Astoria Oregon Sights & Attractions

Astoria is the oldest American settlement west of the Rockies. It's also the end of the Lewis and Clark trail. Maybe the most significant history is that Goonies was filmed here! Many hillsides are covered with old Victorian homes. The downtown is in 1920's architecture as well. If you get lucky, you'll have good weather to enjoy the lush green trees, with the Columbia dumping into the blue ocean. More likely, you'll experience what Lewis and Clark had. During the 106 days they wintered at Fort Clatsop in 1806 it rained all but 12 days and they saw the sun 6 times. Some of the nearby sights are:

Astoria Sights & Attractions

Fort Clatsop was the winter encampment for Lewis & Clark from December 1805 to March 1806. The visitor center includes a replica of Fort Clatsop similar to the one built by the explorers, an interpretive center offering an exhibit hall, films and interpretive trails.

This museum combines history with today's technology offering interactive displays that identify the many shipwrecks that occurred at or near the mouth of the Columbia River with six galleries of artifacts and exhibits showcasing a collection of more than 30,000 objects.

Fort Columbia State Park is one of the most intact coastal defense forts on the West Coast, the park features a self-guided walking tour around historic gun batteries and other fort structures with scenic views of the Columbia River estuary.

A local landmark house built in 1885 for Captain George Flavel, the first millionaire of Astoria. The home is one of the best preserved examples of Queen Anne architecture restored to accurately portray the elegance of the Victorian period.

The highest peak northwest of Portland in Oregon's Coast Range, visible from Astoria. There is easy access, a trail to the summit, camping at the trailhead and a 360 degree summit view.

It doesn't get any easier or cheaper than the "Old 300" trolley ride which takes visitors along the Astoria riverfront on a guided tour. The trolley has many stops and the cost is just a buck!

Once the primary military defense installation guarding the mouth of the Columbia River, the fort was in service for 84 years from the Civil War to the end of World War II. The park offers visitors exploration of history, nature, camping, beach-combing, freshwater lake swimming, trails, wildlife viewing, a historic shipwreck, a historic military fort, a network of nine miles of paved bicycle trails and six miles of hiking trails.

Completed in 1926, this concrete column has stood as a beacon on Coxcomb Hill, the highest point in Astoria. At 125 feet high, visitors can climb 164 spiraling steps inside to the lookout platform at the top which isn't for those afraid of heights. The views are very similar from ground level, out over the City of Astoria, the Pacific Ocean, up the Columbia River and many of the Oregon Coast mountains.

The Astoria Bridge is an icon that leaves the heart of the city as it crosses the Columbia River to Washington State. Some like to photograph it while others just have a need to cross over to have the experience. It towers 200 feet high to allow ships to go under and the bridge is build to withstand the fierce winter winds from the Pacific Ocean.

If you are a fan of the Goonies movie, you can visit the house. Respect the owner's wishes, a sign should ask you to walk up the driveway instead of driving. Just a few blocks away is the school filmed for Kindergarten Cop.

Astoria, Oregon

Astoria Sights & Attractions