There are some places in Oregon that will completely surprise you. Hayden Island is one of those happy revelations. Oregon’s only island community, Hayden Island is a hidden treasure of a town; a place where beach vibes and PNW living go hand-in-hand. With its rich history and intriguing geography, this tiny island town truly is one of the most unique places in Oregon, and absolutely worth exploring.
Waterfront living is ubiquitous in Oregon, with the Columbia River providing the perfect place to dock.
paulacobleigh/iStock via Getty Images Plus And just outside of Portland, in the shadow of Mt. Hood, Hayden Island is a popular place for houseboats and floating homes.
But the surprising thing about Hayden Island, is that it’s actually an island . . . inside of Oregon!
Rosa Say/Flickr This charming town is literally located on the Columbia River, and it’s Oregon’s only island community.
Other than taking a boat or ferry, the only way on or off the island is via the Interstate Bridge.
Cacophony/Wikipedia
In fact, until the Interstate Bridge opened in 1917, only ferries provided service to the island’s north shore.
WorldIslandInfo.com/Flickr
Since much of the island is technically located within the Portland city limits, this little iconoclastic island is actually recognized as one of Portland’s 95 neighborhoods.
OpenStreetMap contributors/Wikipedia
But this idiosyncratic place sure doesn’t feel like Portland.
Michael Key/Google Local
Hayden Island is all ‘beach life’ vibes.
David Falconer, Photographer/Wikipedia
Between its outdoor dining and water recreation, it truly feels like a vacation.
Bill Reynolds/Flickr
In fact, the island was once home to Jantzen Beach Amusement Park, known as the “Coney Island of the West.”
Unknown author/Wikimedia Commons The park opened in 1928; and, at 123 acres, was the largest amusement park in the U.S. Janzen Beach Amusement Park closed in 1970.
Today, recreation on the water reigns supreme on Hayden Island.
Bill Reynolds/Flickr Kayaking is huge here, with the Columbia River providing some of the best water trails in the PNW.
On the island, Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe organizes epic expeditions for adventure seekers.
Joe Bartolucci/Google Local
But if you prefer to kick back and relax, this is the perfect place to do just that.
Hidden Bay Cafe/Facebook You’re guaranteed to have an incredible panorama pretty much anywhere you go on the island!
Locals here are treated to spectacular sunsets all year round.
Jantzen Beach Bar & Grill/Facebook One of the island’s iconic restaurants, Jantzen Beach Bar & Grill, boasts some seriously stunning seascapes.
And Island Cafe, a seasonal hub on Hayden Island, has some of the best views—and seafood tacos—in all of Oregon.
Michael Key/Google Local
The island is also home to a variety of wildlife, with its western region considered to be one of Portland’s most important natural areas.
cpsnell/iStock via Getty Images Plus The diverse biomes found at the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia Rivers provide habitat for a variety of important—and threatened—species.
In fact, patient locals will often see bald eagles soaring over the coastal skies.
born1945/Flickr
Hayden Island truly is an exceptional little community. With its coastal charm and laidback vibes, this unique place is one that will surprise you in the best possible ways.
Bill Reynolds/Flickr
Hayden Island truly is one of the most remarkable places in Oregon. If you want to experience this little island for yourself, check out this floating AirBNB where you can enjoy a night or two of true waterfront living!
paulacobleigh/iStock via Getty Images Plus
And just outside of Portland, in the shadow of Mt. Hood, Hayden Island is a popular place for houseboats and floating homes.
Rosa Say/Flickr
This charming town is literally located on the Columbia River, and it’s Oregon’s only island community.
Cacophony/Wikipedia
WorldIslandInfo.com/Flickr
OpenStreetMap contributors/Wikipedia
Michael Key/Google Local
David Falconer, Photographer/Wikipedia
Bill Reynolds/Flickr
Unknown author/Wikimedia Commons
The park opened in 1928; and, at 123 acres, was the largest amusement park in the U.S. Janzen Beach Amusement Park closed in 1970.
Kayaking is huge here, with the Columbia River providing some of the best water trails in the PNW.
Joe Bartolucci/Google Local
Hidden Bay Cafe/Facebook
You’re guaranteed to have an incredible panorama pretty much anywhere you go on the island!
Jantzen Beach Bar & Grill/Facebook
One of the island’s iconic restaurants, Jantzen Beach Bar & Grill, boasts some seriously stunning seascapes.
cpsnell/iStock via Getty Images Plus
The diverse biomes found at the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia Rivers provide habitat for a variety of important—and threatened—species.
born1945/Flickr
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Address: Hayden Island, Hayden Island Neighborhood Network, OR, USA
