The drive from downtown to the Column is very scenic. You'll pass some beautiful Victorian homes with colourful gardens on the uphill ride to the park where you have a panoramic view of Astoria and the Columbia River. There are picnic tables, a Chinook burial canoe, telescopes and a small information centre and gift shop that plays classical music. The gift shop has souvenirs of the Column and Astoria and sells gliders that you can fly from atop the observation deck. You can also buy a button that says "I made it" or "I did not make it", referring to the climb to the top.
Built in 1926 and modelled after the Trajan Column in Rome, Astoria's Column is certainly the focal point of the park. I climbed the 164 spiral stairs inside the Column but the view over town was obscured due to heavy mist; oh well, at least I got my exercise. You can walk 360 degrees around the observation platform but if you suffer from vertigo, you may want to take a pass on this.
The exterior of the Column is impressive and worth a look even if you don't go inside. It is covered with a frieze that winds its way around the length of the Column and features scenes from Astoria's past. There is also a text panel under each picture and it starts with the time before the white man came, up to the railway's arrival in 1893. Some of the events detailed in between include Lewis and Clark's expedition, the building of Fort Clatsop and the arrival of the pioneers.
The Column is open daily from 9:00 am until dusk and there is no charge to enter.