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 1857 reviews

Read TripAdvisor Reviews

  • TripAdvisor Rating
    October 28, 2025
    Karen V

    A nice historical musem.

    A great museum showing the history of Astoria. Take advantage of the 3D movies as they are interesting and very helpful. A great place to go on a rainy day. Inside the WWII area there is a lot of information of the critical role this naval base held. Mostly unknown information. I was very surprised as to how much space was given to the personal Japanese flags carried by those soldiers. Trying to return these flags to the descendants is noble; however, it should be noted for visitors in this flag section that the United States had remained neutral in this war until the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. As the descendant of several WWII veterans, one of whom was at Pearl Harbor, this flag display ruined my visit.

  • TripAdvisor Rating
    October 26, 2025
    aconner1474

    Unique Maritime Museum

    We were able to walk right in during the weekend! The exhibits were fascinating. I loved the attention to detail in that some had little port holes for smaller children to see into and then it was also viewable from the top of the display. Fascinated by the shipwreck map. Sad to see so many but it is a nice memorial to the ships and sailors lost. We checked out the gift shop and got 2 jackets that were on sale.

  • 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.

Hide Ratings & Reviews Read all reviews on TripAdvisor