We really wanted to visit Astoria, Oregon but could not find a suitable place to stay so we ended up at Hammond Marina RV Park, about 8 miles to the west near the mouth of the Columbia River. It’s not a place we would normally choose, a bit too cozy with our neighbors, but for $25/night with full hookups it was the best we could find. We are just a couple blocks from the marina, which by the way also has overnight RV parking in a pretty, grassy lot near the water but is $28 for dry camping.
Hammond Marina.
After we arrived, Jim and I set out on our bikes to Fort Stevens State Park, less than a half mile from here. Between the nine miles of paved bike trails and all the campground loops (there are nearly 500 sites, which were all booked for the weekend!!), we rode almost 14 miles.
We only stopped to check out the beach, another one you can drive on.
And to look at the wreck of the Peter Ireland, a cargo ship that ran aground during a storm in 1906 and quickly became a tourist attraction.
Yesterday we took a walk along the Astoria Riverwalk.
We started at the port near the 4.1 mile Astoria-Megler Bridge to Washington, one of the largest cantilever truss bridges in the world.
The trail stretches for five miles along the Columbia river through downtown Astoria.
If you don’t feel like walking you can take the trolley for $1.
Believe it or not we passed three breweries along the way, and just had to stop at Astoria Brewing Company’s Wet Dog Café for lunch. I got the Bitter Bitch Imperial IPA because I loved the name, and it was excellent. Jim had an Old Red Beard Amber, also good. And we split a Poopdeck Porter. Great names for great beer. Debbie thinks we’re going to need an intervention when we get out of brewpub country.
We continued walking all the way to Pier 39, four miles from where we started.
We thought about taking the trolley back but it had just passed us and takes almost an hour to make its route so we just walked. With all the distractions it didn’t feel like such a long walk.
Birds.
And ships galore.
A fine way to spend an afternoon.
When we were there (six? years ago or so?) I picked up a "Coffee Girl" sticker for Boonie. Astoria is a pretty little place…in "season." Lewis and Clarke's men were not so fond of wintering over there tho.
ReplyDeleteBox Canyon Mark
We immediately thought of pal KaBloonie and his sweet pup when we saw the sign.
DeleteWe like Astoria, but sure wouldn't want to winter here!
Gayle
Boy you got some serious exercise on that great walk. 500 campsites and full for the week-end, you must have booked months in advance to get in there.
ReplyDeleteSherry, actually we couldn't get in, just on our bikes to have a look around. After seeing all the kids there we are happy to be sandwiched in at the nearby RV park. Mostly quiet fishermen here.
DeleteGayle
Love it. Fabulous photos - really like that last one! Sounds like you are making the most of your stay.
ReplyDeleteHi Kim, we are still planning to hike the Fort to Sea Trail, probably take two cars and shuttle so we can hike the whole thing without doing 13 miles! We like it here.
DeleteGayle
What's with you and the blue skies? I think it rained the whole time we were in Astoria. We stayed at the fairgrounds.
ReplyDeleteWe're you there with the WINs? The fairgrounds doesn't allow RV parking unless they are associated with an event because apparently the local RV parks didn't like the competition.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely a bit too tight for my liking at that park, but glad you're getting to enjoy Astoria. If you're in the mood for a butt-kicking hike Saddle Mountain is not too far away and fabulous views. Don't forget to try Columbia Cafe in Astoria...yummy!
ReplyDeletePaul and Nina (wheelingit)
Love all the different ships! Well don't get "intervented" yet - I'm loving all the great pubs and breweries you're testing :-). Wonderful area, and agreed on the quiet fishermen vs weekend families.
ReplyDeleteWe were there several years ago and asked the trolley meister if we could bring our dogs on the trip through town. He allowed the dogs, which was a surprise. It was a full trolley with lots of little kids and our dogs provided a distraction so the parents could enjoy the sights.
ReplyDeleteChris
What a wonderful time exploring with good weather:) I thought of Boonie's dog right away when I saw the sign even thought I have only seen them in Mark's blog.
ReplyDelete