The Astoria Column - Maybe the Coolest Monument in the Pacific Northwest

For nearly a century the Astoria Column has sat atop Coxcomb Hill in Astoria, Oregon as a monument to the region's history. Originally created in 1926 by the Great Northern Railroad as the crowning monument of a planned 12 monuments between Astoria and Minnesota, the Astoria Column features stunning views of the Columbia River, the city of Astoria, and everything else for miles.
Funded in part by Vincent Astor, the son of John Jacob Astor IV who lost his life on the Titanic and the great grandson of John Jacob Astor, the Astoria Column was built in just seven months at a cost of $25,000. Modeled after Trajan's Column in Rome, it features a histogram covering the outside of the column, telling the history of the area from the time of Lewis and Clark to the arrival of the railroad.
In this video we visit the column, take in the views from atop Coxcomb Hill, visit the Chief Comcomoly memorial (unfortunately I didn't have time in the video to go much into Chief Comcomoly's life, but his life and what happened to him after his death is a sad and shameful tale), and climb the Astoria Column while talking about it's history.
Visiting the Astoria Column is free. There is a $5 parking fee if you drive to the column's parking lot.
The Astoria Column is located at: 46.18139472544052, -123.81747028112493
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[@davidpierce3217]

What a gorgeous view. The Pacific Northwest is SUCH a beautiful area of the country!

[@TheStuport]

I'm absolutely positive Steve that I'm not alone in wondering "What Adventure does Steve have for The Sidetrack Posse this week?" Pretty sure we Riders in here can agree WE ARE SPOILED🤣 I've never heard of the Astoria Column but now I want to do some research on it to tide me over till hopefully one day I too can stand next to this really cool monument! The "histogram" alone is amazing visually! The views from the Top of the Column were stunning! The information you share too Steve really makes these videos so much fun and gives us Fans so much to contemplate and think about! Closing in on 💥100,000 Subs 💥 AWESOME! Thank you for my seat as always! Cheers and Blessings From COW-lumbus, Ohio MOO 🙏

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you, I appreciate all your support!

[@martharunstheworld]

You're there on a PERFECT day!!! Great video as always!

[@boomtownrat5106]

Your images of the Colombia had me think about Lewis and the Clark and the Corps of Discovery as they came upon the Pacific Ocean. What an achievement! I just concluded a trip to Missouri, and I was on my own trail of Lewis and Clark there. Was marveling, as I was looking at the Missouri River, about the adventure the Corps of Discovery was to embark on. Thank you so much for bringing these little known gems. There’s many videos one can access about Astoria and environs, but I don’t think any have shared the Astoria Column. Well done, as always!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you. The whole Lewis and Clark story is incredible.

[@rushnerd]

Haven't been here since I was a kid. I still remember flying that wooden airplane off the top. Really amazing view.

[@Jbennyho]

Thank you. I’ve been in immediate area several times in my travels. Never knew that was there. Would like to have seen more of a legend regarding the exterior pictographs.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@scottpatterson8767]

Yet another great video, there’s a lot of us that appreciate all the effort you put In to celebrate the many wonders our amazing country has to offer. Thank you so much.

[@robtorres]

Beautiful view!

[@heyoldman2003]

Very cool 😎.. I want to see it and that bridge going across the Columbia River. I heard that it’s quite a ride. Thank you again your shows are great.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

The bridge is fun.

[@mescko]

You want a wild ride try crossing the Columbia Bar in a cargo ship. They fly Columbia bar pilots out to them on helicopters just to get them over it. The Missoula Floods created it which is why the Columbia does not have a delta.

[@CactusAtlas]

A rival to the Eiffel Tower? 😂 Interesting. Pretty glad they went with this. While the Eiffel Tower is iconic and bucket list worthy, this is definitely cooler in its story-telling with the wrapped images. Though the Eiffel Tower does have an advantage with its elevator. Surprised by the little wooden plane. Wonder how many people got bonked in the head with one? 😅

[@SidetrackAdventures]

I couldn't help but wonder what made them settle on the Eiffel Tower anyway. It would certainly seem out of place.

[@steeple3k]

Since you are in Astoria I hope you'll visit the wreck of the Peter Iredale and Battery Russell at Fort Stevens too.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

That was actually my original plan but we had to make a stop in Knappa first and it took longer than expected and we missed low tide. I'm hoping to get back up there soon though.

[@user-vq4ts1qs2w]

One of my favorite places to visit. My wife and I visit the Oregon Coast at least once a year.

[@trumer-and-co]

Wow! I was just there a couple of days ago. I always enjoy your videos. Looking forward to the next one. Safe travels.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Hope you had great weather.

[@tristanflores1069]

Very interesting Thank you Steve and family 😊

[@SidetrackAdventures]

You're welcome!

[@aventuraseneldesiertodecal8284]

What a great views!!!!!

[@VA7LFD]

Really good video. Cheers from Vancouver BC

[@brianmccarthy5557]

Weirdly I'd never heard of the column before. Thanks for the story and the travel suggestion!

[@carloscortes8613]

I love your channel and look forward to seeing new adventures with you and your family God bless you and keep up the good work

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you so much!

[@robbinsdrones]

What views! Look forward to visiting the Asotria Column, and also looking forward to more videos from this channel. Thanks!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you.

[@johnlord8337]

Been there, done that, grew up there. Fort Astoria of the British Hudson's Bay Trading Company - when the British took over the Oregon Territory (WA, OR, partial ID) from the retreating Russian Empire of Alaska, British Columbia, down to the north bay (Marin County) of San Francisco - adjutting the southern Spanish Mission colonial empire of California.

[@skydiverclassc2031]

That is really cool. Local history is often the most interesting.

[@stevenwalls6366]

My wife and I visited the tower in 2000 and were blessed by a young people’s choir singing in the echo of the stairwell! We visited Astoria on 2 of the clear weather days of the year. It rained on our 3rd day! (-:

[@jeromep]

I agree with him, the Astoria Column is not to be missed when visiting Astoria or the northwest part of Oregon (or the southwest part of Washington). The views are spectacular. There are few places on the Pacific coast with viewing platforms as good as the Column. We have been to Fort Stevens and Astoria 2 out of the past 3 years and have made an almost obligatory trip to the Column each time because it is such a wonderful way to view the grandeur of the entry to the Columbia and the coastline in that area. I'm glad to see this place documented so well in your video.

[@barbaraconklin4976]

I spent an amazing trip in Astoria and fell in love with the town. My bucket list was the Astoria bridge and it didn’t disappoint. The coast is so much better than pictures. Sadly, we didn’t know about this tower. If I ever get back it will be first on my list. ❤

[@blackfinjrblackfinjr3555]

My hometown Astoria. My grandmother knew and had as a border in the 1930’s the man that built the road up coxcomb hill to the column. I love it there but it rains too much. You got a beautiful day however! Thanks for the video Dave- Redmond Oregon 2024

[@ramong2277]

Wow! Very cool, awesome place to visit Steve..👍👍

[@DM-lc2cf]

Thanks, I'd never heard of it, Very beautiful murals an views.

[@nonyanks2510]

WHen I was growing up it was always called the Astor Tower, always a long climb to get to the top. Definitely worth the trip as Astoria also has a really good Naval museum too!

[@WazZappening]

Been to Astoria a few times, and glad I went to see this. It's an amazing view of the Columbia Gorge and i got to throw lil airplanes off the top, and mine flew the furthest woohoo. Great Video

[@michaelsonleitner5724]

Wow, another great and interesting video Steve! On my Midshipman 1st Class cruise, we sailed up the Columbia River in 1975 to Portland for the Rose Festival. I was on the USS SUTHERLAND DD 743.

[@terised]

Hooyah! You should add your name to the cruise roster.

[@tuscanyjc]

Dropping the planes is the best part! Buy like 6+ as those steps going back up

[@jeffmyers7062]

Beautiful ! If the wings were adjusted right the gliders would circle the column. A few kids where having success last time we visited...

[@valeriegoode9762]

Thank you for sharing.

[@rankin242]

I lived in Cheyenne Wyoming for 37 years. I had a friend who live in Kemmer. I knew Ed H personally. Now I am in Scappoose OR.

[@SpanishEclectic]

Oh wow! Really high up there. My knees would be shaking, but what incredible views. I'll have to see if there are photos of the artwork & vingettes from the sides. Glad you are getting to spend some time with your family in the places your grandparents lived. It's a special feeling.

[@timbarnett3898]

My scuba diving partner was going to college in Astoria. So we gathered fish for they're huge wall aquarium. We always check out the column.

[@MichaelTitera]

You went on a perfect day, San Diego Steve! Thanks for the great video and for sharing this fantastic place with us

[@Porsche996driver]

Nice Steve - that railing isn’t high enough - I got the willies from here lol. Beautiful murals and view!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Yeah, the top is real small and you can't help but remember it's nearly 100 years old too.

[@leonajameson8902]

I am going to Portland next week so I hope to see some of what you have been posting. Thanks for another great video

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Have fun!

[@conniewojahn6445]

Very nice, thank you. My stair climbing days are over, so it was really good of you to climb and show me. I hope it wasn't too hot and exhausting. I understand how going down can be scary. Going up, a person is looking up and their balance is centered better over their spine. Going down, a person has to look down, their head is tilted forward and not lined up with their spine, throwing balance off just enough to be dangerous if a person isn't careful. Growing old has taught me that. Enjoy your stay in Astoria!

[@latenitebeats]

Your post of the closed off Highway 39 in the San Gabriel Mountains came across my home page, and out of curiosity, I watched it. After that video, I subbed to your channel. I love learning the history on roads less traveled. To top it off, the background music and your voice, is so relaxing. It’s a nice break from a busy lifestyle I tend to live. Your posts are therapeutic. Thank you for your time and dedication.

[@dougricheson5683]

How about Battery Russell at Fort Stevens park, near Astoria, would be an interesting show. Glad your in the NW, always good information in your videos.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

I really wanted to go there and that was my original plan but time became an issue. I'm hoping to be back soon though.

[@robinj.9329]

I climbed to the very TOP of this in the very early 1970's. And was sorry I did. Back then, it had not been maintained, and was not safe. I stepped to the metal railing to look out; and the railing nearly gave way! It was seemingly being held by a thread! And swing like a gate at the meerest touch! I very quickly made my way down and NEVER went up it again!

[@mtnair3]

Another interesting and entertaining video. Thanks for sharing

[@619sdbdub]

Hey Steve (moved out SD 3 years ago, Long Beach native, now living in SW Wash.)..since you have family that live in the PacNW they probably told you the story of why there are two "Vancouver's" (Vancouver, Wa and Vancouver, BC) in close proximity? I was living in Vancouver, Wa around 2010 and went to the Fort there. The ranger relayed to me that when Hudson Bay Trading company owned the site on which the fort stands on, they thought the Columbia River was the natural dividing line between Canada and the US. Low and behold a survey is done in the mid-late 1800's and the British were kicked up north. Enjoy watching your videos!

[@robertfritz9916]

We were in Astoria overnight and did not visit here. Thanks for a great video.

[@elizabethbogle3533]

What a great story!

[@blw957]

Welcome to the neighborhood, dude! I live in Portland and would move to Astoria in a heartbeat. I think it's cool you had family in the area. Don't forget Fort Stevens, the Peter Iredale ship wreck and Fort Columbia on the Washington side. I hope you're having a great time!

[@peterdebad1]

Going up the column reminds me of climbing lighthouse stairs on tours of the Oregon Coast. Wonderful views on a clear day. Thank you!!

[@haroldnelson3734]

I have climbed the column more times than I can remember. I've carried my children and later, my grandchildren up those stairs. Always throw the little balsa gliders!

[@P-_-S]

Great video! Astoria is a gem and the Column is one the coolest spots. Not sure if you're still in the region, you simply MUST go much further east into the gorge and visit the Stonehenge replica and the nearby Maryhill Museum of Art in Maryhill, Washington. The museum is truly a hidden gem of the region. Out in the middle no nowhere with a stunning view of the gorge is this museum full of all kinds of art and artifacts, including but far from limited to sculptures and watercolors from Rodin, hundreds of chess boards from around the world and eras, and a bunch of objects that Queen Marie of Romain donated to the museum when she visited for it's dedication in 1926. She made the trip into a tour of the US, including DC, but her primary purpose in visiting was this museum of all places. If you ever visit, take the time to read all the plaques and signs around the museum about the man who created it and his friends, Queen Marie and Loïe Fuller. Honestly just the story of how the place came to be is worth the visit alone, but everything you get to see once inside just makes it all the more magical. It always amazes me how few people I know in the region that are unaware of this place, but this place is one of the highlights of the gorge and should not be missed. Also, Stonehenge is pretty cool, it was built by the guy who made the museum as a World War I memorial. It's great views and interesting history, but the main attraction is the museum.

[@ROCSTR50]

Great video. I've been there many many times. My wife grew up in Astoria and her home was maybe a mile from the column.

[@brentnearhood8874]

Thanks! Steve

[@Buzzygirl63]

I was here a couple of years ago. It's a very unusual and specific monument - nothing like it anywhere else that I've been. Astoria itself is a lovely town. I was amazed by the breadth of the Columbia River and the drive over the Meglar Bridge was pretty cool!

[@LINJ638]

Too bad it is becoming another liberal sanctuary.

[@tommanion5504]

Well, Steve, I'll let you take my trips up that! I have this certain issue with high places (I get nosebleeds changing kitchen lightbulbs). Loved the vid anyway.

[@marilynhands1859]

Stairs looked a little dicey for me 😊

[@jazzrat2000]

you reminded me of when we were in Pisa in 1987. We climbed to the top of the tower there, and sometimes on the outside of the tower there was barely any railing at all, and of course it was slanted. I prefer my towers straight :)

[@joeslayter5841]

I always enjoy your videos. But your choice to add commentary and photos to the stair climb was just brilliant!! Thank you for your travels!

[@karenpeterson1882]

There is a replica of this column in a museum on England. My sister (who lives in Astoria) found it while on vacation one year.

[@DK5ONV]

WOOOW I am blown away by the Beauty Scenery surrounding the Coxcomb Hill. Thanks for sharing this with us. Uncle Günter from southwest Germany waves a Hand. Happy Weekend 💯🙋‍♂

[@minichols5472]

How fun! I love it!

[@mutavhello6654]

Grew up there, climbed the column countless times.

[@cleokey]

Very cool! Thanks

[@dezertraider]

THANK YOU STEVE..

[@davidmclaughlin2796]

Good video Steve, thank you. David

[@irandom419]

I went to visit it and it was the only time my truck wouldn't start. My father-in-law and I worked on it and eventually got it started. Never happened before and never happened after.

[@felicitasgarcia9662]

Gracias por su vídeo es un monumento hermoso gracias y bendiciones

[@PinInTheAtlas]

Your plane was last spotted somewhere over the Pacific 😂 Great video Steve and the stairs made us nervous too!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Maybe it will create an international incident like the balloons earlier this year!

[@PinInTheAtlas]

@@SidetrackAdventures 🤣

[@KevinWayne]

Been to the Column several times, friends riding with me wanted to climb it, I never would. Now had I known about the Cape Disappointment Lighthouse across the river in Ilwaco, WA I certainly would've been more interested in that~!

[@RWX348]

Another superb video Steve! Thanks for more history lessons.😉

[@andreajohnson1796]

Awesome adventure, so beautiful,Thanks for sharing

[@DavidLeslie65]

Growing up in Portland my family went to the coast several times a year mostly Astoria and Taft now part of Lincoln city and have climbed up and down those steps hundreds of times. I moved to California and Arizona years ago and am happy to see the outside restoration, it eas extremely faded last time I was there. You should see if you can find anything out about pixiland an old amusement park that was a bit south of there back in the early 70's

[@brads.3674]

Jeeez, I've been to Astoria four or five times and I've never been to this place! This is the first I've heard of it. Now, I have to go back. Thanks! :)

[@nannerz1994]

Thank you for highlighting these lesser known historical places

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Our pleasure!

[@semiproactive9625]

Thanks Steve, I really enjoy these day trips with you (and camera person).

[@tbx59]

Going up the Oregon coast in Sept. can't wait

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Have fun. That's a great drive.

[@mescko]

How was it? Us who live here love our coastline.

[@OlgaAlyce]

Great job!

[@joetorrey6922]

Wow, fantastic! Can't wait to go to the Oregon Coast again and stop and see this thing and the views. Thanks for sharing this. I know you're based in SD, but given your family connection to this area, I can't help but wonder if you'll perhaps fit in some Coast videos in the future. So much to see heading south.

[@jerroldkazynski5480]

Another great trip! I visited a couple years ago as part of a Lewis & Clark historical trek. My model airplane also went into the woods!

[@hermenutic]

I really enjoyed that.

[@RobRoy2012]

Great video, Steve. On our holiday trips from Scotland to the US we didn't make it as far as Portland. We obviously missed a lot but your videos have extended our knowledge and enjoyment of your great country.

[@leroyreichel8763]

Very cool video man!

[@celosy]

I really enjoy your videos, they show a nicely detailed and nuanced view of a part of the US that we hardly get to see from over here. I may never get to visit the US but if I ever do, I think I'll add Astoria to my itinerary. Thanks for going all the way up so we could see the view.

[@daveh4283]

Great video Steve

[@milesandhikes]

Love learning about new and cool historic places I can add to my list for future trips! I had never heard of the Astoria Column, I will definitely check it out whenever I am in the PNW (hopefully soon!)

[@Jezeppi1]

Very nice video Joe

[@donknott]

Everyone wants to throw something off a very high place. At the column it's allowed. The balsa wood planes will degrade over time. Great job at presenting the column.

[@brendabryant6347]

That’s so cool.

[@birdman5223]

Very nice MrSteve😎

[@GarrettHylltun]

And what to cap off a visit to the Column? Lunch at Pig N' Pancake!!

[@thequeendt]

The first time I climbed this monument I didn't know that was what I would end up doing and unfortunately I was wearing flip flops. After climbing about 20 feet or so it started to feel sketchy so I took them off and made the rest of the climb in bare feet. But it was all worth it!

[@surferdude44444]

4:45-4:49…….Saddle Mountain on the right. Great vid. But let’s be honest Steve, you got real lucky with the weather 😂. It’s usually pretty cloudy, wet and gloomy. Factoid: During WW2, the Navy used the Astoria airport as a training facility to teach and practice instrument flying navigation to Naval Aviators. Reason…..it was the only area in the US that had a reliable and consistent low overcast to train huge numbers of aviators in IMC (instrument meteorological conditions.) Other training areas had too much sunshine.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

We had cloudy and rainy weather the first few days of our trip but then cleared up as we got closer to Portland thankfully.

[@UMtiger311]

we were here a month ago.. it was crowded. i went to the top, took the view and noped out

[@timjones3094]

Thanks!

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you so much. I really appreciate all the support.

[@VeeTravels]

Very nice video, Steve. I gm so glad I found out about the Astoria Column through your video. You provided amazing insights -- I did not know Astoria was founded in 1811 -- that is so long ago! I went down there last weekend and shot a virtual tour video of the Astoria Column. I would greatly appreciate if you check out the video.

[@joepeach997]

Thank You, I have never heard of the most impressive monument. I know the video does not do it justice to seeing it live, but it will do fine. I only wish you had the time and wherewithal to make a video every day because that's how much I and everyone enjoys these. You voice and presentation always put me into a relaxed, attentive mood. I look forward to you surpassing 100K viewers, and after that, the sky's the limit.

[@SidetrackAdventures]

Thank you, I appreciate it.

[@kevinclark7773]

Insider tip: collect free balsa wood airplanes around the base of the column before you buy more from the shop.

[@natemcdonald8853]

I really enjoy your video's Steve , but when you asked : "So just how big is the viewing area at the top?" ; I was expecting a more detailed answer than : "Not that big."😮😂 ...still a fun little tour , thanks !

[@jonasbrothersrockist]

Back in September 2008 or 2009, we climbed up. It was too scary. I felt like I could have fall down but I didn't. Then again, we went there last July month this year, I didn't walked and climbed up.

[@jdodson2595]

Better see it while you can we've been repairing it for over 25 years now it's getting ready to topple over

[@MikeReiner]

I climbed it once, realized I left the camera at the bottom, had to go down and back up again.. was so worn out lol. Loved my time in Astoria.