The Oregon coast – especially near Astoria and Warrenton – offers a distinct outdoor experience for nature lovers looking for an adventure. The first permanent United States settlement west of the Rocky Mountains where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean, Astoria and Warrenton are vibrant and exciting coastal spots that have picturesque views that are easy to fall in love with.  

Regina Willkie, marketing manager at Astoria-Warrenton Area Chamber of Commerce shares, “Panoramic views of the Columbia River and Pacific Ocean create an oasis of outdoor adventure along with health and wellness activities for travelers of all kinds. Like many other coastal towns, Astoria and Warrenton have the ocean as a part of their playground, but there is much more to explore beyond it. Visitors will feel rejuvenated and refreshed after exploring the area's hiking and biking trails that show off our rugged, beautiful forests, walking along the riverfronts where wildlife-watching opportunities are abound, or soaking in the serene energy throughout the towns.”

Outdoor Adventures
Outdoor options in Astoria and Warrenton include countless riverfront trails, beaches galore, guided fishing trips, and exciting zip-line adventures at High Life in Warrenton. For hikers who love history, nature, and wildlife, Fort Stevens State Park and Lewis and Clark National Historical Park are the ideal destinations for a day of exploration.  Want to flex your arm muscles, take in scenes via water, or maybe catch a fish for tonight’s dinner? Rent kayaks on a calm fall day and traverse the various waterways around Oregon’s north coast or schedule a guided fishing trip with a local fishing charter.

Health and Wellness Activities
After you’re done discovering the unmatched beauty of Astoria and Warrenton, some rest and relaxation are in order. Grab a local cider or IPA to-go at Bridge & Tunnel Bottleshop & Taproom while you kick back with a movie in your hotel room, or give your tastebuds – and belly – a healthy meal to enjoy at Fulio’s Mediterranean & Italian Cuisine, South Bay Wild Fish House, or Bridgewater Bistro. Then, sign up for a meditative yoga session at Fire Station Yoga or a spa day at Tranquil River Day Spa, or the barrel saunas at The Bowline.

Visiting the lower Columbia region is the ideal Pacific Northwest fall getaway. Just a three-hour drive from Seattle, you can easily access the stunning coast and its views for a rejuvenating and refreshing weekend.

“Both towns have the small-town feel, but with the urban comforts of numerous food and beverage options, world-class museums, and top-notch lodging, it’s an area that’s easy to stay in, but hard to leave,” Willkie, says. “Mix all that with the abundant outdoor activities, beautiful scenery of dense forestry, and vast ocean views, you’ll see that there’s no place quite like Astoria and Warrenton.”