Astoria in Clatsop County, Oregon — The American West (Northwest)
At Play on the River
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 8, 2015
1. At Play on the River Marker
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. It 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
this page online
Regionally, this marker is on the Oregon Coast. It is also on the American Pacific Coast, in the Pacific Northwest, and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor. Globally, it is in North America, the Pacific Rim, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere.
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
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 8, 2015
2. Marker detail: Downtown fishing 1912
Elthe Vasbinder fishes downtown in 1912.
Before the fire of 1922, much of Astoria was built on pilings over the river.
Ragnor Johnson, Fritz Peterson, Basil Locke, Mayor Herman Wise, and Marge Ross gather to admire the catch.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 8, 2015
3. Marker detail: 1903 Astoria Regatta
Astoria Regatta (first held in 1894) carries on a long August tradition of boat races and festivity. This scene was captured in 1903. Sailing fishing boats line up for a race, while spectators relax in rowing craft.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 8, 2015
4. Marker detail: Astoria Salmon Derby
Astorias famous Salmon Derby attracted hundreds of angles in late summer.
With cash prizes for the biggest salmon, skilled fishers were doubly lucky when they landed fall chinook weighing up to 60 pounds.
The site was at the foot of 12th Street, where the “Oregon Marine Supply” building still stands today.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 8, 2015
5. Marker detail: Castle Rock
On a summers day upriver near Castle Rock, people enjoy the river aboard a sailing gillnet boat and a rowing gig.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 8, 2015
6. At Play on the River Marker (wide view looking north across Columbia River and Pier 12)
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 346 times since then and 22 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.
