Astoria

Derek and I have visited Astoria several times back when we lived in Bend and it is always fun. This visit was no different. I craved fish and chips so first up was a stop at The Bowpicker. The Bowpicker is a converted gillnet boat that sits on dry land now in a little lot in Astoria. They serve fish and chips…that’s it. This is albacore tuna fish and chips and it’s straight up delicious. I loved it.

Next up we walked along the riverwalk that runs along side the mighty Columbia River. Last time we were here it was after we both had finished reading The Lewis and Clark Expedition book and it was fun to think about them being around here. Seeing a bunch of flags, we stumbled upon the Astoria Nordic Heritage Park. There are some cute gnome statues that drew us in. Scandinavian immigration, prompted by poverty and the collapse of traditional farming practices in Scandinavia, peaked in the late 19th century.  By the 1910 census there were 9599 inhabitants in Astoria and 35% of the population identified as Scandinavians.

All this touring made us thirsty so we wandered over to Fort George Brewery for some beers. Both of us have always loved their beer but it isn’t widely distributed so we haven’t had it in over 6 years. What a treat. We even bought a couple six packs to go.

Looking up at the hills of the city we spotted a steep staircase so walked up to check it out. This is no ordinary staircase, these are pigeon steps. This steep staircase climbs 11th Street between Irving Avenue and Jerome. Astoria has several of these so-called “pigeon steps” — shallow, narrow steps set on the city’s hilly sidewalks. However, this one is the coolest and offers a sweet wide, sweeping view of the city and river below.

Lastly, we went to the Astoria Column. The Astoria Column is a tower overlooking the mouth of the Columbia River on Coxcomb Hill. Built in 1926, the concrete and steel structure is part of a 30-acre park. The 125-foot tall column has a 164-step spiral staircase ascending to an observation deck at the top. Great views!

Speaking of Lewis and Clark, on our way back to camp we stopped at Lewis and Clark National Historical Park. This is the location of Fort Clatsop where Lewis & Clark Expedition built a fort for the winter of 1805. There is a replica fort now, as well as a big exhibit hall with all sorts of interesting displays. We also walked along the Netul River Trail. We were there on a sunny day but the winter Lewis & Clark were there it rained nearly every day for a full 4 months. oof.