Easy hikes and walks around Astoria

The Astoria Victory Memorial, also known as The Soldier's Monument or Doughboy Monument, is a landmark dedicated in 1926 to honor the brave Clatsop County WWI veterans. A magnificent ten-foot bronze statue stands at the top of the monument, a smaller replica of the one titled “Over the Top at Cantigny” created by John Paulding. It is a cherished part of American history and has been listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

The Astoria Column is a tower in the northwestern United States that overlooks the mouth of the Columbia River on Coxcomb Hill in Astoria, Oregon. The concrete and steel structure, built in 1926, is part of a 30-hectare city park.

The Astoria-Megler Bridge is a stunning steel bridge connecting Astoria, Oregon, to Point Ellice near Megler, Washington. It is the second-longest continuous bridge in the world and the final link between Mexico and Canada in the US highway system. Every October, the Great Columbia Crossing event is held, where pedestrians can enjoy the breathtaking views of the bridge. It has also been featured in several commercials and the 1986 movie Short Circuit.

The Astoria Bridge is the last bridge before the mouth of the Columbia River into the Pacific, about 20 km away. She was the missing link to the U.S. To make Route 101 continuously passable along the West Coast of the USA between Olympia in the north and Los Angeles in the south. The southern end of the bridge is in Astoria (Oregon), the other end is at Point Ellice, a mountain promontory near the settlement of Megler, where the jetty for the ferry to Astoria used to be. The river is around 6 km wide at this point, but mostly flat. The 12.19 m (40 ft) deep and narrow channel for ocean-going ships traveling to Portland runs directly in front of the town of Astoria; beyond it lie the Desdemona Sands, a sandbank that extends beyond the middle of the river and partially runs dry at low tide. Off the northern bank there are variable channels with slightly deeper water that can be navigated by smaller ships.

The Astoria Riverwalk trail meanders along the city's waterfront, paralleling a stretch of the Astoria & Columbia River Railroad. Spanning 12.8 miles, this picturesque route provides a wonderful chance for jogging amidst the captivating scenery of Youngs Bay and the Astoria-Megler Bridge. Additionally, the trail boasts various shops, dining establishments, and significant historical sites, including the Maritime Memorial and the Columbia River Maritime Museum. This particular segment enables the historical tramway and pedestrians to cross the water easily.

Astoria is known for having several piers along its waterfront, contributing to its picturesque coastal charm. These piers are the more rough/wild ones with a stronger naval feel. They are also the most western piers, hence you also get a great view of Holbrooks Slough.

The Astoria Column is a fantastic monument built in 1926 under the supervision of Ralph Budd, the president of the Great Northern Railroad. It depicts the Euro-American history of the Columbia River mouth and offers a panoramic view from the viewing platform, reached by climbing the 164 steps in a narrow, spiral staircase. The monument is modeled after Trajan's Column in Rome and is a must-see for anyone visiting Astoria.

The Cathedral Tree is a 300-year-old giant Sitka spruce nestled in the forested hillside. It's 8.5 feet in diameter, over 200 feet high, and has impressive buttress-like roots that can provide shelter if you get caught in the rain. Despite a windstorm in December 2007 that toppled many of the surrounding trees, the Cathedral Tree remained standing. It's definitely worth taking a side trip to see this majestic beauty.