Astoria

About Astoria

A charming hillside city in Oregon’s northwestern corner, Astoria was established as a fur trading post in 1811, taking its name from business mogul John Jacob Astor (although he never visited!). Astoria is the seat of Clatsop County, named for the Clatsop Indians, and is the oldest American city west of the Rocky Mountains. While today’s population is just over 10,000, a century ago Astoria was the second most populous city in Oregon! Situated just inland from the mouth of the Columbia River, Astoria is a short drive to Oregon beach towns Seaside and Gearheart and an even shorter drive to the historical Peter Iredale shipwreck on the beach at Fort Stevens State Park. Serving as an epic passageway from Oregon to Washington state is the majestic Astoria-Megler Bridge.

As for the town itself, there’s plenty to see and do : the downtown area is walk-able and awash with shopping, art galleries, coffee shops, unique restaurants and a riverfront trolley as well as the Oregon Film Museum. Fans of the 1985 cult hit The Goonies can head to the eastern residential end of Astoria and see for themselves (from the outside, at least) the house where the movie was filmed. Kindergarten Cop, the first two of the Free Willy trilogy, and The Ring Two are further examples of Hollywood’s invasion of Astoria. Beer enthusiasts will also find a number of microbreweries.

Astoria is also home to the Columbia River Maritime Museum as well as the Capain George Flavel House Museum. Located 5 miles southwest is Fort Clatsop, a former winter encampment of the Lewis and Clark Expedition turned national memorial.

Astoria is located approximately 2 hours from Portland via U.S. Route 30 or the coastal U.S. Route 101. The city also houses the Port of Astoria, welcoming cruise ships and deep draft vessels in addition to regulating regional maritime activities.

Fernhill Glass Studio

The main reason you visit a glass-blowing studio on the Oregon Coast is to purchase some of the truly unique and beautiful artwork on display.

At the Fernhill Art Studio, they also give you a show.

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Shopping Sightseeing
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Fort Stevens State Park

There are some state parks where you stop, get out of the car, maybe use the public restroom, walk around a bit to stretch your legs and the leave within 20 minutes. Maybe it has an interpretive plaque or trail, maybe one of the incredible stunning views that are scattered throughout the state, but overall it’s a pretty short experience.

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Museums/History Parks & Gardens Sightseeing
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Franklin St. Station Bed & Breakfast

Hampton Inn & Suites Astoria

Hanthorn Cannery

Many times when I visit a historic site, I go into it with an attitude that is almost like an academic. I have an interest in learning what happened at the place I am visiting, but rarely do I get an emotional reaction.

As I wandered around the dark Bumble Bee canning facility, I notice they had hats and other personal items from the people who used to work there, but don’t any longer. If you stand next to some of the old equipment, you can almost hear what it sounded like back in the 1970s when the plant was operating and it was Astoria’s largest employers.

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Museums/History Sightseeing
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Historic Astoria

Explore docks, museums and Victorian mansions in a salty city near the fort where Lewis and Clark wintered 200 years ago.

About the Hike: From the barnacled piers of cannery docks to the painted gingerbread of Victorian mansions, this picturesque city on the Columbia River wears its history with a salty pride. A walking tour samples the old town's sights.

Difficulty: An easy, 2.6-mile loop, with 150 feet of elevation gain.

Season: Open all year.

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Hotel Elliott

Klaskanine River RV Park

Lewis & Clark Golf & RV Park

Lloyd Hotel Astoria Bayfront

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