Cathedral Tree Trail, OR

Astoria has many fun things to do--the Maritime Museum, the Goonies House, Fort Stevens, Flavel House, and great restaurants. It is the South shore of where the mighty Columbia River meets the ocean. There is a short hike that starts right in town that takes you through a lovely forest, and finishes at the historic Astoria Column. The trailhead sign shows a primitive map. Park here and walk up the wide path that slowly but steadily heads uphill. There is a section of the forest that appears to be both thinned out, and burned in a forest fire. After about a mile, take the elevated platform and get a good overall view of 300-year-old cathedral tree. You can walk right up to the tree and admire its majesty.


Head West along the trail, which alternates between flat and uphill terrain. There are a few side trails, but if you continue straight West and watch for trail signs, you will finish at a series of wooden steps. Just past the steps the view opens up, and the beautifully constructed Astoria column appears. 164 steps inside the column take you to lovely views of the surrounding area in all directions. There is also a memorial Indian burial canoe and a small gift shop.Dogs are fine on the trail, but would not be allowed in the Column.

2010-11-21 Dano