N. Oregon Coast's Astoria Riverwalk Trail Getting Lighting

Published 01/05/25 at 6:25 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Astoria, Oregon) – It's one of the Oregon coast's more famous yet somewhat unknown treasures, hiding in plain sight among a lengthy parade of features both manmade and natural. Astoria's Riverwalk Trail is a gem among many jewels here, and it is going to get more lighting soon - but that means a bit of construction work.

Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) said starting in late January they'll be adding more lights to the Riverwalk from 23rd Street to 32nd Street.

“That means a brighter path for your evening adventures,” ODOT said.

They'll be extending the lighting along the paved Astoria Riverwalk Trail. It's going to improve safety and access for those walking on the trail as well as biking. The trail meanders through a variety of coastal urban areas, much of it steeped in history.

“This project will extend the lighting to the east from approximately Mill Pond, east of 23rd Street and will continue east to about 32nd Street,” ODOT said.

Courtesy Angi D Wildt Gallery, Astoria

Work isn't expected to affect car traffic, with the project sticking to the walkways. There may be temporary detours for those traveling the trail. Pedestrians, including those with disabilities, will have access through or around work zones.

Crews will be working Monday through Friday, and there should be minimal impacts to drivers and the Astoria Trolley.

Courtesy Angi D Wildt Gallery, Astoria

“Don't worry - we know there are upcoming special events and busy tourist days,” ODOT said. “We won't work during the 5K/10K Run on the River on May 10, 2025. We'll also pause during the regular trolley season between April and October.”

It's all expected to cease in late 2025. The design phase happened last year at a cost of $250,000. Construction is expected to cost $691,539, according to ODOT.

Courtesy Angi D Wildt Gallery, Astoria

The Astoria Riverwalk Trail moves along some 12 miles of the area around north Oregon coast town, often following much of the railroad tracks of the Astoria & Columbia River Railroad. It wanders along Youngs Bay, through the city's engaging waterfront, under the famed Astoria-Megler Bridge and past the fascinating vessels of the Maritime Memorial as well as the Columbia River Maritime Museum.

It includes Tongue Point near the end of the trail, which is an important Lewis & Clark site.

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Below: Courtesy Angi D Wildt Gallery, Astoria

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Andre' GW Hagestedt is editor, owner and primary photographer / videographer of Oregon Coast Beach Connection, an online publication that sees over 1 million pageviews per month. He is also author of several books about the coast.

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