Astoria Column
Park Historic column monument offering panoramic views over Astoria
Perched above Astoria, Oregon, the Astoria Column features a spiral mural and a viewing platform; visitors climb for panoramas of the Columbia River and interpretive panels about local history.
Astoria Column is a freestanding commemorative tower on Coxcomb Hill above Astoria, Oregon, notable for its height and panoramic viewpoint. The column was completed in the 1920s as a monument to regional history and exploration.
The structure features a spiraling mural band and an internal spiral staircase that leads to an observation platform; the tower stands 125 feet tall and visitors ascend 164 steps to reach the top. From the observation deck visitors can look across Astoria, the Columbia River, the river mouth, and out toward the Pacific on clear days.
The column was erected as a civic monument in the early 20th century and has been maintained and restored by local organizations since its construction. It serves as both a historical marker and a public viewpoint.
The column sits on Coxcomb Hill immediately above the city of Astoria, commanding views over the city and the Columbia River estuary.
- Height and access: 125 feet tall; the observation deck is reached by a 164-step spiral staircase that climbs inside the tower.
- Views: Clear days provide panoramic views over the city of Astoria, the Columbia River, and out to the Pacific Ocean.
How to Get to Astoria Column #
The column is reached by County Road/Forest Service access off US Highway 30 near Astoria. From downtown Astoria it’s about a 10-15 minute drive (roughly 3-4 miles / 5-6 km) up Coxcomb Hill; there is a parking area at the base. The site is also accessible by local bike routes for those riding from town.
Tips for Visiting Astoria Column #
- Climb the 164 spiral steps for the view - bring a jacket; it gets windy at the top even on warm days.
- Arrive early or late in the day to avoid tour groups and to photograph the painted frieze in side light.
- Check local event listings: the column frequently serves as a backdrop for festivals and fireworks displays.
Best Time to Visit Astoria Column #
Best visited late spring to early fall for stair access and clear views; summer offers the best weather.
Weather & Climate near Astoria Column #
Astoria Column's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Mediterranean - Warm-Summer Mediterranean climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 21°C. Heavy rainfall (2060 mm/year), wettest in December.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 9°C and lows of 2°C. Heavy rain (304 mm).
Comfort
Weather
February
February is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 2°C. Heavy rain (245 mm).
Comfort
Weather
March
March is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 3°C. Heavy rain (220 mm).
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (149 mm).
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm).
Comfort
Weather
June
June is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm).
Comfort
Weather
July
July is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm).
Comfort
Weather
August
August is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm).
Comfort
Weather
September
September is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm).
Comfort
Weather
October
October is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (174 mm).
Comfort
Weather
November
November is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Heavy rain (313 mm).
Comfort
Weather
December
December is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (326 mm).
