Trip Report: Exploring the Pacific Northwest, From Astoria to Long Beach 🌲🌊🦅
From the scenic drive along Highway 30 to the historic charm of Astoria, the breathtaking views from Cape Disappointment, and the endless adventures at Long Beach.
Hello travelers, historians, and nature lovers!
Let’s take a trip on an unforgettable journey through the Pacific Northwest, along the Columbia River from Portland to Astoria, Oregon, and then over the Astoria-Megler Bridge to Long Beach, Washington.
Highway 30 from Portland to Astoria 🚗🍏🎃
Our adventure begins with a scenic drive from Portland to Astoria, along the historic Highway 30. As we leave the city of Portland behind, the road winds through lush green landscapes and views of the Columbia River.
The journey takes us past Sauvie Island, where roadside farm stands, berry fields, and pumpkin farms invite us to stop. Continuing north, we pass through the town of Scappoose, as the highway hugs the river.
Next is Old Town St. Helens, famous for being the filming location of Halloweentown.
Astoria 🐟🏛️🦭
Before we know it, we arrive in the quaint town of Astoria, with Victorian-era homes perched on the steep hillside above the Columbia River.
Astoria, founded in 1811, was the first permanent American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains. Be sure to check out a museum or two, Columbia River Maritime Museum, and Oregon Film Museum, and get a selfie by the iconic Astoria Column atop Coxcomb Hill.
Who’s hungry? How about fish and chips for lunch at Bowpicker Fish & Chips? Fresh and delicious Albacore tuna and crispy steak fries served from a converted gillnet boat. It’s a must-visit for any seafood lover.
Now, let’s stroll along the Astoria Riverwalk Trail, with the barking sounds of sea lions under the docks and where you can watch enormous freighters pass under the Astoria-Megler Bridge on their way out to sea. The salty breeze and the sound of the waves are perfect for reflecting on the journey.
Astoria-Megler Bridge and Cape Disappointment
Next, a thrilling drive across the Astoria-Megler Bridge, the longest continuous truss bridge in North America that spans the mighty Columbia River, connecting Oregon and Washington. The views from the bridge are spectacular!
As we cross the bridge, the anticipation builds for our next destination. Despite its name, Cape Disappointment is anything but disappointing with dramatic cliffs, historic lighthouses, and treacherous waters of the Columbia River bar, known as the Graveyard of the Pacific.
Since the early 1800s, over 2,000 vessels have met their fate in these waters.
Around the corner, is Fort Camby, originally as Fort Cape Disappointment in 1863.
Long Beach, Washington 🚴♀️🐴🪁
Long Beach, Washington, boasts the title of the world’s longest continuous peninsula beach, stretching 28 miles along the Pacific coast.
There is so much to do! You need more than a weekend to do it all!
Ride bikes or horses, fly kites, walk on the boardwalk, and play fetch with a black lab in the Pacific.
One of the best ways to explore Long Beach is by walking the raised Boardwalk, biking, the Discovery Trail, or riding a horse on the beach.
As the day winds down, there’s nothing quite like watching the sun set over the Pacific Ocean. You can even drive your car down to the shoreline.
For dog lovers, Long Beach is a paradise. The wide-open spaces and gentle waves make it an ideal spot for playing fetch with a furry friend.
Thank you for joining me on this unforgettable trip to the Pacific Northwest.
Until our next adventure, happy travels!
Can’t wait to visit! It looks so beautiful!
Wonderful site, great way to see the area!