Shively Park - Image 1
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Shively Park

4.5
·143 reviews·Astoria, United States

A tranquil wooded park in Astoria, Oregon, offering hiking trails, picnic spots, and echoes of its historical past.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Peaceful and less crowded

CrowdLow
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Shively Park - Image 1

Shively Park

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Peaceful and less crowded

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A tranquil wooded park in Astoria, Oregon, offering hiking trails, picnic spots, and echoes of its historical past.

4.5
(143 reviews)

"Pretty neat spot. The forest is so beautiful. It felt like I was in a magical forest."

Vertical photo
TIP

Pack a picnic blanket

There are no tables in some areas, so bring a blanket for comfortable outdoor dining. :picnic_table:

Research your route

Google Maps can be unreliable; verify directions to avoid gated roads. :world_map:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Wooded Hiking Trails

Wooded Hiking Trails

Various trails throughout the park

Explore serene, wooded paths offering a peaceful escape and beautiful river views.

Reddit
Picnic Shelters & Open Spaces

Picnic Shelters & Open Spaces

Designated picnic areas

Enjoy a quiet meal surrounded by nature, with remnants of historical gardens.

Reddit
Historical Remnants

Historical Remnants

Throughout the park

Discover fragments of the 1911 Centennial Celebration and the salvaged Astoria-Weinhard Hotel arch.

Instagram+1
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Planning Your Visit

Navigating to Shively Park

Accessing Shively Park can be tricky; some visitors report Google Maps leading to gated logging roads. Research alternative routes beforehand to ensure a smooth arrival and avoid disappointment. Reddit

Embrace the Natural Setting

Shively Park offers a peaceful retreat with wooded trails and picnic spots. While some trails are short, off-beaten paths lead to scenic views. Reddit+1

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Peaceful and less crowded
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend afternoons
Why
Community events and lively atmosphere
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Back in April in Astoria park 🥹 they looked so happy
@chunkylex
579.7K likes • 3.4M views

Pack a picnic blanket

There are no tables in some areas, so bring a blanket for comfortable outdoor dining. Reddit :picnic_table:

Research your route

Google Maps can be unreliable; verify directions to avoid gated roads. Reddit :world_map:

Running with this view 😍 #astoria #astoriapark #queensny #trackday #run #nycrunning #girlrunner
@vickyvolando_
208.9K likes • 2M views
My short story, Through the Garden Hedge, inspired by this staircase in Shively Park, is to be published in the 2025 Anthology, “Journey” by @niwa_writers. ✨🤗✍️
treesifyouplease
21 likes • 321 views

Explore off-beaten paths

Venture beyond the main trail for unique views and a more immersive forest experience. Reddit :hiking_boot:

Check for events

The park hosts community events like boot camps and live music. Instagram+2 :calendar:

Food Truck Fridays The Sheryl Rouse Band Shively Park
songbirdentertainment
37 likes • 291 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Pack a picnic blanket

There are no tables in some areas, so bring a blanket for comfortable outdoor dining. Reddit :picnic_table:

Research your route

Google Maps can be unreliable; verify directions to avoid gated roads. Reddit :world_map:

Explore off-beaten paths

Venture beyond the main trail for unique views and a more immersive forest experience. Reddit :hiking_boot:

Check for events

The park hosts community events like boot camps and live music. Instagram+2 :calendar:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(143 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Shively Park for its peaceful, natural setting and historical charm, with many enjoying the wooded trails and picnic spots. However, some travelers have experienced significant difficulties with navigation, finding access routes blocked or misleading, which can detract from the overall experience.

"You can't get here. Google maps leads you to closed gated logging roads. One alternate way we found even has a sign and a camera. Not welcome, not open to use as a bike trail. Don't waste your time."

Kristy Hagen

"Pretty neat spot. The forest is so beautiful. At first I wasn’t going to go on the trail because I get nervous about hiking alone but I met a woman who was going the same way so that made me feel more comfortable about doing it alone and then I went a few mins later. It was a beautiful trail. It felt like I was in a magical forest. Short hike with a beautiful view of the river. So glad I did it."

Kaltrina Demiri

"Such a beautiful area. It's peaceful and quiet. The main trail was short but they had some off beaten trails to go down. I only went down one and it took me to the top of a big hill and I could see a bridge in Astoria, was a pretty view 🤩"

Shari Brumbaugh

What People Like

Peaceful wooded trails
Historical remnants
Secluded picnic spots

What People Dislike

Difficult access/navigation
Gated roads

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Accessing Shively Park can be challenging. Some visitors report that Google Maps directs them to closed, gated logging roads. It's recommended to research alternative routes and verify directions before your visit to avoid potential access issues. Reddit

Finding Shively Park can be difficult due to navigation issues. Be prepared for potential detours or gated roads, and consider using offline maps or checking local advice for the best approach. Reddit

While specific directions can vary due to road conditions, many visitors suggest looking for signs and being aware that some routes may be private or inaccessible. Reddit

While Shively Park is mentioned as a biking and hiking trail destination, access for biking might be affected by the same road access issues reported by visitors. Confirm current trail accessibility before planning a bike trip. Reddit

Yes, Shively Park is located in Astoria, Oregon, offering a natural retreat within the area. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Shively Park is generally a public park, and there is no mention of entrance fees for general access. Enjoy the natural beauty and amenities without admission costs. Instagram

Specific opening and closing hours for Shively Park are not widely published. As a public park, it's generally accessible during daylight hours, but it's advisable to check for any posted signs upon arrival. Instagram

No advance booking is typically required for general visits to Shively Park. However, if you plan to use the community hall for an event, reservations would likely be necessary. Instagram

While no specific entry restrictions are widely noted, visitors should be mindful of park rules and regulations. Access issues reported by some users suggest potential limitations on certain roads. Reddit

Information regarding pet policies at Shively Park is not readily available. It's best to assume that standard leash laws apply and to check for any posted signage regarding pets. Instagram

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Shively Park offers a variety of activities including biking, hiking on wooded trails, picnicking, and enjoying the playground. Some visitors have also enjoyed family tennis and outdoor workouts. Instagram+1

Yes, Shively Park features wooded hiking trails. While the main trail is short, there are off-beaten paths that lead to scenic views and a more immersive forest experience. Reddit+1

Shively Park is a great spot for picnics, offering peaceful surroundings and picnic shelters. Remember to bring a blanket as tables may not be available in all areas. InstagramReddit

Shively Park was the site of Astoria's 1911 Centennial Celebration, featuring exhibit halls and gardens. It also holds remnants of the Astoria-Weinhard Hotel, destroyed in a 1922 fire. Instagram+1

Yes, Shively Park includes a playground, making it a family-friendly destination for those with younger children. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The wooded trails offer a magical, forest-like atmosphere perfect for photography. The historical remnants, like the Astoria-Weinhard Hotel arch, also provide unique photo opportunities. Instagram+2

Yes, some trails lead to higher ground offering views of bridges and the surrounding Astoria area, making for scenic landscape photography. Reddit

Absolutely. The park's mature trees, ferns, and peaceful ambiance create an ideal setting for nature photography, capturing the essence of the Pacific Northwest. Instagram

The salvaged arch of the Astoria-Weinhard Hotel is a notable historical structure that makes for an interesting photographic subject. Instagram

Early morning or late afternoon light can enhance the magical atmosphere of the wooded trails, creating beautiful lighting for your photographs. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Shively Park is a great option for families looking for a relaxed outing. The park features a playground for younger children to enjoy. Instagram The picnic shelters provide a convenient spot for family meals, though bringing a blanket is advised as tables aren't always available. Reddit The wooded trails offer a gentle introduction to hiking for kids, with some shorter, manageable paths. Reddit

Consider checking for community events like field days or family activities that are sometimes hosted in the park, which can add an extra layer of fun to your visit. Instagram Remember to research your route beforehand, as access can sometimes be tricky. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Nature Enthusiasts & Hikers

For those seeking a peaceful immersion in nature, Shively Park offers a serene escape. The wooded trails are a highlight, providing a tranquil environment with beautiful forest scenery. Reddit While the main trail is short, don't hesitate to explore the off-beaten paths that can lead to surprising viewpoints and a deeper sense of the park's natural beauty. Reddit

The park's historical significance adds another layer of interest, with remnants of past celebrations and structures scattered throughout. It's a perfect spot for a quiet picnic amidst the trees, listening to the sounds of nature. Reddit Be prepared for potential navigation challenges to access the park, but the reward is a secluded and beautiful natural setting. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into Shively Park's Past

Shively Park, once known as Centennial Park, was established to commemorate Astoria's centennial in 1911. The 12-acre site was envisioned as a grand public space, mirroring San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. It hosted exhibit halls, a replica of Fort Astoria, formal gardens, and even a Greek-style stadium and amphitheater. The park's impressive views were a significant draw, much like the Astoria Column. InstagramReddit

Fragments of this historical past are still visible today. Mature trees planted over a century ago are interspersed with younger growth. Two picnic shelters and remnants of the formal gardens persist at the hilltop. Stone staircases, once leading to exhibit halls and the theatre, now guide visitors around the park. The arch bearing the inscription 'Weinhard Astoria' is a poignant reminder of the Astoria-Weinhard Hotel, which was lost in the devastating Great Fire of December 1922. InstagramReddit

Today, Shively Park is a peaceful retreat, reclaimed by ferns and trees, offering a serene natural environment. It serves as a quiet place for picnics and short hikes, allowing visitors to connect with both nature and the echoes of Astoria's history. InstagramReddit

Navigating Access to Shively Park

Accessing Shively Park can present a unique challenge for visitors. Several travelers have reported that popular navigation apps, like Google Maps, can lead them to private, gated logging roads, creating a sense of being unwelcome or unable to reach the park. This has led to frustration and wasted time for some. Reddit

To mitigate these access issues, it's highly recommended to do thorough research before heading to Shively Park. Look for alternative routes suggested by locals or other visitors who have successfully navigated their way there. Verifying directions and being aware of potential road closures or private access signs is crucial. Reddit

While the park itself offers a beautiful and peaceful experience once reached, the initial journey requires a bit more planning. Being prepared with backup navigation strategies or consulting local resources can ensure a smoother and more enjoyable visit to this natural gem. Reddit

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