You can drive up, but why, when you can take an awesome hike. On your way up, stop and see the Cathedral Tree. Its amazing. Be ready for mud, and an uphill climb. The trail is just under a mile, but its up the North Hills of Astoria, so its a solid up up up. The view at the top is your reward.

Many people come to this place -- its to be expected given how lovely it is. With a unique art style adorning the tower itself only to be matched by the natural beauty of the surroundings. One can better appreciate the scope once they have journey to the top. It can be a bit chilly but with the right apparel its no problem.

I have visited a few places this summer, beautiful places, never visited Astoria Oregon before. Wow!! Astoria is so beautiful! I visit the the Astoria Column which I heard it was hand painted. beautiful display. History about native people before the settlers came to this era. Beautiful view from the top of hill. If you got time please visit this beautiful amazing little town in Oregon (Astoria Oregon) you wont be disappointed disappointment.

Closed for Covid but still a nice place to see!

I came here 2 weeks ago. It’s a great place with spectacular views and many picnics. There’s a parking fee of $5.00 but I and many other people think it’s worth it. But the column itself is painted with murals depicting Oregon’s history from the 1700s- the 1800s on the outside and in the inside you can walk on a spiral staircase to the top where you can see even better views but as of now the door to the inside othe column is unfortunately closed. Fun fact- the Astoria column was placed on the bicentennial of Astoria’s founding.

Its been over 20 years since the last time Ive been here but did a quick getaway weekend trip and realized that Julia is really a great small coastal community. The view from up here was amazing. Will be back again and maybe do a picnic lunch

It was really pretty, the weather was perfect. Although the tower was closed (thanks Covid), everything else was still available. The restrooms were clean (always a plus for me). And the cost for a pass is 5 dollars but its good for the whole calender year.

Great point of interest, information of historical significance. Beautiful views, bring a great camera and binoculars. Couple things to note: $5 to enter, but its a year pass so you can return. Also, no drones allowed at the site.

Unfortunately its closed to visitors at the moment. You can only look from outside. The view is incredible. Parking is $5 and its good for a year

Amazing views, can’t miss this place if you are visiting Astoria

$5 entry worth the price of admission. Well kept and lots of parking. Clean restrooms and chairs to enjoy the spectacular views. Pictures attached worth a thousand words.

If you’re walking to the Column, the hill is a pretty good workout. I went on a foggy day, so the landmark looked spooky and mysterious. It was closed, so I couldn’t go up. There were no views today, thanks to the fog. I will have to come back when it’s sunny out. There’s also a 1.5-mile hiking trail. I used that one to leave the park.

Highest, or one of the highest, points in Astoria. Column is closed during phased reopening, but a long time ago Ive been up there, and take a airplane from the gift shop and throw it! Its encouraged! The views on a clear day even at the base are amazing!! Cameras, telescopes, bring em. Room for picnics, some geological markers, restrooms, $5/ carload. Easy drive straight up a hill, follow the white columns on the road.

There is a $5 entrance fee but it gives you a year pass to go back as many times in a year that you want. The column is beautiful and the view around it is stunning. Still cant climb the column but it doesnt take away from seeing it in person.

Amazing view. Today was so clear you could see everywhere in astoria. You could also hear the seals in the harbor below!!

$5.00 to park and walk around and look at Breathtaking view of Astoria and Youngs Bay! Astoria Column is closed to walk inside up to the top due to COVID-19.

This was a neat place to visit. The column had great history painted on it, and the views were amazing . Picnic tables and bench seating were available as well.

The view alone makes it worth the $5 parking fee. We brought take-out food...planned on eating in our car...instead we lucked-out when one of the few picnic tables became available. Couldnt ask for a better view! Due to the COVID, the Columns interior stairs were closed so we werent able to go up into the observation deck, but we walked around the outside, read the interesting history plaques and enjoyed the fantastic view. The small gift shop was open also the restrooms.

Arrived here and the Column is closed but they still charge the $5 entry fee which is fine because it’s clean. we enjoyed waking around and reading it’s history. they need to clean the bathrooms

Best view by far. You wont be disappointed. Had a wonderful picnic with my wife. Best way to end our mini vacation.

Stunning views. Not a lot to do but soak in the gorgeous views. Love the chairs for viewing and handful of picnic tables. Id say its worth the $5 for sure.

I have been going to Astoria for years but never made it to the column until now. Amazing piece of art and a wonderful view.

So we parked down the hill because I saw salmonberries on the bushes (the yellow ones. They’re totally edible but pretty gross ). Walk into the bushes to see that greenery! Makes a pretty background for amazing photos! We walked up the hill. The view is pretty cool! Watch out for the slugs!

Try to go here on a clear day because the view is endless. I spent a lot of time up here was just bummed to see the column itself was closed. :(

The views from the Astoria Column are expansive and beautiful, especially on a sunny day! The column itself is imposing and gorgeous! I particularly loved the art on it!The road to the column is winding and fun to drive on! When you’re driving from Astoria Riverwalk area, once you’re on the 16th Ave, just follow the markings on the road! I was super psyched about these! A great way of directing folks to the column! Without Google maps at that!

I always enjoy going to the column and seeing it on a regular basis the view is just one to live for. Its an amazing view to see the Columbia meeting the ocean

You dont come here for the column. You come here for the best view in town. Best picture spot in Astoria. $5 per car. Family friendly. Must do.

Spectacular views from the tower! The tower was really interesting and the hike we did was wonderful!

Amazing piece of infrastructure! Historic a and majestic. The entrance fee is just $5 for the entire year! Great staff and very friendly. The items are a little overpriced at the gift shop, but the visit to the place is highly recommended

I really like this place. The tower was closed, but the gift shop was open. I bought a sasquatch beer glass which was reasonably priced.

Pretty cool landmark, but we were unable to climb the stairs inside due to COVID-19 restrictions. Nice panoramic views. We did the Cathedral Tree Trail also. Check that box, we would not do it again as it us quite anti climatic.

Its closed right now so you cant go all the way to the top but still a great view from the grounds and they keep it very tidy.

Had a wonderful family picking on the lawn, I would make an effort to return when visit Astoria.

Well worth the nominal parking fee. The views are amazing. The signs are well laid out and we learned great stuff from them.

Great hike from downtown. Went by way of Sanborn Historical House on 17th! Michael did a great job telling us about the house ... and directing us to the Astoria Column.

Unfortunately when we went the column was closed do to Covid-19. However there is still a great view of the entire town of Astoria and the Columbia River. Its $5 to park at the top and the ticket lasts the whole year. There is also a small trail you can hike down to see a small clearing thats well shaded.

Beautiful hiking trail to Cathedral tree. Currently climbing the tower is closed due to Covid. Fantastic views.

Beautiful pictoral history tribute to Astoria and Oregon wth John Astors name at top.

Was a very scenic place! A historic landmark. You can climb to the top of the column. It is about 5 flights if stairs high. You can see Columbia river, the Astoria bridge and mountains all around. They have restrooms and a cute little gift shop that even has goonies souvenirs!

This was a great lookout point, the mural on the column and the canoe are also really great displays of regional history.

Beautiful view! This was recommended as the first stop to start our stay in Astoria. Wellll it ended up being the last thing we did. This world be much cooler on a sunny day when you can see further. Also the tower is currently closed due to covid. Took a star off for the $5 parking.

Great view unless its a bit of a foggy day!! 10/2/2020.

Beautiful and peaceful. Amazing to see the history about it.

Closed indoors, so I only got to walk around the parking lot. Beautiful views, and a really cool bas relief map in the middle area that shows local landmarks.

Nice 270° views of the columbia estuary and Astoria. 5$ to park but you can sweet talk your way up for free :) or come after 6pm . Park closes at 10pm . The column is obviously closed due covid. Come for sunset, amazing views

Totally beautiful. Recommend visiting when its dark out.

Amazing views! Parking attendant was very nice and let us drive through without paying the $5 to park (shhhh).

$5 for an annual parking pass?! Can’t beat that. The views are spectacular. There are restrooms and plenty of parking. The gift shop is cute and full of little trinkets and fun souvenirs. The service is friendly — both at the parking kiosk and gift store. Definitely worth checking out. It doesn’t take much time and it’s such a beautiful, well kept place. Very scenic and affordable. Bring a picnic!

Awesome experience on a rainy and windy day. Felt like I may have been blown off if I didnt stay low enough and hold on tight enough. Great view on a cloudy day, I can only imagine on a clearish day. The whole family loved the experience and plan to come back.

This is a great place to view the ocean and the Longview Astoria bridge.

Looks lovely at night with the lighting, when there is mist in the air. Ive climbed up the spiral staircase and seen the amazing vistas from the outdoor viewing deck. A must see when you get to Astoria. Lots of great early settlement history here.

The Column was recently remodeled and it looks amazing. The entire place is very well maintained!

Quiet From traffics and all rooms overlooking water. Take a bath looking out at water. Really nice.

Such a beautiful mural and on a clear day the views are magnificent

A beautiful piece of architecture and definitely a must-see if youre in the area.

Beautiful views of the northwest corner of Oregon! Column is a grand tribute to Oregon History.

Parking was $5 cash per car but no cost to climb the tower. Worth it just to say youve checked it out!It is a fairly narrow climb and the landing platforms are good for waiting on so other people can descend or ascend. We visited on Sunday afternoon in late September and it was cold but clear and not very busy.My smart watch said it was 10 flights but I hear its about 165 steps! Beautiful 360° view from the top! Well worth it if you are able to climb the steps. Additionally there is an observation space past the gift shop with a canoe that you used to be able to access and read the inscriptions. You dont seem to be able to get there now?A landmark of Astoria since I was a small child, I have wonderful memories of climbing the column. I was so happy to get to share those memories with my husband and our children, who have never been!

Nice sunny day. The gift shop is open but the column is not

Please be informed that this is my rating for the Astoria Column DURING the COVID-19 pandemic. Some friends and I went here on a beautiful, sunny day in August, and the panoramic view from the parking lot was great! However, the tower itself was closed (for an admittedly good reason-- social distancing). My qualm with our visit is that my friend had to pay five dollars at the parking lot entrance to an employee when we couldnt even enter the tower. All we could do was enjoy the view at the top of the hill and take pictures. I think that the gift shop was open, but if it was, then our payment at the entrance was basically to potentially enter a gift SHOP, where more money would potentially be spent? It was weird. Maybe there was some other cool attraction that we didnt notice, but if not, then I honestly dont feel that visitors should be charged a fee until the tower opens again.

Amazing views of the whole area. Staff is super friendly and the pass is for a year. The biodegradable airplanes are super cute, wish we could’ve flown one but Rona ruins another thing so the stairs are closed.

$5 car pass to drive in, which lasts all year. They accept card or cash. Theres a little store if you need to pick something up, coffee, snacks, restroom.The column itself is beautiful and worth the stop! Climb the spiral staircase if you can, the views are well worth it from the top. If you dont want to or cant climb up, walk out to the grassy areas for views nearly as nice :)

Well maintained site with great views. Dont go up if youre afraid of heights though! The views from the parking lot are great too though.

Definitely a must see if you are in Astoria! The stairs are super steep and windy, but its worth it to see the view. Plus there are usually lots of people launching those little airplanes from the top which is fun to watch and you can get your own from the gift shop for a dollar I believe.

Great day with family & friends. Sun was out ,no Smoke. Beautiful day in Astoria.

Tower is closed (COVID), visitor center/gift shop is open. Such an amazing place to view both OR and a bit of WA, along with multiple landmarks.

An awesome view and a very picturesque monument. Interesting facts are mentioned using information boards around the place. It also has a time capsule placed there. That is really interesting.

Breathtaking views. Very clean and friendly. Just make sure you are prepared to pay 5.00 to park. The colum has the Oregon trail painted on it. When Covid is done, make sure you take a long hike up inside the column for an even more beautiful view!

Wonderful climb to the top of the tower where the views are spectacular. Staff is wonderful and you can buy wood planes to throw from the top for only one dollar. Park pass annual price is $5.

Very cool. Must go if in Astoria. $5 parking fee. Roughly 185 steps to the top. Great view from the column top.

Absalutly breathtaking view!

Gorgeous views and good history to read about at this local spot. The tower was closed due to COVID19.

The climb was definitely worth the view at the top! Though you have to buy the planes to fly off at the bottom in the gift shop, something me and my family forgot to do. Either way it was still fun and I would definitely recommend it!

What a fun random stop to make. $5 to park for a year which was worth it. About 14 stories of spiral staircase to go dizzily out onto the platform. 360 degree views from about 800’ up off the water. Absolutely breathtaking. Went on Christmas Eve and we were the only people up on the column.

The actual column is not currently open but the views remain amazing. We were able to get some good photos just from the parking lot.

Super cool place with amazing views. $5 gets you a year long pass.

Nice place to visit good place to take pictures and has a small gift shop

As of 08/12/20 the column is closed, but you still have a nice view from the area around. beautiful area and view of the valley!

Oh the things you can see. Most beautiful views ever.

Very nice and sunshine very good for you didnt get to go up to the column but I got to see you

Clean and well kept area. Friendly staff.

Fantastic veiw and amazing place to realize how much history is in one area. Some awesome 4th of July fireworks can be seen from the top of this hill.

Really Cool, kinda Sketchy going up ad down the spiral staircase with a bunch of people, but its safe, and worth it. Unfortunately it was foggy when we went, it was still fun. Im sure the views are stunning on a clear day.

Historic. Audacious. Could be great view in good weather

Breathtaking! The steps were totally worth it. Kinda windy up top when we went but again well worth it! Not captured in these pictures is the WAY the light hits the land in rays. I could never explain how incredible the view is.

Quite the high energy activity. The view from the top of the tower was exciting and amazing.

Just $5 to park for the year, and you get a breathtaking view of Astoria. Climb to the top of the column for the cherry on top of these gorgeous sights. Definitely worth a trip up here if youre driving through the area looking for a quick (30-60m) stop.

I had a great time and the tower was wonderful the views were amazing

Little windy on the day we went.. Totally worth the climb up the spiral stair case.. Beautiful View

Incredible panoramic view. Lots of grass area. The column was closed.

Million dollar views!!! The column of beautiful also.

Loved it. They have paper planes you buy for 1$ a piece and theyll sail the air for a couple minutes. Quite a walk up the stairs to the top, but awesome view. Kids love it too. Must see if you are nearby. You can buy some planes, march up the steps, and take pictures of the view too.

Iconic Oregon monument. Well maintained place. Did not have a lot of crowds when we were there. Great family picnic spot.

This is a bear peace of Oregon history and the view here is amazing. It is well worth the $5 annual fee to visit.

Absolutely stunning. Visited as a pit-stop driving down the Pacific Coast Highway to Cali and it was one of the most beautiful views of the trip (one of haha)

Gorgeous up there. Wish they would open it back up!

I really recommend this Lewis & Clark history! And awesome views! Great place to take a picnic with or without kids!

If I could give this place 10 stars I would. The clam chowder is some of the best I have ever had! The clam strips are so good. And you have to try the artichoke shrimp dip!! The garden salad was perfect for all of it. Then dont forget dessert, try the cobbler. You will be waddling out!!

This place is actually so cool and has an incredible view! Im glad its not overrated and overthrown with instagrammers. The stairs werent too bad and Im 7 months pregnant! The view up top is a 360 degree incredible view where you can see Washington, gearhart, Astoria, and the coast! Some kids also flew some planes out from the gift shop. Pretty neat

Love the view on a clear day! Great photo spot! Tourist must see!

Column itself is closed due to overreaching government. But nice views. $5 parking lot fee