Astoria in Clatsop County, Oregon — The American West (Northwest)
At Play on the River
People have always turned to the river for enjoyment and just plain fun. Today you may see recreational sailboats, motorboats, jet-skis, kayaks, cruise ships, windsurfers, or kiteboards sharing the river with huge commercial ships.
In the past, the Columbia River offered similar relaxations: boating under sail and oar, fishing, and even swimming – despite swift currents and cold water. Hunting for waterfowl, cruising, and camping on the islands and riverbanks were popular activities then as well as now.
Erected by City of Astoria.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Sports • Waterways & Vessels.
Location. 46° 11.417′ N, 123° 49.85′ W. Marker is in Astoria, Oregon, in Clatsop County. Marker can be reached from East Columbia River Highway (U.S. 30) west of 12th Street, on the left when traveling east. Marker is located along the Astoria Riverwalk, north of the highway, overlooking the Columbia River, west of 12th Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 151 12th Street, Astoria OR 97103, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Harvesting River & Sea (a few steps from this marker); Pilots on the Columbia River (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Columbia River Tugs And Towboats (about 500 feet away); 14th Street Ferry Slip (about 500 feet away); Gimre's Shoe Store (about 600 feet away); Crossroads of Cultures (about 700 feet away); Clark Gable (approx. 0.2 miles away); Into the Unknown (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Astoria.
Also see . . . Astoria Regatta History. Regatta website entry:
Astoria Regatta started in 1894. It is the oldest celebration in Oregon's oldest city, which make it the oldest celebration in the state. The 1894 Astoria was a cultural hodgepodge comprised of Native Americans, Scandinavian, Chinese and the usual polyglot of American/Europeans. Early pictures of Regatta show elaborate festivities amidst the thriving downtown that was built over the river on wooden planks, with both a Boat Parade as well as a Land Parade. (Submitted on January 25, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Credits. This page was last revised on July 11, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 24, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 145 times since then and 4 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on January 24, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on January 25, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.