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Home » Travel, Adventure and Fun

Astoria Oregon Coast

Published: Oct 4, 2019 · Modified: May 16, 2020 by Bowl Me Over · 19 Comments

Astoria Oregon Coast - The Columbia River is the largest river in the Pacific Northwest. It spills into the Pacific Ocean at the northwestern tip of Oregon. Nestled here is the town of Astoria. 

Astoria Oregon Coast View overlooking the mouth of the Columbia River
Astoria, Oregon, the first permanent U.S. settlement on the Pacific coast, overlooks the town of Astoria.

Columbia River Astoria Oregon

I've seen Big Foot and I have the pictures to prove it! If you follow me on Instagram stories then you know it's true!

Seriously though, I hope you've been enjoying our travel and adventures I've been sharing! Our visit to Mesa Verde, CO and Yosemite National Park were amazing.

Today I'm sharing our latest adventure. A couple of weeks ago we went home to visit my folks in Oregon and we had a blast!!!

Mom and Dad had the week well planned out - a few days at the coast, a day with family and of course saving Sunday to watch football!

I grew up in St. Helens, Oregon and if that name sounds familiar, the little town of St. Helens was named after Mount St. Helens and yes I was there when the mountain blew on May 18, 1980. Those are pictures that I definitely need to share!

Anyway.... when we go home, one of my favorite things to do is take a drive to the coast. Our first stop was Camp 18 on Highway 26 just miles from the Pacific Ocean.

We had the most amazing lunch (if you're that way, be sure and get the clam chowder in a bread bowl - delicious!).

Camp 18 is nestled in the forest and in addition to being famous for their corks (waffles) and flatcars (pancakes) a rumor says a Bigfoot has been sighted in the area.... and I'm here to tell you it's true!

I found Bigfoot at Camp 18!

Gone Squatchin'!

I barely made it out alive! 😱 (my motto? NEVER take yourself too seriously!)

After lunch at Camp 18 we made our way up the coast to the sleepy coastal town of Seaside where we stayed in a great AirBnB condo with an amazing view of the ocean.

It had all the comforts of home and was a perfect home base for our adventures!

I'll share more about that trip in the future, but on the way home we stopped in Astoria. This little town is just so pretty and I knew you'd love a tour of the Astoria Oregon Coast!

What is Astoria known for?

Astoria is a port city that sits at the mouth of the Columbia River on the northwest tip of the state of Oregon.

It was the first permanent U.S. settlement in the Pacific Northwest. It's a beautiful little town, especially on a bright sun-shiny day!

How far is Astoria from Portland Oregon?

Astoria is just over 70 miles from Portland Oregon, located in the northwest corner of the state.

Astoria Oregon Coast, Astoria Bridge spanning the Columbia River
Astoria Bridge spans across the Columbia River from Oregon to Washington.

What to do in Astoria Oregon

If you do make it to my beautiful home state I hope you make time for a drive along the coast.

How long is the bridge in Astoria Oregon?

For a beautiful view, travel over the Astoria bridge. That stately bridge spans the mouth of the Columbia River. It is 4.1 miles long. It connects Astoria to Point Ellice, Washington.

Erected in 1966 the main span of the bridge is 1,232 feet in length and still the longest "continuous truss" in the nation, quite the feat!

Where is the Goonies house located?

Of course you could drive by the Goonies house! Remember that movie? The house is located in Astoria and was filmed in this sleepy little town.

The house was sold about 5 years ago and because of overwhelming interest it's no longer open to the public. It is after all a private residence! Located on a dead-end street the owner asks that visitors respect her privacy.

There have been several movies filmed in Astoria - Kindergarten Cop, Free Willy and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III to name just a few!

Astoria Column in Astoria Oregon
Be sure and see the Astoria Column. It's full of history and the park offers the BEST views of the Columbia River!

Astoria Column

Be sure to visit the Astoria Column located on Coxcomb Hill. The column is 125 feet tall and you can climb the stairs all the way to the top where it offers stunning views of the area!

The entire column is decorated with murals depicting Astoria's role in the Lewis & Clark Expedition and the discovery of the Columbia River by Captain Gray in 1792.

Other great places to visit are the Maritime Museum and the Museum of Whimsy!

Downtown is super cute, with coffee shops and eateries tucked here and there. Next time we're talking about staying in Astoria and taking some time to explore more of the town.

  • Please scroll thru the photos of Fort Clatsop National Historical Park.
  • Inside Fort Clatsop Fort
    A glimpse inside the fort. The space was really quite small.
  • The living quarters were small but efficient.
  • Outdoor "kitchen" could you cook over that fire? Many thanks to my Dad for these photos!

Fort Clatsop National Memorial

The Fort Clatsop National Memorial is an easy hike and offers stunning views. It's a great place for kids too because there is so much to see and do.

I'm pretty sure I went here for a school field trip when I was a kid. The park it offers a wonderful Junior Ranger program for aspiring children. It's a great historic memorial with lots to see and do.

We had a blast going thru the park, we toured the fort, walked down to where Lewis and Clark launched their canoes and enjoyed the short movie. It was fascinating!

Where to eat in Astoria, Oregon

There are several note-worthy restaurants in Astoria like the Bridgewater Bistro or the Astoria Brewing Company but that's not where I'm going to send you.

When I go to Oregon it's all about the seafood, so my favorite meal will take you to a hole-in-the-wall favorite. There's no seating, the line stretches down the block and it's not unusual to wait for over an hour!

In line at the Bowpicker Restaurant, Astoria Oregon Coast
It's not unusual to wait for over an hour at the Bowpicker for fish and chips!

Astoria Oregon

Bowpicker Fish & Chips is actually a land-locked tugboat that makes the BEST fish & chips I've ever eaten. Hands-down! 

If you have a hankerin' this is the place to go. Be sure and check the website for their hours and arrive early. They are open for lunch and when the fresh fish is gone... they close for the day!

All they serve is fish n chips and the fish they use is albacore tuna.

Worth the drive and totally worth the wait!

Cargo ship on the Columbia River, Astoria Oregon Coast
Grab your fish 'n chips and enjoy the views of the big cargo ships traveling up and down the Columbia River!

Astoria Oregon Coast

So if you're wondering what to do in Astoria Oregon my favorite thing is to grab some fish & chips and walk over to the waterfront and watch the huge ships navigate thru the channel as they travel the Columbia River!

I hope you've enjoyed this glimpse of the Astoria Oregon Coast - we love to visit and hope you have a chance to also!

If you'd like to see more of our fun and adventures, I'd love it if you would visit the blog - Bowl Me Over Travel, Fun andAdventure!

Thanks for joining me and I hope you really enjoyed the tour of Astoria Oregon Coast and the views of the majestic Columbia River!

Have you been to Oregon? What's your favorite place to visit? Please comment below, I'd love to hear from you!

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About Bowl Me Over

Welcome to Bowl Me Over! My name is Debra and I send warm greetings from sunny California. I am a serious foodie – I’ve been known as the go-to girl in our family for years, catering weddings and anniversary parties. In the summer I help cook mountains of food for our family reunions. Often times things I create end up in a bowl, hence the name Bowl Me Over! Let's stay connected, you can email me at [email protected] and find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Michaela Kenkel

    October 07, 2019 at 7:14 pm

    Your trip looks AMAZING!! I loved watching your adventures on your instagram story too!

    Reply
  2. Norine Rogers

    October 07, 2019 at 10:55 am

    One of my favorite places ever! Used to travel there every summer with my family. So beautiful. Thank you for sharing...I'm ready to pack my bags and GO!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      October 16, 2019 at 4:40 pm

      I agree! There's nothing prettier than a sunny day in Oregon - time to pack a bag! 🙂

      Reply
  3. Nikki

    October 07, 2019 at 10:54 am

    This is on my bucket list now! Looks so beautiful and inviting!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      October 16, 2019 at 4:41 pm

      Gorgeous - such a quaint little town and so inviting!

      Reply
  4. Carol

    October 07, 2019 at 6:25 am

    Our son lives in Vancouver, WA so we are out that way every year. Our favorite place is Oceanside, Oregon. We stay in the same condo every year at the Oceanside Inn. The view of the beach is awesome from sunrise to sunset. The place is quiet and so relaxing. Of course going to Tillamook is spectacular too.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      October 07, 2019 at 9:20 am

      That's awesome Carol! It's like visiting your second home. Oceanside is beautiful, I'll definitely put it on our list to visit, thank you!

      Reply
  5. Sue Abero

    October 06, 2019 at 10:54 pm

    Astoria has a wonderful farmer's market every Sunday. The Favel House Museum is an interesting look at Astoria's history although it is open very short hours.. Also the lasagna soup recipe is wonderful (even if I did make it with chicken broth rather than beef.) Thanks for such a great recipe.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      October 07, 2019 at 9:21 am

      Great suggestions Sue, thank you for letting me know! I'll add them to the post for even more local resources, much appreciated! I'm so glad you loved that soup too - yummy!! It's definitely soup season!

      Reply
  6. Kathleen

    October 06, 2019 at 8:00 pm

    Now, I so want to go! So gorgeous and that tug boat with Fish and Chips sounds amazing! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      October 07, 2019 at 9:21 am

      Definitely put Astoria on your budget list Kathleen!!!

      Reply
  7. Julie Menghini

    October 06, 2019 at 6:33 pm

    We went to Astoria a couple years back and had a wonderful time. Your recommendations are great and know I want to go back!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      October 16, 2019 at 4:42 pm

      Time for another road trip Julie!!:D

      Reply
  8. Michelle

    October 06, 2019 at 5:41 pm

    I always love seeing the food recommendations for places! That Bowpicker Fish & Chips sounds like the place to try...so cool that the restaurant is a tugboat!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      October 16, 2019 at 4:43 pm

      The Bowpicker is the BEST! Definitely my first stop!!

      Reply
  9. michele

    October 06, 2019 at 10:03 am

    I have to take my niece there (she's my age) but we loved the Goonies when we were little! What fun ideas... thanks

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      October 16, 2019 at 4:43 pm

      You bet!!

      Reply
  10. ColleenB.~Tx.

    October 06, 2019 at 4:18 am

    Thanks for sharing all your lovely photos and giving a tour of your adventures while on your vacation.
    One thing tho; you couldn't pay enough to go on that bridge; no way, no how. Enjoyed seeing the pho0to but just not for me to drive on. (yes, I'm a big chicken)

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      October 16, 2019 at 4:43 pm

      What can I say, I love a great adventure Colleen! Maybe wear a life vest when you cross the bridge? 😀

      Reply

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