I told you a bit about the Astoria Column and showed you a little bit of Astoria, OR. Now let me show you Astoria from Astoria Column.
Being in that seaside town where the voluminous Columbia River meets the Great Pacific, called for a walk up the tallest structure in Astoria. The 125 ft. tall Astoria Column standing on a 600-feet-above-sea-level hill, promises to show us sweeping views of Astoria, several rivers making their way to the estuary, a few bridges across the blue waters, a part of Washington (State) and even a couple of volcanoes of the Cascade Ranges.
I had to see it all. So I went up to the top of this 120 ft tall Astoria Column.
This was where I had to go to see Astoria from Astoria Column.
I found that it was the descent that was a bit more difficult. It was dizzying considering the almost circular motion you make on the way down this winding staircase. And then there was the strain on my eyes trying to keep looking at the steps that wound down. But then again, it was all worth it.
My destination was up there where you see some light at the end of the column.
The views from Astoria Column
The jaw-dropping first look at what Astoria Column had to show me: The Columbia River, The Astoria-Megler Bridge, Downtown Astoria and a corner of Washington across the river. And a bit of the Pacific Ocean too.
Another sight, a little right of the first view — the river and barges and Washington State on the other side of the Columbia River. And a part of Downtown Astoria.
They are those snow capped mountains you see beyond the vegetation and the blue of the river and the hills beyond it. Both, Rainier and Helens are volcanoes of the Cascade Range.
And the shadow of the Column!
Also see: Youngs Bay Bridge and Astoria-Megler Bridge
The Astoria Column was completed in 1926 by The Great Northern Railroad and Vincent Astor, great-grandson of John Jacob Astor, who founded Astoria. The column is a historical monument which depicts the discovery and settlement of the Columbia River until the arrival of the railway.”
— From a plaque put up by ‘Friends sof Astoria Column’ at the column on Coxcomb Hill
More from
Astoria, OR
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So beautiful. This is in my bucket list.
Worth a Thousand Words
It is.
You'll love the place. You should go see it when you are in the Portland area next time, M. 🙂
What a beautiful place and very creative photography!
Happy Week to you ~ ^_^
It IS gorgeous out there, Carol.
Thank you so much. The vistas were so awesome; I couldn't help clicking away. 🙂
The photos from the top are beyond amazing! I will like to go to the top even thought I know I will freak out. Heights are not my best friend.
🙂
This climb just might make you kiss acrophobia away, Ruth. The sights from there are just 'Wow!' 🙂
Thank you, Ruth. 🙂
From the first image it did not occurred that one can actually go to the top of Astoria Column.. must have been one steep climb up those narrow stairs like you mention. But the view sure is worth it…
Yeah, it's a lighthouse like structure, Prasad. The climb did get a little tiring after a point, but it was on the way back that I felt a little dizzy trying to concentrate on those steps on that spiral route down.
But it was all TOTALLY worth it, I say! 🙂
Amazing pics. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thank you so much, Rupam. 🙂
Wow! Beautiful! Worth the strain to climb 164 steps.
Oh yeah, so worth it Ranjana. Look at those sights! 🙂
I'd do it again.
That can make me dizzy but worth the climb for sure. Great sights framed from that height.
Absolutely — worth the climb.
Thank you, Indrani. 🙂
Beautiful pics.
Thank you, Jyotirmoy. 🙂
Breathtaking views captured beautifully. The bridge across the river is intriguing. It looks as if part of it is floating in the river!!
Breathtaking views indeed. Thank you, Magiceye.
Haha. Yeah. I looked at it once again after reading your comment. It does look like that, doesn't it? I guess when you look at it from so high a point, it looks like it's right on the water. 🙂
Wow, amazing views! It'd be exciting to view the world from that height. Thanks, Divya, for also giving a brief intro of Astoria. 🙂
It sure was, Ravish.
It is such a pleasure to share these sights and info with you guys.
Thanks YOU, Ravish. 🙂
What amazing views! Would love to visit it someday!
It is a gorgeous little place – this town little Astoria. And it is so naturally blessed. The sights from this tower like structure is something one should do on their visits there; except of course if heights make him/her sick.
🙂
I love such vantage points, and I completely understand coming down the stairs bit!
Me too, me too.
Yeah, that was the uneasy bit. But considering the feast that my eyes and camera were treated to, it was worth it. 🙂
simply beautiful 🙂
I have to agree. Those sights were simply beautiful.
Thank you for coming by, Joshi. 🙂
Such a beautiful place and wow photography 🙂 One of my dream destinations!
Thank you dear Maitreni.
I hope you get to see it soon.:)
Amazing photos of the sky and the water.
Thank you so much, Kalpana. 🙂
wow.. superb place, Divya. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
A Rat's Nibble
Thank you Meera for coming by, and letting me know that you liked this post/place. 🙂
wow…breathtaking pictures 🙂
🙂
Thanks a whole ton, Purba.:)
Nice pictures
Thank you, Kishore.
The images are a beauty, the view from the top amazing, makes me yearn to grow wings of my own and hover and sail like a toy plain. The one taken from the stairwell is vertiginous. I loved the winding road up the Coxcomb Hill.
I loved the sight of that road to the top of the hill; actually all the sights that this column showed me.
Thank you so much USP for stopping by and leaving a comment. I'm so, so thankful for your support. 🙂
Have a great weekend.
The climb was worth it to have the fascinating views from atop, Divya:)
I'm so glad I took that winding walk up this structure. I seem to have a liking for points like this that show me sweeping views of a place.
Thank you, Mr. Bhatia.
Much like the Pilgrim Monument I saw in Cape Cod few years back (though there are no volcanos around).
Your post reminded me to write about that sometime. Thanks ?
I look forward to visiting that post, Alok.
I love places like this and the views they offer.
Sounds cool. Was it a day trip?
🙂
It was, from the Portland-Vancouver area.
And it would be if one is in Oregon or Washington states.
Wow.Breathtaking views.Amazing shots.:)
Cheers,
Sriram & Krithiga
Breathtaking literally!
Thank you guys. 🙂
Many hues of blue. 🙂
It was definitely worth the climb. Some great shots from that height.
Yeah, this part of the river is a beautiful blue, probably because it is very close to the Pacific Ocean.
Oh yes, SO worth it. 🙂 Thank you, Nisha. 🙂
Lovely captures, especially liked the staircase one…
Thank you so much, Ilakshee. 🙂
Great to see pictures from around the world on your blog