Looking for Remote, Secluded area near Portland (Forest Grove, St. Helens: luxury, work)

[sweetskity]

I will be moving to the Portland area soon to attend school and work. Im not much of a big city person and I was wondering if there are any areas driving distance (30-45 min max) from North Portland that are somewhat secluded and remote. You know, big trees and posiblly some nice ponds, lakes, rivers,etc. Basically Im looking for some country near the city!

Does anyone know what area would be best for this?

P.S. I especially love older homes which I would hope to find!

[The Cactus Leaguer]

From North Portland, you might want to check out the smaller towns along Highway 30 like Scappoose or St. Helens. My first thought was Forest Grove (and transfer from UP to Pacific), but that might be a stretch on several levels including commute time. Good luck.

[Larry Caldwell]

Originally Posted by sweetskity

I will be moving to the Portland area soon to attend school and work. Im not much of a big city person and I was wondering if there are any areas driving distance (30-45 min max) from North Portland that are somewhat secluded and remote. You know, big trees and posiblly some nice ponds, lakes, rivers,etc. Basically Im looking for some country near the city!

Does anyone know what area would be best for this?

P.S. I especially love older homes which I would hope to find!

Sauvies Island. I hope you have lots of money.

[sweetskity]

I wish, not the case though! There also must be some more remote areas in Washington near N. Portland. Does anyone know? I know this is a Oregon thread so Im a little off topic!

Thanks for all the advise so far! I guess a secluded island might be a little out of the question though...only in my dreams....hehe

[The Cactus Leaguer]

My dad grew up on Sauvie Island and went to Scappoose High. Very expensive now as Larry said.

The problem with Washington is that you need to take the I-5 bridge which is not only a bottleneck and commuting nightmare, but you are fighting with drivers who are trying to get to destinations all over town when you are trying to get to North Portland which is just over the bridge. Shorter distance, equally long commute. Google "Columbia River Crossing" for more info and to see what they are doing to address the issue (which will take years if not decades).

[Kandy]

Check out North Plains. This is remote, but still a good commute. The Family from "Little People, Big World" on TLC live out there. Lots of farmland. ~K~

[Larry Caldwell]

One of the things that the very rich are willing to pay for is their privacy. You can find secluded near a large city, but it's going to cost you well into seven figures for the luxury.