Astoria is gritty, and likes it that way. But that rustic exterior is just a cover for the many enchanting dichotomies you’ll find waiting around the next corner. Here, fisherman are poets, loggers drink espresso, and Main Street welcomes both nouveau gallery and five n’ dime.
For Astoria, it’s about character, and it’s also about characters: the people who call this place home with a passion that borders on evangelical. The skipper who challenges the same mighty river his great grandfather once fished. The artist who migrated here in search of a new palette. The hotelier who resurrected a once-bustling pier.
Astoria is that little town that could, a city of 10,000 people on the Columbia River, just a few miles from the Pacific Ocean. Founded 200 years ago at the beginning of Oregon’s North Coast, Astoria has been through boom and bust times more than once, weathering the collapse of both the Columbia River fishery and Oregon timber industry. It has risen once again as a cultural haven, often referred to as “little San Francisco.” Astoria is an old place that is newly hip. Here, Victorian mansions and maritime relics live in harmony with chef-driven restaurants and tattoo parlors.
Once you come here and learn these stories, you’ll want to share them with others, and hope they’ll tell others, too. And, it’s a place to which you’ll want to return, to see what other stories you might have missed.
Featured Spots
North Coast
Lance Fisher Fishing
The great thing for fishermen here in the Pacific Northwest is that you have year around runs of Salmon, Steelhead, and Sturgeon. Some months are certainly better than others, but to enjoy such an abundance of different types of fishing...
422 Gateway Ave.Astoria, OR
503-822-6188
Email us (info[at]lancefisherfishing[dot]com)
North Coast
Astoria Nordic Heritage Park
Astoria Scandinavian Heritage Association (ASHA) was responsible for design and construction of the park and gifted the park to the City of Astoria and its residents and visitors on June 17, 2022. The park celebrates the cultural heritage of Nordic...
1590 Marine DriveAstoria, OR
503-325-7027
Email us (info[at]astoriaparks[dot]com)
North Coast
Lewis and Clark National Wildlife Refuge
Named for the famed explorers, the landscape and rich wildlife of this Refuge have changed very little in the past 200 years. Modern-day explorers visit this Refuge to experience its wilderness qualities and enjoy the abundant wildlife resources. Native species...
Astoria, OR360-795-3915
North Coast
Lewis And Clark National Historical Park
Fort Clatsop commemorates the 1805-06 winter encampment of the 33-member Lewis and Clark Expedition. A 1955 community-built replica of the explorers' 50'x50' Fort Clatsop is the focus of the park. The fort, historic canoe landing, and spring are nestled in...
Astoria, OR503-861 2471
North Coast
High 5 Fishing
Astoria, OR
(503) 791-5957
Email us (bigrich[at]diamondheating[dot]net)
North Coast
Youngs River Falls
Eight miles south of downtown Astoria, Youngs River Falls drops 54 feet into a pool and is a popular recreation spot for locals. The falls have been featured in several movies, including Free Willy 2 and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 3.
88450 Youngs River RdAstoria, OR
North Coast
Bradley State Scenic Viewpoint
This park was one of the first parcels donated as park land to the Oregon Highway Commission in 1922. One of the few rest stops along Highway 30, you’ll find a restroom, monument, and a wondrous Douglas fir forest overlooking...
Astoria, OR503-861-3170
North Coast
Astoria Underground Tour
There is no shortage of things to see and do above ground on the Oregon Coast. But what about below ground? That is where the Astoria Underground Tour comes in, sharing the history and mystery of part of the abandoned...
1125 Marine DriveAstoria, OR
415-713-4141
Email us (jd48woody[at]gmail[dot]com)
North Coast
Shallon Winery
One of the smallest wineries – for 35 years – a one-man operation. Located in downtown Astoria, one block from Maritime Museum. Gives a five minute view of the operation. Totally unique wines, such as the only whey wines in...
1598 Duane StreetAstoria, OR
503-325-5978
Email us (paul[at]shallon[dot]com)
North Coast
Lewis & Clark at the Crossing
Lewis & Clark public golf course located in Astoria, Oregon, is this regulation length (2,738 yrds., 1 par 5, 502 yds.), 9 hole course. Designed for challenge and fun for all skill levels and all ages. Placed in a country...
92294 Youngs River RoadAstoria, OR
503-338-3386
Email us (lcgrvpark[at]gmail[dot]com)
North Coast
Blind Slough Logging Camp
A logging camp located between Knappa and Brownsmead. Established around 1883, the post office was established in 1910, and closed in 1924. In 1923, some 300 people were employed by the Larkin-Green Logging Co. Source: Ghost Town USA Located 19...
Astoria, ORNorth Coast
Astoria Scuba & Adventure Sports
Astoria Scuba and Kayak is a full service facility at the Mouth of the Columbia River. Whatever your adventure is, Astoria Scuba is here for you! Whether you are a Professional Working Diver, a Sport Diver, a First Responder, an...
100 39th StreetAstoria, OR
503-325-2502
More Info
Astoria-Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce
Astoria, OR Mail: PO Box 176
Astoria, OR
503-325-6311
Email us (visitors[at]oldoregon[dot]com)