Things to do at the Astoria Column: * Pay for parking $5/car; Good for 1 year; Only 50 spaces * Enter for free Open dawn to dusk; Closed Christmas & New Years * Take in the views from Astoria Column Park Atop Coxcomb Hill (600 ft) look at Columbia River & Young's Bay * Stop in the gift shop Open 10:00a-5:00p (longer in summer) * Buy a balsa wood airplane Get a glider in the gift shop to fly from the top * Discover the history Built in 1926 and modeled after the Trajan Column in Rome * Marvel at the artistry 500-ft hand-painted spiral frieze around the column is unique * Climb stairs to the top 164 narrow steps will not be for everyone * Fly your wooden airplane Write your name and message; see whose glider goes farthest * Did I mention the views? It seems you can see for miles from atop the 125-ft tall column The Astoria Column attracts nearly 400,000 visitors a year as an iconic symbol "to celebrate the discovery, exploration, and settlement of the West" and opportunity to see magnificent views of the Astoria-Megler Bridge, Young's Bay, Saddle Mountain, and the Columbia River. read more

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Pros: 1.) I got my workout by climbing up a billion stairs 2.) i saw such a beautiful view from the top Cons: 1.) Narrow stairs with people going up and down at the same time. Sometimes there was so much traffic that I was scared that I would fall down. 2.) There isn't an oxygen tank at the top. I was so out of breath from that trip. Lol 3.) my legs feel like jello read more

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This is definitely worth doing! Parking is $5 a vehicle, and if you want to come more than once, it counts as a 1 year pass for that calendar year. I will say that it was pretty tough getting my pregnant self up those 164 steps to the top of the column, but there were plenty of internal landings on the staircase to stop and take a rest. Don't make my mistake: do the gift shop before the column - if you go into the gift shop, they have very reasonably priced balsa wood gliders that you can throw from the top of the column and watch fly down. I was definitely not going to walk back up after realizing what I missed. Gift shop was cute, and they also had pre-smushed pennies available that they had from a penny smusher located in in a store in downtown Astoria. Views were great. The art was great. Definitely a must-do if you visit Astoria! There were also a couple of picnic tables on the nearby green space if you are planning to pack a lunch and / or snack. read more

Driving past Astoria on your way from WA to OR or OR to WA? I urge you to stop by and head up to Astoria's pinnacle, the Astoria Column. Up top, you have a panoramic view of the historic city, featuring the Columbia river and the Young's river where the Pacific Ocean meets them at the mouth (known as the Columbia bar). The mountains, town, forest along with the bridges complete your viewing pleasure. A few things to know before you travel up the 164 spiraling steps to the full 125 vertical feet. Pay $1 for parking at the base shop area, buy a couple of cheap, lightweight, wooden airplanes before you head up the stairs. Enjoy the views, snap your photos and throw out the planes and watch it fly! Summer is the best time to enjoy this monument and all it has to offer. read more

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Got to give this place five stars for some good family fun on a cold Saturday afternoon. The views are incredible, the place is clean and climbing the tower was an adventure. Our four and six-year-old did it & Love the view from the top. Next time before we climb to the top we will stop by the gift shop and buy the paper airplane gliders that you can purchase and toss off the top of the column. The tower appears to be freshly painted and well-maintained. It was a great family adventure we were easily able to kill an hour. We will be back to explore some of the hiking trails. read more

Astoria Column - I side the Column - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Astoria, Oregon

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Beautiful from the outside. Unfortunately we couldn't climb in it because of COVID but the views were amazing! read more

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I took my wife and I to the Column because we saw it from a distance and it looked neat. It's like $5 for parking at the top of the hill, and free to go into the column itself. In the shop they have, they sell little pre-built planes you throw off the top after seeing such an amazing view. I absolutely will be going there again, it's peaceful. Also, there's a trail near by the parking area to do a great hike! read more

Astoria Column - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Astoria, Oregon

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Looking for Touristy things to do. You have to come here. Its worth the trip. Not only do you get to see the Astoria Column but also the whole Astoria bridge. If you feel hyped and full of energy, you can walk the stairs of the Astoria Column. Ok I didn't go up because I was lazy. I am sure the view from above the Astoria Column is fantastic. So what else there is to do here. Well picture taking. The artwork is definitely astonishing. Well worth the trip. Thanks to a Rose E. Yelper check-in and that is how I found this place. read more

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Astoria is an interesting place. Over the past ten years it has changed a lot and is going through a bit of an artistic renaissance from its industrial roots. During my last visit in February 2007, I spent a lot of time walking around the city (really a town) and saw more interesting restaurants, coffee shops and boutique hotels then I recalled from prior visits. One of the fun (and quick) things to do when you are in the area is to visit the Astoria Column. I don't believe there is an admission charge, just the willingness to climb all those stairs. It does have a commanding view of the mighty Columbia River. However, on all my visits over the years it seems like a magnet for wind and rather foul weather. So be prepared to bundle up and have a laugh while you try to navigate around the guardrail at the top without being blown off. read more

We have visited the Astoria Column several times over the years with family and friends. Located on top of a hill in Astoria you will find this landmark. The road up is a little bit windy but easy to drive. Coming up to the area there is an information booth. Parking is $5 but it gives you a yearly pass to come and visit here as often as you like for this duration. There is plenty of parking to be had with a cool little gift shops that has the normal items; shirts, magnets and tourist items. You can find historical and visitor's information in the link below: https://astoriacolumn.org Going up a flight of stairs will take you to the top of the column. If you have acrophobia, I would not recommend going up. I do appreciate that there are platforms to rest after each series of steps. Once you reach the top, you are rewarded with a great view of the surrounding area and you can see the coast from the top. The viewing platform is nice and lets you walk around the top so you get to see the entire area with some cool photo opportunities. If you have not been, this is a fun place to visit and the view at the top of the column makes the climb up worth it. read more

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You don't realize what a great spot this is until you get there. We actually hiked from the trail head at the bottom of the hill off of Irving Street and got top in about a half an hour. Lots of stuff to see on the way up including Cathedral tree. You do have to pay five bucks to drive your car to the top and it's good for a year. Hiking up to the spot is free.Highly recommend stopping here during your visit to Astoria. read more

Astoria Column - This is the column. Very impressive to see in person - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Astoria, Oregon

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We were so fortunate to have come on a clear morning. The scenery from above is so worth all the 164 steps it takes you to get up this 125 feet high column. You'll see the city below, Columbia River, Astoria Bridge,and Pacific Ocean. The column is rich with murals of Astoria's history.  You'll see Indians greeting the explorers, Lewis and Clark crossing the mountains, and so much more. The details are so stunning and beautiful. I appreciate the colors tgat were used. It is windy up here and if your afraid of heights you might not want to be up here for too long. I sure tried not to look down. We read that a man jumped from this column on a speed glider and was arrested because of it. If you love beautiful views with not so much work then you'll love it here. read more

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Even if you don't go to the top of the column... the views are spectacular. :) Just a quick little drive up the hill... from the main part of Astoria (Marine Dr. and 16th). On a clear day... it's like Heaven on Earth. Blue Skies... Blue Ocean .... and Green Grass and Trees. Absolutely Beautiful! It's $2 a car... and the pass is good all year... Pay in the little trailer. You can "hike" up the column stairs... it says it's only 164 steps but it seems more like 1000. Definitely a good heart-thumping endeavor. The reward at the top is Gorgeous! You feel like you are soaring over Astoria. Note.. it's windier up there than at the bottom... just sayin'. read more

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The views from the column are just breathtaking. As a midwesterner, the idea of rough terrain is exciting and foreign - but this is something else. 360 degrees of magic. The column itself is a lovely bit of history, and a nice walk. Unfortunately, you can't go up in it right now, but the stop is worth it none-the-less. read more

Astoria Column - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Astoria, Oregon

The views from here are absolutely amazing and are worth it for a visit. It's very easy to get to from downtown Astoria and you get an amazing view of the surrounding areas including the Columbia River, the Oregon Coast, and parts of Oregon and Washington. The entry fee is $5 and you can go up and down as you please. It's definitely something you must do if you're visiting the area! read more

Astoria Column - What a view! - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Astoria, Oregon

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I recently went on a trip to Seaside, Cannon Beach, and Astoria. While in Astoria I visited the Flavel House, Oregon Film "Museum," and the Astoria Column. To my surprise, the most fun I had on my entire trip (not just Astoria, rather overall) was the visit to the Astoria Column. The cost was $5 for parking and free for the column. While looking at the structure (and studying the sayings on it) was great, to really appreciate the Astoria Column, you need to climb to the top! The 125-foot column has 164 steps. You enter the tall structure into a dark, small, and damp space with a spiral staircase. During your ascent, there are small platforms where you can catch your breath. The climb up is tough for many, but the payoff at the top is worth it. You will have the BEST VIEW of Astoria anywhere! And after enjoying this incredible view, the descent down the stairs is much easier. I wouldn't recommend someone with sensitivities to "dampness" or "damp smells" try doing this. However, if you get the chance to climb to the top, you'll wonder why you had never done it before and will probably definitely do it again if you're ever in Astoria. Best of all, the parking pass you pay $5 for is good for the entire year! One more thing I'd recommend. When you are done, go to the gift shop and ask them for a brochure of the Astoria column. Not only is it full of interesting facts, but it also tells you what all the painted milestones on the column are. This was my first time visiting Astoria and next time I go back, the Astoria Column will be #1 on my list. read more

Astoria Column - The 125 foot tall Astoria Column with 164 steps. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Astoria, Oregon

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Awesome viewpoint in Astoria! It was unfortunately foggy the morning I went but I've heard that the views on a clear day are breathtaking! read more

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Great stop in Astoria - what a view. We always make it up there every time we are in the town.

Climbed it, was a great view on a day with great weather. It is a long spiral climb as you would expect, but the view at the top was worth it. Saw deer in the grassy area near the top of the hill, people sitting and enjoying the view. $5 for a year pass. read more

Astoria Column - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Astoria, Oregon

Spent 2 nights in Astoria in October, and on my 73rd birthday, stopped here and climbed to the top of the column. I chatted with a delightful older couple from the Midwest, while climbing, which took my mind off how far how far up we were going. At the top, when a young couple heard it was birthday, they gave me one of their planes to fly off, and mine went the furthest on a very windy day! (I hadn't stopped at the gift shop first so I didn't know about the planes for sale.) I was so proud of myself, that at age 73, I went up and down, without a problem. I felt like Rocky, ha ha! The view is definitely worth it. Free to climb the column, after paying a $5 parking fee. Nice, tiny gift shop, where I bought a souvenir magnet which is now on my frig, as a memento. This was the most fun thing I did while in Astoria. Go! (I would also recommend staying at the great, reasonably priced, centrally located "The Norblad" - the oldest continuously running hotel in Astoria. I did a separate review on that.) read more

This is one of those places that are so much a part of small town America. A tower - or a column - dedicated to the opening of the West. Lewis and Clark's most western camp is near-by, so why not? Lots of stairs gives a wonderful view. It's not K2, but still not a stroll up. There are landings every 20 or so stairs. You can do it!! read more

Astoria Column - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Astoria, Oregon

No better view of Astoria and the surrounding area! They also keep the venue very clean. You won't be up there all day, with Covid the column itself may not be entered, but you'll never regret heading up there. The views will leave you speechless. Adorable gift shop as well! read more

Astoria Column - Astoria-Megler bridge - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Astoria, Oregon

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Great spot. But FYI: There's no bathroom at the top -- unless, that is, you're willing to do what I have done.

164 steps gets you to the best view on the Columbia River. $5.00 to park, but your parking pass last the entire calendar year. Visit the gift shop too. A nice selection of items. read more

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So so so Cool! I'm a bit of a nerd & love exercise. This combined the two perfectly! Very easy to find. The Column can be seen from pretty much anywhere in Astoria and there's lots of great signage pointing you in the right direction. To get hundreds of BONUS pedometer steps, i parked at the bottom of the MONSTER hill leading up to the Column. Upon arrival to the viewing grounds, i was pleasantly greeted by manicured landscaping, a cute little gift shop, & displays about the rich history of the area. The Column itself is a work of mural art & depictive history that completely invites you to want to take on its 130-ish steps to the top (Fo' Free folks). The view from the top of the Column (on the crystal-clear day I visited) was truly spectacular, though a bit unnerving due to the height & breezyness at the top. Full 360-degree-Astoria-gorge-iatious-ness! Overall score: 5.0 / 5.0 read more

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A must visit if you are in a Astoria. You can see for miles on a clear day. Please consider being a little in shape to walk all the way up to the top. If you can go when the shop is open to get souvenirs and to fly a plane off the top. read more

Astoria Column - A view down from the rails. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Astoria, Oregon

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I hadn't been here in a long time and so it was nice to get back here for a quick visit. Last time I was here they didn't charge $5 but that's ok. It has been renovated and re-painted. It was quite pretty. A bit crowded with folks going up the stairs, but the view is really pretty. read more

Sometimes I imagine a narrator in my head telling my story, and in a setting like this looking at the expanse of sea and mountains the mood gets thoughtfully emo. Obviously I have a flair for the melodramatic. Ha! We didn't pay the 5$ to park at the top, but street parked at the base just below the column and hiked up, in the rain. This being normal as the weather most often is like this. Nor did we go into the column, again all dramatic I imagine my self trapped inside as a gust of wind topples it, ridiculous I know, but once I was told you could slightly feel it's swaying that's where my mind went. Once at the top, tourist, gift shop, and bathrooms await. That view though, the stuff of legends. read more

Beautiful view all around nice and clean fresh air! You will love it here you get a 360 view of Astoria and the Astoria-Megler bridge, very family friendly lots of parking spots there is a parking pass you will need to purchase its only five dollars and its all year around I highly recommends this place they also have a gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs and wooden airplanes to throw them on top ,the column it self is very detailed in art. read more

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I was surprised there was a $5 parking charge (and someone collecting it at the gate) but it was a fantastically beautiful view so... worth it. I did, however, forget to buy my balsa wood plane at the gift shop before hiking the 164 steps. But I enjoyed watching the journey of the one this guy next to me tossed; he threw it straight down and it flew back up like a bird diving from its best only to then traverse the skies in gliding grace. Lovely! Bottom line: Beautiful views! read more

Definitely recommend coming here! Very inexpensive-$5 to park. And I highly suggest stopping by the gift shop first for gliders to fly off the top of the column beautiful views from the top! read more

Amazing views, nice volunteers at the counter and it's fun to throw the little planes off the tower. What more can you expect?

It's the best place for a view of the entire Columbia River at it's mouth, north and south.

There is a fee of $5 per car to park but due to COVID, the column itself is closed. You can still walk around, enjoy the view and take advantage of the chairs and tables. The hiking trails are still open. read more

Great views and if you go to the top it's a great workout. If your over weight just breath and take your time. My daughter and I stoped like 4-5 times but we made it so that's what matters. Cost $5. Should be free but not a total loss. read more

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Drove all the way from Portland Oregon and made it to come here We climbed up all the stairs of the column And could view the ocean. read more

Astoria Column - I'm glad we made to Astoria column - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Astoria, Oregon

This is the highest point in town offering an unsurpassed scenic vista, clean restrooms, and a ticky tacky gift shop. It's easy to get to both on foot and by car. There will be enough parking for just about any sized vehicle on top although there is a five dollar yearly parking pass that you will be required to pay fore ven if you are just coming one time. Pro tip-go in a group. Also if you are walking, there is a steep direct trail up on the opposite side of the road. Assuming you can handle a steep hill it's a better choice then walking on the roadside as there is no sidewalk/bikelane/breakdown lane, which means you'll be sharing the road with cars as a pedestrian and that always feels uncomfortable. Once up you can walk up the seven story column itself to stand on a ledge with a teeny tiny railing for enhanced views, or just be a wimp and enjoy the admittedly excellent views without enjoying the interesting walk up the most modern and safe stairway that they could build in 1926. The exterior of the column is covered with murals depicting the history of the area, and there are a couple of pieces of art/memorials honoring the chinook people. Lots to see even if you decline the big spooky staircase inside the column itself. The gift shop is marked by some wooden loungy chairs outside which are for sale even though people cannot stop themselves from enjoying them. It's not the cheapest tourist shop in town which should come as no surprise, but does offer higher quality stuff that you may not be able to find elsewhere. I consider this a must do for any casual visit if for no other reason then the magnificent view. read more

Great views. A bit problematic text on the column completely glossing over pre columbina history, but a worthwhile stop in Astoria read more

Astoria Column - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Astoria, Oregon

It's just such a gorgeous spot! What's not to like? Beautiful scenery, tons of sunshine beaming over the joining of the Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean is my experience today! There is an adorable gift shop which is closed right now and tons of parking. I paid $5 for a Parking Pass which is good for all of this year. Get up here! read more

Amazing views. Definitely worth going up to the top. You might get dizzy going up or down so make sure to take your time! read more

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