Hafen
Astoria (Oregon)

Enjoy a 2 ½ hour leisurely, guided bike tour as you pedal along the scenic Astoria Waterfront. Enjoy the sights and sounds along the Columbia River with stops along the way where your guide will share stories of Astoria’s rich history. The Astoria Riverwalk is your paved and wooden pier path as you travel through the working waterfront and enjoy the scenic vistas along the Columbia River. Your guide will share stories of times pass when this waterfront was lined with fish canneries, large warehouses and being shanghaied was a possibility. You’ll learn more about the time when Astoria was known as the “Salmon Canning Capital of the World” and the “Wickedest Place on Earth” as a very busy seaport in the late 1800s. Stop at a local Fish processor and enjoy a seasonal seafood snack as you learn more about the fishing industry on the lower Columbia River. Continue along the waterfront as we look for birds and wildlife along the shore. See the enormous California Sea lions that make the Astoria waterfront their home and be on the lookout for the many birds that frequent the waterfront such as Bald Eagles, Cormorants, Terns, Egrets and Herons. Return to your ship after this six-mile round trip up and down the Astoria Waterfront.

Travel to the Astoria Column for a panoramic view of the area and gain an understanding of the strategic value of the well-placed installations at the mouth of the Columbia River. Cross Young’s Bay Bridge for the short journey to Fort Stevens State Park. Upon arrival, your friendly and knowledgeable guide will take you on a tour and share the fascinating history of the fort which was built by the U.S. Army and completed in 1865. The gun batteries, fortifications and other buildings are preserved along with 3,700 acres of woodlands, lakes, wetlands and beaches.

Your guide will lead you through the complex and its bunkers, abandoned gun batteries, and tower stations before heading up to the commander's station for a scenic view of the Columbia River. The museum will be your last stop before heading back to the pier. Enjoy browsing through the interesting artifacts that date back to the Civil War and stop in at the gift shop, which offers a variety of souvenirs.

Discover historic Astoria! You’ll make a brief photo stop at the Astoria Column which was built in 1926. This 125-foot tall concrete and steel structure features a cast-iron 164 step staircase that leads to an observation deck. If you decide to climb to the top, you'll see majestic views of Astoria, the Pacific Ocean and the lower Columbia River estuary. Views from the base are just as panoramic, the column stands atop Coxcomb Hill, Astoria's highest point. Continue to the Lewis and Clark National Historical Park for a tour of Fort Clatsop. You’ll also visit the Columbia River Maritime Museum located on Astoria's historic waterfront. The museum features nautical artifacts including the Lightship, which served as a floating lighthouse. Enjoy a scenic drive through Astoria nestled between the Columbia River and Young’s Bay. You’ll see picturesque Victorian and Queen Anne style homes and churches, Uniontown - home of the men who worked at the Union Fish Cannery and the Doughboy monument, dedicated to the soldiers who served in World War I.

OVERVIEW

Settle in for a spectacularly scenic drive around Astoria with occasional stops at landmarks that best reveal the city’s history. Astoria was named for millionaire businessman John Jacob Astor, whose fur trading company established this first permanent settlement west of the Rockies. As you travel around the city, you will hear fascinating facts about Astoria and learn about historical events such as the raging fire that nearly destroyed the downtown in 1922. Along the way, you can expect to see the Liberty Theater, where Clark Gable made his first stage appearance. Other highlights include the Doughboy Monument that commemorates those that fought in World War I, a Victorian mansion built for Astoria’s first millionaire and the mural-adorned Astoria Column that the Astor family funded. Climb the 164 steps to the top of the column, and you will be rewarded with the ultimate panoramic view of the city.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See key landmarks on a panoramic driving tour through Astoria.
• Understand the influence of John Jacob Astor on his namesake city.
• Hear commentary about momentous events such as the fire of 1922.
• Take in the sweeping view of the city from atop Astoria Column, if you wish.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Discover two of Oregon’s most charming coastal villages and beautiful beaches. Your local guide will travel with you crossing Young’s Bay Bridge. Enjoy impressive views of Saddle Mountain, one of Oregon's highest peaks and the Astoria-Megler Bridge, the longest bridge in the state. You'll travel through the Oregon Coast Range before stopping at Cannon Beach, considered an artist's colony and home to photographers, artists and writers. The beach is also well known for Haystack Rock, a 235 foot tall rock formation that is the home of puffins, sea gulls cormorants. You’ll have some free time here to explore the colorful courtyards, streets and little shops. Continue on to Seaside, a charming coastal village with arcades, art galleries and miles of beach. Enjoy some free time here to stroll along the boardwalk, buy some salt water taffy or take a ride on the carousel.