Astoria Oregon Coast

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. 

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!

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.

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

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.

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!

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!

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!