Bridgeton

Nestled on the southern side of the Columbia River is the tiny waterfront community of Bridgeton, anchored by a road of the same name.

Retail and warehouses form the center of this marine neighborhood, with housing to the north and southeast sides. Bridgeton Road runs parallel to the waterfront, connecting the community to Interstate 5’s nearby onramp. Various housing options are available to buyers, like the unique floating houses resting on the water itself. Between the mainland and the Hayden Island Neighborhood Network is a narrow stretch of River showcasing floating homes and moored boats. “People like to be on the water,” says Realtor Atussa Valenti of Coldwell Banker Bain. These miniature bungalows, ranchers, and Cape Cods range widely in price from $35,000 to more than $500,000. On the other side of Bridgeton Road is a set of two-story row houses in the foursquare style, fetching between $450,000 and $700,000. Venture to the southeast side of town and see a neat cluster of mobile homes along fourth, fifth and sixth streets.

Kids in Bridgeton attend Woodlawn Elementary, which Niche rates a B-minus overall. The school has a student-to-teacher ratio of 14-to-1. When they reach C-rated Ockley Green Middle School, kids can test into the Talented and Gifted program. According to Niche, Jefferson High earns a B-minus and ranks 6th most diverse public high school in Oregon. The school’s graduation rate is 82%.

After school or work, locals head to Delta Park, a green retreat on the northwestern side of the community. Five outwardly facing baseball fields form a pentagram with the sports complex building at its center. The park also has seven well-kept soccer fields. Locals can reserve a field and have a quick game with friends. Practice your form at Murray’s Vanport Batting Cages for a less competitive baseball environment. The sports center permits pups who need an afternoon walk, so don’t worry about leaving them at home. The Columbia Children's Arboretum is also excellent for walking dogs and, as the name suggests, for bringing kids along to explore the variety of trees and wildlife. The arrival of fall brings colorful leaves, just as spring brings herds of deer bounding through the area’s ankle-high grass.

What would a waterfront town be without some afternoon swimming? Folks use the narrow strip of the Columbia River for wading, boating, kayaking and everything in between. Columbia Way West Moorage secures dozens of boats and other aquatic equipment on the water. Residents use this marina to house their sailboats on angled slips, kayaks, and canoes on the dock. Head to the Portland International Raceway for some high-octane action back on land. They host events like drive-through light shows and cruise-ins showcasing hundreds of unique and classic vehicles. There is no need to live vicariously through the drivers, though; the raceway has Pro Drive days for locals to bring their own cars onto the track and race under the supervision of a professional instructor. Speedsters can drag race and burn rubber to their hearts’ content.

Only a few restaurants appear in this small town. One is AL’s Thai Food, a to-go spot offering classic Pad Thai, dumplings and spring rolls. It’s located on Marine Drive right by the water, making it perfect for a quick bite after a long day on the water. Heavy Plays Restaurant & Café sits up the block, serving soul food and seafood baskets. Fortunately, dinner planning is easy with the US Foods Chef Store at the center of town. Locals have a variety of fresh beef, pork, seafood and produce to choose from. For those looking to try a new sport or learn an instrument, there are both Dick’s Sporting Goods and Guitar Center on Hayden Meadows Drive.

Bridgeton’s waterfront lifestyle isn’t for everyone, but its small-town charm and activities make it invaluable to locals.

Written By

Malcolm Longerbeam

Photography Contributed By

John Othic

Video By

Jordan Sain