St. Helens, located in Columbia County, Oregon, is a strategically significant facility on the Columbia River, approximately eighty-six river miles from the Pacific Ocean. Established in 1940 and now formally managed as the Port of Columbia County, it oversees a range of economic development activities and plays a vital role in regional trade and industry. The port district covers 51 miles along the river, linking communities such as Scappoose, St. Helens, Columbia City, Rainier, and Clatskanie. Notably, it provides critical infrastructure for bulk commodities, forest products, and agricultural goods—helping local businesses access global markets. With modern docking and cargo handling facilities, as well as multimodal transport connections including rail, highway, and nearby air access, the port supports Oregon’s export economy and sustains significant job creation in the region. Its economic and logistic role has made it a cornerstone in the development and prosperity of Columbia County and the greater Pacific Northwest.