Astoria Column, Oregon, United States

5Dale Wanderlust 5:00 PM Jul 27, 2022

Don’t miss the Astoria Column
If you are in Astoria you need to go see the Astoria Column. It took us until our 3rd trip to discover this beauty. It is a 170’ tall round tower with a 170 step metal spiral staircase inside. The column is on top of a hill with 360 degree view of Astoria and the surrounding forests and rivers. First go to the gift shop and buy some balsa wood gliders. Will explain more later. The outside of the building has a written and pictorial story of Lewis and Clark Expedition. After entering the tower door look up to see the spiral staircase. It took multiple catch-our-breath stops on the conveniently placed flat platforms to make it to the top. The view is amazing. You can walk all the way around the tower at the top and every step there some new beauty to behold. We did not know about the gliders mentioned earlier but while we were at the top a family had 5 of them. Based on how you assemble and set the wings will determine the distance and time of your glider flight. Some lasted 10 seconds as they tightly spiraled down. A few lasted about a minute as they soared wide spirals, caught drafts and ended up in the forest. They are designed to breakdown as part of nature. Don’t miss this man made wonder.

5Debbie G 5:00 PM Jun 25, 2022

Worth the climb
If I can climb this structure with a mask on at 64 years of age and overweight and say it was worth it, you should believe me. The view is spectacular. You'll pay for parking, but the site itself is free. For $2, you can purchase a glider to launch from the top of the column.