Information
Landmark: Columbia River Maritime MuseumCity: Astoria
Country: USA Oregon
Continent: North America
Columbia River Maritime Museum, Astoria, USA Oregon, North America
Overview
The Columbia River Maritime Museum sits right on Astoria’s waterfront, with its windows catching the light off the Columbia River, and stands as one of the region’s leading maritime heritage centers.It ranks among the top maritime museums in the country, celebrated for its deep focus on the Columbia River Bar-nicknamed the “Graveyard of the Pacific” for the deadly storms and countless shipwrecks that have marked its churning waters.At the museum, maritime history meets hands-on exhibits and open-air displays, giving visitors a vivid glimpse into the Pacific Northwest’s seafaring culture-think weathered ship wheels and the scent of salt in the air.Founded in 1962 by Rolf Klep, a local artist and historian, the museum grew from his dream of preserving the Columbia River’s maritime heritage-its ships, salt air, and storied past.The original site opened in downtown Astoria, but in 1982 it moved to a bigger place on the waterfront, where the smell of salt hung in the air.Over the years, it’s grown from a simple space into a lively hub with hands-on exhibits, a quiet library lined with sunlit shelves, and rooms built for learning.Our mission is to preserve, interpret, and share the maritime history of the Columbia River and the Pacific Northwest, from weathered wooden fishing boats to the stories of those who sailed them.Museum Layout and Features - Waterfront Location: The building sits right on the river’s edge, where you can hear the water lapping against the pier and feel the sea breeze, bringing visitors close to the heart of the maritime world.Step inside more than 40,000 square feet of exhibits that bring maritime history to life-from salt-crusted shipwrecks and gleaming brass navigational tools to tales of fishing and the brave work of the Coast Guard.Historic Vessels: Inside, you’ll find detailed exhibits; step outside and you can climb aboard weathered ships with creaking decks.The Library and Archives holds maritime records, faded maps, ship logs, and weathered photographs, all ready for researchers to explore.Columbia River Bar highlights and exhibits showcase the perilous mouth of the river, the skill of bar pilots guiding ships through churning waves, and gripping tales of survival and shattered hulls.Step inside and explore interactive exhibits that put you in the middle of a Coast Guard search-and-rescue mission, and learn how the service has long been part of life in Astoria.The fishing industry thrived here, built on salmon runs, busy crabbing boats, and the clang of canneries that once drove the region’s economy.Shipwrecks and navigation come to life through artifacts and scale models that trace centuries of lost vessels, daring rescues, and breakthroughs in the art of steering a ship through rough seas.Maritime trade explores global shipping routes and highlights how the Columbia River serves as a crucial gateway, carrying cargo deep inland past forests and quiet fishing docks.Step onto the ship’s bridge and take the wheel-feel the deck hum beneath your feet as you guide the vessel across the open water.The storm-at-sea exhibit plunges visitors into the rough, salt-sprayed world sailors once endured.Outdoor Exhibits - Lightship Columbia (WLV-604): This bright red floating lighthouse guarded the rough waters of the Columbia River Bar from 1951 to 1979 and now rests proudly as a National Historic Landmark.You can step inside the ship’s cramped bunks, then see firsthand how the crew went about their daily work.Historic fishing boats and sturdy tugboats sit moored beside the museum, their weathered hulls telling the story of the region’s working waters.From the dock, you can take in sweeping views of the river, watch cargo ships glide past, and see the Astoria–Megler Bridge stretching across the water.Visitor Experience & Educational Programs: From lively school tours to hands‑on maritime workshops, plus special events where families can smell the salt air and learn together.Accessibility: Every gallery is easy to reach, and the exhibits welcome all ages and tastes-from curious toddlers to avid history buffs.The gift shop sells nautical-themed books, detailed ship models, coastal artwork, and keepsakes you can take home.Plan to spend about two to three hours, especially if you wander out to see the ships with their sun-warmed decks.Spring through summer’s the perfect time to pair a morning in the museum with a breezy ship tour and a slow stroll along the sunlit waterfront.In fall, the crowds thin out, and the air turns crisp-perfect for wandering Astoria’s waterfront with a warm coffee in hand.In winter, duck into the indoor galleries on a stormy day and stay dry; the river still rolls past with a moody, year-round drama.Nearby Attractions: The Astoria Column-a towering landmark painted with swirling murals-offers sweeping views of the river and coastline.Fort Clatsop, part of Lewis and Clark National Historical Park, served as the Corps of Discovery’s winter camp, where smoke from their fires curled into the damp coastal air.The Flavel House Museum, a grand Victorian mansion with creaking wooden floors, brings Astoria’s rich heritage to life.Astoria Riverwalk winds along the Columbia’s edge, where you can hear gulls cry and watch ships drift past.The Astoria-Megler Bridge stretches across the wide, gray Columbia River, a striking link between Oregon and Washington.The Columbia River Maritime Museum opens the door to the Pacific Northwest’s seafaring past, weaving together the rumble of old engines, the arc of innovation, and the voices of those who braved the water.Set against a sweeping waterfront backdrop, with hands-on exhibits and weathered ships you can almost smell the salt on, it offers an experience that’s both educational and gripping, bringing to life the power and danger of the Columbia River.
