Things to do in Astoria
Astoria Column
In a wooded park and towering above Astoria, Oregon’s highest hill, the Astoria Column presents a spectacular view of the city and surrounding rivers, bay, forest, mountains and Pacific Ocean. The first words of most visitors are, "Oh, Wow!" The Astoria Column commemorates the westward sweep of discovery and migration. Built in 1926, it is 125 feet high and has 164 steps winding to the top. Call (503) 325-6311 for more information.
16th Street, Astoria, OR 97103
Columbia River Maritime Museum
Explore marine transportation from the days of dugout canoes, through the age of sail, to the present. Watch a dramatic 12-minute film introducing the history of life and commerce on the Columbia River and including the dangerous work of the Bar and River Pilots. Call (503) 325-2323 for more information.
17th and Marine Drive, Astoria, OR 97103
Fort Clatsop National Memorial
This is the site where the 33 member Lewis and Clark Expedition wintered from December 7, 1805, until March 23, 1806. The facility includes the reconstructed fort, a visitor center/museum, historical exhibits, canoe landing, spring and picnic area joined by trails through the wetlands and rainforest (young Sitka spruce and western hemlock) of the park. During the summer months, living history demonstrations depict fort activities. Call (503) 861-2471 for more information.
About 6 miles southwest of Astoria off US 101, Astoria, OR 97103
Fort Stevens State Park
The original fort was constructed during the Civil War. Visitors can learn its history at the Museum and explore abandoned gun batteries. A large and lovely state park with picnic facilities, nature trails, miles and miles of Oregon beaches, lakes, boating, camping, swimming and more than nine miles of paved bicycle paths. The campground is open year-around with over 600 campsites for campers, recreational vehicles and tents. Visitors can view the remains of a shipwreck at Peter Iredale beach and watch oceangoing ships navigate the bar from the viewing platform at the South Jetty. Call (503) 325-6311 for more information.
Ridge Road, Hammond, OR 97103
Uppertown Firefighters Museum and Astoria Children's Museum
Houses an extensive collection of firefighting equipment dating from 1877 to 1963. On display are hand-pulled, horse drawn and motorized vehicles, fire fighting equipment, photos and memorabilia. Astoria’s history with disastrous fires is told in photographs and with artifacts. Uppertown Firefighters Museum was built in 1896 to serve as part of the new North Pacific Brewery. In 1928 the site was rebuilt by the City of Astoria for service as Uppertown Firestation #2. The Astoria Childrens Museum is on the second floor Firefighters Museum, and is open Wednesday through Saturday. Call (503) 325-8669 for more information.
30th & Marine Drive, Astoria, OR 97103