Hiking the Cathedral Tree Trail to the Astoria Column on the Oregon Coast
Distance: 2.0 miles / 3.2 km
The Cathedral Tree Trail in Astoria is truly an Oregon Coast hidden gem, as most visitors choose not to explore this area of the coast as much as others further south.
That being said, prepare for any number of conditions if you choose to hike the Cathedral Tree Trail. By this, I mean that I have seen one of the best sunrises I can remember from the Astoria Column, but it’s also very common for it to be cloudy and rainy, with no views from the top.
In any case, both the Cathedral Tree Trail and the Astoria Column are two of the best ways to start exploring the Oregon Coast when driving from north to south—not to mention downtown Astoria is one of the most beautiful small towns of any on the entire 362-mile (583 km) Oregon Coast!
Cathedral Tree Trailhead Parking
Parking for the Cathedral Tree Trail is located adjacent to the trailhead on the side of Irving Ave.
Typically speaking, the trail is never very busy. Therefore, finding parking is never an issue.
Google Maps Directions: Cathedral Tree Trailhead
Hiking Checklist - Oregon Coast
Black bears can be found up and down the Oregon Coast, but hiking with or without bear spray is truly up to your own discretion and comfort level when adventuring in black bear territory.
Furthermore, here is a complete list of must-have things that you will want for any hike on the Oregon Coast.
Hiking the Cathedral Tree Trail
The Cathedral Tree Trail can either be hiked beginning at the Astoria Column or from the Cathedral Tree Trailhead off of Irving Ave., which is the route I recommend.
I recommend starting at the bottom because I always find it’s nicer to do the uphill first, but on top of this, I think the Astoria Column makes a better destination than the trailhead you see below.
Go right up the boardwalk to stay on the most direct route.
At the next split, go right for the Astoria Column.
Then, stay straight (right) at the this next intersection to remain on the most direct path.
Finally, go left at this split, and the Astoria Column will be located a short distance ahead.
Astoria Column (Coxcomb Hill)
As you can see from these photos, the conditions on the northern Oregon Coast can vary widely.
I think these cloudy photos of the Astoria Column do a good job at setting realistic expectations. However, conditions can also be as clear and beautiful as the sunrise photo shown below!
Climbing the Astoria Column
If you’re up for the workout, you can actually climb up the 164 steps to the top of the Astoria Column during normal operating hours.
