Astoria Oregon and the Oregon North Coast
What would you do if you only had 36 hours to explore Oregon’s North Coast. Where would you stay? The innkeepers with the Oregon Association of Independent Inns have plenty of suggestions to make your day-and-a-half Oregon adventure worth every second!
Astoria, Oregon is where we spent the morning of the last day on our Oregon to California to Oregon Coast and home again Road Trip, traveling the entire 365 miles north on the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway.
We had a crystal clear, calm day to explore Astoria. On a day like this a trip to the Astoria Column is a must. Sitting 600′ above sea level, high on Coxcomb Hill, the column was dedicated on July 22, 1926. The hand-painted spiral frieze rising up the column commemorates the historic events that transpired at the mouth of the Columbia River, from the beginning with its discovery and ending with the arrival of the railroad. While it’s a bit of a challenge you’ll want to climb the 164-step spiral staircase within to the observation deck for amazing views of Astoria, Young’s Bay, the Coast Range, the mighty Columbia River, and in the distance, on a clear and calm day like we had, the Pacific Ocean. After lunch at the Fort George Brewery, we took a walk on the pier and went geocaching in a Pioneer cemetery.
Did you know: The Columbia River is the second largest river, by volume, in the U.S.? It is also said to be one of the most dangerous river bars in the world. Where the Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean come together, waves can reach up to 30′. There are about 20 Columbia River Bar Pilots based in Astoria that work day and night to assist ships cross the bar safely. These pilots have to actually memorize this whole area as to safely pilot large ships up to 1000′ and even nuclear submarines in and out of the bar area. An important and dangerous job these pilots have.
Also in Astoria is the Lightship Columbia, a 128-foot welded-steel lightship, built in 1950 for the U.S. Coast Guard. It was stationed at the mouth of the Columbia River near Cape Disappointment between 1951 and 1979. 
Retired in 1979, after 28 years of service the Lightship Columbia was sold to the Columbia River Maritime Museum in Astoria in 1980. Lightship Columbia, is afloat, open to the public as part of museum admission. On December 20, 1989, the Lightship Columbia was added to the National Register of Historic Places as National Historic Landmark #89002463.
‘Credit to discovery of the falls lies with Patrick Gass, a member of the Lewis and Clark expedition who was leading a hunting party on March 1, 1806 and made note of the falls in his journal. No mention was made of whether or not Lewis or Clark visited the falls themselves, and the party left Fort Clatsop within 3 weeks of the discovery of the falls.’ Northwest Waterfall Survey
Blumenthal Falls is located at the north end of Short Sand Beach in Oswald West State Park. The falls is one of a very few waterfalls in the Northwest which can be seen dropping into the Pacific Ocean. Take a lovely beach stroll to the bottom of the falls, as this 45 foot falls drops into the ocean only during the highest tides
National Geographic listed Cannon Beach as one of the 100 most beautiful places in the world in 2013. Cannon Beach offers the small beach town experience on the Oregon Coast. Meander the picturesque sidewalks and courtyards of downtown Cannon Beach to discover art galleries, specialty shops, restaurants and public art. Cannon Beach is easy and enjoyable to explore on foot.
Oregon Association of Independent Inns are ready to share Oregon with you: it’s environment, culture, and heritage. Combine gracious hospitality with ambiance at an inspected and approved member of the Oregon Association of Independent Inns.
Gift certificates are no longer available for purchase through our organization. We encourage you to contact our member inns directly to purchase gift certificates.
If You Currently Hold an OAII or OBBG Gift Certificate:
- Your gift certificate does not expire
- Certificates may be redeemed at participating Oregon Association of Independent Inns properties.
Thank you for supporting Oregon’s Independent Inns and lodging properties over the years. We’re grateful to everyone who has shared the gift of lodging through the OAII Lodging Gift Voucher Program.
As of June 1, 2026, the Oregon Association of Independent (formerly the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild – OBBG) discontinued the program, and gift certificates are no longer available for sale. However, existing gift certificates remain valid and may still be redeemed.
The Oregon Association offers a wide variety of inns, from a small guest cottage or two-room bed and breakfast to a larger country inn or dude ranch. If you need assistance locating a participating property or have difficulty redeeming your certificate, please contact us—we’re happy to help.
Important Notes:
- All OAII properties accept association gift certificates. Click here to view participating properties.
- Gift certificates are treated as cash and cannot be replaced if lost, stolen, or destroyed.
- Certificates may only be redeemed at active OAII properties
- Individual property policies apply, including restrictions on availability, packages, or special offers.
Questions or Assistance:
If you have questions about redeeming a gift certificate or need help planning your stay, please contact E-mail info@obbg.org or call OAII at 503-893-4210. Please leave a message as this line is monitored by our busy innkeepers.
Since 1989, the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild has served as a statewide information network for its member properties, providing a unified voice for the industry with state regulatory and tourism agencies.
Now known as The Oregon Association of Independent Inns, we’re the same trusted organization, with a new name, a fresh look, and an expanded focus on independent lodging properties beyond traditional bed and breakfasts. Member properties represent a wide range of accommodations, from small guest cottages, cabins, and intimate two-room B&Bs to larger country inns, boutique hotels and dude ranches.
