About Columbia River Maritime Museum

Columbia River Maritime Museum

Recognition Programs

Explore the world of marine transportation from the days of dugout canoes, through the age of sail, to the present.

Watch a dramatic 12-minute film introducing the history and perils of the the Columbia River. Sail a model boat on the newly opened Warnock Model Boat Pond. Walk the bridge of a World War II warship, marvel at the 44-foot motor lifeboat plowing through a wave in a rescue mission. Participate in four interactive and hands-on exhibits including taking the helm in a tugboat wheelhouse. 

The museum's 3D theater brings family-friendly movies to life in grand fashion, onto the huge screen and in pure digital surround sound.

And what's more…you can board the Lightship Columbia, a National Historic Landmark, that once guided ships to safety at the mouth of the Columbia River.

Recognition Programs

Reviews & Ratings

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4.7/5 TripAdvisor Traveler Rating based on 1856 reviews

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  • TripAdvisor Rating
    September 5, 2025
    ADGalant

    Educational look at the maritime history of Astoria and the surrounding areas.

    Interesting facts and exhibits. I am not from this part of the country and did not realize how dangerous the Columbia River and sandbars were to the shipping and fishing industries that were the backbone of NW Oregon. Would have liked more light to better read some of the material and a more chronological presentation would have been appreciated. Nevertheless, the time we spent in the museum was well worth the admission and I heartily recommend a visit.

  • TripAdvisor Rating
    August 26, 2025
    Virginia P

    A bargain gem in Astoria

    So much to learn here about the river, the Coast Guard, and the salmon industry. Everything is beautifully displayed. We could have spent much more time here. A bargain gem.

  • TripAdvisor Rating
    August 12, 2025
    Nancy G

    Incredible Displays

    This is a must visit when in Astoria! It has the most amazing full size displays! The Coast Guard display is incredible. I learned so much about the Native Americas who lived and fished in the area. Displays chronicle fishing, canning, and boat travel on the Columbia. There was a special display of original art during our visit and my husband enjoyed talking to one of the artists.

  • TripAdvisor Rating
    July 22, 2025
    662lloydt

    Do not miss this Museum!

    Excellent, Excellent, Excellent Museum. The exhibits are very well done and the videos are very enlightening. It is truly amazing how they placed all the boats ( and the human figures look so real). We learned so much about the Columbia River and it’s incredible hazards, the pilots that guide the freighters and the Chinook native culture that lived here for a millennia . Give yourself about 2 hours to enjoy all the exhibits.

  • TripAdvisor Rating
    June 23, 2025
    tgrdvrmd

    A great small museum, very well done!

    Our tour group stopped here and it was excellent. The history of the Columbia bar, waterfront and U.S. Coast Guard is nicely featured. The artifacts and other really neat displays are well done and easily viewed. We came 3 years ago and there are new displays which we really enjoyed. This is a well done museum which can be completed in 1 & 1/2 hours or less. We would return.

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