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Astoria Column, Astoria, OR

Photo: PortlandSaint, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

SightseeingHistory BuffFamily Favorite

Astoria Column

1 Coxcomb Dr · Astoria, OR

Why you should go…

The Astoria Column is a 125-foot tower on Coxcomb Hill, dedicated in 1926. A 164-step spiral staircase climbs to an exterior observation deck with panoramic views of the surrounding region. Wrapped around the outside is a 525-foot-long mural frieze showing scenes from the early history of Oregon, from untouched forest to the arrival of the railway. Visiting the park and climbing the column are free, and parking is charged per vehicle.

  • #observation deck
  • #monument
  • #scenic viewpoint
  • #oregon history

Good to know

General sightseeing guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • The forecast is part of the ticket

    Haze, low cloud, and rain flatten a view. Clear-day visits are worth rearranging your plans for.

  • Golden hour sells out first

    Sunset slots at observation decks and cruises are the first to go, so book those further ahead.

  • Dress a layer warmer

    It is always breezier up high and out on the water than it feels at street level.

  • Timed entry is common

    Plenty of landmarks release tickets in windows rather than at the door, so check before you walk over.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Astoria Column, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Museums
    History Buff

    Columbia River Maritime Museum

    Under $25

    Oregon's official maritime museum on the Astoria waterfront, with a historic lightship and exhibits on the treacherous Columbia River Bar.

    0.7 mi awaySwitch it up: Museums

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    Astoria-Warrenton

    Free

    Chamber of commerce and visitor center for Astoria and Warrenton on the north Oregon coast.

    1.5 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    History Buff

    Fort Clatsop

    Under $25

    Step inside a log replica of the fort where the Lewis and Clark Expedition spent the winter of 1805 to 1806.

    4.5 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Family Favorite

    Seaside

    Free

    Official visitor bureau for the Oregon Coast town of Seaside, home to the historic beachfront Promenade.

    14 mi awayMore like this

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    Captain Kid Amusement Park

    Under $25

    Family-owned outdoor amusement park in Seaside with go karts, mini golf and a small roller coaster.

    15 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Sport & Outdoor
    Outdoor Adventure

    Ecola State Park

    Under $25

    Hike forested headland trails to ocean bluffs, sea stacks and the tide pools and surf of Indian Beach.

    20 mi awaySwitch it up: Sport & Outdoor