Highways 30 and 101. 90 miles west of Portland, 17 miles north of Seaside. Population: 10,050. Elevation: Sea level. Chamber of Commerce: Astoria-Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce, 111 W. Marine Drive, Astoria, OR 97103. Phone: (800) 875-6807 or (503) 325-6311.
A major historical site at the mouth of the mighty Columbia River on the Pacific Ocean, Astoria has been a city of discovery since the exploration of the Columbia River by Captain Robert Gray in 1792. The explorers Lewis and Clark arrived in 1805 and built nearby Fort Clatsop, where they wintered before returning east.
Dozens of historic sites rest within a 10-mile radius, ready to be rediscovered. These include Fort Clatsop National Memorial; Fort Stevens State Park with an historic area and Military Museum and the shipwreck of the Peter Iredale; the Clatsop County Historical Society with three museums, the Flavel House, Heritage Center and Upper Town Fire Fighters Museum; Fort Astoria; the Astoria Column built in 1926; and the Columbia River Maritime Museum with the Columbia Light Ship which is home to one of the nation’s finest displays of model ships and nautical artifacts.
Astoria offers present day explorers a number of historic homes, restored to their original Victorian grandeur plus the 4.1 mile long Astoria Bridge. A walk along the city’s waterfront should include stops at the Sixth Street Viewing Platform, the 14th Street Pier with interpretive panels of river activity and the 17th street dock where there is a chance to explore visiting ships. In addition a bustling business district attracts shoppers to many unique shops and galleries.
A thriving fishing port, Astoria’s waterfront is lined with cruise ships and fishing charters, so you can enjoy the thrill of landing your own salmon or sturgeon.