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When the Lewis and Clark Expedition arrived at the continent’s edge in late 1805, they saw what many people still see, two centuries later: the vast Columbia River estuary and steep green hills rolling towards the Pacific Ocean. These 33 explorers also found rain -- a lot of it, as this area gets over 70 inches per year, most of it during the winter. Even so, the natural beauty and hospitable natives prompted Meriwether Lewis to write, “We have lived as well as we had any right to expect.” Modern-day visitors will experience much the same scenic splendor and hospitality.
Astoria’s long, varied history has become a cornerstone of its livelihood. Interpretive, interactive museum exhibits and the careful restoration of many historic buildings have brought the past to life for a new generation of residents and visitors. Explore downtown Astoria on an easy walking tour or ride the Riverfront Trolley to scenic stops along the way. Riverfront projects such as the paved Astoria Riverwalk and viewing decks at the 6th, 14th, and 17th Street docks bring people closer to the town’s daily life as barges, freighters and commercial fishing boats navigate the river and deliver their goods to nearby markets and processors.
Although its location has proven ideal for salmon and other fishing and as a deepwater port linking river and ocean, over 200 major shipwrecks occurred near Astoria over the 19th and early 20th centuries, and the mouth of the Columbia River was long known as "The Graveyard of the Pacific." Several shipwrecks remain visible, among them the Peter Iredale on the beach at Fort Stevens State Park, which continues to attract curious visitors. Both within Astoria and along the surrounding shores, you’ll find much to explore.
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