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Located conveniently at the bridge between two states, Rainier enjoys the patronage and favor of residents from Oregon and Washington.

The town, which is just a short jaunt across the Lewis and Clark Bridge, was at one time a small trading post known as Eminence. But, that was in 1836. Fifteen years later, it became known as Rainier.

With a current population of about 1,750, the city has seen its share of hardship −  from fires in 1904 and 1924 that gutted the business district, to massive layoffs that occurred after the closure of the Crown Zellerbach sawmill at Wauna and through the subsequent powering down of the Trojan Nuclear Power Plant.

Despite these bumps in the road, the town continues to blossom along the shores of the Columbia River. A newly revamped city park offers scenic views of the waterfront, a handy space for walkers and children, a modern and spacious senior center, and a world-class Little League Baseball field. There also is a new marina with docking space for regular visits by Columbia River paddle-wheel cruise ships, a regular Saturday Marina Market, the town’s annual festival, Rainier Days in the Park, and the Holiday Season Festival of Lights.

Right near the new boat launching ramp is an impressive array of new apartments and condos overlooking the Columbia River; with more coming.

The downtown area is dotted with family-operated stores and various spots for visitors to sit a spell and enjoy a good meal or a cold drink.