Things to do in Clatsop County

About two hours’ drive from Portland, Cannon Beach is known for its natural beauty, thriving arts and craft community, and charming village atmosphere maintained through strict limitations on the number of large chain stores and restaurants.

The historic Astoria Riverfront Trolley is more than a century old, but has only been in Astoria since 1999. The Riverfront Trolley Association originally borrowed the 1913 car from the San Antonio Museum, with the city purchasing the trolley outright in 2005. Include a trolley ride in your Astoria itinerary just for fun or for convenience visiting sites along the shoreline.

Established during the Civil War, the stronghold in what is now Fort Stevens State Park was one of three that protected the harbors at the outlet of the Columbia River. The fortress operated until after World War II. Visit the remains of military sites and explore the pretty natural setting. Stop at the ranger station, visitor center and museum for additional information.

Spend a day visiting Ecola State Park’s pristine wilderness, where you can combine searching for starfish at low tide with learning about early 19th-century explorations in the area. The interesting coastline wraps around Tillamook Head, offering visitors 9 miles (14 kilometers) of year-round access to rugged seascapes, secluded coves and forested headlands from Seaside to Cannon Beach.

Visit the Columbia River Maritime Museum for a fascinating look at life, work and nature on and in this mighty river that runs west across Oregon ending just beyond Astoria. View the many photos, artifacts and even a floating ship that bring maritime history alive.

Visit Lewis and Clark National Historical Park to get a sense of the wilderness that Native Americans, traders, explorers, pioneers and military personnel experienced in the early days of exploration and settlement of the region along the mouth of the Columbia River.