The written history of the area dates to 1792, when Robert Gray in his small ship, Columbia Rediviva, entered and named the river. Lewis and Clark’s expedition of 1804–1806 established the new nation’s claim to the Pacific Northwest. The oldest American settlement west of the Rockies, Astoria offers more points of historical interest than any other city on the Oregon Coast. Intriguing historical museums include Flavel House (not wheelchair-accessible) and the nearby Oregon Film Museum, Heritage Museum, and Uppertown Firefighters Museum. See map on page 8 for locations.
Tapiola Park is Astoria’s newest attraction, with miniature replicas of the area’s greatest sites and a state-of-the-art skateboard facility.
A great view can be had from the Sixth Street Viewing Platform along the Riverwalk Trail. The visitor information center is on West Marine Drive, about one half-mile east of the Astoria–Megler Bridge.