ASTORIA, Ore. — I never tire of traveling Oregon’s backroads and finding new adventures, like the backdoor byway that reaches the nation’s oldest townsite west of the Rocky Mountains: Astoria on the Columbia River. It is the right site for history, adventure and dining.
Astoria is the oldest townsite west of the Rocky Mountains and where visitors will find remarkable adventures throughout the riverfront town.
The town's early days come alive when you join lifelong local Mark Schacher aboard Arrow, a refurbished working boat that tours the town’s riverfront.
"Astoria’s reputation is bigger than itself. It’s always been that way! It’s just a small town of 10,000 people, but everybody’s heard of it," Schacher said. "I just like history. I just like what people did and how they did it and how hard they had to work to make a living back then. It was a lot more interesting time in my opinion."
Those interesting times are easy to come by when you travel south and east of Astoria and Warrenton, skirting the Young’s River Estuary on State Highway 202.
Astoria’s backdoor byway unwinds a slow and scenic adventure into the area’s earliest days, like the short hike down a worn path to reach Youngs River Falls. Named for a British naval officer in 1792. It’s a whopper that’s worth a pause.
So is the nearby Wildlife Center of the North Coast; it’s just nine miles from town. It is a trauma ward for birds on the brink — the ones that won’t make it without a helping hand.
"We are the only wildlife rehabilitation center on the Oregon Coast and the only rehab center in Oregon that can take in and care for sea birds. A resource that’s unique to this area."
Special guided tours can be arranged and an open house the first weekend in May allows you a visit.
While just down the road, cruise in for some rest and relaxation of your own in Olney, Oregon.
"The most important thing to remember, we are the only place on Highway 202. Welcome to Olney!" said Dale Searls, the owner of the Olney Saloon and General Store.
Olney, was founded in Oregon’s early days by Cyrus Olney, one of the state’s first supreme court justices. He established a townsite on the Young’s River in the late 1800s. But one hundred years ago, the highway was built and the town moved closer to it, and the Olney Saloon and General Store followed.
"We are not fast food, we cook everything to order – burgers, wraps, mac and cheese and we have specials. We try to mix it up so you don’t get bored."
"It really is a nice scenic drive," added Dale. "A good excuse to get off Highway 26 with all the hub-bub and maybe slow down a little bit. It’s definitely easier on your brain and your heart and less stressful."
Highway 202 is a backroad byway once traveled, you’ll never want to leave and it’s waiting for you anytime.
Be sure to watch the weekly half hour program of Grant's Getaways. The show airs each Saturday and Sunday at 4 p.m. on KGW.
You can also learn more about many of my favorite Oregon travels and adventures in the Grant’s Getaways book series, including:
"Grants Getaways I," Photography by Steve Terrill
"Grant's Getaways II," Photography by Steve Terrill
"Grant's Getaways: 101 Oregon Adventures," Photography by Jeff Kastner
"Grant's Getaways: Guide to Wildlife Watching in Oregon," Photography by Jeff Kastner
"Grant's Getaways: Oregon Adventures with the Kids," Photography by Jeff Kastner
The book collection offers hundreds of outdoor activities across Oregon and promises to engage a kid of any age.
You can reach me: Gmcomie@kgw.com
VIDEO PLAYLIST: Grant's Getaways