The best walks and hikes around Astoria
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Hiking around Astoria, Oregon, offers a variety of trails primarily along the Columbia River and its surrounding areas. The terrain features relatively low elevation gains, with routes often following the waterfront or exploring urban-adjacent green spaces. The landscape is characterized by river views, historic waterfronts, and some forested sections, providing accessible options for different activity levels.
Best hiking trails around Astoria
- The most popular hiking route is Astoria Riverwalk — Oregon, a 5.5 miles (8.8 km) trail that takes 2 hours 12 minutes to complete. This moderate route offers extensive views along the Columbia River.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Astoria Riverwalk loop — Oregon, an easy 2.5 miles (4.1 km) path. This trail provides a shorter loop experience along the river with minimal elevation change.
- Local hikers also love the Hike through piers — Astoria, a 3.0 miles (4.8 km) trail leading through the historic waterfront area, often completed in about 1 hour 13 minutes.
- Hiking around Astoria is defined by riverfront paths, urban exploration, and low-gradient trails. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy strolls to moderate walks.
- The routes in Astoria are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 10 reviews. More than 150 hikers have used komoot to explore Astoria's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 23, 2026
619m
00:14
70m
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The Cathedral Tree Trail offers a magical journey through a quintessential Oregon Coast rainforest, where towering evergreens create a dense, shaded canopy. You'll find yourself surrounded by thick moss, dense ferns, and unique plant life like skunk cabbage, with the constant sound of birds and the chance to spot banana slugs. The trail's main draw is the ancient Cathedral Tree, a massive Sitka spruce with a hollowed-out base that allows you to step inside its trunk, offering a truly awe-inspiring moment.
This easy 0.4-mile (0.6 km) hike, with 218 feet (66 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 13 minutes, making it an ideal quick escape. You can start your adventure from Irving Street near the Cathedral Tree or from the Astoria Column parking area. Keep in mind that the trail can get muddy and slick, especially from fall through early spring, so be sure to wear appropriate footwear for the uneven terrain.
Beyond the unique experience of the Cathedral Tree, this trail serves as a scenic walking route to the historic Astoria Column, which provides stunning panoramic views of the Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean on clear days. It's a fantastic option for families or anyone looking for a short, immersive nature walk that connects to a significant local landmark, making it one of the popular trails routes in Astoria.
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8.77km
02:13
10m
10m
Hike the Astoria Riverwalk, a 5.5-mile moderate trail along the Columbia River with waterfront views and historical landmarks.
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2
hikers
4.07km
01:04
30m
30m
The Astoria Riverwalk Loop offers a delightful urban escape, tracing the Columbia River with continuous views of Youngs Bay and the impressive Astoria-Megler Bridge. You'll stroll along a mostly flat path of paved asphalt and wooden boardwalk, passing historic cannery buildings and a bustling working waterfront. Keep an eye out for local wildlife like seals and eagles, adding a touch of nature to this accessible 2.5-mile (4.1 km) route.
Planning your visit is straightforward; the trail is easy to access and suitable for all ages and abilities, including those using wheelchairs. With only 107 feet (32 metres) of elevation gain, it's a leisurely hike that takes about 1 hour and 3 minutes. Parking is available near the trailhead, and the route is dog friendly, making it a perfect choice for a casual outing any time of year.
Beyond the scenic river views, the Riverwalk is rich with history and unique attractions. Interpretive panels share stories of the Lewis & Clark Expedition and Astoria's film history, pointing out locations from movies like *The Goonies*. You can also hop on the Astoria Riverfront Trolley or visit key points of interest like the Columbia River Maritime Museum and Pier 39, blending natural beauty with cultural exploration.
4.83km
01:13
10m
10m
Easy 3.0-mile hike along Astoria's waterfront, offering views of the Columbia River, Astoria–Megler Bridge, and historic sites.
5.0
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15
hikers
6.82km
01:45
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Astoria
Tips from the Community
We enjoyed an hour aboard the trolley and rode the entire route. $2.00 per person is a gift! The volunteers provided a wealth of interesting information about Astoria's history.
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The Astoria Victory Memorial, also known as The Soldier's Monument or Doughboy Monument, is a landmark dedicated in 1926 to honor the brave Clatsop County WWI veterans. A magnificent ten-foot bronze statue stands at the top of the monument, a smaller replica of the one titled “Over the Top at Cantigny” created by John Paulding. It is a cherished part of American history and has been listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
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The Columbia River Maritime Museum is worth visiting if you're interested in maritime history and seafaring. The museum boasts impressive exhibits, from historic vessels and naval artifacts to fine art pieces. The museum has a $16 admission fee, or you can visit the Lightship Columbia only for $5.
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The Astoria Column is a tower in the northwestern United States that overlooks the mouth of the Columbia River on Coxcomb Hill in Astoria, Oregon. The concrete and steel structure, built in 1926, is part of a 30-hectare city park.
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The Astoria-Megler Bridge is a stunning steel bridge connecting Astoria, Oregon, to Point Ellice near Megler, Washington. It is the second-longest continuous bridge in the world and the final link between Mexico and Canada in the US highway system. Every October, the Great Columbia Crossing event is held, where pedestrians can enjoy the breathtaking views of the bridge. It has also been featured in several commercials and the 1986 movie Short Circuit.
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Volunteers from the nonprofit Astoria Riverfront Trolley Association (ARTA) operate the service and maintain the streetcar and tracks, but the city of Astoria has provided some funding for certain purchases, including a new trolleyway in 2001 and a contribution toward the cost of purchasing the trolley Tram. The car was on loan from San Antonio for its first seven years, but was purchased by ARTA in August 2005. By 2004, the trolley had become "one of Astoria's most popular features" and "a major attraction in the city of Astoria."
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The Astoria Bridge is the last bridge before the mouth of the Columbia River into the Pacific, about 20 km away. She was the missing link to the U.S. To make Route 101 continuously passable along the West Coast of the USA between Olympia in the north and Los Angeles in the south. The southern end of the bridge is in Astoria (Oregon), the other end is at Point Ellice, a mountain promontory near the settlement of Megler, where the jetty for the ferry to Astoria used to be. The river is around 6 km wide at this point, but mostly flat. The 12.19 m (40 ft) deep and narrow channel for ocean-going ships traveling to Portland runs directly in front of the town of Astoria; beyond it lie the Desdemona Sands, a sandbank that extends beyond the middle of the river and partially runs dry at low tide. Off the northern bank there are variable channels with slightly deeper water that can be navigated by smaller ships.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available around Astoria?
There are over 10 hiking trails and walks available around Astoria, offering a variety of experiences for different activity levels.
What kind of terrain can I expect on hikes in Astoria?
Hikes in Astoria primarily feature relatively low elevation gains, often following the Columbia River waterfront or exploring urban green spaces. The landscape is characterized by river views, historic waterfronts, and some forested sections, providing accessible options.
Are there any easy hiking trails suitable for a relaxed stroll?
Yes, Astoria offers several easy trails. For example, the Astoria Riverwalk loop — Oregon is an easy 2.5-mile path with minimal elevation change, perfect for a relaxed walk. Another easy option is the Hike through piers — Astoria, a 3.0-mile trail through the historic waterfront.
Are there any loop trails in Astoria?
Yes, Astoria features several loop trails. The Astoria Riverwalk loop — Oregon is a popular easy option. For a slightly longer loop, consider the Astoria–Megler Bridge loop from Astoria or the Mill Pond Village loop from Astoria.
What are some notable landmarks or attractions I can see near the hiking trails?
While hiking in Astoria, you can explore several interesting landmarks. The Astoria Column offers panoramic views, and the Astoria–Megler Bridge is an impressive structure. For history enthusiasts, Fort Clatsop and Fort Stevens State Park are nearby, along with the historic Peter Iredale Shipwreck.
What do other hikers enjoy most about hiking in Astoria?
The hiking routes in Astoria are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars. Reviewers often praise the extensive river views, the accessibility of the waterfront paths, and the blend of urban exploration with natural scenery.
Are there any moderate hikes for a bit more challenge?
Yes, if you're looking for a moderate challenge, the Astoria Riverwalk — Oregon is a 5.5-mile trail that takes about 2 hours and 12 minutes to complete, offering extensive views along the Columbia River. Another moderate option is the Mill Pond Village loop from Astoria.
What is the typical elevation gain on Astoria's hiking trails?
The hiking trails in Astoria generally feature relatively low elevation gains. Most routes, especially those along the riverfront, have minimal changes in elevation, making them accessible for a wide range of hikers.
Can I find trails that offer good views?
Absolutely. Many trails in Astoria, particularly those along the Columbia River, offer extensive and scenic views of the water and the surrounding landscape. The Astoria Riverwalk — Oregon is a prime example, known for its continuous river vistas.
Are there any long-distance trails available?
While Astoria's trails are generally shorter, the Mill Pond Village loop from Astoria is one of the longer options at approximately 5.7 miles (9.2 km), providing a more extended hiking experience within the area.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see on the trails?
The trails in Astoria showcase the region's unique blend of riverine and coastal environments. You'll encounter the vast Columbia River, historic waterfronts, and some forested sections, providing a mix of natural and urban-adjacent green spaces.
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