Recreation: The geographic location of the City provides a natural environment for the enjoyment of outdoor activities. The marinas in the area, as well as the County parks, provide recreational opportunities. Harvard Park features playground equipment, and the school grounds, 2000 Second Street, also offer a playground for use by the public during non-school hours. Jim Bundy Memorial Park hosts a picnic shelter and wooded areas, and offers a beautiful display of trillium from March through June. This heavily wooded park area is alongside the Columbia City bike path. Datis Park is located on the Riverfront. There are also two small privately owned parks open to the public within the City. The City owns a Community Hall, which can be rented for athletic or social activities. The Caples House Museum and Knapp Social Center offer opportunities for entertainment and rental use. Pacific Athletic Club, a membership organization, provides weightlifting, racquetball, swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, complete aerobics, cardiovascular machines, and basketball court. The Columbia River offers some of the finest fishing in the State. Sailing and kite boarding have become increasingly popular. Many residents consider their view of the River and the River traffic one of the most appealing features of the City.
Bike Paths: A designated bike path begins at the north City limits, follows along Highway 30, and extends to the River and back to Fourth Street where it then goes through a scenic, wooded area to the City of St. Helens (Rutherford Road Parkway). It passes Dalton Lake, which is located between Rutherford Road Parkway and the Columbia River.
Special Events: The Columbia City Celebration is held annually in August. This community event features a breakfast, car show, auction and other activities to raise funds for the Community Library.
Fleet Day is celebrated in June with the military ships traveling up the Columbia River and past the City on their way to Portland for the annual Rose Festival celebration.
The City is a good place to watch the Fourth of July fireworks set off from Sand Island across from the Columbia County Courthouse in St. Helens.
The second Saturday in December brings the arrival of the Christmas ships. Private boats decorated with lights motor by the City for everyone to enjoy.
Parks
Unless recreational areas for Columbia City are closed or prohibited for use, all of Columbia City’s improved and unimproved park and recreation areas are authorized for recreational use only. Recreational areas explicitly closed or prohibited for use are not authorized for any use.
Columbia City will close recreational areas under the following circumstances:
- Lack of Maintenance Resources; or
- Acts of nature cause conditions that render the area unsafe.
Carolyn King Park (0.06 acres): This viewpoint park provides spectacular views of the Columbia River, Mt. St. Helens, and Mt. Adams. The park is located at the corner of Ninth and “K” Streets, and has a covered picnic table.
Datis Park (0.14 acres): This waterfront park is located on The Strand and provides a scenic view of the river activity. The Parks Committee plans to add a fishing dock.
Columbia City Bike Path (5.39 acres): This popular bike path is used by walkers, bicyclists, joggers, and skaters. It extends along the west side of Highway 30 and then along the top of the bank along McBride Creek.
Harvard Park (0.39 acres): This developed neighborhood park is located on Sixth Street between Calvin and Penn Streets. It currently has playground equipment, an open green area for field games, park benches, picnic tables, drinking fountain and a restroom.
Jim Bundy Memorial Park (2.86 acres): This park is located at the corner of “E” Street and Highway 30, adjacent to the Columbia City Bike Path. This centrally located park is heavily wooded and easily accessible to travelers. It features a beautiful display of trillium from April through June. The park has a picnic shelter, picnic tables, park benches, walking trails, and restroom.
Pixie Park (0.31 acres): This waterfront park is privately owned by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). This park is located at the corner of The Strand and “I” Street. This is a popular park for picnics and it provides breathtaking views of Columbia River, Mt. Adams, Mt. Hood, and river traffic and activities. It has a well maintained grassy area for lounging and picnics, picnic tables, and access to the river. The site is a popular location for wind surfing and wind sailing activities.
Ruth Rose Richardson Memorial Park (0.46 acres): This private park is also owned by the DAR and is located on “I” Street between First Street and The Strand. This park provides a grassy area for picnics, and benches with spectacular views of the Columbia River, Mt. Adams, and river traffic and activities.
Adopt-a-Highway/Marson Gardens entrance sign area (0.33 acres): The City has partnered with Oregon Department of Transportation to landscape an area along Highway 30. The site serves as home to a beautiful rose garden, a handcrafted “Welcome to Columbia City” entrance sign that was designed and built by a local artist, and a lit flag pole.
Veterans Memorial Park (0.39 acres): This gorgeous park is located along the bike path at the north end of the City, adjacent to Highway 30. The park honors veterans with five engraved wall panels, multiple monuments and flag poles, hand crafted park features, and beautiful landscaping. Annual ceremonies are held in the park on Memorial Day. 2024 Memorial Day Program.
McBride Creek Trail System (7.86 acres): The first phase of this trail system is currently under development. Phase 1 includes the development of a picnic area. The trailhead will be located near the Veterans Memorial, near Highway 30 and McBride Creek. The trail system will lead hikers up and down the banks along the McBride Creek riparian area. The acquisition of additional property for the trail system is currently underway.
Off-Leash Dog Park (0.84 acres): The City partnered with the Port of Columbia County and the Columbia County Community Corrections Crew in the development of an off-leash dog park. The park is located on property owned by the Port of Columbia County, and the Columbia County Community Corrections Crew assisted with the site development. The park opened in February 2014. The park is located on the north side of “E” Street between Highway 30 and Second Street.
Columbia City Elementary School (1.92 acres): This area is accessible to the public during non-school hours, and includes playground equipment, volleyball area, soccer and softball field, basketball court, picnic tables, and benches with views of the Columbia River. The park is accessible from First, Second and “F” Streets.
Unless recreational areas for Columbia City are closed or prohibited for use, all of Columbia City’s improved and unimproved park and recreation areas are authorized for recreational use only. Recreational areas explicitly closed or prohibited for use are not authorized for any use.
Columbia City will close recreational areas under the following circumstances:
- Lack of Maintenance Resources; or
- Acts of nature cause conditions that render the area unsafe.