Oregon place note · History and culture
The Astoria Column is a staircase and a compass
Climb 164 spiral steps for a hilltop view that places the Pacific and Columbia River in different directions.
The place detail is stable. Check the linked place page for current access, hours, or conditions. Last reviewed against the listed sources July 18, 2026.
The Astoria Column works as a staircase and a compass at the same time. Completed in 1926, the 125-foot column has 164 spiral steps to its viewing deck on Coxcomb Hill.
From the deck, the Pacific lies to the west and the Columbia River to the north. That makes the climb a quick way to understand Astoria’s place between river and ocean before exploring at street level.
See it in Oregon
The Astoria Column at the top of Coxcomb Hill in Astoria; check the city park page for current access details.
Sources
Last reviewed against the listed sources: July 18, 2026.
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