The 23 best sights in Astoria

Beautiful 360 degree view of the area and Port Townsend from this vantage point. You can climb the "Column" for even a more unobstructed view, its 164 steps to the top, fairly narrow, but rest landings every 32 steps up the column. Nice diversion from downtown. There's a $5 admission charge, but I think its well worth it. There's a gift shop for souvenirs and refreshments. Go and enjoy.

I had a fantastic time visiting the Astoria Column! For just five bucks, you get plenty of parking and a chance to climb the 164 steps to the top. The view up there is absolutely stunning—you get this amazing panorama of lush green forests, the water, and the charming little town of Astoria below. The weather was perfect when I went, which made it even better. There’s also a cute little souvenir shop nearby where I picked up a hat as keepsakes. Overall, it was an amazing experience and I’d definitely recommend it!”

Like many I find Astoria to be a magical place. Home of the Goonies, Kindergarten Cop, and many other classics from the 80-90s. This city is also where the Colombia River meets the Pacific Ocean. The Astoria Column is yet but another Gem in the treasure of experiences to be discovered in this once pirate hub. In a nutshell, for a small fee ($5 I think) you can park at the column, enjoy a beautiful view, walk up the column and witness an even more breathtaking view. And. Yes. Be. Prepared. And. Bring. A. Toy. Paratrooper. Or. Airplane. In fact bring 2. Once at the top of the column you can launch them in to the air, watch, and be transformed back into a child, and bubble with delight. If you have the capacity (and you will as you are now a child once again), run back down to retrieve your flying toy (or find a new one on the ground), run back up, and launch it off the column again! This is a simple and magical experience for all ages. Consider having a picnic there as well. Enjoy! Hot Tips! *Yes there are bathrooms and clean ones at that. *There is a gift shop to buy airplanes. Paratroopers must be bought elsewhere though. (Gift shops in Seaside sell them). *Another must visit is the Wreck of the Peter Iredale. *Another must visit is the museum/Fratelli’s jail. Film your own movie clips and get behind the scenes of Goonies. *Another must visit is the Astoria bowling alley and another key Goonies location. *Yet another must visit is Fort George Brewing. They have at least 2 different kitchens. The top restaurant makes fantastic pizza (open different hours), family friendly, and spacious.

Great views from the parking lot and from the top of the column. Oh my gosh. Also has the Cathedral Tree trail which is nice and severely covered by the trees. Several different trails. Nice walk to stretch your legs. Dogs on leash. Dogs not allowed in column. $5 to park, pass good for the calendar year, I believe it says. Column did lock automatically at a certain time so beware.

I found out about this while planning a trip to the area and it sounded like it might be somewhat like a lighthouse so I added it to our itinerary. We visited on a Monday late afternoon in August. There is a $5 parking fee but no cost to climb the stairs up to the top. The parking attendant was cheerful and friendly and there was plenty of parking. It’s 164 steps up to the circular stair case to the top and it really is like a lighthouse just minus the light. There was no attendant here to monitor how many are going in and coming out so just just go at your own discretion. There are a couple landings on the way to make space for traffic in both directions but I will say not everyone does that so you could be passing someone coming down as you are going up and there is no inside railing just trust in your own balance to go up the inside of the staircase while yielding to people coming down with the railing on their outside. I wish I had a picture to show this but I wasn’t even thinking of that. Once up to the top, the view is beautiful and you are fenced in. There is a gift shop in the parking lot area that sells little model airplanes that you can launch from the top. That’s a cool idea but we don’t know it until we saw someone do it from the top because we didn’t go in the gift shop until we came back down. The walk up and down is not strenuous in my opinion but if you’re not used to walking that many stairs or if you’re afraid of heights just give yourself some time. People likely will be kind enough to be patient if they are behind you. There is a walking trail on the ground level but we didn’t do that so I don’t know how long it is. We enjoyed this.

The Astoria Column is a pretty remarkable spot! Perched high above Astoria, Oregon, it gives sweeping views of the Columbia River, Youngs Bay, the Coast Range, and even out to the Pacific on clear days. The location is famously windy (many visitors bring or buy the small wooden gliders sold on site just to launch them from the top), which adds to the fun. The 125-foot column itself is decorated with a spiral mural illustrating major events in Pacific Northwest history, from Native cultures to the arrival of explorers and settlers. Climbing the spiral staircase to the top is a bit of a workout, but the payoff is the 360° panoramic vista—definitely one of the best in Oregon. It’s a spot that blends history, art, and natural beauty. Perfect for photos, picnics, or just watching the clouds roll across the river.

If you're in the Astoria area, be sure to check out this Historical Landmark. Driving in, there is a $5 Annual parking pass that you can purchase when entering. Proceeds go to the upkeep of the park. For those who want to tackle the 164 steps to the top of the Column, be sure to stop in the Gift Shop first and pick up a glider for when you reach the top. Awesome views of the Columbia River Inlet as well as the Astoria-Megler Bridge.

An absolutely wonderful experience from start to finish. The self-guided tour was engaging and easy to follow, and the staff and volunteers were genuinely kind and welcoming. The Flavel House is beautifully preserved, with each room carefully arranged to reflect life in the late 1800s. The accompanying photos showing the original uses of each space make the history come alive in such a unique way. A must-visit for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, or anyone who appreciates Victorian-era charm.

The self guided tour at the Flavel House in Astoria, Oregon, was like walking through a time warp that allows the visitor to not only see all of the beautiful masterpieces throughout but also submerge all of your other senses into the past. We were allowed to check out everything from the grounds to the bathrooms on our own, and I think that was the most special part of the tour.

Absolutely mind boggling to think nobody wanted this place in the 1940's and the Flavel family had trouble giving it away. The city almost tore it down to put in a parking lot! Thankfully the Clatsop County Historical Society stepped up, and has done a magnificent job of restoring this house to original condition. If you're traveling to Astoria it's well worth the visit.

A must see whenever in Astoria. Beautiful classic architecture steeped in history.

Visited on an Oregon trip a month ago, one of the best Victorian house museums that I have ever been to!!

September 2025 - Visited the house and saw how the 'royalty' once lived in Astoria (No not a king, but a wealthy person). Been to palaces in Spain, Italy, Turkiye, and Portugal and this was somewhat of a letdown in comparison to each. The entry is on the street in a smaller building, and the parking is nearly non-existent. Entry fee is affordable to most. There is a path from the small building to the 'mansion' and the entry is on the far street side. Not easily accessed by the physically challenged. Plan on about 30 minutes, and climbing stairs at the entry and inside to get to the second floor.

Very unique and beautiful piece of history being preserved for everyone to admire and enjoy. The whole experience was delightful, from the entrance at the carriage house and educational pre-entry video, to the walk through, and talk with the curator. I loved every minute of it. All the staff were extremely friendly and helpful. We got some delightful insite on the habits of the family who lived there and the spaces not accessible to the public (mainly the attic and basement). I definitely recommend a walk through, the architecture, ornate decor, and phenomenal craftsmanship, were really a treat to see.

Nice! Exhibits are spaced nicely with a good focus on Astoria. Although I look forward to the expansion, I was very disappointed in the payment system. The ancient slide wouldn't work for my card. A tap to pay system needs to be installed. The box office personnel were very friendly and helpful! Very much appreciated the welcoming attitude. Lovely variety in the gift shop. I learned a lot about the maritime history of this part of the coast!

September 2025 - Visited the museum and found it mostly interesting, but it seemed to be more of a 'dead ship' museum than a Maritime Museum, we liked the Garibaldi Maritime Museum as it gave more info and had better maritime displays. This museum seemed to be built around the various shipwrecks of the past decades and how each occured. It was somewhat heavy in Coast Guard operations as well.

Excellent Exhibits! The Lightship was cool to walk through. Ticket is included in admission or $5 on own. The movies are timed, select times at admission for ticket(s). The two 3D movies, additionsl $5, each. Poor 3D, but good films on arctic and aircraft carriers. You can reenter museum and take as long as you want. Plenty for kids to interact in pilot house exhibits and activity room. Give time to go through, watch movied, tour ship and experience exhibits. I was there 3-4 hours and did it all.

This place was amazing! There was so much to see and learn about. Give yourself a couple hours to be able to see it all. We also walked through the Lightship Columbia and toured the engine room. Such a great experience that even the kids loved.

Well presented history of the Coast Guard and Fishermen experience where the Colum loved thebia meets the Pacific. Loved the life sized exhibits and the detailed exhibit notes and commentary.

This museum is definitely worth a visit. Very well laid out, with a multitude of displays on the history of the local fishing industry, shipbuilding in Oregon, and Naval maritime history. Leave yourself at least an hour and a half to do it justice. Amazing new expansion opening in the fall of 2026.

Spent 4 hours walking around and reading all their displays. Great mix of information and large scale displays. And our tickets got us access to the Lights hip. Take the engine room tour, worth the extra time

Great piece of film history. Easily located in Astoria. Good parking. Many of things to do within walking distance. The Flavel house is across the street to explore as well as many museums and other sites to see.

This place is for lovers of the movie Goonies. Small, but we found it pretty cool to see. Our only issue was the gift shop didnt have a lot of large size shirts.

I expected more it looked so big and then there was hardly anything to see. It was hard to move around inside because the spaces are all tiny. They did have some cool Goonies memorabilia and this is where they filmed the jail scenes. They did have a few other movies highlighted but not enough to call it the Oregon Film Museum.

Pretty cool for Goonie fans. Go see the house then come here. It's small but a lot inside. Can tape your own scenes like you were in the movie then save them.

Worth a quick little trip, for some behind the scenes info on The Goonies and other movies filmed in and around the area. I would pay the entrance fee just to get my picture in the jail cell! Some interactive filming exhibits,photo ops inside and out and a nice selection at the gift shop make this worthwhile, but again for a quick visit! It's a small building and if there's a crowd, you feel it! Hey there early and make this a stop if you're a Goonie

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the OFM during our vacation in Astoria, Oregon. The museum features memorable items and scenes from iconic films such as The Goonies, which was a highlight of the experience. Our children especially loved recreating moments from The Goonies, Kindergarten Cop, and The Shining. A unique and entertaining stop that we would highly recommend to anyone exploring Astoria.

Great little museum! Have the option of buying admission to just this one or three spots around thown, the Flavel House (right across the street) and the Heritage Museum (a few blocks up). There is a restroom you can use, located up a block in the Carriage house on the Flavel property. Lots of cool stuff to do and look at in this little place. Can film "cameos" with scripts and share them, thought that was pretty cool! Nice selection in the gift shop too. As you get close, find a spot on the street, we had to circle a few times, the Oregon Film Museum doesnt have a dedicated parking lot (that we saw) and shares with the Court House.

The Astoria–Megler Bridge is a stunning landmark and a must-see when visiting the Oregon Coast. Stretching over four miles across the Columbia River, it’s the longest continuous truss bridge in North America and an impressive sight in itself. The green steel structure contrasts beautifully with the blue waters below, making it a fantastic spot for photos. From the Astoria waterfront, you can watch massive cargo ships and fishing vessels navigate the river, with the bridge creating a dramatic backdrop. The nearby Columbia River Maritime Museum adds to the experience, giving context to the river’s rich history. Whether you’re driving across, photographing it from the shore, or exploring the riverfront, the bridge offers iconic views and a real sense of scale.

Stretching an impressive 4.1 miles across the mouth of the Columbia River, the Astoria–Megler Bridge is the longest continuous truss bridge in North America. It connects the charming town of Astoria, Oregon, to the rugged shoreline of Megler, Washington, completing a vital link in U.S. Route 101. But this isn’t just a bridge, it’s a bold architectural statement standing guard over one of the most unpredictable waterways in the Pacific Northwest. Each fall, the waters beneath the bridge come alive with one of nature’s great spectacles: the salmon runs. Hundreds of thousands of Chinook (King Salmon) and Coho surge upstream, navigating the powerful currents to reach their spawning grounds. Anglers line the banks and boats dot the channel, all hoping to intercept these muscular fish as they pass beneath the steel latticework above. The Columbia River beneath the bridge is no gentle stream. It’s a deep, fast-moving artery that has claimed countless vessels over the centuries. The river’s mouth, just 14 miles downstream, is infamous for its shifting sandbars, powerful tides, and sudden squalls. Mariners call it the “Graveyard of the Pacific,” a name earned by the hundreds of sunken ships that litter its floor. Navigating this stretch requires precision, experience, and respect for the river’s many moods. Among the modern giants that brave this treacherous passage is the Plumeria Leader, a Japanese-flagged cargo ship built in 2022 and operated by NYK Line. This roll-on/roll-off vehicle carrier spans over 200 meters and ferries thousands of cars and heavy machinery between North America and Japan. Watching it glide beneath the bridge’s steel canopy is like witnessing a ballet of brute force and finesse—its towering hull nearly brushing the trusses above, a visual reminder of the delicate choreography required to move global trade through this wild corridor. Adding a touch of wild charm, thousands of double-crested cormorants have made the bridge their seasonal home, nesting in its steel beams and complicating inspections with guano and obscured lights. Once a year, the bridge opens to foot traffic for the Great Columbia Crossing, a six-mile run or walk that lets participants experience the thrill of crossing this engineering marvel on foot. If you ever find yourself in Astoria, take a moment to gaze at its steel trusses and imagine the stories flowing beneath, from salmon and ships to storms and seabirds. The bridge doesn’t just span a river; it spans centuries of drama, resilience, and awe. It’s not just a crossing, it’s a living chapter in the Pacific Northwest’s epic tale.

An impressive drive with scenic views! Crossing the Astoria-Megler Bridge was a highlight of the trip. The bridge stretches over 6 km (4 miles) and offers stunning views of the Columbia River and surrounding coastline. The structure itself is a unique mix of engineering and beauty, especially on a moody, overcast day like when we visited. It's a smooth, easy drive, and a great way to enter or leave Astoria. Definitely worth experiencing if you're road-tripping along the Pacific Northwest.

What a beautiful and amazing drive over the Columbia river! It’s not as scary as Mackinac but we didn’t think it was for the faint hearted either. Luckily, one of us isn’t faint hearted. The history of this bridge is of course fascinating. If you’re in this area you can’t not drive over it

The Astoria–Megler Bridge is absolutely breathtaking. Stretching over four miles across the Columbia River, it’s both an engineering marvel and a scenic experience. Driving across gives you sweeping views of the river, the town of Astoria, and the Washington shoreline. The steep climb on the Oregon side makes the drive exciting, and the descent feels like you’re gliding over the water.

Would you dare to drive across a bridge in 100 mph winds? Welcome to the Astoria–Megler Bridge, the longest continuous truss bridge in North America — stretching 4.1 miles over the mouth of the mighty Columbia River, where wind gusts have been strong enough to shake cars and terrify even seasoned drivers. Built in 1966, people once mocked it as “The Bridge to Nowhere”. Today, it’s a stunning gateway between Oregon and Washington — and a symbol of Pacific Northwest grit. 🎬 It’s been featured in movies like “Short Circuit” and “Kindergarten Cop” — because yes, this bridge has main-character energy. For years, the Great Columbia Crossing let people walk the entire span — a once-a-year chance to experience the bridge on foot (no cars, just you and the view!). And no tolls. Not then. Not now. Just open road, wild weather, and a view that’ll stick with you. ➡️ Follow us for more epic places and strange stories across the Northwest. 💙 Thanks for liking this post!

I am from Ohio and drove through MI Mackinac bridge before. This bridge reminds me of that except this is not a suspension bridge and better yet; it's free. The scenary is so beautiful-so worth the drive. We had a great view of the bridge from the Astoria column and Columbia Maritime museum.

This is the worst service and attraction. It happend to us twice already we got here early.waited in the car 40min to wait for the next route it came witha. Full train people didn't get off we waited for 2nd route again same thing happend we said how come you're not letting people off? This is ridiculous the man said u can pay $1 and ride all day this is so ridiculous omg we got very upset because we waited all day! To come here and this is the service we get?

If you're in Astoria and have an hour to kill the Riverfront Trolley might be the best deal in town. The volunteers running the trolley are fantastic, and give and amazing narration as you're cruising along slowly; 10 mph max. Takes about an hour to make the round trip, and well worth it.

The guy that does the talking is great! He does a little history tour for of the area. It's a slow moving trolley and the kids are 10 and 12 but they still enjoyed it and the operator made them laugh. The little gift shop in front is cute with gifts and post cards, and purchases support the trolley. The seats reverse for the ride back and for $1 (as of writing this) for staying on whole trip or $2 to get off and on all day, it's a good little low key adventure. Beautifully restored!

Enjoyable journey back in time and the Price is Right. Only $1 round trip.

What a freaking GEM! Please support the volunteers who run this historic trolley; they tell great stories and give you tidbits to pay attention to as you go by without being boring or repetitive. Such a great way to see Astoria - we would have missed so much had we not hopped on on a whim! Bring cash to board and also they have merch for sale that’s cash only (we got a Christmas ornament we’ll cherish for years to come).

This trolley, built in 1913 or so, runs along the riverfront in Astoria, OR. For $1 you get to see all the fun spots and historical features of downtown Astoria. The volunteers who run the trolley are eager to explain what you're seeing and to give some local flavor. A round-trip lays about an hour.

Awesome and informative ride even if it is shorter than normal due to the Buoy Beer roof collapse. It currently stops at Stop #6 but that may change. The two gentlemen running the trolley were knowledgeable and friendly, with lots of great information along the way. The trolley is gorgeous and the way the seats switch sides for the return trip is so cool!! Definitely worth a buck, and if you can give them some extra or buy some merchandise, that helps them fund the trolley for future enjoyment.

Another amazing piece of Astoria’s history. The Heritage Museum offers a fascinating look into the city’s past—from its maritime legacy to everyday life through the years. The exhibits are beautifully curated and packed with interesting details, and the staff are just as friendly and passionate as at the Flavel House. It’s the perfect companion stop if you’re exploring local history, and together they give a full picture of Astoria’s rich and vibrant story.

I was impressed with the Heritage Museum. I had been wanting to visit for at least two of my my previous trips to and through Astoria. While it may be overshadowed by the larger maritime museum close by, it’s well worth the time to visit this museum which I found to be full of local history. The building itself is a piece of Astoria history which I won’t spoil here. There is a rotating exhibit on the second floor which changes from time to time so I have reason to stop by again and plan to. A bonus is that it is a short walk from the Bowpicker Fish and Chips which I also recommend.

This well-presented museum has exhibits detailing the complex tapestry of human history in the lower Columbia River area. Native and immigrant communities are well documented. This is an essential visit for those who want to understand Astoria more deeply.

Great stop for a nice quiet walk through some very interesting history. There were a lot of displays and they made good use of the space available in the building. Both view only displays and interactive displays were available, with kids activity backpacks near the front desk. Very nice and friendly staff. I will definitely be going again on my next trip through Astoria.

The exhibits are a bit haphazard, but the staff is extremely knowledgeable and helpful. They quickly and accurately researched where are great grandparents lived in Astoria over a century ago, allowing us to then drive and see two of our ancestral homes.

This is an amazing museum that not only takes you back in time with local history but also shares a national impact. The artifacts and set up of the variety of installations is top notch! Local or travelling through, go to the Heritage Museum!!

September 2025 - This museum is near the main street parking area and you can drive or walk to it. It displays the history of Astoria which is interesting in that the people of the past thought that Astoria would become the New York City of the West Coast. Indeed, the history of Astoria is full of 'first' in that it was part of the Lewis & Clark expedition; it was one of the first and largest lumber areas in the nation; it was originally built on stilts over the Columbia River Waterway until it burned down and had to be rebuilt; etc.

Best brewpub in Astoria, the kind of place you visit more than once. Pub food but dialed up a notch. Great variety of beer styles, including some quality lagers. Good vibes inside and outside. Store selling merch across the patio on the way out. Can’t beat it.

The burgers and pizza are very good. We had lunch downstairs on the open patio. We enjoyed ourselves very much so we decided to go back for dinner. We had pizza on the upstairs deck. The food was hot and the beer is cold. This place is very dog friendly and both patios welcome them. I thought I took pictures of the pizza, but I quess I didn't.

We ordered Popoey vegan pizza & hummus with pita chips. The pizza was delicious! Garlicky flavours with marinated tomatoes gave it a very fresh taste. The service was great!

Had a one night stop and our son chose this as our dinner option. The vibe is on point, food was solidly decent. Fish and chips were great, wings were good. Oysters were a miss but overall a great experience in a beautiful historic building in a charming little town.

Fantastic. The beer and food is excellent. Great atmosphere with indoor outdoor and sometimes upstairs seating. Got the tuna melt sandwich and it was a huge filet! As much as I’d expect for a dinner plate at a seafood restaurant! The Anaheim burger was also delicious. Cooked to order. Tasty fries. I had a stout that was delicious. Def happy to come here. The chowder is great.

The seafood chowder at Fort George Brewing is outstanding—rich, creamy, and packed with fresh seafood and tender potatoes. Perfectly seasoned and full of flavor, it’s the ideal comfort food for a cool coastal day. Pair it with one of their craft beers and you’ve got a perfect Astoria experience.

Great brewpub serving tasty food and great beer (plus one cider). Lots of beer selections. Located in the heart of downtown Astoria. Tons of dog friendly seating outside plus lots of tables inside. I ordered the Hummus platter which was delicious and my partner had a great hamburger. You order ant a counter inside and they bring your food to you. The staff were really friendly, and Today and welcoming. Wished I lived closer!

Very cool museum dedicated to the old canneries in Astoria, and worth stopping in if you're in town. Half the fun is the drive out on Pier 39, which you'll want to keep to the 5mph speed limit!

September 2025 - Bumble Bee Museum or also known as the Hanthorn Cannery Museum. This is on a small island in the Columbia River and requires driving on a wooden decked pier road to the parking lot (Not enough spaces, and there is an indoor lot, but it is reserved for the restaurant clients). There is no charge to enter, and there is a 'canvas' shop where the owner makes canvas bags and more. The primary museum area is the history of the Bumble Bee Cannery and its workers. We were very disappointed in the displays as the current owners of the Bumble Bee Cannery corporation apparently do NOT give a hoot about the museum and its looks of displays. Nothing was organized, equipment scattered throughout the building, and most of it rusted and not really worth viewing.

We thoroughly enjoyed going through this little museum at Pier 39. There is so much history about the Oregon Coast and the Columbia River regarding all of the canneries. Much of it we were never taught growing up in the area. It's a shame because people - whole families even worked hard in these canneries for years. This particular cannery was a contributor to Bumble Bee tuna. Lots of artifacts, pictures, videos, boats, and misc equipment used for this production are on display. Donations are accepted.

Very interesting and well appointed museum about Bumble Bee Tuna and the people who worked there.

This is a bit of an odd museum given the displays are machinery and tools packed into an old cannery location. However it does display the history of the canneries in this area. An unusual gift shop and bookshelf with a collection of local items. We bought a used book on rescues (pretty good read). No attendant, an honor system for purchase. You may like it.

Fabulous free museum on Pier 39 over the water. Formerly the site of bumblebee, The canned fish company started in Astoria Oregon. Canning machinery, boats, nets, and static displays. Also to continuously running videos. One titled "Work is Our Joy" is fabulous. A Little bit of insight into fishing on the river over the last hundred years. Anyone interested should look up the book Deep River by Karl Malantis.

A great place to learn about the historic Hanthorn Cannery and the local fishing industry. The self guided tour takes you through exhibits that are in industrial freezers with videos and artifacts. You will find exhibits on the crabbing industry, the use of gillnets to catch fish and the history of the Hanthorn Cannery, which became Bumble Bee after several mergers. Old canning machines and work tables exhibits give you an understanding of the conditions that workers endured. The tour will take you to four gillnet boats and a net tender that is located outside the museum. Parking is limited on the pier and is reached by a narrow planked bridge. The Cannery will take you back in time when fishing was the major industry in the area and will help you understand a bygone era.

not really worth the trip unless you're local or happen to be driving by, a mile round trip from the Irving Street entrance. The cathedral tree itself is somewhat underwhelming. The wide gravel trail up to the tree from the street is steep, that's why I rate it moderate. A great spot for letting kids run off some steam!

Very quiet and beautiful trail. Lots of maintenance is being done at the moment, so be sure to stay on the actual trail. Most of it is uphill and a little slippery after or during rainfall, but once I reached the cathedral tree, being out of breath and the burning in my legs no longer mattered because I was in awe! It was HUGE! I used this trail to access the Column and didn't wanna pay $5 for parking, so you'll have to park on the street and it has some potholes at the moment and can't hold a lot of cars so go at less busy times of the day!

Solo hiking felt very safe and easy. I hiked from the Astoria Column, and it took me 53 minutes of a very slow walk while taking lots of pictures. Unfortunately, I missed the Cathedral tree. Well, it was still a nice hike anyway.

I hiked the trail in March, so it was super muddy and slippery. A nice short hike though. Lots of moss and lichen on the trees.

As a tourist, I do not recommend this portion of this trail! It's not well marked, or marked at all, other than as sign at the top...to Cathedral tree. I never did find the cathedral tree. Worst of all, I got completely lost in the forest. Thank goodness I did have good cell service, or I may still be on the mountain! Finally, I found an open spot I could identify on Google maps! That got me to a gravel packed service road, that got me to a paved service road, that got me to the streets leading back to the top of the Astoria Column where my journey began. What I did enjoy fully was the wide variety of flora and fauna. Taking pictures was my only distraction from getting lost. No, this is not how I got lost.

Had a nice 2 mile (round trip) hike to the Cathedral Tree. Have fun counting banana slugs on the trail and enjoying the buzz of nature on this hike. Be sure to have good treaded shoes - there are some slick parts which my kids would happily explain is wonderful enjoyment to see their dad butt skid down the trail.

Easy to moderate, shorter hike. Beautiful immersion into nature ending at historic Cathedral tree, or all the way up to the column.

It’s not every day that you get to tour a lightship! This is a great opportunity to see a a rare piece of maritime history. Kids will love visiting the Columbia.

My wife and I took a tour of the boat after touring the museum. The guide guy was very informative and friendly.

The light ship was my favorite part of the museum. Granted I loved all of the museum, the boat was special because I can see how the crew lived. 10/10 will be coming back with a friend! The staff was nice and I had a lot of fun!

I’m really into viewing the light ships and have seen a few around the country. This is a nice exhibit and really well maintained. If you like this kind of thing you’ll like this one.

Checked out both the ship and the museum and it was a awesome time. I would definitely come back again and see it.

This ship is part of the museum next door. The visit is included in the museum ticket. The area is well prepared for visitors.

It is wonderful to walk through the ship . It is well maintained. The staff was friendly and very helpful. The stairs inside are steep so be careful . It is historic. It is part of the museum, where you pay to see the ship . The museum stays open til 5 but the ship closes early by 2 I believe . We were there on Sunday .

This is such a lovely, well planned memorial. Beautifully kept, lots of benches to rest, and just lovely to read the sweet sentiments for seafarers of all types for a century and still plenty of space left.

A good spot under the bridge down by the river to park for the night and no-one will hassle you. Just don't be a jerk and leave it better than you found it.

Very tastefully done, nice memorial to those impacted or taken by the sea.

Very nice memorial with many interesting names and tidbits carved into it which give you a great sense of the history of the area. Amazing views of the huge bridge from right underneath the bridge. A few parking spots at the end of Columbia Avenue, as well as some benches and a very tiny sand beach. If this information was helpful, I'd appreciate it quick like or follow. Thank you!

Such a peaceful little spot directly under the Astoria Bridge with a great view of the boats coming in and out.

This was a really moving and special experience. You can tell it was planned in a very loving and caring way in a great space.

The longest trestle bridge in North America! Spanning 4.1 miles! Very impressive bridge for sure. If you're in Astoria, it's hard to miss and worth checking out.

Great cider and I love some of the beers too. We've been very happy with the Thai food cart...but that's material for a different review :)) The Symbiosis Stout has a nice strong flavor. Love it! The Coconut Stout is great too with just a little less umph.

This place was pretty cool. You can tell it was very new. It was very clean inside. Small indoor seating area but a big outdoor seating area. In the summer time that will be the spot. They had 3 food carts there and that's always a plus cause they have something for everyone. They had a seltzer on draft that was very tasty. Not many breweries have a seltzer on draft. And plenty of ciders to choose from.

This bar has a fantastic selection of beers for all tastes. We ordered two flights and especially loved the watermelon seltzer, so much so that the accommodating bartender canned a 32 oz crowler for us to take home. Everyone in this town has been so warm and inviting. We can’t wait to come back!

Beers were excellent and the beertenders were great. They were really quick and attentive and helpful to customers that weren't sure what to order. They have a great outdoor space with lots of seating, cornhole, and 3 food trucks!

Nice little brewery with solid IPAs and pretty good sour beers, dog friendly outdoor patio. Food carts are just ok

What a fantastic brewery! I visited Astoria with my partner and we just happened by this place. Amazing beer. Friendly staff. The atmosphere is really open - the door to the outside is a garage door, as the place used to be a mechanic shop. Even though it was a quiet night, the place was full of people! We had: rye saison, "chocolate shake" milk stout, an IPA, and a hibiscus saison. The brewers seem to be very passionate about what they do & love experimenting. Really well done!

Solid beers in a very cool setting, with lots of outdoor seating and three tasty food trucks right there (I got fish tacos made with local rockfish). The beer wasn't as exciting as Fort George up the street, but all eight of ours were distinct, from the IPA to ESB to Stout to Pilsner. I'll be coming back.

Driving by I could see a couple neat old fashioned fire trucks so on a whim decided to check it out. The free tour was full of interesting stories, history, and items. You can see all the different methods of firefighting gear from before firetruck were around and since. Had a great time here and the guys giving the tour are retired firemen themselves.

Great news! The museum has reopened. You can visit on Saturday between noon and 3pm. The building is full of interesting equipment and photos. The gentleman running the place will give you a personal tour complete with stories of his own time as an Astoria firefighter! His paintings of several famous Astoria fires are a must see too! The fire trucks, which are mostly still operational, are very cool. The public fire box system and its description is a fascinating piece of the pre-911 phone emergency response system. The place is packed with the tech and tools of the past. There are several sets of excellent historical photos as well. Don’t miss this small town fire museum. It is rich in history and full of personality!

Their website says: June-Sep: Open Saturdays 12:00 PM–3:00PM Went this afternoon. A 3x5 card taped in the window says "Memorial Day through Labor Day". Fix your cotton pickin' web site! Astoria is a huge tourist destination, and anybody who tried to visit in September, having looked at the web site, made a trip for nothing.

Great museum. Go visit if you can. Their hours are scarce because it is staffed by volunteers but well worth making the time for it. It's free, but make sure to donate so they can continue to operate this gem. Also, ignore Yelp. Never use Yelp to base any decisions about local establishments. Rotten reviewers, rotten company.

Great place for all ages. The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable. We learned not only about the history of the area, but also intimate details about how all the various devices and tools have progressed throughout the years. Would recommend to anyone!

For children of all ages they can slide down the fire pole hook up hose and aim. Fun. Grandpa was there when we went for our visit. Love the history of our city.

Great bunch of firemen here telling some amazing stories. Could have spend days here!

I’d give this beautiful area a higher score if it wasn’t ruined by the drugged out guy sitting there tripping out. Then another guy tripping out on drugs walks through yelling to himself. Starting to look like Portland and no one wants that. But once u get past that it is a beautiful area with some cool things to see.

It was so gorgeous to visit. I loved the ambiance and the art that showcased what this area has to offer.

Was a lot smaller than expected. Was some beautiful plants I have never seen before. Interesting things there to see. Sadly seems homeless might live there or spend time there. Was things in a pile off to the side in two places and a few men sitting a few yards from them on a bench.

A very interesting little garden in the middle of downtown. I've been by many times and stopped for the first time. Well worth the visit.

Small and underwhelming compared to the description. It would be peaceful to walk through or just sit and relax, but it's in the heart of the city, super congested traffic, not easy to get to, no parking nearby

A nice park to spend an afternoon learning about the legacy of the Chinese in Astoria and the surrounding area. A moon gate leads you into the garden with story panels on both sides from the Chinese community. Look carefully at the map by the gate to find the meaning of the items in the park. The Pavillion of Transition is at the other end of the garden. You will see eight dragon columns and a mosaic of fish in the middle. A cast bronze is near the Pavilion and is a replica of an incense burner from the Western Han Dynasty. A number of other items are in the garden and there are places to sit down. Located by City Hall on Duanne Street and 11th in Astoria. An overlooked gem that honors the contributions of the Chinese in Astoria area and is the two hundred anniversary gift to the city.

City Pride Done Well! Astoria did a wonderful job displaying history in a creative way that also expressed both European influenced history as well as the local indigenous history and history of settlers who made or tried to make Astoria their home.

Not a lot there to do. It is just a small wooden building, and they have covered up the windows so you can't see the inside. There are some good restaurants near the fort though.

Well, I was hoping for more and came up short. The history is cool, but what is left here is disappointing. What makes it worse is the fact there is a brewery right up against it. Takes away from the historical value. But if you have 5 minutes to stop and look I think it’s a great side stop to see.

This is a recreation of the birthplace of the town of Astoria. Basically a historical site only. There is an Astorial Fort about 2 miles away but we did not have time to go there.

The site has a really interesting history, but the structure itself isn't much to look at. It would be more worthwhile if they'd reconstructed the whole thing.

Great information about the first settlers to habitat the area

Tiny park, you can’t even go inside the fort. Big plus is its next to a brewery. Also, possibly birthplace of McNugget man.

Me, I can not read any of the Asian Languages, but here at this place, there was Respect and Honor paid to those who traveled from the far west to make their life in the Pacific NorthWest, and in that, I was Proud.

Half the lifeguards come across very rude. The pools are always too cold. I have a 6 year old who loves to swim. It's unfortunate this is the only place too choose from in the area. Also for the amount we pay the slide should always be open.

I've been coming to this pool for over 20 years, I've only ever worn jean shorts and a swim top. My 3year old granddaughter was in town from Texas and we decided to go swimming and they kicked me out of the pool for wearing jean shorts and completely ruined a memory for my granddaughter. I asked where this was stated and they searched for a peice of paper that says no exposed buckles rivits or snaps. Nowhere on their website nor posted anywhere in the pool does it say that jean shorts are not allowed! aside from the fact that I've come there wearing them for over 20 years and Noone has ever commented about it

This is a very nice facility. Friendly staff and plenty of life guards. Very clean and orderly. There’s a large lap pool, and a big family pool with a water-walking lane. There’s also a big jacuzzi. Generally, the water temps are mid-hi 70s for the lap pool, mid 80s in the family pool and mid-hi 90s in the jacuzzi. Very comfortable temps all around for senior citizens. 😀 There’s also a fully equipped workout room with all the weight apparatus, and plenty of bikes, ellipticals and rowing machines. ✅Free parking ✅Towels (with membership) ✅Drinking water station ✅Clean changing rooms & lockers The Astoria Aquatic Center is a great facility and a real asset to this community!

Very friendly desk staff! Checking in is a breeze. We feel very safe in the water there - especially since my son is still learning how to swim. Swim instructors are very patient and kind, plus class sizes are small. They utilize various equipment, teaching the youngsters how to swim. The slide is AWESOME. They allow my son to go down with me! Lazy river is fun too. Such a great pool, in such a small community!

This aquatic center is cozy and has very friendly staff. Unfortunately in this center anyone can take your things and steal them. I went swimming and when I was done, I went to the shower and hung up my swimsuit to drain some of the water. My locker is one meter away and I got ready to get dressed. After 10 minutes when I finished I went for my suit that was literally in front of me but it was not there. In a matter of seconds a woman quickly grabbed my swimsuit while I was getting dressed. We made the report but there won't be much to do. It's that easy to have your things stolen here. So if you go to this aquatic center, be careful when leaving your things even just one meter away from you. There will be someone waiting for the best opportunity to steal your belongings. Especially in the women's locker room. And in the end they won't be able to help you enough!

Great people there, always willing to smile at new folks, and explain equipment. Haven’t met any sour folks!

Wow! This place is amazing. What a great place for families. My girls are loving their swim lessons. Friendly, helpful staff.

Located in the Flanel House Carriage House and home of the Flanel House Visitor’s Center. Visitor Center includes a video presentation, gift shop with vintage replica items, penny pinching machine and room of vintage items on display and historical information.

great place to visit if you are researching ancestors in Clatsop County.

Drive around the entire block before parking, steep hills to navigate, might be difficult for folks with disabilities. I couldn't find handicapped parking, but I was able to find street parking and walk.

Wonderful helpful knowledgeable people working here.

Lovely route to walk, run or cycle. Spans the entire length of Astoria river front, is super flat so not taxing, and offers great views with lots of wildlife spotting. The majority of the walk tracks tan old single track Trainline that is now used as a tourist attraction. For the most part the surface is tarmac and easy to cycle and walk. In some areas it switches to wooden planks that can get slippery when wet or a little tricky on bikes or with prams. Great route, we have cycled up and down a few times and spotted sea lions, river otters, lots of birds including pelicans, deer and fish!

Limited unpaved parking at trailhead. Narrow roads to get to parking. Suggest parking in town rather than trailhead. Signs and trash can at trailhead. A few benches along the trail. Views of ships and birds. Trail follows unused railroad tracks for 1st 1 1/2 miles. Tracks after that point are used by tram. Leashed dogs are allowed. See other rules in photo of sign.

Easy walk right by the water, you can see the big ships on the water. Bikes use this trail. Could be hazardous for small children who want to climb on old railroad tracks with big gaps above the water.

I always enjoy taking my dog for a walk at this park. I like to walk around on the inlet bank. Every now and then, I might find a buoy or two. I don't see a lot of wildlife at the park, but that's okay because of the dogs. The ships are close enough to the shore that you can hear their idling engines. Bring an extra windbreaker or sweater because sometimes it gets chilly there.

Easy walk along the Columbia river. Due to proximity to the ocean marine life and marine birds are likely to be around. Barking seals can be heard and seen basking in the sun on piers. A assortment of restaurants and bars are close by. Only three stars due to the crowds. Community events are often a short walk off the river walk into town. The Columbia River Maritime Museum is also on the river walk and worth a visit.

Interesting 5 mile paved trail along the river at Astoria. It allows good views of wildlife, river traffic and river docks. Lots of places to stop and take in the views. Lots of shops, restaurants and pubs along the trail.

Beautiful River walk. Needs lines to designated lanes. Bikers and runners should pass in single file.

Very nice restoration of this historic spot. Great views and wind.

Lot of space to explore, kept all my kids busy. The fort clatsop recreation for kids was a nice addition. Also a contained toddler section.

It's a big, open waterfront playground with a skate park and baseball field just steps away from DQ & AHS. Beautiful view, great park! As kids in the 90s, my brother & I practically lived for summers at Tapiola Pool! The park has been completely redone & the pool is now a rad skate park.

This was a wonderful hidden gem with everything being so expressive it’s a great free place to let the kiddos play and have a picnic

My 4 year old had a blast here. So clearly we'll designed for a variety of ages. With composit wood that won't splinter, lots of places to hide, things to see. A sectioned off toddler area where tired parents can sit while your little ones go crazy!

Great playground, lots to do and explore for all ages. My 7yo could have stayed all day. There is an area designed for smaller kids that’s lots of fun as well. Some benches are integrated into the design for parents who might want to stay close or kids to sit down for a sec. Lots of climbing, some accessible by ramp. Restrooms right nearby but they were locked today (winter time and rainy, clearly not the high season).

Great park on sunny days with views of sunset. Basketball courts and kids 2-5 play area must be accompanied by adult. They also have skate area and bathrooms. Good shade areas.

Great place to stop, have a picnic and play! Basketball court and skate park on either side of the playground area make it nice for older and younger kids! The bathrooms are true to public bathroom nature of pure disgust but other than that great park!

Don’t miss this spot when you’re in Astoria! An interesting tribute to the region’s heritage with intriguing pieces. Stop by when you’re in Astoria!

Deep, rich history, beautiful railings and landscaping, fresh new signs to read about the Nordic heritage in the area. One public restroom, wheelchair Accessible, cute troll statues.

Super neat park. Highly recommend checking it out if you are in the area.

A nice little place to chill and read about some history. Also a nice place if you're walking around town due to the public restroom. There's also some stature of trolls in the park that you have to see for yourself, there really something to behold.

A newer park to Astoria it is a very clean, small, mostly cement park with planter areas. It highlights Scandinavian influences in the town, as the name suggests. Informative displays & plaques, even a QR code to give you more information. Adorable trolls!!!! Nice flags.

Stop by, If you’re passing through Astoria might as well catch some free history and learn about the Nordic ties of this Pacific Northwest city.

New and updated park with bathroom and parking if you can find some on a busy day next to park and ice cream place across street

Really cool visitor center with some Goonies merch. The lady was very helpful and nice. Cool place!

Best Fourth of July parade in years! A wonderful reopening after the pandemic. Really appreciate how helpful and wel coming locals were of visitors

Nancy was amazing! So informative and friendly. The brochure on Oregon Coast mile by mile was invaluable. She recommended that and we just follow the maps and places to stop. Also got the 5-day discovery pass for the Stare parks and Forest Management sites for $10. At Lewis and Clark Exhibit, the pass paid for itself with 2 people. Rest of the entries were Xtra bonus.

A unique town to visit

I stopped by on a Sunday hoping for a map of the Oregon Coast, and I left with basically an atlas, and a map of Astoria with recommendations from the lovely person at the counter. Welcoming, informative, helpful. What more can you hope for?!

So helpful. The lady looked a little like Betty White. Such a sweet 💗.

We could find no lodging within two hours of Astoria. Every room was booked for a week out even the ghetto crack houses or not available. We would have stayed several days there but had to drive 200 miles south to find a room. If you're planning a vacation to this city start looking a year ahead of time.