Best Hikes Near Astoria, Oregon

Astoria is one of the most scenic towns on the Oregon Coast! When visiting Astoria, you don’t want to miss out on the hikes nearby. It is surrounded by several state parks with some terrific trails and views of the coast, lighthouses, and old-growth forests. See below for 10 of the best hikes near Astoria, Oregon!

What to Wear Hiking in Astoria

Make sure to pack the right gear when planning a trip to Astoria, Oregon. Below is my recommended packing list which may vary slightly depending on the time of year.

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• Raincoat- You don’t want to visit the Oregon Coast without a rain jacket. This also works as a windbreaker- My Favorite Rain Jacket
• Fleece- A fleece or mid-layer is great to have when hiking so you can easily take it off to cool down- Soft REI Fleece
• Day Pack– If you plan on doing a decent amount of hiking a day pack is always great to bring- Recommended Osprey Day Pack
• Beanie or Hat- You never know when the wind may pick up, so it is a good idea to always hike with a hat- Warm Beanie
• Waterproof Boots– Trails near the coast are often muddy. Make sure to bring waterproof boots- My Favorite Hiking Boots
• Moisture-Wicking Pants– While they do not need to be waterproof, you will likely want either moisture-wicking or quick-drying pants if the forecast calls for rain- Comfortable Women’s Hiking Pants
• Sandals– If visiting in the summer and you plan on spending a long time at the beach, bring a pair of sandals to change into- Teva Sandals
• Water Bottle– If hiking, bring a water bottle to hydrate- Water Bottle
• Sunscreen– While it may not feel hot on the coast, on sunny days you should still make sure to wear sunscreen- SPF 50 Sunscreen
• Camera- Bring a camera to capture your memories!- Beginner Travel Camera

Cathedral Tree/ Astoria Column

• Length: 1.6 miles
• Elevation Gain: 393 feet
• Difficulty: Easy
• Dogs: Dogs are allowed on a leash
• Trailhead Location: Astoria Column

The Cathedral Tree Trail is located in the heart of Astoria and is a must-do when visiting. There are two entrances to the trail- one on Irving Avenue, and one at the top of Coxcomb Hill. If parking at Coxcomb Hill there is a small $5 parking fee. I recommend this entrance, as you can also see the Astoria Column and a great view of the town.

No matter where you start, the trail will lead you to the 300-year-old spruce over 200 feet tall! Know that the tree is a little tucked away and you will need to take a short side path once you reach the boardwalk section of the trail.

Peter Iredale Shipwreck

The Peter Iredale Shipwreck is one of the top attractions in Astoria-Warrenton located in Fort Stevens State Park. It is a short walk to the shipwreck from the parking lot. The shipwrecked over 100 years ago in 1906 and became too embedded in the sand to move. What remains is mostly the rusted bow of the ship, and makes for a fun day excursion on the beach.

If you want to learn more about shipwrecks visit the  Columbia River Maritime Museum in Astoria which has an extensive exhibit about shipwrecks along with other marine history.

Read More: 20 Fun Things to Do in Astoria and Warrenton, Oregon

Young River Falls

• Length: 0.3 miles
• Elevation Gain: 49 feet
• Difficulty: Easy
• Dogs: Dogs are allowed on a leash
• Trailhead Location: Youngs River Road, 10 miles from Astoria

Youngs River Falls is a short hike to a stunning 54-foot tall waterfall, only 10 miles from Astoria. This is a great spot to cool off in the hotter months and a fun trail in the rainy months when the waterfall is raging! If you visit make sure to Leave No Trace and take any trash with you when you leave.

Read More: Must-See Waterfalls Near Portland

Astoria Riverfront

• Length: 5 miles
• Elevation Gain: 49 feet
• Difficulty: Easy
• Dogs: Dogs are allowed on a leash
• Trailhead Location: Astoria Riverfront

One of the best hikes in Astoria is the Riverwalk! The Astoria Riverwalk is paved and a great place for a walk, run, or bike ride. The whole trail is 5 miles one way and goes along the edge of the bay in the North part of the town. However, you can also choose to walk only part of it. There are also plenty of benches along the trail making it a great spot to bring some lunch or a snack.

You are sure to see (and hear) sea lions on this walk, with a lot congregating at the Eastern end near Pier 39! This is also a great way to see the Astoria-Megler Bridge, as the trail passes directly under it.

Fort Steven’s Jetty Trail

• Length: 1.2 miles
• Elevation Gain: 22 feet
• Difficulty: Easy
• Dogs: Dogs are allowed on a leash
• Trailhead Location: Fort Stevens State Park

Fort Stevens was built in the Civil War and also occupied during WWII, protecting the Columbia River. There are remains of several batteries and cannons that you can explore on this trail. You are also likely to see elk here!

Deadman’s Cove & Cape Disappointment Lighthouse

• Length: 0.5 miles
• Elevation Gain: 127 feet
• Difficulty: Easy
• Dogs: Dogs are allowed on a leash
• Trailhead Location: Cape Disappointment State Park

Cape Disappointment State Park is the best state park near Astoria! It is located in Washington, but only a short drive away.

Deadman’s Cove is only a quarter of a mile from the parking lot and one of the coolest coves in the Pacific Northwest! It will feel like you have stepped right out of a pirate movie onto the beach! If you choose you can also make the hike longer by parking further out and hiking a mile along the Cape Disappointment Trail.

Hike just a bit past Deadman’s Cove and you will reach another nearby lighthouse- Cape Disappointment Lighthouse. You can also see it from a distance if you stop by the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center

North Head Lighthouse

• Length: 0.6 miles
• Elevation Gain: 52 feet
• Difficulty: Easy
• Dogs: Dogs are allowed on a leash
• Trailhead Location: Cape Disappointment State Park

North Head Lighthouse is one of 2 lighthouses in Cape Disappointment State Park. North Head is the more photogenic of the two and definitely worth the drive! The hike to the lighthouse is short and paved with fantastic views of the coast, making it one of the best hikes near Astoria.

Cannon Beach & Haystack Rock

Cannon Beach is one of the most well-known sites in Oregon, and it is only 25 miles South of Astoria! You can walk along the entire length of Cannon Beach, and don’t miss out on seeing the iconic Haystack Rock! On a nice day, you are sure to see families walking, picnicking, and playing with their dogs.

Cape Falcon

• Length: 4.6 miles
• Elevation Gain: 623 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Dogs: Dogs are allowed on a leash
• Trailhead Location: Oswald West State Park

Oswald West State Park is one of the best scenic areas of the Oregon Coast. About a 45-minute drive from Astoria, it is well worth the day trip if you are visiting the town! Cape Falcon is one of the best hikes in the park, leading to a beautiful viewpoint of the cape. You can also extend this hike and head down to Short Sands Beach from the same parking lot

Neahkahnie Mountain

• Length: 2.8 miles
• Elevation Gain: 866 feet
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Dogs: Dogs are allowed on a leash
• Trailhead Location: Oswald West State Park

 This is the more maintained trail of the two trails up Neahkahnie Mountain. This trail has amazing views of the coastline from the mountain. Stay for sunset for a truly spectacular view!

Where to Stay Near Astoria

Astoria is of full cute bed and breakfasts, historic lodgings, and riverside hotels.

• Hampton Inn & Suites– Right on the river with balcony views and near Pier 39
• Hotel Elliott Astoria– A historic hotel in the heart of downtown
• Bowline Hotel– Along the water and close to downtown

You May Also Like

• 20 Fun Things to Do in Astoria and Warrenton, Oregon
• Best Things To Do on the Oregon Coast
• Best Waterfalls Near Mount Hood

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