Astoria Column

The Astoria Column is an observation tower on Coxcomb Hill in Astoria, Oregon. The outer wall carries a continuous painting that wraps around the structure like a ribbon climbing upward to reach an open platform at about 125 feet.

A local businessman from Portland financed the construction in 1926 to commemorate important events in the region. The dedication coincided with the city's hundredth anniversary, when it already stood as a western gateway to the Pacific.

The name honors fur trader John Jacob Astor, whose trading post Fort Astoria became the first permanent American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains in 1811. Visitors today see the painted spiral on the outer wall showing scenes with animals, ships and people from different eras.

The interior staircase winds upward in tight turns and requires some stamina. Those who reach the top should take time to enjoy the view over river, ocean and forested hills.

Every year visitors throw small wooden airplanes from the platform, a tradition that has continued for decades. The airplanes are available in the gift shop below and glide far out over the trees.

Location: Astoria

Inception: 1926

Official opening: July 22, 1926

Website: https://astoriacolumn.org

GPS coordinates: 46.18139,-123.81750

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:26