Columbia County

Columbia County is a county located in the U.S. state of Oregon. As of the 2010 census, the population was 49,351. The county seat is St. Helens. It was named for the Columbia River, which forms its eastern and northern borders.

Columbia County is bordered on the east by the Columbia River, on the south by Multnomah County and Washington County, and on the west by Clatsop County. The southern County line is approximately 30 minutes from Portland, the largest metropolitan area in Oregon. The western County line is approximately 30 minutes from 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 of ocean-going vessels and is a popular fishing ground, as well as a popular boating and windsurfing river.

Facts regarding the early history of Columbia County are few. It is known that 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 on the Multnomah Channel.

Sheriff Sales:

A sheriff’s sale is a public auction sale of property held by the sheriff pursuant to a writ (court order) of execution (to seize and sell the property) to satisfy (pay) a judgment, after notice to the public. There are three types of sales that take place at these auctions, Mortgage foreclosure, Tax lien, and Tax sale. Each property is listed by its book and writ number. The highest bidder is required to immediately submit ten percent of the winning bid while at the auction. The rest of the money must be paid to the Sheriff’s Office no later than thirty days following the auction. If the money is not paid, the house/property will be auctioned off at the next sale.

Columbia County Sheriff’s Office
901 Port Avenue
St. Helens, OR 97051
Contact: Dorothea Jirka, Civil Division
Tel: 503-366-4606
Fax: 503-366-4644
www.co.columbia.or.us/sheriff

Trustee Sales:

A trustee sale is a sale by a property in foreclosure due to default in the loan made from the lender, who holds a trustee deed on the property. State statutes, which vary by state, govern the notice requirements for publication of the sale of the foreclosed property. A foreclosure sale can take place at public auction. The property may be sold to a third party bidder or revert back to the lender for a specified amount.

 

Columbia County Court House
230 Strand Street

St. Helens, OR 97051-0010

Tel: 888-397-7210