Hayden Island

Yes, there are indeed islands in Portland, and Hayden Island is right in the Columbia River between East Columbia and Vancouver. While some parts of the island are still in transition, you can find some gorgeous homes. One amazing thing about this area is the houseboats and floating homes. They really are not only quite unique, but also quite lovely. A person who wants to experience an isolated existence can really have a true "getaway" in Hayden Island.

As one might guess, there isn't a lot of shopping on Hayden Island. Residents, however, can quickly access Northern Portland. I would imagine a lot of shopping is done at Jantzen Center, which has a Target and Fred Meyers. The closest MAX stop isn't too far away either, as it is at Delta Park. One issue that residents of Hayden Island must face is getting on and off the island, particularly during rush hour. Apparently, the commute to Vancouver can be a major pain!

Easily accessible are all the golf courses on the river including the Heron Lakes Golf Course and Portland Meadows Country Club. There also are nearby parks like the Columbia Children's Arboretum.

Hayden Island, located in the Columbia River that divides Washington from Portland, is a relatively isolated neighborhood centered around marine activities.

To get to the island by car, take the northernmost Oregon exit on Interstate 5. If you plan to work or shop off the island, keep in mind that this section of I5 tends to get very crowded during rush hour, so it can take a while to get off the island.

The east end of the island is the most developed. It is home to Jantzen Beach, a retail area offering a wide range of stores, including Safeway and Target, along with hotels and other services. This allows many island residents to shop, eat, and work without ever leaving the island. Jantzen Beach is a popular destination among residents of neighboring Vancouver, Washington planning to make big-ticket retail purchases because Oregon has no sales tax.

Hayden Island is connected to neighboring Tomahawk Island, off the far east tip of the island, by a narrow stretch of land; most of the marinas and yacht clubs on the island are actually located on the Tomahawk side. West Hayden Island is much less developed. Much of the land is owned by the port system, but has been left in its natural state. There are no schools on the island, making it unpopular for families with kids.

Hayden Island is home to condo complexes, apartment buildings, and several mobile home communities, along with houseboats and modest houses. In recent years some nicer housing developments have been built, though residents tend to choose this unique Portland neighborhood for its proximity to the River, rather than the residential environment, which can be a bit rundown in places. Residents tend to be blue collar workers spanning a wide age range who are interested in marine activities.