Astoria

• Astoria Warrenton Chamber of Commerce/ Visitor Center

  address: 111 W Marine Dr

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 Expedition 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.

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. Likewise, if coming from Longview/Kelso, Kalama, Woodland or anywhere north you can also go through (Exit #39 from I-5) Longview and cross over the Columbia River to get on US Route 30.

By bus

The AMTRAK thruway bus provides service between Astoria and Portland twice daily in each direction. The bus leaves twice each day from the Portland Greyhound station, and picking up at Portland Union Station and Sunset Transit Center in Beaverton. Busses leave from Portland-Greyhound at 9:15 AM and 6:10 PM, and depart each day from the Transit Center in Astoria (900 Marine Drive) at 8:30AM and 6:00PM. The trip lasts between 2.5 and 3 hours. Fares are $18.00 one way with cheaper fares for children (12 and under) and seniors (62 and over). Tickets can be booked through AMTRAK online or by calling +1 800 872 7245.

The Astoria Riverfront Trolley runs along the Riverfront, $1 for a round trip, $2 for full day. Schedule changes seasonally and is subject to weather.

• Astoria Column

  phone: +1 503-325-2963
  address: 1 Coxcomb Dr
  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

  phone: +1 503 861-2471 ext 214
  address: 92343 Fort Clatsop Rd
  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.

• Columbia River Maritime Museum

  phone: +1 503-325-2323
  address: 1792 Marine Dr
  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. Take a tour of the historic Lightship Columbia, which served as a floating lighthouse 5 miles from the mouth of the Columbia River from 1951-1979.

• Oregon Film Museum

  phone: +1 503-325-2203
  address: 732 Duane Street
  Celebrates film making in the state of Oregon. Located in the former Clatsop County Jail, where the opening scene of the Goonies was filmed.

• Flavel House Museum

  phone: +1 503-325-2203
  address: 441 8th St
  A Queen Anne style house built in 1884-85 for Captain George Flavel and his family and restored to reflect the Victorian period. There is a visitor center and museum store next door in the family`s Carriage House.

• Youngs River Falls

• Uppertown Firefighter's Museum

• Garden of Surging Waves

  phone: +1 503-325-7027
  address: 11th & Duane St.

• Clatsop County Heritage Museum

• Doughboy Monument

• 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 RiverwalkWalk or take the restored trolley along the riverfront past many historical sites.

• Liberty Theatre

  phone: +1 503-325-5922 ext 55
  address: 1203 Commercial St

• Astoria Sunday MarketFrom 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.

• The Columbian CafeA local favorite. Specializing in fresh, locally caught seafood and vegetarian fare. Eccentric owner Uriah Husley is an Astoria icon.

• Fulio's Pastaria & Tuscan Steak House

  phone: +1 503 325-9001
  address: 1149 Commercial St
  Has a wide variety of entrees and appetizers to choose from. A bit of an upscale feel, but very casual.

• Silver Salmon Grille

  phone: +1 503 338-6640
  address: 360 12th St
  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.

• Fort George Brewery and Public House

  phone: +1 503-325-7468
  address: 1483 Duane St.

• Wet Dog Cafe & Brewery

  phone: +1 503-325-6975
  address: 444 11th St.

• Buoy Beer Co. Restaurant/ Taproom

  phone: +1 503-325-4540
  address: 1 8th St.

• Rose River Inn Bed & Breakfast

  phone: +1 503-325-7175
  address: 1510 Franklin Ave
  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.

• Hotel Elliott Astoria

  phone: +1 503-325-2222
  address: 357 12th St
  In downtown Liberty District, hotel with views of Astoria and the Columbia river. The hotel combines historical elegance with modern amenities.

• Cannery Pier Hotel

  phone: +1 503-325-4996
  address: 10 Basin St
  A luxury hotel built on 100-year old piling in the Columbia River, at the former site of a fish cannery.