Set where a mighty river meets the Pacific Ocean, this historic coastal city blends maritime heritage with dramatic natural scenery. Its strategic location and long seafaring history have shaped a destination filled with cultural landmarks, waterfront attractions, and scenic beauty.
Astoria lies at the mouth of the Columbia River and holds the distinction of being the first permanent American settlement west of the Mississippi River. The famous Lewis and Clark Expedition spent the winter of 1805 here, adding to the city’s historical significance.
Astoria is also widely recognized as a filming location for the The Goonies, with several sites around town connected to the beloved movie. Beyond its pop culture fame, visitors can explore charming historic buildings, a lively downtown area, and nearby nature spots along the coast and riverfront.
With its rich history, maritime character, and beautiful surroundings, Astoria remains one of the Pacific Northwest’s most distinctive and atmospheric destinations.
Astoria Oregon Riverwalk
As it spans the entire length of the city’s Columbia River waterfront, the Astoria Oregon Riverwalk really is a treat to amble along with stunning scenery and views wherever you go. In addition, it also passes many of the city’s main attractions with maritime museums and historic sites, restaurants, and breweries lining the route.
Stretching just over ten kilometers in total, the picturesque riverwalk takes you from the bustling Port of Astoria right the way to the pretty and peaceful lagoons of Tongue Point. Along the way you pass countless waterfront attractions such as the iconic Astoria-Megler Bridge, excellent Maritime Museum, and moving Maritime Memorial.
Aside from strolling along, taking in the sights, and stopping off at its innumerable establishments, you can also opt to either cycle along the paved path or take a vintage trolley ride along the route.
Astoria-Megler Bridge
One of the city’s standout symbols and sights, the enormous Astoria-Megler Bridge spans the lower Columbia River and connects Astoria and Oregon to Point Ellice in Washington. Due to its arresting architecture, the bridge makes for a striking sight and has even appeared in films such as Free Willy and The Goonies.
Completed in 1966, it is impressively still the longest truss bridge in North America, stretching over six and a half kilometers in length. Designed by William Adaire Bugge, it towers to sixty meters in height with each of its cantilever-span sections only carrying one lane of traffic in each direction.
Besides snapping photos of the spectacular structure from the Riverwalk, you can also drive across the bridge and bask in breathtaking views over the river and Astoria as you go.
Fort Stevens State Park
Just twenty minutes’ drive to the west of the center you can find the stupendous scenery, nature, and historic sites of Fort Stevens State Park. Nestled at the north-westernmost tip of the state, it lies just across Youngs Bay from Downtown Astoria and has lots of great outdoor activities for you to enjoy.
Built towards the end of the American Civil War, Fort Stevens, its batteries and bunkers were erected to guard the mouth of the Columbia River. Although not much now remains, visiting its museum is still an interesting affair as you see old uniforms and weapons and learn about the fort’s history.
In addition, you can also stop by the historic Peter Irdale shipwreck which lies along the state park’s shores or go swimming in the sea and stay overnight at one of its cozy campsites.
Downtown
As it full of fun things for you to see and do, no trip to town can ever be complete without exploring Astoria’s delightful Downtown. Lying alongside the Columbia River, the lively area contains many of Astoria’s tourist attractions with countless restaurants and shops also dotted about.
While Astoria was remarkably the first US settlement to be established west of the Mississippi, not all too many historic buildings remain as a fierce fire devastated the downtown district in the early twentieth century. Nowadays, however, you can find lots of cultural attractions here with numerous museums lying next to excellent art galleries and the lovely Liberty Theater.
Besides stopping by sights such as the Maritime Museum and Oregon Film Museum, you can also shop ‘til you drop and dine in any one of downtown’s brilliant restaurants.
Flavel House Museum
Also located within Astoria’s Downtown is the fabulous Flavel House Museum which boasts some absolutely beautiful Queen Anne architecture. Wonderfully well-preserved, the massive mansion is a treat to tour around with its interior being just as delightfully decorated.
Named after George Flavel, a wealthy entrepreneur and Columbia River captain, the huge historic house was built in 1885 to be his retirement home. Now protected as a museum, it is surrounded by some gorgeous grounds and gardens that feature some fetching Victorian-era landscaping.
While the pretty property’s elegant eaves and wraparound porch already make for a striking sight, inside is just as alluring for its ornate fireplaces, spiral staircases, and crystal chandeliers. With fine furnishings and period pieces also on show, Flavel House Museum is definitely well worth checking out if you have the chance.
Astoria Riverfront Trolley
Aside from strolling or cycling along the Riverwalk yourself, you can also opt take a romantic ride on the attractive old Astoria Riverfront Trolley. One of the city’s most iconic attractions, the historic streetcar line takes you through many of the most popular parts of town with countless sights, shops, and scenic viewpoints for you to stop off at along the way.
Stretching almost five kilometers in length, the trolley line uses the former tracks of a disbanded railroad and runs alongside the Columbia River for most of its route. As such, passengers can enjoy stunning views over its shimmering waters while also taking in the sights and sounds of downtown.
While the vintage streetcar is a useful way to get around, it is also lots of fun to ride in thanks to its old-time look and feel. Affectionately nicknamed ‘Old 300’, it was remarkably built back in 1913 and still functions perfectly to this day.
Lewis and Clark National Historical Park
Offering up an invaluable insight into the infamous expedition and its achievements, the Lewis and Clark National Historical Park has several sites that are scattered across the state for you to explore. While some lie alongside the Columbia River, others instead hug the Pacific Coast with interesting historic tourist attractions and stupendous scenery and nature wherever you go.
Encompassing everything from forts and camps to coves and nature trails, the park shines a light on the Corps of Discovery’s travels and the hardships they had to endure. Besides seeing important and impressive historic sites and learning about the expedition, there are also lush rainforests and epic coastal views for you to enjoy.
The most popular part of the park to visit, however, is the Fort Clatsop National Memorial which lies not far from Astoria and contains lots of artifacts and exhibitions relating to the expedition.
Fort Clatsop
Lying just fifteen minutes’ drive southwest of Astoria, you can find the superb Fort Clatsop National Memorial which protects the site where the Corps wintered in 1805. While the original encampment is long gone, guests can tour around a wonderful rustic and rough-hewn replica which highlights how the famous explorers and their men used to live.
During the harsh winter months, the Corps recuperated, hunted, and prepared for the return leg of their trip with Lewis jotting down many of his notes during this period. At the reconstructed fort, you can watch costumed re-enactors make candles, canoes, and tan leather as they explain the history of the expedition.
In addition, its visitor center houses numerous artifacts and exhibits on the explorers with some great hiking, fishing, and kayaking also to be had within the park’s scenic confines.