Astoria Column Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Astoria Column Park is located in Astoria, Oregon, a city situated on the northern end of the Oregon Coast in the state of Washington.


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Summary

The park is known for its iconic Astoria Column, a 125-foot tower that offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, the Columbia River, and the surrounding mountains.

One of the primary reasons to visit Astoria Column Park is for the breathtaking views. Visitors can climb up the 164 steps to the top of the tower and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The park also offers picnic areas, hiking trails, and a gift shop.

In addition to the Astoria Column, there are several other points of interest in the park. The park features a replica of a Roman amphitheater, a bronze statue of William Clark (of the famed Lewis and Clark expedition), and a monument to the Chinook Indian tribe.

Interesting facts about Astoria Column Park include that the Astoria Column was built in 1926 and was originally intended to commemorate the city's role in the westward expansion of the United States. The murals on the column depict important events in the city's history, including the arrival of the first European settlers and the establishment of the first U.S. post office west of the Rocky Mountains.

The best time of year to visit Astoria Column Park is in the summer months, when the weather is mild and the park is bustling with activity. However, the park can be visited year-round, and each season offers its own unique beauty and charm.

Overall, Astoria Column Park is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the state of Washington. The stunning views, rich history, and beautiful surroundings make it a truly unforgettable experience.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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