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 Bed and Breakfast Guild 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 Bed and Breakfast Guild is ready to share Oregon with you: it’s environment, culture, and heritage. Combine gracious hospitality with ambiance at an inspected and approved Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild member Inn.
Hospitality Update: Our inns are following COVID-19 protocol guidance from the Oregon Health Authority.
Although mask guidelines are lifted:
● Some businesses may choose to still require masks.
● Some people may choose to still wear a mask.
We have all struggled through COVID-19 and could use a little kindness. Please be respectful of local businesses and their workers and most importantly kind to yourself.
