Astoria Column
Ascend 164 steps for breathtaking 360° views of the Columbia River and Pacific Ocean from this historic Oregon landmark.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
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Astoria Column
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ascend 164 steps for breathtaking 360° views of the Columbia River and Pacific Ocean from this historic Oregon landmark.
"The Astoria Column offers spectacular views and a unique historical experience, making it a must-visit."
🎯 Conquer the 164 Steps
Take your time on the spiral staircase; landings offer space to yield.
✈️ Buy a Balsa Wood Plane
Launch them from the top for a unique and fun experience!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Summit Views
Top of the Column
Ascend 164 steps for sweeping 360-degree vistas of the Columbia River, Pacific Ocean, and surrounding forests.
Historic Mural Spiral
Exterior of the Column
Admire the detailed concrete mural depicting key moments in Pacific Northwest history.
Balsa Wood Airplane Toss
Top of the Column
Purchase a wooden glider from the gift shop and launch it from the top for a fun, wind-powered spectacle.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Conquer the Climb (or Admire from Below)
Parking and Plane Toss Fun
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Conquer the 164 Steps
Take your time on the spiral staircase; landings offer space to yield.
✈️ Buy a Balsa Wood Plane
Launch them from the top for a unique and fun experience!
🚗 $5 Annual Parking Pass
Proceeds support park upkeep. Worth it for the views!
☁️ Views Can Be Foggy
Check the weather; fog can obscure the stunning vistas.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Conquer the 164 Steps
Take your time on the spiral staircase; landings offer space to yield.
✈️ Buy a Balsa Wood Plane
Launch them from the top for a unique and fun experience!
🚗 $5 Annual Parking Pass
Proceeds support park upkeep. Worth it for the views!
☁️ Views Can Be Foggy
Check the weather; fog can obscure the stunning vistas.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be climbing stairs and walking around.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Astoria Column for its stunning panoramic views and unique historical murals. The climb up the 164 steps is often described as a rewarding experience, with many enjoying the tradition of launching balsa wood airplanes from the top. Some find the spiral staircase a bit daunting due to heights or the narrowness, and the $5 parking fee is a minor point of consideration for some.
"If you're in the Astoria area, be sure to check out this Historical Landmark. Driving in, there is a $5 Annual parking pass that you can purchase when entering. Proceeds go to the upkeep of the park.
For those who want to tackle the 164 steps to the top of the Column, be sure to stop in the Gift Shop first and pick up a glider for when you reach the top.
Awesome views of the Columbia River Inlet as well as the Astoria-Megler Bridge."
Kevin Carr
"I found out about this while planning a trip to the area and it sounded like it might be somewhat like a lighthouse so I added it to our itinerary. We visited on a Monday late afternoon in August.
There is a $5 parking fee but no cost to climb the stairs up to the top. The parking attendant was cheerful and friendly and there was plenty of parking.
It’s 164 steps up to the circular stair case to the top and it really is like a lighthouse just minus the light. There was no attendant here to monitor how many are going in and coming out so just just go at your own discretion. There are a couple landings on the way to make space for traffic in both directions but I will say not everyone does that so you could be passing someone coming down as you are going up and there is no inside railing just trust in your own balance to go up the inside of the staircase while yielding to people coming down with the railing on their outside. I wish I had a picture to show this but I wasn’t even thinking of that.
Once up to the top, the view is beautiful and you are fenced in. There is a gift shop in the parking lot area that sells little model airplanes that you can launch from the top. That’s a cool idea but we don’t know it until we saw someone do it from the top because we didn’t go in the gift shop until we came back down.
The walk up and down is not strenuous in my opinion but if you’re not used to walking that many stairs or if you’re afraid of heights just give yourself some time. People likely will be kind enough to be patient if they are behind you.
There is a walking trail on the ground level but we didn’t do that so I don’t know how long it is.
We enjoyed this."
Miss Val
"The Astoria Column is a pretty remarkable spot! Perched high above Astoria, Oregon, it gives sweeping views of the Columbia River, Youngs Bay, the Coast Range, and even out to the Pacific on clear days. The location is famously windy (many visitors bring or buy the small wooden gliders sold on site just to launch them from the top), which adds to the fun.
The 125-foot column itself is decorated with a spiral mural illustrating major events in Pacific Northwest history, from Native cultures to the arrival of explorers and settlers. Climbing the spiral staircase to the top is a bit of a workout, but the payoff is the 360° panoramic vista—definitely one of the best in Oregon.
It’s a spot that blends history, art, and natural beauty. Perfect for photos, picnics, or just watching the clouds roll across the river."
Sid
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Astoria Column is located on Coxcomb Hill in Astoria, Oregon. You can drive directly to the site, where there is a parking area. Follow signs for the column from downtown Astoria.
While direct public transport to the column itself might be limited, Astoria has local bus services that can get you close to the general area. From there, it's a hike or a short taxi/rideshare to the base.
Many visitors drive directly to the parking lot at the base of the column. For a more active approach, consider hiking up Coxcomb Hill if you're up for a scenic, albeit steep, trek.
Yes, the Astoria Column is part of a larger park and is close to other Astoria attractions like the Goonies filming locations and the Columbia River Maritime Museum.
Absolutely! Using GPS with 'Astoria Column' as your destination will reliably guide you to the site.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no entry fee to climb the column itself. However, a $5 annual parking pass is required per vehicle to park at the site.
No, tickets are not required for entry or to climb the column. You only need to purchase a parking pass upon arrival.
The column is generally accessible during daylight hours. The gift shop and parking attendant may have more specific hours, but the climb itself is usually open from dawn until dusk.
No, climbing the 164 spiral steps to the observation deck is free of charge. The only cost is the parking pass.
The balsa wood airplanes are sold at the gift shop located near the parking area, not inside the column itself.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The climb itself, with 164 steps, can take anywhere from 10-20 minutes depending on your pace and how often you stop to rest or admire the interior murals.
The view is spectacular! You get 360-degree panoramic vistas of the Columbia River, the Astoria-Megler Bridge, Youngs Bay, the Coast Range, and the Pacific Ocean on clear days.
It's a moderate climb with spiral stairs. If you have mobility issues or are afraid of heights, it might be challenging, but there are landings for breaks.
The column is adorned with a spiral mural depicting significant events and figures from Pacific Northwest history, from indigenous peoples to early explorers and settlers.
Restroom facilities are typically available at the base of the column, near the parking area and gift shop.
📸 📸 Photography
The top offers incredible panoramic shots. The exterior murals also make for unique, detailed photos. Consider capturing the column against the sky or river.
Drone usage is generally not permitted around the attraction or parking premises without specific permission. Always check local regulations.
Dawn and dusk offer the best lighting conditions for photography, with softer light and fewer crowds.
Yes, you can take photos of the interior murals as you ascend or descend the spiral staircase.
Capture the view from the top, the intricate details of the murals, and the fun of launching the balsa wood airplanes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Even if climbing isn't an option for everyone, the ground-level views are still impressive, and the historical murals provide an educational element. Pack a picnic to enjoy in the surrounding park, making it a full afternoon of exploration and fun for all ages. Remember the $5 parking fee, which supports the park's upkeep.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1Don't overlook the detailed exterior murals as subjects for close-up shots, showcasing the artistry and historical narrative. The spiral staircase itself, with its unique lighting and textures, can also make for compelling interior photography. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens for the vistas and a macro lens for the mural details.
🚶♀️ Active Adventurers
+1For an even more active experience, consider hiking up Coxcomb Hill to reach the column, rather than driving directly to the parking lot. This adds an extra layer of adventure and allows you to fully immerse yourself in the natural surroundings before reaching the iconic landmark.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Art of the Astoria Column
+1The construction itself was a feat, utilizing concrete and steel to create a durable and iconic landmark. The design is reminiscent of classical columns but with a distinctly American frontier spirit. Visitors can trace the historical progression as they ascend the interior spiral staircase, with each section of the mural offering a glimpse into a different era. It's a unique way to experience local history while enjoying a physical challenge.
Beyond its historical significance, the column is a beloved local icon and a popular tourist destination. Its presence on Coxcomb Hill offers a prominent landmark visible from various points in Astoria. The ongoing efforts to maintain its structure and the surrounding park ensure that this piece of Oregon's heritage remains accessible for generations to come.
Experiencing the Climb and the Views
+1Upon reaching the observation deck, visitors are rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views. On a clear day, you can see the majestic Columbia River flowing into the vast Pacific Ocean, the impressive Astoria-Megler Bridge, Youngs Bay, and the rolling hills of the Coast Range. The expansive vistas make it one of the premier viewpoints in Oregon, offering unparalleled photo opportunities.
Many visitors find the experience exhilarating, especially when the wind picks up. This leads to a beloved tradition: purchasing a balsa wood glider from the gift shop and launching it from the top. Watching these simple planes catch the wind and soar over the landscape adds an element of playful fun to the historical and scenic aspects of the visit.
+1
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