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--- saint_helens_marina [2026/07/07 15:29] – bob
+++ saint_helens_marina [2026/07/07 19:56] (current) – bob
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 ======Saint Helens Marina======
-**WORK IN PROGRESS**  -  Bob
+[[https://sthelensmarina.com/|Saint Helens Marina]] is privately operated.  It is conveniently located in Saint Helens and across from Sand Island.  See comments below on water levels.  Fees are charged and cash is the payment.
-Introductory words here to give the general character of the access site, such as "a paved single ramp with a separate courtesy dock."  Then any useful information such as ownership, use fees, seasonal closures and the like.  Any description of the water being accessed goes below, not here.
+{{::sthelens1.gif?640|}}
-**Picture of Access Point** - A picture is really important.  It should show the overall layout of the ramp or beach including local docks.  If everything shows from the approach to the water that is great.  If two pictures are needed, that is fine.  Do not put big images here.  A width of about 640 pixels is generally adequate.
+Above are the ramps.
+{{::sthelens2.gif?400|}}
+This picture reminds us that the ramps may not be as long as we need, depending on water height.
+{{::sthelens3.gif?400|}}
+And a picture of the ramp, as viewed from the dock.  Thanks to Steve M for all the pictures.
 **Location**
-GPS Location 44.xxxx, -123.xxxx   Put the access lat-lon here. Try to get at least 4 digits for the GPS (5 is better, 6 is overkill)
+GPS Location 45.86733, -122.79894
-[[https://umap.openstreetmap.de/en/map/coots-map_138835#12#12/44.xxxx/-123.xxxx|44.xxxx,-123.xxxx]]
+[[https://umap.openstreetmap.de/en/map/coots-map_138835#12#12/45.86733/-122.79894|OpenStreet Map]]
-If possible, an image of a map showing the access point and associated park or the like goes here.  One of the best sources, that is open to use, is [[https://www.openstreetmaps.org|Open Street Maps]].  If you crop the map image, be sure you leave the credit that appears at the bottom.  Again, try to keep the map image to around 640 pixels.
+{{::sthelensmap.png?640|}}
-Also, include driving instructions here, if needed.  If a turn-off is hard to locate, a few words could be valuable.  Any special instructions such as freeway exit numbers can go here.
+Saint Helens downtown is a short distance off of Hwy US 30.  The Saint Helens Marina is slightly downstream from the Courthouse Docks that are in front of the Columbia County Court House. Over-night slips are available at the [[https://www.sthelensoregon.gov/1208/Courthouse-Docks|Saint Helens Courthouse Docks]] (fees) and across at [[https://www.sandislandcampground.com/|Sand Island]] (no fee).
+{{::sthelenschart.png?640|}}
 **Description**
-Tell us about the access site, and anything about the launch ramp.   Is it steep or shallow?  Slime at the bottom, perhaps?  A very important element is the depth of the ramp.  Most of  our water varies in depth and some ramps do not work for the lower levels.
+It is 70 nautical miles to the ocean, but the tidal effect still produces changes in water level of three feet or more.  A local [[https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/noaatidepredictions.html?id=9439201|NOAA tides at Saint Helens table]] is available.
+A small store and fuel are available on the outer dock.
+Overnight parking may be available across River Street from the ramp.  Check with the Marina Office.
+The ramp is of average slope and may not be adequate for some boats, such as sailboats with deep keels.  During the low water portion of the summer, check that there is enough water, especially at low tide.
 **Water Character**
-This can't cover everything.  But, if the lake is drained in the winter, put it here.  Is there a big stump at low water?  Maybe, the weeds grow in to the access area in summer?  That sort of information directly affects the decision to use the access point.
+This is almost on the Columbia River.  The dredge created island, Sand Island, is the separator. Full NOAA nautical charts are available for the river.  There are big boats, like freighters, on the river.  The weather can follow the river from the ocean.  In general, one needs to treat the Columbia River with the respect that any big body of water deserves, but it is a great place to boat, fish and travel.
+Depending on fishing seasons and conditions, the Saint Helens Marina may be very busy.