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 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 Column’s 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 pieces 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 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Whether you come for the view, to fly a glider on the plaza, to 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 are available by arrangement. For more information, call (503) 325-2963 or visit www.astoriacolumn.org

The column stairs are closed for climbing until late fall of 2009