Oregon is full of jaw-dropping places to explore, from snowy peaks and old-growth forests to majestic deserts and rugged coastlines. One of the Beaver State's most unique and stunning landscapes is located at the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument in central Oregon. This amazing national monument features incredible geological formations, ancient fossils, and the monument's crown jewel: the Painted Hills.
The Painted Hills is a breathtakingly beautiful place. These ancient hills were formed over millions of years and are layered with unusual soils, clays, and minerals that give them their vibrant stripes.
The hills appear to change colors depending on the season, time of day, and the moisture in the air. The monument's website recommends visiting in the late afternoon to see the most intense colors.
The John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is made up of three separate units: The Painted Hills Unit, Sheep Rock Unit, and Clarno Unit. Here's a photo of the Clarno Unit, where you'll find incredible, delicate-looking pillars formed by volcanic activity and ancient waterfalls.
At the Sheep Rock Unit, you'll find stunning vistas like this one above as well as fossil beds, incredible rock formations like Blue Basin Ridge, and the fascinating Thomas Condon Paleontology Center.
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Have you been to this amazing place? What did you think?
In addition to its many natural wonders, Oregon is also home to quite a few man-made landmarks, including several stunning bridges. This big, bold, and very green bridge in Oregon is not only an icon in the Beaver State, but it's the longest continuous truss bridge in all of North America! How long is the Astoria-Megler Bridge? Keep reading to learn more about this beautiful man-made wonder.
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When was the Astoria-Megler Bridge built? The Astoria-Megler Bridge opened for traffic on July 29, 1966, and it was hailed as a huge accomplishment.
Not only was it the longest continuous truss bridge in North America, but it also completed the connection from Los Angeles all the way up the coast to Olympia, Washington on U.S. Highway 101.
It took 30 years to get the project started, after the original proposal in the 1930s.
Long before the bridge existed, a ferry shuttled cars back and forth between Astoria and Megler. It was slow and only operated when the weather was good. By the 1930s, there was talk of building a bridge, but it was two decades after that before the project was seriously considered.
In 1959, the Oregon State Legislature approved a bridge, but it took some collaboration with the state of Washington to make it happen, and an agreement wasn't easily reached.
Oregon legislators wanted Washington state to contribute half of the costs; Washington legislators felt that 25 percent was more appropriate since they didn't feel like the bridge would benefit their state very much. Oregon wanted a toll bridge; Washington disagreed with the idea of a toll. Finally, both states came to an agreement, and construction started in November 1962. The bridge cost $24 million to build, and tolls helped cover the cost. They were collected until December 24, 1993.
The project was quite an undertaking. The steel structure of the bridge was built in Vancouver, Washington. Massive sections of it were sent by barge down the Columbia River and lifted into place using huge, hydraulic jacks.
Every year in October, the Great Columbia Crossing event brings thousands of people to the Astoria-Megler Bridge. On that day, the bridge is closed to traffic, and pedestrians are allowed to walk (or run) all the way across and back.
The Astoria-Megler Bridge is such an icon that we can't imagine Astoria without it! Millions of people travel from Oregon to Washington and vice-versa across the bridge every year.
Keep an eye out for the next Astoria-Megler Bridge closure so you can take part in the Great Columbia Crossing annual tradition. Okay, quiz time. How long is the Astoria-Megler Bridge? Have you crossed this impressive bridge by car or had the rare opportunity to walk across it? Share a story about your experience with us in the comments.
Located on the northwest tip of the state, the beautiful seaside town of Astoria is positively enchanting. This historic community is the oldest U.S. settlement in Oregon (and the entire West Coast), and to this day, it's full of fascinating historical points of interest, as well as unique modern amenities and beautiful scenery. This wonderful first town in Oregon is absolutely worth a visit.
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Located at the mouth of the Columbia River, Astoria is surrounded by immense natural beauty.
Astoria was first permanently settled by Westerners in 1811 when a man named John Astor created a base for the brand-new Pacific Fur Company at the mouth of the Columbia River. They called it Fort Astoria.
The fort went on to become the very first permanent U.S. settlement on the West Coast. In 1847, Astoria became the first town in Oregon to have a U.S. post office.
These days, Astoria is a gorgeous coastal city full of vibrant culture, maritime charm, and abundant natural beauty. Here's a photo of the incredible Astoria Riverwalk.
With a population of just over 10,000, Astoria is perfectly mid-sized; it retains a small-town charm while simultaneously offering the amenities of a larger city.
There are many great places to book a room for the night. One of the most renowned (and unique) hotels is the Cannery Pier Hotel, located in a renovated cannery floating on the Columbia River.
This wonderful town is full of charming quirks. You can shop around on Commercial Street, check out museums, enjoy delicious food, take a scenic ride on the Astoria Riverfront Trolley, and much more.
Native Americans knew of this place many years prior, but the first Western settlers to live in the area were actually Lewis and Clark themselves. The expedition spent a historic winter at Fort Clatsop, located just southwest of where Astoria is today.
There are all kinds of awesome places to enjoy delicious foods and drinks as well. One of the most beloved local joints is the unique Bowpicker Fish & Chips, an old fishing boat that serves the freshest imaginable, piping-hot fish and chips.
Keeping with the Oregon tradition, there are plenty of great places to enjoy fresh-brewed beer, including Fort George Brewery, Buoy Beer Company, and more.
Have you been to Astoria, Oregon? Share your favorite things to do there in the comments. If you are planning a vacation to the West Coast, experience quaint and charming Astoria with a stay at this beautiful waterfront home.
Or, find more wonderful, historic cities like the first town in Oregon for your next weekend getaway. There are plenty of delightful areas to stay and places to explore.
