Astoria Regional Airport, Astoria, Oregon
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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 SW of Astoria, in Clatsop County, OR. It’s owned by the Port of Astoria and is a non-towered field at an elevation of 14.7 ft. 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 on 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 in the the FBO but you can call direct. 503-338-6657. Also listed under rental cars is LUM’S Auto Center, again not in the FBO, 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 little town of Seaside is a restaurant called Dooger’s Seafood & Grill. Hands down, they have some of 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 like 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 if you want to give it 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 is right downtown and 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.
If you want a little local flavor for fish and chips stop by the 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, 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 one block large Fort George Brewery for beers and chowder or Buoy Beer Company for the views and the rockfish. Also, Fort George Brewery Beer Pier down on the Riverwalk is open during the summer.
For actual wineries, the Shallon Winery is pretty much 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 over 30 years and is open every afternoon.
The Eunice Chiweshe Goldstein Winery known for wines made with love and purpose. This place has 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 with unique wines from around the world and WineKraft down on the river. WineKraft usually has live music on the weekends and has a great view.
Things To Do
Climb the tower if you are able! the Astoria Column will give you the best view of the beautiful Pacific Northwest, weather permitting. It’s only open April -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 of 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 pace to spend an afternoon.
Nicer weather could also include a causal stroll down the Astoria Riverwalk, There are more little shops, restaurants and breweries than you can possibly 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 imaging 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 posted signs if 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. Built in 1885 by 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 down town. 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 it’s 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