Astoria Regional Airport, Astoria, OR
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Astoria Regional Airport(IATA: AST, ICAO: KAST) is a joint public and civil-military airport located in Warrenton, OR, three miles southwest of Astoria, in Clatsop County, OR. Owned by the Port of Astoria, it’s a non-towered field. The field has a $5.00 facility fee, or it’s $10.00 a night for tie-downs, which includes the facility fee. Hanger space is $15.00 per night, subject to availability.
They also charge a small landing fee. Both AvGas and Jet fuel are listed at this field, and the after-hours call-out is $50 an hour with a two-hour minimum.
This airport has two runways, as follows: (with obstacles, see https://wwwairnav.com)
| Direction | Length | Surface | Condition |
| 8/26 | 5,794 x 100 ft. | Asphalt | Good |
| 14/32 | 4,467 x 100 ft. | Asphalt | Excellent |
Transportation
A courtesy car is available on a first-come, first-served basis with a two-hour time limit. There is also the Royal Cab of Astoria that serves all of Clatsop County. Lyft and Uber are available. Enterprise Rent-A-Car is not available inside the FBO, but you can call 503-338-6657. Also, listed under rental cars, is LUM’S Auto Center, call 503-861-1144.
Where To Eat!
Before I list the top 5 spots, I’m going to tell you about my favorite. A 20-minute drive from Astoria in the small town of Seaside is a restaurant called Dooger’s Seafood & Grill. Hands down, they have the best clam chowder on the West Coast. However, if you can’t get past the fact that it’s not a thick and hardy chowder-like base, you probably won’t like it. For those of us who prefer it thinner with more taste than paste, this is your new favorite place. I honestly can’t tell you much about the rest of the menu, as I have had the clam chowder both times I’ve been there. They also sell clam chowder kits on their website, in case you want to give it a try at home. You won’t be sorry.
Number 1-5 on the popular list is Bridgewater Bistro, known for waterfront dining as well as seafood. Silver Salmon Grille, right downtown, is known for seafood and the authentic taste of New Orleans. They are closed on Wednesday, have nice wine, and accept reservations. Fort George Brewery and Buoy Beer Company make this list, and we end with T Paul’s Supper Club, a great place for burgers.
For a little local flavor, stop by Bowpicker Fish & Chips. It’s a boat converted into a raised platform for quick-to-go style lunches. It’s close to the Astoria Riverwalk, so there are places to sit and eat if you choose. There will probably be a line, and it will probably be long!
Another local favorite is Frite & Scoop, with unique ice cream flavors and great fries.
Where to Stay
Best Western Waterfront Astoria is located right off Highway 30 on the banks of the Columbia River, about a mile from the Maritime Museum. Other waterfront hotels are the Bowline Hotel and the Astoria Riverwalk Inn. Other options are the Cannery Pier Hotel & Spa, Hampton Inn & Suites Astoria, and Hotel Elliott.
Expedia.com or Hotels.com can help you compare prices and amenities.
Pubs And Wineries
For eating and drinking in the same place, you should check out the block-long Fort George Brewery for beers and chowder, or Buoy Beer Company for the views and the rockfish. Also, Fort George Brewery Beer Pier, on the Riverwalk, is open during the summer.
For actual wineries, the Shallon Winery is pretty much a one-man show, but he will provide you with a personal tour. He creates wild berry wines and comes up with unique flavors like Chocolate Orange, Cranberry, or Meringue Pie wine. He’s been there for over 30 years and is open every afternoon.
The Eunice Chiweshe Goldstein Winery was established as a place for wines made with love and purpose. Here, there is everything from hand-poured soaps and candles to specific wines made for charitable causes, such as the Pinot Noir for Parkinson’s
There is also the Brut Wine Bar & Bottle Shop selling unique wines from around the world, and WineKraft, located down on the river. WineKraft presents live music on the weekends and has a great view.
Things To Do
Climb the tower if you are able! The Astoria Column gives you the best view of the beautiful Pacific Northwest, weather permitting. It’s only open from April through September, but it’s free to the public. Parking permits do cost $5, but the view from the top is priceless. Buy a balsa wood plane at the bottom and sail it off the top. It’s tradition!
If it’s outside of the season or too cold or cloudy for the tower, the Columbia River Maritime Museum is a warm place to spend an afternoon.
Nicer weather could also include a casual stroll down the Astoria Riverwalk. Take a tour of Astoria. There are more little shops, restaurants, and breweries than you can stop at in one day. If it’s not the greatest walking day or you’ve just worn yourself out, you can also take the Astoria Riverfront Trolley and learn a little history while you’re at it.
A peaceful afternoon filled with history can be found at Fort Clatsop National Memorial. You could almost time-travel by imagining yourself trapped by rain and cold in one of the tiny quarters of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
If you are a Goonies fan, you can walk up to look at the house that was in the movie, or visit the Oregon Film Museum. The list of movies made in Oregon is incredibly long. The Oregon Film Museum is inside the jail that’s in the movie. Please be considerate of the owner’s posted signs when visiting the Goonie’s House. Take a drive to Cannon Beach and see Haystack Rock and imagine a giant pirate ship sailing off behind it.
Across the street from the Oregon Film Museum is the ornate Queen Anne-style Flavel House, which is now also a museum. It was built in 1885 by a prominent citizen and Columbia River pilot, Captain George Flavel. If you like Victorian architecture and history, it’s worth the price of admission.
Weekends are for nightlife right downtown. You will almost always find a crowd, food trucks, antique shops, bakeries, art galleries, book stores, and brew pubs. There are also some trails for the hikers who would rather avoid the crowds.
Famous Landmarks
The Astoria Column is a history lesson in and of itself, and the Flavel House is an entry into a different time.
Youngs River Falls is nature at its finest. The 65 ft. waterfall (usually crowded on sunny days) is a great photo op. This place is not for wheelchairs, but if you can get there, jump in. It’s heavenly and just a short drive from Astoria.
In Conclusion
You will find no more beautiful natural surroundings than the Pacific Northwest. The air is clean and fresh, the landscape is breathtaking, and the people are friendly. Plus, you know, seafood!
If you can get there, I can’t think of a better place to go.
Safe travels,
jo@jettreks.com