The artsy town of Astoria in the northwest corner of Oregon has always been a harmonious mix of old and new — a sentiment that also rings true for the town’s iconic Cannery Pier Hotel & Spa, the only luxury retreat in the area. Since opening in 2005, the hotel has captivated travelers with its enchanting views of the Astoria-Megler Bridge and Columbia River, and heritage design that pays tribute to Astoria’s maritime history.
A recent top-to-bottom remodel refreshed all the rooms in a subtle palette of sky and river tones and enhanced the wellness area, making this the only full-service hotel spa in town. That makes this boutique hotel an excellent choice for a restorative getaway along the banks of Oregon’s largest river.
Day 1: Immerse Yourself in a Serene Space With Maritime History
Don’t be surprised if the first thing you want to do is soak up views of the windswept waters through the floor-to-ceiling windows in the lobby. It’s a perspective that only gets better from your room, uniquely located 600 feet into the river, where you’ll find a panorama of the riverscape from your private balcony and abundant windows.
Each of the hotel’s 46 luxe guest rooms were recently renovated with modern fixtures, contemporary design and local art. Many rooms feature pieces by Duncan Berry, a renowned Oregon artist who captures the beauty of coastal creatures through gyotaku (fish rubbing) — a Japanese technique originating in the 18th century (find more of his work and other coastal artists in downtown Astoria at RiverSea Gallery or Made in Astoria).
Other thoughtful amenities in the rooms include plush robes, Pendleton blankets and binoculars to observe shore birds and river traffic (your welcome envelope includes the daily schedule of inbound and outbound container ships, provided by Columbia River Bar Pilots). For this first afternoon, your only challenge is where to let the river be your balm — from the cozy window seat or the serene soaking tub.
When the sun sinks below the horizon, head to the hotel’s bar to take advantage of your “Cannery Cheers Credit,” a daily $25 credit at Bar 600, where regional wines are served alongside Scandinavian-inspired snacks like Josephson Smokehouse’s lox and rye bread. For dinner, book your complimentary car service (the hotel has two vintage vehicles, a 1959 Silver Cloud Rolls-Royce and a 1962 Rambler ) and head into town for traditional pastas at Fedé Trattoria. Or, now that Cannery Pier has opened the new Bar 600, it’s equally appealing to stay and dine riverside at the hotel with shareable plates like fresh oysters on the half shell, crab dip, and summer rolls.
Day 2: Rejuvenate With Nature Walks and a Spa Day
One of the best spots to catch sunrise is on the lobby deck, where you can hear wind-ruffled waves and spy eagles and blue herons soaring over the water. A gourmet breakfast awaits just steps away and includes morning bites such as made-to-order omelets and custom blended coffee by Columbia River Coffee Roaster. Once you’ve had your fill, hop on the hotel’s cruiser bikes and cycle the 4.9-mile point-to-point Astoria Riverwalk trail.
Immerse yourself in nature with a restorative hike on one of many nearby forested trails. Two popular routes include Youngs River Falls, a short .3-mile out-and-back walk to a beautiful 54-foot waterfall. For a longer adventure, Cathedral Tree Trail winds through evergreens and passes by a majestic 300-year-old Sitka spruce tree (if you hike the whole path, you’ll end up at the Astoria Column).
In the heart of downtown, you can lunch like a local. A standout spot includes South Bay Wild Fish House, which is owned by a local fishing family. Or grab fika at Broder Strand, a coastal outpost of Portland’s beloved Scandinavian cafe. Their Æbleskivers (Danish pancakes topped with lemon curd or lingonberry jam) can’t be beat.
For an afternoon of tranquility, head back to the hotel, where you can choose from a variety of wellness options at the newly renovated, full-service spa. Book a signature massage or facial, and unwind in the spa lounge or take a soak in the mineral hot tub while reveling in the tranquil river views. Afterward, continue to unwind at Bar 600, where you can savor local seafood and classic cocktails while watching the sun set.
Day 3: Relax With a Finnish Sauna and Breakfast With a View
Rise and shine with a workout in the hotel’s fitness center, where you’ll find state-of-the-art cardio and resistance Precor machines and a wall of windows that bring the outdoors in. Then decompress in the spa’s Finnish sauna, a wellness ritual that’s easy to get used to. After a savory breakfast including made-to-order omelets, relish those river views in your room one last time before checkout.
If you haven’t already wandered the second-floor Hall of History, visit now to get a deeper sense of Astoria’s rich heritage as the former salmon cannery capital of the world. A collaboration with the Clatsop County Historical Society, this permanent exhibit brings history to life with nostalgic photos and videos of this singular place that’s captivated people for generations — an invitation now extended to you by the Astoria Cannery Pier Hotel & Spa.
