City Guides: Things to do While Boating in Astoria, Oregon
The rocky coastlines, wide open beaches and spruce, pine and fir forests of the Pacific Northwest provide a stunning setting for adventures by boat or car. Located northwest of Portland, Astoria sits north of Cannon Beach along the Columbia River, which flows west to meet the Pacific Ocean.
From fishing and boating to tugboat tours and whale-watching excursions, you’ll find a wide array of water-based things to do from a private boat dock rental near Astoria, Oregon. Today, we’re going to explore a few land-based options. Let’s get started!
Columbia River Maritime Museum
Photo: Wikimedia
The Columbia River Maritime Museum is the best place to learn about fishing, shipping and military history. Located on the waterfront, it explores the Columbia River’s history from the days of the dugout canoe to sailboats and present-day vessels. Exhibits include maritime artifacts, fine art, shipwrecks, extreme weather (Columbia River waves can reach 40 feet), the U.S. Coast Guard and Columbia River bar pilots. Climb aboard the Lightship Columbia, a floating lighthouse and National Historic Landmark that helped guide ships to safety at the mouth of the Columbia River. We think it’s a unique site to visit from a private boat lift rental.
Astoria Column
Photo: Wikimedia
Serving as a monument to the Pacific Northwest and the people who live there, the Astoria Column is 125 feet tall with an observation deck. Built in 1926, it’s part of a 30-acre park and was dedicated by the Great Northern Railway. The artwork depicts the history of Astoria and its people. It sits on Coxcomb Hill where it overlooks the Columbia River.
Flavel House Museum
Photo: Wikimedia
Discover the history of Astoria’s settlers, native tribes and immigrant groups from around the world at the Flavel House Museum. The Queen Anne-style Victorian mansion was built in 1884 for Captain George Flavel (a Columbia River bar pilot and real estate investor) and his family. Located along the waterfront, it provides easy access to private boat lifts for rent. Check out photos, antique furnishings, hand-carved mantels, Douglas fir doors and faux wood-grained wainscoting. Visit the parlor, the formal living room, the music room and other public areas. Don’t miss the expertly landscaped gardens surrounding the property.
Oregon Film Museum
Photo: Wikimedia
Located in a former jail (in operation from 1914 through 1976), the Clatsop County Jail, the Oregon Film Museum shares the art and history of film production in Oregon (with a concentration on movies filmed or set in Oregon). For trivia purposes, the following were filmed in Oregon: The Goonies (we all know that one), Animal House, Point Break, Stand by Me, Coraline, The Shining and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest among many others. If the jail building looks familiar, it was used as a set for Short Circuit, Come See Paradise and The Goonies. Heavy on Goonies memorabilia, you’ll find all the information you could ever want on the 1985 film in one of the actual jail cells. You can also have your mug shot taken and re-enact scenes and famous lines from movies.
Lewis & Clark National Historical Park
Photo: Lewis & Clark National Historic Park (Facebook)
Hop off the private boat slip rental, dust off your land legs and explore14.5 miles of trails through forest settings at the Lewis & Clark National Historical Park. Located along the Lewis & Clark River, you can also go fishing and kayaking, participate in nature talks and ranger seminars, view a replica stockade and try to get a glimpse of a variety of birds, elk, bobcats, beavers and river otters.
Fort Stevens State Park
Photo: Wikimedia
Get in your exercise and history lesson in one shot at Fort Stevens State Park. The 4,200-acre park is a historic military site that was once used to guard the mouth of the Columbia River. It has three lakes, year-round camping for tents and RVs, picnic facilities, restrooms and walking and bicycling trails through forest, dune and wetland habitats. There’s also a boat ramp, which offers convenience for those trailering a boat or staying at a private boat dock for rent. Check out Civil War displays in the museum, tour a 90-year-old World War II gun battery or take a pic by the shipwreck.
Hopefully, you’ve gathered some new sites to add to your Astoria itinerary. Let us know your favorites!
