Astoria Column

While in Seaside, Oregon we took a day trip to Astoria, Oregon.  This 125 foot tall roman style column, originally built in 1926 and was recently refurbished in 2015, is located high on a hill overlooking the mouth of the Columbia River.  Aggie and I hiked the 164 steps to the top of a spiral staircase.  I had to stop twice to catch my breath.  The outside features murals of the Oregon History and once arriving at the top you are treated to some spectacular views of the River and surrounding mountain landscape covered in lush green healthy trees.  Aggie is afraid of heights and she clung to the column at the top as the platform on the top was not very wide.  Tourists buy these balsa wood airplanes at the gift shop, a fund raiser and toss them from the top platform.  There is a $5 fee for parking there, but it is good for the whole year.