Floating Beacons of the N. Oregon Coast: Astoria's Lightship Columbia History Talk in Seaside

Published 12/02/25 at 5:55 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Seaside, Oregon) – Every month, Seaside's main microbrew folks help put on a show – a history one, to be exact. Seaside Museum puts it together and between the two they have History & Hops.

This time around, you get to board a famed Oregon coast vessel. It all happens Thursday, December 18th, 2025, at 6 PM at Seaside Brewing Co. (851 Broadway).

This month’s History & Hops program will feature the history of Columbia River Lightships, presented by Ryen Nielsen. Lightships served as floating lighthouses, guiding mariners through dangerous waters across the globe. The Columbia River Lightship was no exception, standing watch at the Columbia River Bar for decades and enduring some of the harshest conditions while keeping its beacon shining.

Nielsen will share stories of the challenges faced by the vessel and its crew as they worked to protect sailors crossing what is often called the world’s most dangerous river passage. Accounts of other lightships in the region will also be included.

Nielsen is an Interpretive Specialist with Washington State Parks, based at Cape Disappointment State Park. Originally from Eastern Oregon, he later moved to Wyoming where he earned a bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology from the University of Wyoming. His interest in the ways nature shapes history has fueled his passion for storytelling, particularly in the “Graveyard of the Pacific.”

Lightship Columbia began service in 1952 and for 28 years weathered fierce storms along the Pacific coast, assisting countless ships and saving lives. Retired in 1980, it was brought to the Columbia River Maritime Museum, where it has remained. For many years only the top deck was open to visitors, but recent restoration work has allowed new areas below deck to be accessible for the first time.

Nielsen give his talk Dec 18

A major $1.5 million restoration project began in 2021 after years of wear from time and tides. The vessel was inspected, cleaned, sandblasted, repainted, and repaired from hull to rigging. In October 2021, the ship was moved upriver to Portland’s marine yards for drydock work, pushed by the towboat Toni B. rather than towed. By July 2022, Columbia returned to the museum, refurbished and once again welcoming visitors aboard.

The event will be held at Seaside Brewing Co., where attendees are encouraged to arrive early to secure seating and enjoy the menu. History & Hops is hosted by the Seaside Museum on the last Thursday of each month, September through May, and is free to attend. The series is supported by the Seaside Museum, the Seaside Public Library, and Seaside Brewing Co.

Since 1974, the Seaside Museum & Historical Society has worked to preserve and interpret the history and culture of Seaside and the surrounding area. The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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