Visitors may feel they are on top of the world when they first take in the panoramic views from the Astoria Column. From here you can see as far as the Cascade Range to the east and follow the Columbia River from the wooded vistas of Washington to where it meets the Pacific Ocean. Your eyes can follow the route of the Lewis and Clark expedition to their encampment at Fort Clatsop in Oregon and take in the unique silhouette of Saddle Mountain further to the south. There is no other viewpoint that captures the majestic beauty of the Columbia River estuary.
Originally built in 1926, this concrete pillar rises 125 feet on top of Coxcomb Hill - the highest point in Astoria. A series of bas-relief scenes depicting the history of the region spirals up the column telling the story of the native tribes, the first European explorers, the Lewis and Clark expedition, the founding of Astoria and arrival of early pioneers in the 1830s. The column is the last of 12 monuments erected in the early 1900s by Ralph Budd, president of the Midwest-based Great Northern Railroad. The other 11 landmarks are found peppered between St. Paul, Minnesota and Astoria, Oregon.
A popular activity at this historic hilltop landmark is to climb the 164 steps to the top of the tower and sail a balsa wood glider from its wrap-around balcony. Gliders can be purchased at the nearby gift store along with other local souvenirs. In 2004 a $2 million renovation project was completed by the Friends of Astoria Column to enhance the park-like setting surrounding the column.
Astoria Column
Published: 02/16/2012 Updated: 08/15/2019

The Astoria Column was built in 1926.
Sitting high on a hill above Astoria, Oregon, the Astoria Column offers expansive views of the Columbia River and a look at regional history.
SPONSORED LINKS
Astoria Activities & Attractions
Home to Clatsop County’s Historical Society archives, research library and local history exhibits.
Astoria Activities & Attractions
Three days of Scandinavian musical, dance and theater groups are scheduled to entertain.
Astoria Activities & Attractions
The visitor center features a replica of Fort Clatsop, ranger programs and hiking trails.
Published: 02/16/2012 Updated: 08/15/2019

The Astoria Column was built in 1926.
Sitting high on a hill above Astoria, Oregon, the Astoria Column offers expansive views of the Columbia River and a look at regional history.
Visitors may feel they are on top of the world when they first take in the panoramic views from the Astoria Column. From here you can see as far as the Cascade Range to the east and follow the Columbia River from the wooded vistas of Washington to where it meets the Pacific Ocean. Your eyes can follow the route of the Lewis and Clark expedition to their encampment at Fort Clatsop in Oregon and take in the unique silhouette of Saddle Mountain further to the south. There is no other viewpoint that captures the majestic beauty of the Columbia River estuary.
Originally built in 1926, this concrete pillar rises 125 feet on top of Coxcomb Hill - the highest point in Astoria. A series of bas-relief scenes depicting the history of the region spirals up the column telling the story of the native tribes, the first European explorers, the Lewis and Clark expedition, the founding of Astoria and arrival of early pioneers in the 1830s. The column is the last of 12 monuments erected in the early 1900s by Ralph Budd, president of the Midwest-based Great Northern Railroad. The other 11 landmarks are found peppered between St. Paul, Minnesota and Astoria, Oregon.
A popular activity at this historic hilltop landmark is to climb the 164 steps to the top of the tower and sail a balsa wood glider from its wrap-around balcony. Gliders can be purchased at the nearby gift store along with other local souvenirs. In 2004 a $2 million renovation project was completed by the Friends of Astoria Column to enhance the park-like setting surrounding the column.
Originally built in 1926, this concrete pillar rises 125 feet on top of Coxcomb Hill - the highest point in Astoria. A series of bas-relief scenes depicting the history of the region spirals up the column telling the story of the native tribes, the first European explorers, the Lewis and Clark expedition, the founding of Astoria and arrival of early pioneers in the 1830s. The column is the last of 12 monuments erected in the early 1900s by Ralph Budd, president of the Midwest-based Great Northern Railroad. The other 11 landmarks are found peppered between St. Paul, Minnesota and Astoria, Oregon.
A popular activity at this historic hilltop landmark is to climb the 164 steps to the top of the tower and sail a balsa wood glider from its wrap-around balcony. Gliders can be purchased at the nearby gift store along with other local souvenirs. In 2004 a $2 million renovation project was completed by the Friends of Astoria Column to enhance the park-like setting surrounding the column.
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SPONSORED LINKS
Astoria Activities & Attractions
Three days of Scandinavian musical, dance and theater groups are scheduled to entertain.
Astoria Activities & Attractions
Located in the jail from The Goonies, explore the production of more than 300 movies made in Oregon.
Astoria Activities & Attractions
The visitor center features a replica of Fort Clatsop, ranger programs and hiking trails.
Astoria Art Galleries
Eclectic cards and gift shop with a gallery filled with original works by local artists.