Astoria

Astoria sits at the mouth of the Columbia River where it meets the Pacific, a small town built on fishing and the tail end of the Lewis & Clark trail. Steep, tree-lined hills are covered in Victorian houses, and the Astoria-Megler Bridge stretches across the river toward Washington State. Down at the working harbour, fishing boats unload their catch while sea lions sprawl across the docks, unbothered by foot traffic. The Columbia River Maritime Museum is worth an hour and covers everything from salmon canning to Coast Guard rescues. Climb the 164 steps of the Astoria Column for a wide view of the river mouth, the ocean, and the surrounding hills. The town's small brewery scene is surprisingly good, and the fish and chips at local spots along the pier use whatever came off the boats that morning.