Coast Guard Barque 'America's Tall Ship' Coming to Portland Rose Fest, N. Oregon Coast's Astoria

Published 05/30/25 at 7:25 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Astoria, Oregon) – Awhile back, those Tall Ships from the Washington coast were two of the most sought-after attractions on all the Oregon coastline. When those had to cease their extremely popular tours here, it left a hole. (Photos courtesy USCG)

Now, a lucky few will be able to get that fix as the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) will show up at Portland's Rose Festival and then Astoria for a few days of free tours.

The U.S. Coast Guard Barque Eagle (WIX 327) will make a highly anticipated appearance at the Portland Rose Festival and Fleet Week festivities from June 5 to June 8, offering visitors an up-close look at the historic vessel. Later in the month, the Eagle will also dock along the north Oregon coast in Astoria – from June 13 - 15 - providing additional opportunities for the public to tour the renowned tall ship.

In Portland, Eagle will be moored at Waterfront Park, just south of the Burnside Bridge, where it will host free public tours. No tickets are required, though visitors must present a government-issued ID and undergo a security screening before boarding. The tours will be available on June 5 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., June 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., June 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and June 8 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Additional details can be found on the Portland Rose Festival’s website.

Following its Portland stop, the Eagle will make its way to Astoria, where it will be docked at Pier 1 on Portway Street. Free tours will be offered on June 13 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., and on June 14 and 15 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. There is plenty of parking nearby, the USCG said.

Portland marks the fourth port call of the Eagle’s 14-week voyage along the West Coast. The vessel, deeply tied to Coast Guard traditions, serves as a training ship for cadets, immersing them in maritime practices that harken back to the golden age of sailing. In addition to its role as an instructional vessel, the Eagle functions as a goodwill ambassador, making stops at international ports to strengthen diplomatic relationships.

Constructed in 1936 by Germany’s Blohm and Voss Shipyard, Eagle was originally commissioned as the Horst Wessel by the German Navy before being acquired by the United States as a war reparation after World War II. A U.S. Coast Guard crew, with assistance from the German sailors still aboard, navigated the ship from Bremerhaven to its current home in New London.

The Eagle measures 295 feet in length - the largest tall ship flying the U.S. flag and remains the only active square-rigger in government service. The three-masted barque boasts more than 22,300 square feet of sail and six miles of rigging, requiring skillful maneuvering by its crew.

It's not unlike the Peter Iredale on the north Oregon coast, which is one of the world's most photographed shipwrecks.

“Eagle has served as a classroom at sea to future Coast Guard officers since 1946, offering an at-sea leadership and professional development experience as part of the Coast Guard Academy,” the USCG said.

Nicknamed "America’s Tall Ship," Eagle carries a distinguished lineage, becoming the seventh U.S. Coast Guard cutter to bear the name - its heritage tracing back to one of the original Revenue Cutters built in 1792.

Followers can stay updated on the ship’s journey, upcoming port visits, and life aboard by visiting its official Facebook page or Instagram @barqueeagle.

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