Astoria Tourist Attractions
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The U.S. 101 runs along Oregon's Pacific Coast, a holiday paradise par excellence. At the northernmost point is Astoria, beautifully situated at the mouth of the Columbia River, which can be viewed from Coxcombe Hill. The river has a special museum devoted to it, the Columbia River Maritime Museum. 6 mi. south-west of the town is Fort Clatsop, now restored, where Lewis and Clark's expedition ended.
Fort Stevens State Park, Hammond, Oregon
Fort Stevens was originally a military post at the mouth of the Columbia River. A museum features displays related to the fort's history including military artifacts, demonstrations, and films. The park is also a nice recreational area with miles of coastline which includes beaches and the beached wreck of the "Peter Iredale". Hiking, biking, horseback riding, and camping are all permitted within the park.
Flavel House Museum
The Flavel House Museum is located in a restored 1885 Victorian mansion in Astoria. The house was built by George Flavel, a rich Columbia River pilot. The house features furnishings, art and decor from the past. Of particular interest are six hand-crafted hardwood fireplace mantles.
Fort Clatsop National Memorial
The Fort Clatsop National Memorial is a tribute to the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The explorers set up camp here from December 1805 to March 1806. The visitor center has an exhibit built by the explorers, an interpretive center and an orientation film.
Astoria Column
The Astoria Column was erected in 1926 at the top of Coxcomb Hill in Astoria. This is the site of the first permanent American Settlement west of the Rockies. Fourteen historic events from the town are displayed on the column.
Children's Museum
The Children's Museum in Astoria is located on the second floor of the Firefighters Museum building, and features interactive and educational exhibits for children and families.
Columbia River Maritime Museum
The Columbia River Maritime Museum in Astoria was founded in 1962. It preserves and interprets the maritime heritage of the Pacific Northwest. There are more than 7,000 artifacts on display as well as the Lightship Columbia.
Uppertown Firefighters Museum
The Uppertown Firefighters Museum in Astoria was turned into a fire station in 1928. The museum houses a collection of firefighting equipment dating back to 1877. The museum also displays photographs of area fires.
Big Creek Fish Hatchery
The Big Creek Fish Hatchery is located east of Astoria. The fishery began operations in 1947 and breeds fish to replenish the Columbia River.
Heritage Museum
The Heritage Museum is located in Astoria's Old City Hall building. It features historic photographs and articles from the region.
Surroundings
There are several interesting towns in the area around Astoria.
Cannon Beach
The town of Cannon Beach (pop. 1,590) is a popular tourist resort located on the northwest coast of Oregon. The beach offers a wide stretch of sand, with views of monoliths which line the coast. The largest of these is known as Hay Stack Rock, thought to be one of the largest monoliths in the world.
Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area, Jewell
The Jewell Meadows Wildlife Area covers 1,200 acres just west of the small town of Jewell. It offers visitors the opportunity to view elk and other native animals. Best elk viewing times are November through April.
Saddle Mountain State Park
A trail leads from the parking lot at Saddle Mountain State Park to the summit of Saddle Mountain at 3,280ft/1,000m. The view from the top looks over the park and surrounding area. Camping and picnic sites are available.
Clatskanie
Clatskanie (pop 1,530) is a small pulp and paper mill town at the junction of the Clatskanie and Columbia Rivers in the northwestern area of Oregon.
Flippin Castle
The Flippin Castle in Clatskanie was built for Thomas Flippin in 1898. It is a National Historic site.
Vernonia
Vernonia (pop. 2,200) is a small logging community on the Nehalem River in the northwest corner of Oregon.
Seaside
Seaside (pop. 5,900) is a summer resort close to Portland. The town is a popular tourist destination featuring a long beach and oceanfront boardwalk.
Seaside Aquarium
The Seaside Aquarium was founded in 1937 making it one of the oldest aquariums on the west coast. It features marine life and exhibits from the Oregon coast.
Seaside Museum and Historical Society
The Seaside Museum and Historical Society features artifacts related to the history of the area dating from 700 B.C.
