Best Things to Do Along The Riverwalk Trail
One of the best ways to get a full taste of the region is to spend time exploring the Astoria Riverfront Trail. Once the thoroughfare for the Astoria and Columbia River Railroad, today the 6+ mile waterfront trail is a great place to walk (or bike!) while enjoying history, culture, art, food and wonderful views of the river. Be sure to view the Riverwalk Trail Map before heading out!
Don’t know where to start? Here are some of our favorite things to do along this beloved route:
Ride the Trolley
If you don’t want to take the trail by foot, hop aboard the historic “Old 300” trolley! Running Friday through Sunday in the Spring through Fall (weather permitting), a ride on this iconic streetcar is $1 per boarding, and a full round trip up and down the Riverfront takes about an hour. To board the trolley, head to one of the many trolley stops located along the riverfront between Basin Street (near the Astoria Riverwalk Inn) and 39th Street.
Explore the Maritime Memorial Park
Near the westernmost part of the trail, take in beautiful sights of the Astoria-Megler Bridge and pay respects at the Maritime Memorial Park, which honors people who held maritime service roles, made their living on the ocean, or deeply appreciated the sea.
Take in the Views at the Port of Astoria
A ship lover’s dream! The Port of Astoria is a busy port-of-call for cruise ships, welcoming more than 20 deep water ships to dock each year. Mosey along the paved trail to the end of the West End Mooring Basin to enjoy benches and a view of maritime activity. The riverfront trail continues to Pier 1, which provides a path alongside Youngs Bay.
Don’t know where to start? Here are some of our favorite things to do along this beloved route:
Ride the Trolley
If you don’t want to take the trail by foot, hop aboard the historic “Old 300” trolley! Running Friday through Sunday in the Spring through Fall (weather permitting), a ride on this iconic streetcar is $1 per boarding, and a full round trip up and down the Riverfront takes about an hour. To board the trolley, head to one of the many trolley stops located along the riverfront between Basin Street (near the Astoria Riverwalk Inn) and 39th Street.
Explore the Maritime Memorial Park
Near the westernmost part of the trail, take in beautiful sights of the Astoria-Megler Bridge and pay respects at the Maritime Memorial Park, which honors people who held maritime service roles, made their living on the ocean, or deeply appreciated the sea.
Take in the Views at the Port of Astoria
A ship lover’s dream! The Port of Astoria is a busy port-of-call for cruise ships, welcoming more than 20 deep water ships to dock each year. Mosey along the paved trail to the end of the West End Mooring Basin to enjoy benches and a view of maritime activity. The riverfront trail continues to Pier 1, which provides a path alongside Youngs Bay.
*Photo courtesy of Joni Kabana
Placards Detailing a Bit of History Along the Way
Movie and history lovers alike will appreciate placards placed along the trail, detailing both the history of the region as well as information about the sites of Astoria-filmed movies such as The Goonies and Kindergarten Cop.
Enjoy Delicious Food and Drinks
When you’re ready to eat, there are stellar local restaurants located along the Riverwalk Trail for whatever tickles your fancy. Notable stops include The SEA Crab House, Mo’s Restaurant, Frite+Scoop, Inferno Lounge, Nekst Event and more. Check out a full list of Astoria and Warrenton eateries here!
Need a libation after your meal? Take your pick of many favorite watering holes including Buoy Beer, Astoria Brewing Company, The Knot at Bowline and WineKraft Wine Bar.
Explore Pier 39-Astoria
Pier 39, found at the east end of the Riverwalk and located on the site of Astoria’s oldest fish processing plant, is home to multiple local businesses including the gift shop Menagerie, which showcases a wide range of regional artisans. The Hanthorn Cannery Museum is a time capsule of antique cannery equipment. Other attractions on the Pier include a wine bar called the Vineside, fresh seafood at OleBob's Seafood Market, coffee shop mainstay Coffee Girl, kayak rentals at Astoria Scuba, as well as the Astoria location for Rogue Ales and Spirits.
Stop By the Columbia River Maritime Museum
Open daily, this nationally recognized museum is celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2022, and is great for families and history buffs interested in detailed maritime exhibits. For some bonus fun, rent model boats to set sail on the Warnock Model Boat Pond.
Astoria Riverfront Trail Lodging
Need a place to stay? Along the Riverwalk, lodging options include the luxury Cannery Pier Hotel, Best Western Astoria Bayfront Hotel, Astoria Riverwalk Inn, Holiday Inn Express & Suites, The Bowline, Comfort Suites Columbia River, and the Hampton Inn and Suites.
We hope to see you in town and on the Riverfront Trail soon! Explore more trip ideas and get inspiration at @travelastoriawarrenton on Instagram.
Placards Detailing a Bit of History Along the Way
Movie and history lovers alike will appreciate placards placed along the trail, detailing both the history of the region as well as information about the sites of Astoria-filmed movies such as The Goonies and Kindergarten Cop.
Enjoy Delicious Food and Drinks
When you’re ready to eat, there are stellar local restaurants located along the Riverwalk Trail for whatever tickles your fancy. Notable stops include The SEA Crab House, Mo’s Restaurant, Frite+Scoop, Inferno Lounge, Nekst Event and more. Check out a full list of Astoria and Warrenton eateries here!
Need a libation after your meal? Take your pick of many favorite watering holes including Buoy Beer, Astoria Brewing Company, The Knot at Bowline and WineKraft Wine Bar.
Explore Pier 39-Astoria
Pier 39, found at the east end of the Riverwalk and located on the site of Astoria’s oldest fish processing plant, is home to multiple local businesses including the gift shop Menagerie, which showcases a wide range of regional artisans. The Hanthorn Cannery Museum is a time capsule of antique cannery equipment. Other attractions on the Pier include a wine bar called the Vineside, fresh seafood at OleBob's Seafood Market, coffee shop mainstay Coffee Girl, kayak rentals at Astoria Scuba, as well as the Astoria location for Rogue Ales and Spirits.
Stop By the Columbia River Maritime Museum
Open daily, this nationally recognized museum is celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2022, and is great for families and history buffs interested in detailed maritime exhibits. For some bonus fun, rent model boats to set sail on the Warnock Model Boat Pond.
Astoria Riverfront Trail Lodging
Need a place to stay? Along the Riverwalk, lodging options include the luxury Cannery Pier Hotel, Best Western Astoria Bayfront Hotel, Astoria Riverwalk Inn, Holiday Inn Express & Suites, The Bowline, Comfort Suites Columbia River, and the Hampton Inn and Suites.
We hope to see you in town and on the Riverfront Trail soon! Explore more trip ideas and get inspiration at @travelastoriawarrenton on Instagram.