Is Eagle Creek, Oregon Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Eagle Creek, Oregon, begin by researching Clackamas County's short-term rental regulations, as Eagle Creek falls under county jurisdiction rather than having its own municipal codes. Contact Clackamas County Planning Department to understand zoning requirements, as residential zones may have restrictions on short-term rentals, and obtain necessary permits including a Conditional Use Permit if required and a business license. Find a suitable property by searching local real estate listings through Redfin, Zillow, or working with local agents familiar with Eagle Creek's market, focusing on properties near outdoor attractions like Eagle Creek Trail and the Columbia River Gorge. Furnish the space with durable, comfortable furniture from stores like IKEA, Costco, or local Portland retailers, ensuring you have essential amenities including WiFi, kitchen supplies, linens, and outdoor gear storage given the area's hiking popularity. Create your Airbnb listing with high-quality photos showcasing the natural surroundings, competitive pricing research based on similar properties in nearby areas like Estacada or Sandy, and detailed descriptions highlighting proximity to hiking trails and Portland (about 30 minutes). For ongoing management, establish cleaning protocols between guests, respond promptly to inquiries, maintain the property regularly, and consider using local cleaning services from the greater Portland area since Eagle Creek is a small community with limited service providers.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Eagle Creek, Oregon, focus on properties within 2-3 miles of the Sandy River and Mount Hood National Forest access points, as outdoor recreation drives demand in this area. Target 2-4 bedroom cabins or homes built after 1990 with features like hot tubs, fire pits, game rooms, and scenic views that command $150-300 per night. Analyze comparable properties on Airbnb and VRBO within Eagle Creek and nearby Welches/Government Camp to establish competitive pricing, aiming for 60-70% occupancy rates during peak seasons (summer and winter). Research competition by monitoring listings within a 10-mile radius, noting amenities, pricing strategies, and guest reviews to identify market gaps. Utilize tools like AirDNA for market analytics, STR Helper for performance tracking, and local resources including Clackamas County's STR regulations, the Mount Hood Territory tourism board data, and Sandy Area Chamber of Commerce visitor statistics. Properties near Highway 26 corridor offer better accessibility for Portland visitors (45-minute drive), while those closer to hiking trailheads like Eagle Creek Trail command premium rates despite seasonal closures, making location within established residential areas that allow STRs crucial for consistent profitability.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Eagle Creek, Oregon, you must apply through Clackamas County since Eagle Creek is an unincorporated community within the county's jurisdiction. Begin by contacting the Clackamas County Code Enforcement Division at 503-742-4000 or visiting their offices at 150 Beavercreek Road in Oregon City to obtain the Short-Term Rental application form. Required documents typically include a completed application form, proof of property ownership or authorization letter from owner, site plan showing parking areas and emergency exits, septic system inspection if applicable, fire safety plan, proof of liability insurance (minimum $1 million coverage), business license from the Oregon Secretary of State, and neighbor notification forms signed by adjacent property owners within 250 feet. The application fee is approximately $350-500 with annual renewal fees around $200-300. Submit all materials to the Planning Department for review, which includes a 14-day public comment period and potential site inspection. The entire approval process typically takes 45-60 days from submission of complete application. Eagle Creek specific requirements include maintaining adequate parking (minimum 2 spaces), ensuring septic systems can handle increased occupancy, compliance with rural zoning setback requirements, maximum occupancy limits based on bedroom count plus two additional guests, quiet hours enforcement from 10 PM to 7 AM, and posting of emergency contact information visible to guests. Once approved, you must display the permit number in all advertising and maintain compliance with ongoing reporting requirements to Clackamas County.

Short-term rentals (STRs) in Eagle Creek, Oregon are generally legal but subject to Clackamas County regulations since Eagle Creek is an unincorporated community. As of 2023, Clackamas County allows STRs in residential zones with proper permits and registration, requiring hosts to obtain a Transient Lodging Tax license and comply with occupancy limits, parking requirements, and noise ordinances. Properties must meet safety standards including smoke detectors and emergency exits, and hosts are typically limited to renting their primary residence or one additional property. Recent changes in 2022-2023 have included stricter enforcement of existing regulations and increased penalties for non-compliance, with the county requiring annual renewals and neighbor notification processes. Some residential neighborhoods may have additional HOA restrictions, and properties in certain zoning districts or environmentally sensitive areas near Eagle Creek itself may face additional limitations, but there are no blanket prohibitions specific to the Eagle Creek area beyond standard county-wide STR regulations.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Eagle Creek, Oregon include the neighborhoods near the Eagle Creek Recreation Area and Columbia River Gorge, particularly properties within walking distance of the Eagle Creek Trail trailhead, which attracts thousands of hikers annually seeking access to Punchbowl Falls and Tunnel Falls. The residential areas along SE Eagle Creek Road and Wildwood Drive offer excellent investment potential due to their proximity to outdoor recreation while maintaining quiet, family-friendly atmospheres that appeal to both adventure tourists and Portland metro area visitors seeking weekend retreats. Properties near Barton Park and the Clackamas River provide year-round appeal for water recreation enthusiasts, fishing groups, and families, while locations with mountain or forest views command premium rates from nature photographers and wellness retreat guests. The areas closest to Highway 224 offer convenient access for business travelers working in the Portland metro area who prefer peaceful accommodations over urban hotels, and properties near Eagle Creek's small commercial district benefit from proximity to local dining and services while maintaining the rural charm that attracts visitors escaping city life.

Eagle Creek, Oregon falls under Clackamas County's lodging tax jurisdiction, which imposes a 9% transient lodging tax on short-term rentals including Airbnb properties, applicable to stays of 30 days or less. This tax is collected from guests at the time of booking and must be remitted monthly to Clackamas County by the 15th of the following month using their online tax portal system. Additionally, Oregon state tax of 1.8% applies to lodging accommodations, bringing the total occupancy tax rate to approximately 10.8%. Airbnb typically collects and remits these taxes automatically for hosts through their platform as of 2018, though individual hosts remain ultimately responsible for compliance and should verify collection through their host dashboard. Properties used exclusively for permanent residential purposes exceeding 30 consecutive days are exempt, as are accommodations provided to government employees on official business and certain nonprofit organization stays, though documentation must be maintained for audit purposes.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Eagle Creek, Oregon would be approximately $485,000-$520,000. Property purchase represents the largest expense at $400,000-$425,000 based on median home prices in the area. Furnishing costs for a complete 2-3 bedroom home would run $15,000-$25,000 including beds, linens, kitchen essentials, living room furniture, and decor. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, welcome materials, and basic amenities total $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees including business license, transient lodging tax registration, and potential HOA approvals cost $500-$1,500. Insurance premiums for short-term rental coverage average $2,500-$4,000 annually. Utility deposits and connections for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable run $800-$1,200. First six months operating costs including utilities ($900/month), cleaning supplies ($200/month), maintenance reserves ($300/month), property management software ($50/month), and marketing ($100/month) total approximately $9,300. Additional considerations include potential property improvements, emergency fund reserves, and local tax obligations that could add $5,000-$10,000 to the initial investment.

Airbnb properties in Eagle Creek, Oregon typically generate annual revenues between $18,000-$35,000 for entire homes, with average daily rates ranging from $85-$150 depending on property size and amenities. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($30-50 per turnover), property management (10-20%), utilities ($150-300 monthly), insurance ($1,200-2,000 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-4,000 yearly. Properties within walking distance of Eagle Creek Trail and those offering hot tubs or river access command premium rates, with some hosts like those managing cabins near the Columbia River Gorge reporting profit margins of 25-35% after expenses. Success factors include strategic pricing during peak hiking seasons (May-September), professional photography showcasing outdoor amenities, and maintaining superhost status through consistent 4.8+ ratings. A typical 3-bedroom home purchased for $450,000 in Eagle Creek around 2021-2022 might generate $28,000 annually while incurring $16,000 in expenses, yielding approximately $12,000 net profit or 2.7% return on investment, though properties specifically marketed to outdoor enthusiasts visiting nearby attractions like Multnomah Falls often achieve higher occupancy rates of 65-75% compared to the regional average of 55%.

Based on Eagle Creek, Oregon market conditions, Airbnb investments typically generate annual ROI of 8-12% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 6-10% depending on property acquisition costs and financing structure. Properties in this area, benefiting from proximity to Portland metro area and outdoor recreation access, generally achieve profitability within 18-24 months of operation. Initial investment properties averaging $400,000-$600,000 can expect gross rental yields of 12-18% annually, with net returns after expenses, management fees, and vacancy rates settling around 8-11%. The timeframe to break-even on initial capital investment typically occurs within 2-3 years, with established properties showing stronger performance as operators optimize pricing strategies and build positive review profiles on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors looking in Eagle Creek, Oregon. Local real estate agents in the Portland metro area who focus on investment properties include Keller Williams Realty, Windermere Real Estate, and RE/MAX Equity Group, with agents like those at Portland Investment Property Group having experience in the Eagle Creek market. National services that help investors find Airbnb properties include AirDNA for market analysis, Mashvisor for property analytics, and BiggerPockets for networking and deal sourcing. Regional companies such as Oregon Investment Properties and Pacific Northwest Real Estate Investors also provide services for finding vacation rental opportunities in the Eagle Creek area. Additional services include Awning for Airbnb property management, RedAwning for vacation rental market insights, and local property management companies like Vacasa and AvantStay that can provide market knowledge for potential investors looking at the Eagle Creek and greater Clackamas County region.