Astoria, Oregon
Downtown Astoria, Oregon
Nestled in the upper left corner of Oregon lies the beautiful seaport community of Astoria. This charming town sits where the mouth of the Columbia River meets the mighty Pacific Ocean. Established in 1811 when the crew aboard John Jacob Astor's ship, the Tonquin, staked the first U.S. claim to the West Coast, Astoria became the first permanent U.S. settlement west of the Rocky Mountains. This town, rich in history and natural beauty, offers RVers a lot activities and experiences.
A Glimpse into Astoria's History
Astoria's history is as deep and intriguing as its waters. The town was established as a fur-trading outpost at the mouth of the Columbia River, becoming a crucial part of America's westward expansion. This rich history is evident throughout the town, making it a fascinating destination for history buffs and casual visitors alike.
Exploring Astoria
Astoria is just a 15-minute drive from either Fort Stevens State Park or the Astoria KOA campgrounds, and there's plenty to see and do in the area.
The Astoria Column
The Astoria Column is a must-see art installation on Coxcomb Hill that overlooks the Columbia River. Built in 1926 with financing from the Great Northern Railway and Vincent Astor, the great-grandson of John Jacob Astor, the tower commemorates the city's role in the family's business history. Patterned after the Trajan Column in Rome, it was dedicated on July 22, 1926. Visiting the park or climbing the column is free, but there is a $5 fee to park your vehicle.
Columbia River Maritime Museum
Astoria is rich with maritime history. The Columbia River Maritime Museum, located on the banks of the Columbia River, integrates the incredible scenery outside its panoramic windows. Founded in 1962, the museum collects and preserves historical and cultural material relevant to the Columbia River. For a list of their current exhibits, visit their website at crm.org.
Hollywood in Astoria
Astoria has also been featured in several Hollywood movies, including "The Goonies" and "Free Willy." While these are private homes, it's still worth mentioning. If you choose to search out these landmarks, please be respectful as these are not museums but people's homes.
Fishing
There is great fishing in the area from ‘springers’ or also known as Jacks are the younger salmon that begin the run upstream in the spring. Additionally, there is more deep sea salmon fishing just beyond the gravel bar out at buoy 10. I would recommend that you find a local guide in the area and book a trip with them to increase your chances of success.
Breweries in Astoria
After a day of exploring, nothing beats enjoying a local craft beer and fresh seafood.
Fort George Brewery and Public House
Fort George Brewery, opened in March 2007, is located on the site of the first American settlement on the U.S. West Coast. This public house has a cool ambiance with high vaulted ceilings and a great view of the river. Their diverse beer selection is indicative of the brewers' creativity.
Buoy Beer Company
A short drive away is Buoy Beer Company, housed in a 90-year-old cannery building. The building's uniqueness, history, and unbeatable views make it a fantastic place to dine. In the dining room, you can often see sea lions through the glass floors. Their menu is heavily rooted in seafood, with delicious options like clam chowder, oysters, and tuna sandwiches. Both breweries are kid-friendly, with Fort George specializing in ales and Buoy in lagers—so be sure to visit both.
Campsite at the Astoria KOA
Camping Near Astoria
Fort Stevens State Park
Fort Stevens State Park is a great place for a variety of activities. Whether you enjoy beach combing, kite flying, or building sandcastles, this park has it all. You can even drive along the beach, and depending on the fishing season, you might be able to dig for clams. Just remember to check the fish and wildlife site for the season and ensure you have a fishing license.
Astoria KOA
Just across the street from Fort Stevens is the Astoria KOA, an amazing campground with plenty of amenities for families. Even during COVID, there was so much for kids to explore and enjoy. The putt-putt golf, trampolines, and four-wheeled bikes were a huge hit with our family. The only downside was having to go to the main lodge/front desk area to purchase firewood. It would have been more convenient if they sold it directly from their golf carts around 4 or 5 PM. Despite this minor inconvenience, we had a wonderful time and will definitely be returning. If you would like to learn more about this KOA, you can go listen to episode The Two Best KOAs in the Pacific Northwest.
Astoria, Oregon, is a beautiful, historic town rich with natural wonders and worthy of at least a three-night stay. The next time you're planning a trip to the Oregon Coast, be sure to head north to this corner of the United States. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a history buff, or a foodie, Astoria has something for everyone.
Listen to the Pit Stop about Astoria is the episode Doing RV Water the Right Way. You can skip to 21:44 to hear just about Astoria, Oregon.
