The Astoria Column is located on Coxcomb Hill and was dedicated in 1926. It has more than 300,000 visitors a year and features not only an Oregon history lessons, but expansive views of the Oregon coast and the Columbia River bar.

What to bring: As with all attractions, cameras are a must to capture everything from the wildlife to the views. Binoculars will help you watch freighters come across the Columbia River Bar and if you bring a sack lunch there are areas for picnics. In addition, there are hiking trails around the column so make sure to bring some hiking shoes if you are interested in climbing the 600-foot hill located in the middle of Astoria.

Season: The column is open year-round from dawn until dusk. They do close the column during high winds - something that happens mostly during the winter months. The gift shop is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the weekends. During the summer, the gift shop is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week.

Getting there: From Highway 30, which wraps around Astoria, take 16th Street and follow the signs to the column.

Fees: There is a $1 charge for parking based on the honor system. Visitors pay the parking fee at the gift shop.

Tips: Make sure to visit the gift shop where they have many different books and pamphlets on the history of not only the column, but of Astoria and Oregon. Give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the views or to take a nature walk through the acreage the column sits on. Those who are phobic of confined spaces or heights can still enjoy the views from the base of the column - as the circular staircase and observation deck are a little confined.

If you are bringing the kids along, make sure to check out the authentic Native American boat and watch the ships coming across the Columbia River bar.

History: According to the Friends of the Astoria Column literature, the Astoria Column is the final monument in a series of 12 historical markers erected in the early 1900s between St. Paul, Minnesota, and Astoria, Oregon.

The markers were the pet project of Ralph Budd, president of the Midwest-based Great Northern Railroad. In 1925, Budd announced that he, other businessmen and scholars wanted to properly salute Astoria’s explorers and early settlers for their role in the United States stretch to the Pacific Coast.