Scappoose is a Native American word meaning "gravelly plain." Kind of makes sense, it is located on an old flood plain next to the Columbia River and was a hunting ground for centuries before European explorers arrived.
The first settler came to the town in 1828 at the site that is upriver from Astoria, Oregon, which was settled in 1811 and is the oldest continuous settlement on the West Coast of the United States
Scappoose is a Native American word meaning "gravelly plain." Kind of makes sense, it is located on an old flood plain next to the Columbia River and was a hunting ground for centuries before European explorers arrived.
The first settler came to the town in 1828 at the site that is upriver from Astoria, Oregon, which was settled in 1811 and is the oldest continuous settlement on the West Coast of the United States. These days, the gravelly plain is covered with farms growing all manner of agricultural products, including luscious strawberries that can be found in fruit stands and farmers' markets all throughout the area. The town itself is at the edge of the plain, huddled up against the foothills of the Coast Range Mountains. The contrast of evergreen-covered hills and farm plain with river beyond makes for a scenic and serene valley scene. It's a town that has been influenced by natural resources for a long time. Logging in the area was a big part of the economy and gravel mining for road construction in nearby Portland also played a role in its development.
Unlike the Portland metro area to the south, the number of vacant apartment rental units is Scappoose is higher than the national average. That gap is closing, however, as more people discover that it's not that bad of a commute to take U.S. 30 into Portland for work. That the town is becoming somewhat of an outlying suburb will eventually change the market enough so that it will be tougher to find an apartment to rent. The best way to land the place you want to call home is to be proactive -- make a list and move through it rather methodically. Take a look at that little place you've had your eye on with the nice flowers in the yard or tour an apartment complex to see what's available. Come with a good credit check in hand for the best deals and be prepared with first, last and security deposit.
The layout of the town is defined by the mountains, the river and Highway 30. Almost all of the businesses are along that road, while the housing on both sides actually represents quite a variety for a town of just about 6,600 people, at the time of the 2010 U.S. Census.
East Columbia Avenue: This is essentially the northeast part of town that begins where Heritage Park ends near downtown. It's got duplexes, single-family homes, a manufactured home park, apartments and possibly condos for rent. Try Burrito Express where Columbia meets the main drag for a great -- you guessed it -- burrito!
Coal Creek: On the west side of Hwy 30, this section of the community is characterized by housing developments close in and homes on larger lots away from the downtown core. You will also find locations where you can look for studio apartments for rent. The creek flows through some lovely green space as it comes into town.
High School Way: Just a little bit to the south of this road, you will find floating homes on the Columbia River. It's a unique and interesting way to live -- if you can find one available. Varsity Grill & Bar is a local favorite for dine-out grub.
Northwest: Close to the road that cuts off Hwy 30 to go to Vernonia (Scappoose-Vernonia Hwy) is a part of town somewhat separated from the rest by some green space south of NW Peak Road. It's almost exclusively single-family homes, with an occasional duplex.
The outdoor life is defined by the bounty of natural beauty around you. Hiking, biking, camping, world-class fishing, and just enjoying the beauty are great choices. About 90 minutes away is the historic waterfront city of Astoria and the beaches of the Oregon Coast are just beyond that. Going the other direction, you can be in Portland in about half an hour. One of America's most interesting cities, it is famous for great and innovative food, entertainment, and general quirkiness. Stay in Scappoose and enjoy good eats at Longfellow's Inn or grab a great breakfast with locals at Wayside Inn. Don't be deterred about all the naysayers who decry the rainy Pacific Northwest. It's really not that bad and once you get through your first winter, you will hardly notice. Then, it's time to enjoy some of the best summer weather you will find anywhere.
