📖 About Astoria

Astoria, Oregon's oldest American settlement, sits at the dramatic meeting point of the Columbia River and Pacific Ocean. Often compared to San Francisco for its picturesque hillside architecture and iconic bridge, this charming city of 10,000 delivers authentic Pacific Northwest character without the crowds. One in six visitors tells the local visitor center they came specifically because of The Goonies.

The 40th anniversary of The Goonies in 2025 brought unprecedented celebrations from June 5-8, featuring bus tours of filming locations, ticketed photo opportunities on the famous Truffle Shuffle stump, and an '80s-themed prom. The current owners of the Walsh House even opened their doors for limited tours, with proceeds benefiting the Oregon Film Museum housed in the old Clatsop County Jail—also a Goonies filming location.

Tourism generates $125.6 million annually in Astoria and neighboring Warrenton, representing 22% of Clatsop County's visitor economy. The Lower Columbia Tourism Committee partners with Wheel the World to ensure accessibility, having assessed 40 sites to welcome disabled travelers. This small-town charm, combined with rich history and stunning waterfront views, makes Astoria a hidden coastal gem.

🏛️ Top Attractions

💼 Economy & Culture

Tourism anchors Astoria's economy, building on the city's maritime heritage, Victorian architecture, and film fame. The historic downtown features galleries, craft breweries, and restaurants serving fresh Pacific seafood. Fishing and fish processing remain important, connecting modern Astoria to its cannery-town roots. The creative economy has grown with artists and filmmakers drawn to the city's atmospheric settings.

Astoria's culture embraces its maritime and immigrant heritage—Scandinavian, Finnish, and Chinese communities shaped the city during its cannery heyday. Annual events include the Fisher Poets Gathering celebrating commercial fishing traditions, and the ever-popular Goonies Day each June. The arts scene punches above the city's small size, with galleries, theaters, and a vibrant music community.

📜 History

Astoria was founded in 1811 as the first permanent American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains, established by John Jacob Astor's Pacific Fur Company. The Lewis and Clark Expedition wintered at nearby Fort Clatsop in 1805-06. Throughout the 19th century, Astoria boomed as a salmon canning capital, with dozens of canneries lining the waterfront and workers from China, Scandinavia, and Finland shaping its diverse character.

The 1922 fire destroyed much of downtown, leading to reconstruction in distinctive brick that defines the historic district today. The Astoria-Megler Bridge opened in 1966, connecting Oregon to Washington across the 4.1-mile span. The Goonies filmed here in 1985, transforming Astoria into a pilgrimage site for '80s movie fans. Today's Astoria honors its past while building a sustainable tourism future.