Astoria is gritty, and likes it that way. But that rustic exterior is just a cover for the many enchanting dichotomies you’ll find waiting around the next corner. Here, fisherman are poets, loggers drink espresso, and Main Street welcomes both nouveau gallery and five n’ dime.
For Astoria, it’s about character, and it’s also about characters: the people who call this place home with a passion that borders on evangelical. The skipper who challenges the same mighty river his great grandfather once fished. The artist who migrated here in search of a new palette. The hotelier who resurrected a once-bustling pier.
Astoria is that little town that could, a city of 10,000 people on the Columbia River, just a few miles from the Pacific Ocean. Founded 200 years ago at the beginning of Oregon’s North Coast, Astoria has been through boom and bust times more than once, weathering the collapse of both the Columbia River fishery and Oregon timber industry. It has risen once again as a cultural haven, often referred to as “little San Francisco.” Astoria is an old place that is newly hip. Here, Victorian mansions and maritime relics live in harmony with chef-driven restaurants and tattoo parlors.
Once you come here and learn these stories, you’ll want to share them with others, and hope they’ll tell others, too. And, it’s a place to which you’ll want to return, to see what other stories you might have missed.
Featured Spots
North Coast
Masterguides
Jody Mather is Master Guides and will be your host for fishing guided trips in the Northwest.
41222 Old Highway 30Astoria, OR
503-458-5450
Email us (MasterGuides1[at]yahoo[dot]com)
North Coast
West Basin Moorage
Located on the Columbia River behind the Red Lion Inn in Astoria, the West Mooring Basin Marina features a popular boat launch.
344 Industry StreetAstoria, OR
(503) 325-8279
North Coast
Bikes & Beyond
Bikes & Beyond was opened by Richard Fencsak and his partner, Joan Herman in 1988. Richard ran the store until his untimely passing in 2008. The shop has been a Trek dealer from that first year, and have more recently...
125 9th streetAstoria, OR
503-325-2961
Email us (info[at]bikesandbeyond[dot]com)
North Coast
Arrow Tugboat & Tour Company
Enjoy a historic riverfront tour of Astoria aboard a restored former pilot transfer vessel, “Arrow No. 2.” Whether you choose a sightseeing tour or crabbing adventure, you’ll also learn about the history of the area and maritme facts courtesy of...
Astoria, OR
(503) 791-6250
Email us (arrowtug[at]gmail[dot]com)
North Coast
Columbia River Maritime Museum
Explore the world of marine transportation from the days of dugout canoes, through the age of sail, to the present. Watch a dramatic 12-minute film introducing the history and perils of the the Columbia River. Sail a model boat on...
1792 Marine Dr.Astoria, OR
(503)325-2323
North Coast
Lewis and Clark National Wildlife Refuge
Named for the famed explorers, the landscape and rich wildlife of this Refuge have changed very little in the past 200 years. Modern-day explorers visit this Refuge to experience its wilderness qualities and enjoy the abundant wildlife resources. Native species...
Astoria, OR360-795-3915
North Coast
Flavel House Museum
Experience the elegance of the late Victorian period by touring the home of Captain George Flavel. The 1885 Queen Anne home features original Eastlake influenced woodwork, period furnishings, and exotic hardwood fireplace mantels. Begin your tour at the Carriage House...
714 exchange streetAstoria, OR
503-325-2203
Email us (cchs[at]cumtux[dot]org)
North Coast
Pecks Guide Service
Pecks Guide Service offers guided salmon, steelhead fishing and waterfowl hunting trips In Northwest Oregon. Enjoy a guided adventure on the Pacific Ocean or the Columbia River near Astoria, the Willamette and Columbia River in the Portland area and below...
Astoria, OR
(503) 314-6554
Email us (dmpeckjr[at]hotmail[dot]com)
North Coast
Shallon Winery
One of the smallest wineries – for 35 years – a one-man operation. Located in downtown Astoria, one block from Maritime Museum. Gives a five minute view of the operation. Totally unique wines, such as the only whey wines in...
1598 Duane StreetAstoria, OR
503-325-5978
Email us (paul[at]shallon[dot]com)
North Coast
Big Game Fishing
Big Game Fishing is located at the Hammond Marina. They offer guided fishing trips, sell bait, process your catch, and occassionally have fresh seafood for sale.
1080 Iredale StreetAstoria, OR
971-286-8748
Email us (biggamejames8[at]gmail[dot]com)
North Coast
Field Guide Service
Astoria, OR
(503) 539-0587
Email us (petercfield[at]gmail[dot]com)
North Coast
Heritage Museum
Built in 1904 as Astoria’s City Hall, this building is now home to the Clatsop County Historical Society’s Heritage Museum, Research Center & Archives. Explore the history of Clatsop County through temporary and permanent exhibits featuring Native Americans, early pioneers,...
1618 Exchange StreetAstoria, OR
503-338-4849
Email us (cchs[at]cumtux[dot]org)
More Info
Astoria-Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce
Astoria, OR Mail: PO Box 176
Astoria, OR
503-325-6311
Email us (visitors[at]oldoregon[dot]com)