How a small Oregon river port became a permanent fixture of cinematic Halloween lore

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Founded as a river port in 1845, St. Helens, Oregon, has evolved from a commercial hub into a seasonal destination. While its geography along the Columbia River defined its early history, the city is now widely recognized as the atmospheric backdrop for iconic films like Halloweentown and Twilight.

St. Helens was established in 1845 by Captain Henry Montgomery Knighton, originally under the name Plymouth. By 1850, the city adopted its current name, inspired by the view of Mount St. Helens located approximately 39 miles away in Washington. The area holds deep historical roots, having been visited by the Lewis and Clark Expedition on November 5, 1805, where William Clark noted the presence of low rocky cliffs along the riverbanks.

The city’s development was driven by its strategic position on the Columbia River. In the 1840s, it emerged as a river port, with town plans surveyed by Peter Crawford. Its commercial importance was tested in 1853 when the Pacific Mail Steamship Company attempted to designate St. Helens as its exclusive stop on the river. Although Portland merchants resisted this move, the arrival of the San Francisco steamship Peytona helped resolve the conflict. St. Helens was formally incorporated in 1889 and later expanded in 1914 by merging with the neighboring town of Houlton.

Today, the city covers 5.51 square miles, with nearly one square mile consisting of water. Beyond its industrial and maritime heritage, St. Helens has gained cultural prominence through its Riverfront District. Each October, the town leans into this identity by hosting a month-long Halloween celebration. This tradition is rooted in the city's role as a primary filming location for the 1998 Disney Channel movie Halloweentown, as well as scenes from the film adaptation of Stephenie Meyer's Twilight, cementing its reputation as a hub for spooky seasonal tourism.

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