Oregon Coast - Washington, Oregon and the Pacific Northwest - page 578

POP 10,000
Named after America's first millionaire, John Jacob Astor, Astoria sits at the 5-mile-wide
mouth of the Columbia River and was the first US settlement west of the Mississippi.
The city has a long seafaring history and has seen its old harbor, once home to poor
artists and writers, attract fancy hotels and restaurants in recent years. Inland are many
historical houses, including lovingly restored Victorians - a few converted into romantic
B&Bs.
OREGON PACIFIC COAST PASSPORT
Many attractions along Oregon's coast require a $5 day-use permit to visit. With
the multi-agency Oregon Pacific Coast Passport you'll pay $35 for an annual
pass that includes many of these top sights. You can buy this pass at various loca-
tions along the coast; for a list and details, see www.fs.fed.us /
Sights & Activities
Astoria has been the setting and shooting location for movies such as The Goonies,
Kindergarten Cop and the Free Willy and Ring series. Adding to the city's scenery is the
4.1-mile Astoria-Megler Bridge , the longest continuous truss bridge in North America,
which crosses the Columbia River into Washington state. See it from the Astoria River-
walk , which follows the trolley route. Pier 39 is an interesting covered wharf with an in-
formal cannery museum and a couple of places to eat.
Columbia River Maritime Museum MUSEUM
( 503-325-2323; www.crmm.org ; 1792 Marine Dr; adult/child 6-17yr $12/5; 9:30am-5pm)
Astoria's seafaring heritage is well interpreted at this wave-shaped museum. It's hard to
miss the Coast Guard boat, frozen in action, through a huge outside window. Other ex-
hibits highlight the salmon-packing industry, local lighthouses and the river's commer-
cial history; also check out the Columbia River Bar exhibit and 3-D theater.
Astoria Column LANDMARK
( 503-325-2963; www.astoriacolumn.org ; Coxcomb Hill; parking $1) Rising high on Coxcomb
Hill, the Astoria Column (built in 1926) is a 125ft tower painted with scenes from the
westward sweep of US exploration and settlement. The top of the column (you'll need to
go up 164 steps) offers excellent views over the area.