|
Ideal Location..... Rainier is located in northwest Oregon on the banks of the beautiful Columbia River, 45 miles west of Portland, 143 miles south of Seattle, and directly across the river from Longview Washington. With a city population approximately 1700 and a rural population of approximately 4000, Rainier offers country living with all the advantages of large city conveniences. Ideal Living Conditions..... Homes in the hills of Rainier offer unparalleled views of the surrounding mountain ranges and valleys. Deer and other wildlife are plentiful throughout Rainier, and can even be found within city limits. Rainier has low property tax and no oppressive sales tax. Oregon residency also allows shopping in Washington without payment of sales tax. Ideal Climate..... Rainier enjoys a climate that is typically mild. Snow or freezing weather are endured only a few days each winter, or not at all, and oppressive heat is unknown. Rainfall averages about 44.8 inches per year, enhancing the beautiful evergreen landscape and lush scenery. Recreational Opportunities..... The forests, mountains, and rivers surrounding Rainier make it a virtual sportsman’s or hobbyist’s paradise. The marina offers overnight and long-term moorage, boat launch, marine sewage dump station, and access to downtown restaurants and shopping. Hunters enjoy an abundance of duck, geese, deer, elk, and grouse in the hills near Rainier. The newly renovated Riverfront Park offers public access to the river, picnic and recreational facilities, including bicycle and walking trails, tennis courts, basketball court, skateboard park, and state-of-the-art playground equipment. The Rainier School complex, with a Kindergarten through 6th grade elementary and a junior/senior high school, offers an Olympic size swimming pool, cross country track, and other facilities open to the public. Enjoy beachcombing, deep sea fishing, and clam digging within one hour’s drive of Rainier. If winter sports are more to your liking, the slopes of Mt. Hood are a mere 100 miles to the southeast.
|
Rainier in the Future..... Rainier has a plan for the future. Its goal is to rehabilitate the downtown and waterfront areas to attract more visitors and businesses, and to celebrate the city's historical connection to the Columbia River. Click on any of the following links to learn about the many capital development projects completed, underway, and planned:
A veteran salutes during dedication of the Rainier Blue Star Memorial Marker in Riverfront Park.
Some Rainier History.... The town was founded by Charles E. Fox, who settled here in 1851. The Eminence post office was established June 5, 1851, with Charles E. Fox its first postmaster. The name was changed to Rainier on January 6, 1852. The name of the town was taken from Mount Rainier in Washington, which was named for Rear Admiral Peter Rainier, of the Royal Navy, by George Vancouver on May 8, 1792, Rainier is located on the Oregon bank of the Columbia River across from Longview and Kelso, Washington. Near Rainier, the mighty Columbia River turns west to make its final dash for the sea having run north from Portland. In the latter part of the 20th Century, Rainier was overshadowed by the Trojan nuclear power plant built and operated by Portland General Electric near Prescott a few miles up river. This facility was closed in 1993, and the cooling tower was demolished on May 21, 2006. Some Links to Rainier and Columbia County History Rainier: 1805-1925 – by Anna Zerzyke; Rainier, Oregon; Restored by Eleanor H. Abraham; Rainier, Oregon; February 24, 1999 Columbia County – Columbia County Historian Rainier Forestry & Logging – VanNatta Logging and Forestry Photographic Journey Down the Columbia River – Lyn Topinka, English River Website Olive Jane Malcolm – Life of a Pioneer, 1840-1931
|
|
|
Mayor Jerry Cole helps dedicate the newest Welcome to Rainier sign in Riverfront Park.
The 360 foot Empress of the North docks at the newly installed Rainier large visiting vessel dock.
Rainier Garden Club Spring Plant Sale always draws a crowd of garden bargain hunters. Calendar of Events..... ♦ Rainier Days in the Park—Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday following July 4th Holiday A four day event held each year in July, is the highlight of the year attracting residents and visitors from far and wide. The event includes a spectacular fireworks display, carnival rides and games, parade, booths, pancake breakfast, ribs, more food, and more... ♦ Rainier Saturday Market-in-the-Park–every Saturday, mid-May to early-September (except during Days in the Park) Food, produce, and craft vendors; live entertainment; Parade-Your-Pooch Day, and more!!! ♦ City Wide Garage Sale—Second Saturday in August City wide event with typically 70 to 90 families participating. sponsored by the Rainier Chamber of Commerce ♦ Rainier Booster Club Salmon Derby—Saturday September 9 Fundraising event to help support and enhance extra-curricular school activities ♦ Citywide Cleanup Day–October (TBD) A chance to safely dispose of old appliances, hazardous materials, etc., and help beautify Rainier ♦ Rainier Festival of Lights—first Saturday in December Pancake Breakfast, tree lighting, Christmas Caroling, Santa Claus, and more.
|
