The Columbia River Estuary Conference
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Travel & Hotel Information

Driving to Astoria

Astoria, Oregon is located approximately 2 hours west of Portland, Oregon. Nestled between Youngs Bay and the Columbia River, Astoria is surrounded by natural beauty and areas of historic interest. From Seattle, WA, take I-5 South until you come to US-30. US-30 will lead directly to Astoria, OR. From Portland, OR, US-26 winds its way through beautiful forest land until merging with I-101 northbound, leading into Astoria. For more detailed driving instructions, go to Google Maps or MapQuest.

The Liberty Theater

The Liberty Theater is the site of the 2010 Columbia River Estuary Conference. This 1920's vaudeville-style picture palace has been restored to an elegance of a bygone era, with the addition of such modern amenities as a state-of-the-art lighting system, sound system, and projection equipment for presentations. Located at 12th and Commercial Steet in downtown Astoria, the Liberty Theater is only a few short steps away from restaurants, shops, and tourist sites.

There is offstreet parking around the Theater and a bus route runs nearby. To determine whether or not your hotel is on the bus route, please visit www.ridethebus.org or call 503-861-RIDE (7433).

Hotels & Motels

Several hotels and motels can be found in this popular tourist destination; many are listed on the Astoria-Warrenton Chamber of Commerce website at: www.oldoregon.com

As summer approaches, it may be difficult to find rooms nearby. Seaside, OR is just south of Astoria. Lodging choices consist of hotels, motels, bed and breakfast homes and more. Check it out on the Seaside Chamber of Commerce website at: www.seasidechamber.com/lodging.htm. Another alternative is Long Beach, WA. The Long Beach Peninsula Visitors Bureau has an online list of available Inns, Hotels, Models and cottage here: www.funbeach.com/lodging/index.html.

Where to Eat

Several dining establishments, from coffee shops to fine dining restaurants, can be found within walking distance of the conference site. Although coffee and snacks will be available during the conference, we will break for lunch. You may wish to make note of these local eateries and plan to head out to your favorite. All are within a few blocks of the Liberty Theater.

Fulio's Silver Salmon Grille Astoria Coffeehouse Drina Daisy Fort George Brewery and Public House

Things to Do

If you find yourself with some free time, there is plenty to see and do in the Astoria area.

Popular Tourist Attractions

The Columbia River Maritime Museum is located at 1792 Marine Drive, a few blocks north of the conference site. On display are examples of the nautical heritage of the Columbia River and coastal region. Open daily from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm.

The Flavel House is a Queen Anne style home built in 1885 for Captain George Flavel. Today it is a museum furnished in the Victorian style. It is located on 8th & Duane and is open daily.

The Astoria Column was dedicated in 1926, and in many ways, is a unique structure. Towering over Astoria, it offers the visitor a breathtaking view of the ocean and nearby land features. It is located at the top of Coxcomb Hill; just follow the signs up the hill on 16th or 14th streets.

Across Youngs Bay bridge is Fort Stevens State Park, the Oregon Coast's largest state park. It contains over 7 miles of biking and walking trails, and includes a former military site, museum, and the Peter Iredale shipwreck.

Also across the bay is the Lewis & Clark National Historical Park. Although the replica of the Fort recently burned to the ground, the interpretive center is still open to visitors. Six miles southwest of Astoria, off of US 101.

Additional Information

For additional information on events, sites, restaurants, hotels and activities in the nearby towns of Seaside, Cannon Beach, and Warrenton, check out the Astoria Chamber of Commerce website at: www.oldoregon.com.

Photos courtesy of the Astoria-Warrenton Chamber of Commerce, the Liberty Theater and Kathi Ruiz

Last Updated: April 21, 2010 | Security & Privacy