Astoria | USA Oregon

Astoria is the oldest American settlement west of the Rockies and serves as a critical deep-water port at the mouth of the Columbia River. It is situated in Clatsop County in the far northwestern corner of Oregon, bordered by the river to the north and Youngs Bay to the south.

Historical Timeline

The city was founded in 1811 as Fort Astoria by the Pacific Fur Company, owned by John Jacob Astor. It transitioned through British control (Fort George) before returning to U.S. sovereignty in 1818. The most significant architectural reconstruction followed the Great Fire of 1922, which destroyed 30 blocks of the downtown core. The primary event shaping the current urban form was the 1966 completion of the Astoria-Megler Bridge, which linked the city to Washington State and signaled the end of the ferry era.

Demographics & Population

The population within city limits is approximately 10,375. The top three ethnic demographics are White (81.4%), Hispanic/Latino (10.2%), and Multiracial (4.8%). The median age of the population is 44.5 years.

Urban Layout & Key Districts

The city is built on a steep, north-facing hillside overlooking the Columbia River. The Downtown District (Central) is the primary commercial and historic zone. The Uppertown/Adair Village (East) contains the maritime industrial docks and the Columbia River Maritime Museum. The Uniontown (West) district serves as the entry point from the bridge and contains the historic Finnish fishing community remnants.

Top City Landmarks

Astoria Column

Columbia River Maritime Museum

Liberty Theatre

Flavel House Museum

Oregon Film Museum

Transportation Network

Internal movement is served by the Sunset Empire Transportation District (SETD) buses. The Astoria Riverfront Trolley (vintage) operates seasonally along the riverfront. There is no metro or tram. Uber and Lyft have very limited availability. Official taxis are provided by Alpha Taxi or Astoria Taxi. Traffic density is moderate but slows significantly on Highway 101/30 during the summer tourist season and logging truck transit.

Safety & "Red Zones"

The general safety level is high. There are no specific "red zones," though the riverfront docks and certain industrial areas near the Port of Astoria can be hazardous at night due to limited lighting and heavy machinery. Property crime is the most common reported offense.

Digital & Financial Infrastructure

Average internet speed is 100–300 Mbps via Charter Spectrum or CenturyLink. Main mobile carriers are Verizon and AT&T. Card acceptance is high, though some small "old-school" diners and bars remain cash-only. ATMs are concentrated in the Downtown and Uniontown districts.

Climate & Air Quality

Summer temperatures range from 11°C to 20°C, while winter temperatures range from 3°C to 10°C. Air quality is consistently high due to proximity to the Pacific Ocean. The city is one of the wettest in the state, receiving approximately 67 inches of rain annually, with persistent fog throughout the year.

Culture & Social Norms

Tipping is expected at 18–20% for service. Social greetings are informal and direct. The dress code is "maritime utilitarian," prioritizing waterproof layers and boots. Smoking is prohibited in all public indoor spaces. Public alcohol consumption is strictly regulated, though the city has a high density of microbreweries.

Accommodation Zones

Stay in Downtown for walking access to museums, the Riverwalk, and historic theaters.

Stay in the Hilltop area for panoramic views of the Columbia River and proximity to the Astoria Column.

Local Cost Index

Espresso: $4.50

Standard Lunch: $18.00

Bus Ticket: $1.00 (Single Zone)

Nearby Day Trips

Fort Stevens State Park: 15 km (20 minutes by car)

Seaside: 27 km (30 minutes by car)

Cannon Beach: 42 km (45 minutes by car)

Cape Disappointment (WA): 30 km (35 minutes by car)

Facts & Legends

Astoria gained significant cultural notoriety as the primary filming location for the 1985 film The Goonies. A verified historical oddity is the city's "underground," created after the 1922 fire when the new city was built on top of the old pilings and debris; many downtown buildings still feature hollow sidewalks and subterranean entrances used for storage and historically linked to rumored "shanghaiing" activities.