Astoria Column
Astoria, OR
A painted tower on Coxcomb Hill with a spiral stair to the top and a view over the Columbia River mouth, the bridge and the Pacific. Bring layers, as the hilltop is windy, and expect a short road up from town.
The Astoria Column stands on Coxcomb Hill, which rises about 600 feet (180 m) above the Columbia River. The tower was built in 1926 with funding from the Great Northern Railway and Vincent Astor and was dedicated on July 22, 1926. It is 125 feet (about 38 m) tall. A sgraffito frieze spirals up the shaft; it is about 525 feet (160 m) long and shows events from the early history of the region, including Captain Gray's discovery of the Columbia's mouth in 1792 and the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
A spiral staircase of 164 steps leads to the viewing platform overlooking the mouth of the Columbia River. About 45 minutes is enough for the climb and the view. It can be windy on the hill, so bring a jacket.
- Nearest town
- Astoria, OR
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 46.1809, -123.8176
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Cape Disappointment State Park Campground - Campground DCampsite13 mi from Astoria ColumnTentsCaravansShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Cape Disappointment State Park CampgroundCampsite14 mi from Astoria ColumnTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
- Sou'wester Lodge & CabinsMotorhome stopover15 mi from Astoria ColumnMotorhomesElectricityShowersToilets
- The Lamp CampCampsite20 mi from Astoria ColumnTentsCaravansShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- The RetreatCampsite20 mi from Astoria ColumnTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Dike Road CampsitesCampsite21 mi from Astoria ColumnTentsCaravansToiletsWaste disposal
All campsites in Oregon · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Astoria Column?
Astoria Column is in Astoria, OR, at GPS 46.1809, -123.8176. It is about 21 mi from Cannon Beach.
Can you camp near Astoria Column?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Pier 38 RV Park, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 68 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Astoria Column?
Places worth a stop nearby: Haystack Rock (22 mi), Cape Meares Lighthouse (49 mi), Cape Lookout Trail (59 mi) and Cape Kiwanda (67 mi).
When is the best time to visit Astoria Column?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)