Astoria
- For the neighborhood in Queens, see Queens/Long Island City and Astoria
Astoria is a city on the Northern Oregon Coast. It is a small rainy town on the edge of the Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean. It is famous for being the terminus for the Lewis and Clark Expedition, the setting of the movie The Goonies, and its Victorian-era homes built into the hillside overlooking the Columbia River.
Understand
History
The history of Astoria begins with the Clatsop Indians who lived there for thousands of years. In 1792, Captain Robert Gray located the mouth of the Columbia River and sailed up the river. In 1805, the Lewis and Clark Expeditiion spend the winter near the current site of Astoria at Fort Clatsop. The city of Astoria itself was not settled until 1811 when John Jacob Astor's Pacific Fur Company established a fur trading post, making it the oldest American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains.
With the start of the War of 1812 between the United States and England, Astor's fur traders sold the post to the British NorthWest Company so that from 1813 to 1818, the British owned Astoria and it was known as Fort George. The 1818 treaty with England established the Oregon Country, although the fur trade largely remained in the British control until the mid-1840s.
Get in
By car
U.S. Route 101 runs north-south through the city; the Astoria-Megler Bridge to Washington terminates near downtown. U.S. Route 30 provides access from points east, including Portland. From Interstate 5, take I-405 in downtown Portland to U.S. 30 west and follow it along the river; it will take you through the small towns of Scappoose, St. Helens, and Rainier on the way to Astoria.
By bus
As of August 1, 2015, Columbia County Rider runs Line 7, the Lower Columbia Connector, between Astoria Transit Center (9th and Astor) and downtown Portland. A round-trip ticket from Portland is $20. More info at the CC Rider website.
The NorthWest Point bus line provides bus service to the Oregon Coast from Portland with Astoria being the terminus. The bus leaves twice each day from the Portland Greyhound Station (550 NW 6th Ave) at 9:10AM and 6PM. Buses return to Portland each day from the Transit Center in Astoria (900 Marine Drive) at 8:30AM and 6PM. Fares are $18.00 one way with cheaper fares for children (12 and under) and seniors (62 and over).
Get around
See
- Astoria Column, atop Coxcomb Hill. Registered in the National Register of Historic Places, the 125-foot high column sits 600 feet above the town of Astoria, providing spectacular panoramic views. A spiral staircase leads to an observation deck at the top of the tower. The paintings of the side of the column depict scenes from the settling of the area.
- Fort Clatsop National Memorial, 92343 Fort Clatsop Rd (6 miles S of Astoria off U.S. 101 Alternate), ☏ +1 503 861-2471 ext 214, fax: +1 503-861-2585. The site where the Lewis and Clark Expedition wintered between 1805 and 1806. It features a museum and visitor center, historical exhibits, and hiking trails through wetlands. During the summer enjoy living history demonstrations. Peak season (mid-June to Labor Day) $5.00 adults (16+), $2.00 children (15 and under); off-peak $3.00 adults, children free; see website for details.
- Columbia River Maritime Museum, 1792 Marine Dr. Daily 9:30AM to 5PM. Explore interactive activities that show different aspects of life and work on the Columbia River. The building has recently been renovated and has huge windows that showcase the beautiful views of the Columbia River.
Do
- Drive around town and spot filming locations for various movies filmed in the area. These include: The Goonies, Kindergarten Cop, Short Circuit and Free Willy. A free guide is available at the Astoria Chamber of Commerce, Visitors Center, Flavel House and the Heritage Museum.
- Astoria Riverwalk. Walk or take the restored trolley along the riverfront past many historical sites.
Buy
- Astoria Sunday Market. From May to October on 12th Street between Marine Drive and Duane Street. This market combines fresh produce, local arts & crafts for a lively outdoor experience.
Eat
- The Columbian Cafe. A local favorite. Specializing in fresh, locally caught seafood and vegetarian fare. Eccentric owner Uriah Husley is an Astoria icon.
- Casa del Sol, 1446 Commercial ST, ☏ +1 503 325-9790. 10AM-7PM. Mexican food. From $10.
- Fulio's Pastaria & Tuscan Steak House, 1149 Commercial St, ☏ +1 503 325-9001. Has a wide variety of entrees and appetizers to choose from. A bit of an upscale feel, but very casual.
- Silver Salmon Grille, 360 12th St (just off of Commercial Street in downtown), ☏ +1 503 338-6640. While you are waiting for your food the table is covered with paper and is supplied with crayons for your enjoyment. Brings you back to feeling like a kid again.
Drink
Sleep
- The Rose River Inn, 1510 Franklin Ave, toll-free: +1-888-876-0028. The rooms are clean, nicely decorated, and comfortable. The owners are super attentive, from wonderful breakfasts, advice, and even freshly dipped chocolate strawberries in the evening. They seem to like nothing better than cracking open a beer (or uncorking a bottle of wine) in the afternoon with their guests. $90-$150.
- Hotel Elliott, 357 12th St, toll-free: +1-877-378-1924. In downtown Liberty District, hotel with views of Astoria and the Columbia river. The hotel combines historical elegance with modern amenities.
Go next
| Routes through Astoria |
| END ← | W  E
|
→ Jct  N Template:Rtarrow St. Helens → Portland
|
| Aberdeen ← Ilwaco ← | N  S
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→ Warrenton → Tillamook |