Northwest Oregon

Northwest Oregon is a beautiful part of the U.S. state of Oregon. It includes three counties: Clatsop, Columbia, and Tillamook. This area is located in the very north of Oregon, close to the lower Columbia River. The river is important for the region, helping connect different places and supporting many plants and animals. People living here enjoy the mix of coastal views, forests, and rivers, making Northwest Oregon a special and peaceful place to explore.

History

The region of Northwest Oregon was home to the Chinook and Coast Salish peoples for many thousands of years.

In May 1792, American explorer Robert Gray was the first European American to navigate the Columbia River. He traded with local tribes and explored the river. Later, British explorer George Vancouver traveled further up the river, reaching as far as Mount Hood.

The famous Lewis and Clark Expedition, led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, reached the Pacific Ocean in November 1805. They spent a difficult winter camped near the Columbia River, facing cold weather and food shortages. They later moved their camp to the south side of the river, near what is now Astoria, Oregon, and built Fort Clatsop for shelter and to show American presence in the area.

In 1811, British explorer David Thompson became the first person known to have traveled the entire length of the Columbia River. He arrived at the partially built Fort Astoria, which later became the oldest permanent American settlement on the Pacific coast. In 1848, the area became part of the Oregon Territory, and joined the United States as part of the state of Oregon in 1859.

Geography

Northwest Oregon is a special area in the state of Oregon. It is bordered by the Columbia River to the north and east, which separates it from Washington, and by the Pacific Ocean to the west. The southeast edge of this area is marked by the Willamette meridian.

The highest mountain in Northwest Oregon is Saddle Mountain, standing at 3,288 feet tall. It is part of the Oregon Coast Range, which covers most of the inland part of the region.

Counties

The main counties in Northwest Oregon are:

• Clatsop County
• Columbia County
• Tillamook County

Sometimes, parts of Washington County are also included.

Cities

Politics

Northwest Oregon has different political views in its three counties. Clatsop County usually votes for Democratic candidates, while Columbia County also leans Democratic but voted for a Republican in 2016 for the first time since 1928. Tillamook County often switches between Democratic and Republican votes.

The area is represented in Congress by two Democrats: Suzanne Bonamici for Clatsop and Columbia counties, and Kurt Schrader for Tillamook County. Most of the region is represented in the state senate by Betsy Johnson, and in the state house by Brad Witt and Deborah Boone, who are also Democrats. Southern Tillamook County is served by Senator Arnie Roblan and Representative David Gomberg, both Democrats as well.