A journey just beginningEnd of the trail, the start of adventure
We are at the end of some trails and the beginning of many others. Astoria, Oregon is both a gateway and the hub in a region steeped in history. Standing at the top of the Astoria Column, you can envision the hardships, bravery, and awe experienced by the first people to live in this corner of the world. Dedicated by the Great Northern Railway in 1926, the Astoria Column stands today as a monument to those people. The Column is a unique work of Northwest art offering an unparalleled view of the meeting of many roads. Come start your journey to the region here, with us.
Majestic, informative, fun, and affordable — the Astoria Column stands alone as the best place to begin your North Coast adventure. Here you can climb to the top, relish a panoramic view of the mighty Columbia River and the city, learn about the region’s rugged history, and launch your own wooden glider to float in the wind. The citizens of Astoria are honored to share this Oregon treasure with over 400,000 visitors every year.Chart a course to the past
Visitor Tip: The Column is beautiful every moment of every day, but there is something really special about being in the park at dawn or dusk—let the singing birds and the changing light transport you to another time.Location
The Astoria Column is located at 1 Coxcomb Drive, about two hours west of Portland. It’s easy to find: Signs are on 14th and 16th Streets in Astoria.Don’t forget to bring
Jackets. Summer temperatures climb to the upper 60s Fahrenheit, while winter temperatures dip to the upper 30s.Costs
Visiting the park or climbing the Column is free. Parking is $5 per vehicle, which is good for one year.Park Hours
Please, No Camping or Cooking on Park Premises
- Open Daily from 5am – 10pm
Gift Shop Hours
- October – March 10am – 5pm
- April – September 9am – 6pm
CLOSED: THANKSGIVING AND CHRISTMAS
We welcome group visits
Astoria Column We love visits from schools, cruise tours, retirement homes, and historical interest groups. Parking for buses at the site is limited, so contact us in advance for assistance.A visit to the Astoria Column has become a treasured tradition for school groups and a priority destination for thousands of cruise ship excursions and tour groups every year. Contact our staff to ensure that your group has a fun, memorable experience.
FAQ
Q: When and why was the Astoria Column constructed?
A:The Astoria Column was built in 1926 to celebrate the discovery, exploration, and settlement of the West. It was commissioned by Ralph Budd, then-president of the Great Northern Railroad. The structure is made of concrete and cost $27,133.96 to construct.Q: How tall is the Column?
A:The Column is 125-feet high, with 164 steps to climb to the observation deck.Q: What do the illustrations show?
A:The stunning illustrations depict the history of the Astoria area from the time before explorers arrived, to the arrival of the railroad. The Column shows a variety of significant events, including the discovery of the Columbia River by Captain Robert Gray, meeting with the Chinook and Clatsop Tribes, the end of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.Q: Who was the artist?
A:Attilio Pusterla immigrated from Italy to New York and worked in a style called sgraffito (skra-fe-to). It starts with a dark, plaster basecoat with white plaster laid over it; then the artist scratches or etches figures and scenes. To install Pusterla’s vision, workers devised a round wooden structure that encircled the Column and dangled by ropes from the 110-foot high viewing platform, providing a mobile scaffold for the artists. However, Pusterla was a perfectionist and was prone to destroy the previous day’s work if he found it didn’t meet his satisfaction.Q: Where can I buy a glider to fly from the top of the Column?
A:Gliders are available at low-cost from the onsite gift shop. Our guests fly thousands of them each year and, for many, it’s a family tradition.Q: How difficult is it to maintain the Column?
A:We have completed two restorations, one in 1995 and one in 2015. The latest restoration brought out dazzling detail and includes meticulous hand painting to restore the original artist’s intended effect. The artwork is at the mercy of Oregon Coast weather. Mildew, rain, and wind can wear the images. The latest restoration used paints designed for use in monuments, and is predicted to remain beautiful much longer than previous restorations.
