No visit to the North Coast would be complete without a stop at the Astoria Column. Standing 125 feet tall, high atop Coxcomb Hill, the Astoria Column offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Oregon and Washington coast mountain ranges, Columbia River and the city of Astoria.

This remarkable one-of-a-kind structure is the product of the ardent promotion of commerce and travel by the Great Northern Railway. Built in 1926, the Columns 14 25-foot-long scenes represent the triumphs, conflicts and turning points of the Pacific Northwest. The artwork is known as sgraffito, an Italian art form that combines carving and painting into the concrete structure. More than 400,000 visitors are drawn to this jewel on the hill and discover the fascinating aspects of American Indian, U.S. and Oregon history.

The Column park is open dawn to dusk. The on-site gift shop and information center is open during the winter from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with summer hours 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Whether you come to fly a toy glider from the top, enjoy a beverage or snack, or a souvenir from the gift shop, there is something for everyone at the Column. There is a $1 parking fee. Historical and group tours available by arrangement.

For more information, call (503) 325-2963 or visit www.astoriacolumn.org