Four principles form the foundation of the values found within the Columbia County government: service, engagement, connection, and innovation. These principles inspire the county commissioners, departments, and individual employees to deliver excellence in serving the residents of Columbia County.

"At Columbia County, we serve with integrity and leadership to provide responsible government. We engage by listening and being proactive to community needs. We connect to build partnerships and opportunities. We innovate with resourcefulness to promote a healthy and prosperous Columbia County."

Columbia County is bordered on the east by the Columbia River, on the south by Multnomah and Washington Counties, and on the west by Clatsop County. The county is conveniently situated about 30 minutes north of Portland, the largest metropolitan area in Oregon, and roughly 30 minutes east of the Pacific coast.

The County's northern and eastern boundaries are outlined by 62 miles of Columbia River shoreline. Columbia County enjoys the longest stretch of the Columbia River in the State of Oregon. The Columbia River is a major route for ocean-going vessels, a prized fishing ground, and a popular boating and windsurfing river.

Early in the history of Columbia County a New England trading vessel, the Columbia Rediviva, commanded by Captain Robert Gray arrived in the summer of 1792 with the first Euro-Americans to see the County's timbered shoreline. In 1805, the explorers Lewis and Clark traveled and camped along the County's Columbia River shoreline.

Carved out of Washington County in 1854, its past was tied to commercial fishing, water transportation, and lumber. Industrialization has accelerated in recent years but timber, dairy, and horticulture remain important. Natural gas fields have been identified and are producing.

The County offers the only two marine parks in Oregon: Sand Island on the Columbia River and J.J. Collins Memorial Marine Park.

Columbia County Oregon

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