Astoria, Oregon, is a beautiful river town with plenty of things to do. One of the best ways to experience Astoria is to stroll along the waterfront.
Several times a month, my wife and I visit Astoria, and while my wife is at her appointment, I often have about an hour at a time to explore the waterfront.
A short distance from where we park is the Astoria-Megler Bridge. The bridge is four miles long and connects Washington and Oregon via Highway 101.
Towering over the Columbia River and the city, the landmark always draws my interest. I’m always attempting to find new compositions for photos.
As one of the early seaports in Oregon, wharves once lined much of the Astoria waterfront. In fact, at one time, much of the downtown business core sat over the water.
Over time, the shoreline was filled, and they built newer buildings on dry land. Yet, the remnants of the old piers remain. The old pilings along the Astoria dot the waterfront, providing safe perches for the local seabirds. The pilings make for great photography subjects too.
Beyond the bridge and piers, a subject that caught my attention was the supporting structures of the docks. Supported by vertical pilings and angled cross-braces, the lines and textures of the pier attract my eye.
One could spend a great deal of time exploring the nooks and crannies of the Astoria waterfront. But with this quick walk around, one gets a sense of what this area offers.
