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Oregon is a beautiful part of America that feels untouched. Join a Backroads tour for hiking in the Cascades, a volcanic mountain range offering a paradise of hidden lakes and dense conifer forests. Or bike the state’s Willamette Valley, which boasts almost double the number of wineries as Napa Valley. Whether you’re adventuring by bike, on foot or from the water, you’ll spend your Oregon vacation immersed in clean mountain air and panoramic views worthy of a postcard.

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"Best Tour Ever!

Our guide was amazing. perfect mix of history and humor", "a must-do in portland, entertaining, informative, and wonderfully fun. five stars", "the best walking tour i have ever taken", "unforgettable experience, the perfect introduction to portland's unique vibe", "loved every moment, you'll see portland in a whole new light. highly recommend".

Uncover Enchanting Secrets on Our Captivating Walking Tours!

At Secrets of Portlandia, we’re passionate about revealing the hidden gems and rich history of Portland, Oregon through unforgettable walking tours. Join us to explore the city’s enchanting secrets and create lasting memories. Walk with us and discover the heart and soul of Portlandia.

Our Guided Walking Tours Reveal the Best of the City

At Secrets of Portlandia, we take pride in our #1 rated free walking tours of Portland! Join our tour to experience the hidden wonders of the Rose City. Our experienced, passionate guides will lead you through the enchanting streets, revealing the best-kept secrets and captivating stories that have shaped this amazing city for nearly 200 years.

Immerse yourself in the rich history, diverse culture, and breathtaking architecture that make Portland a true gem of the Pacific Northwest. From iconic landmarks to off-the-beaten-path treasures, our carefully crafted tours offer a unique and unforgettable experience for both locals and visitors alike. Book a tour with us, and let us show you all the greatest places in Portland, one step at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last.

Our tour lasts about 2 hours, including a bathroom break in the middle of the tour.

Are the walking tours suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, our walking tours are designed to accommodate a wide range of fitness levels. While some tours may involve moderate walking, we offer options suitable for most participants. Please feel free to inform us about any specific mobility concerns, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your needs.

What should I bring with me on the tour?

We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and dressing appropriately for the weather, as most tours are conducted rain or shine. It’s also a good idea to bring a water bottle, sunscreen, and a camera to capture the unforgettable moments along the way.

What happens if it rains on the day of my scheduled tour?

Portland’s weather can be unpredictable, but our tours go ahead rain or shine. In the event of inclement weather, we recommend bringing appropriate rain gear and umbrellas. Rest assured that exploring the city’s secrets in the rain can be a uniquely memorable experience. But we do try to lead our tour under the cover of buildings whenever we can to keep everybody dry!

Where does the tour start and end?

Our tour starts at Pioneer Courthouse on SW 6th Avenue. We’ll be just across the street from Pioneer Square.

The tour wraps up at Mill Ends Park, the smallest park in America! We’ll be at the intersection of SW Taylor St. & SW Naito Parkway.

If you have any questions about our free walking tours of Portland, please contact us by email or with this web form! We are excited to have you in Portland and we’d be happy to help you plan your trip any way we can.  assist you in exploring the hidden wonders and captivating stories of Portland, Oregon. Join us on this unforgettable journey as we reveal the city’s best-kept secrets, one step at a time. We can’t wait to welcome you to Portland!

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Slabtown Tours – N & NW Portland Walking Tours

Guided Walking Tours in Portland, OR – Our Roots are in Slabtown

Experience hidden treasures of Northwest and North Portland with an expert guide

The spirit of the 1890s is alive in Portland

A great activity for groups large and small

Time travel -- on foot

All of our walking tours are designed to take 90 minutes. our nw and se portland walking tours are moderate, level walks for all abilities. the n portland-st. johns tour offerings have a steep grade. use a restroom prior to arriving for our night tours. wear comfortable walking shoes, bring a water bottle and dress for the weather. tours are never cancelled for rain; ask us if you need to borrow gear/umbrella. all our online bookable tours are designed as loops with unique start points. the nob hill and slabtown walking tours are often offered back to back so guests can have the opportunity to experience the upper-class and working-class sections of the nw alphabet district neighborhood on the same day from architectural history to social justice efforts. we can be reached for booking questions by email [email protected] or by leaving a message on our landline which is checked once daily 503-206-4676. tour guides will text all booked guests prior to tour to assist day of tour communication..

NW History Tours Prices [Adults: $30/each] [Seniors: $18/each] [Youths: $10/each] [Tots: Free] Slabtown Ghost Tour Prices: [All Guests $40/each] St. Johns History, Foster History and Murder, Mayhem and Oddities of St. Johns [$20/adults thanks to our sponsors] 24 hours advance reservations are required for the first booking on any tour date. Book now on PeekPro, or call 503-206-4676. Prices and times are subject to change without notice.

We are Looking Forward to Meeting You

Our walking tours are 100% outside. The health and safety of our guests is our top priority. We have embraced the digital age from contactless booking, a digital waiver agreement and flexible rebooking via PeekPro. We strongly recommend using a restroom prior to arrival for our tours. Our owner is a tenacious, active, and passionate advocate for public restrooms. We accept expired gift cards.

Starting Points:

Slabtown walking tour starts outside of the Northwest Branch Library at 2300 NW Thurman Street.

Nob Hill & NW A Night With Ghosts walking tours start on the porch of Anna Bananas, 1214 NW 21st Avenue.

St Johns History tours start at Two Stroke Coffee Co., 8517 N Lombard St.

Our Murder, Mayhem & Oddities of St. Johns tours start at the SE Corner of N. Edison & N. Pittsburg. (Third Saturdays of the Month)

Foster Road History tours start at Kainos Coffee 5300 SE Foster Rd. (4th Saturdays of the Month)

Tanya Lyn March PhD (Owner & Tour Guide)

VIDEO TOURS WITH TANYA MARCH AND OTHER PORTLAND EXPERTS

Slabtown tour.

Slabtown gets its name from slab wood — the rounded, exterior parts of logs cut away to square off lumber — produced as a popular form of heating fuel in the early 1900s by lumber mills of the neighborhood. We share with you numerous historic images of lost buildings and take you past existing historic sites, including the oldest house on NW23rd, the former sites of the Vaughn Street Ballpark, historic streetcar rails, the entrance of the 1905 Lewis & Clark Fair, and the world's greatest log cabin. Slabtown is a traditional working class neighborhood that is rapidly changing. The neighborhood was once redlined and targeted for everything from am urban renewal area to a freeway.

Private tours can be scheduled for any time of day by email request with two weeks notice. 24-hour advanced reservations for individuals and gift card holder are encouraged. More info >

NOB HILL - ALPHABET DISTRICT TOUR

Our expert guide will show you the highlights of Portland's Nob Hill. The walking tour route guests beside some of the grand merchant homes of the 1890s and apartments built for the post Lewis and Clark building boom. The tour loops back to the starting point along the "Trendy 23rd" Street Shopping district, highlighting the evolution of this early streetcar commercial corridor. Nob Hill was named after the San Francisco area, and has become one of Portland's trendiest shopping areas. The neighborhood is known for fabulous tax-free shopping, great coffee and amazing verity of food. Many restaurants have added healthy street seating.

This 90-minute tour is offered year-round, every Saturday at 9 a.m. Day-ahead reservations are encouraged. More info >

ST. JOHNS TOUR

St. Johns is a neighborhood with small town charm in Portland, Oregon, located in North Portland on the tip of the peninsula formed by the confluence of the Willamette River and the Columbia River. Many structures from the days when the neighborhood was an incorporated city are still standing. The community is known for its amazing bridge, Jazz Festival, annual parade, and eclectic mix of restaurants and small businesses. This walk has some steep grades, so bring comfortable shoes and a water bottle. The tour starts at Two Stroke Coffee Co. 8517 N. Lombard St., Portland, OR, 97203. This tour is offered on the Third Saturday of each month at 3 p.m., Thanksgiving & Christmas 2023. Thanks to a partnership with The St. Johns Boosters, Venture Portland, and Prosper Portland, the tours are offered at a reduced rate. If you are interested in this tour but are not in town on the Third Saturday of the month, please reach out to us. We are flexible and can add dates. More info >

A NIGHT WITH GHOSTS - OUR HAUNTED NORTHWEST HISTORY TOUR

Experience Portland's paranormal heritage as we investigate several local ghost narratives gathered from homeowners, alienists, and newspaper accounts. The tour stops at three locations where the spirits are known to be less than peaceful. This tour is offered year-round with nightly offerings in the Halloween Season, Friday the 13th and most Full Moons. More info >

Testimonials

Portland: One of the best ways to get to know the city is via walking tours. Put Slabtown Tours on your radar for when you have visiting friends or family or just want to get out and about and know a little more of the Portland story. Tanya is an amazing resource of knowledge...history and local lore that should be shared with every Portlander.

Tanya is the most knowledgeable person I know when it comes to historical buildings in Portland! Highlighting both flashy and gritty facts, her tours cover many eras. This is a can’t-miss if you like hearing the history behind the city you are enjoying. (And ask her about local museum displays — she points you to all the best ones!)

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History Fun Facts

Fun Fact #74 Part Two of Recycle, Reuse Repurpose, Ravage

Exploring the History, Architecture and Culture of the Pacific Northwest

Join architectural historian Eric Wheeler for walking tours featuring the history and architecture of Portland and a number of other communities in the Pacific Northwest.

Care to Join Us?

In the community, testimonials, been on several of eric’s excellent tours, am a big fan. they seem to get better and better, like performances and productions by a real artist and craftsman who knows how to grow a good seed into its fullest potential., positively great…i have been on several walking tours of portland, and eric is by far the best guide…he’s exceptionally knowledgeable, organized, and thoughtful…he only talks when all attendees are gathered; he’s articulate and clear; and he joyfully answers questions., eric is very knowledgeable and has many stories to illustrate his points. his microphone system makes it easy to hear him even with a large group. highly recommend, well organized, well paced. eric has a wealth of information to share. a great way to learn about the city and meet interesting people., very enjoyable and fun, informative. thanks eric, you did a great job. good also to meet new folk and visit with good friends while learning about our wonderful city., eric is a talented historian, architectural historian, and general raconteur. always a good time., i always learn new things about the history of portland and its architecture–great for new residents and also for those of us who have lived here our whole lives.

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• VIRTUAL TOURS

3 Awesome Portland Self-Guided Walking Tours

**This post was updated January 16, 2024**

Walking in Portland makes for a fine way to spend an afternoon. Many of its main attractions are within walking distance, not to mention a plethora of restaurants, food carts, and coffee houses along the way. It is a fantastic dive deep into this city – to find its history, its surprises, and its quirkiness. 

**Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. When you click through a book a tour, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. 

Table of Contents

Rather have a guided walking tour of Portland?

I highly recommend booking this professionally-guided walking tour of downtown Portland. It’s a delightful 1.5-mile stroll through Portland’s rich history and vibrant culture! You’ll get to explore iconic historical sites, lively public squares, and some truly creative city planning concepts, all while having a chuckle at some funny trivia.

But if you are more of an independent explorer, read on!

Join me on a walking tour of Portland, OR with these self-guiding walking tours. I hope this will entice you to come to visit at some point in your future and discover your next favorite Portland haunt!

Walking  Tour Portland – Downtown Park Blocks

Start at my alma mater, Portland State University , at 18th and SW Broadway. It is a gorgeous campus that holds a farmers market every Saturday. Check them out here for hours of operation. But if you’re coming on a day that’s not Saturday, the campus is still a gorgeous place to explore. It’s so green! There are gardens, LOTS of trees, and park benches to sit and just take it all in.

Be sure to visit the PSU Library; a huge, 4-story library that is open to the public.

A few blocks east is the Portland Art Museum , one of the oldest art museums in the country. Directly across the street is the Oregon Historical Society Museum . A block further down is another classic Portland institution, the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. Over the years, I have seen the likes of Hugh Laurie play with his band, the astrophysicist Neil DeGrasse Tyson, and the actor/comedian Eddie Izzard, all perform or give talks here.

Here you will come to the end of the park. Take a right on Salmon Street, and you will run into the historic Heathman Hotel . If you want to splurge for a night, stay here, as they have uniquely decorated rooms. Then continue down two more blocks. You are now in “Portland’s Living Room,” Pioneer Square .

Look up! All around you, there are multi-storied and historical buildings that form quite the cityscape in the heart of downtown Portland . Each of these buildings has interesting architecture and each has its own story to tell.

This is a great place to people watch. There are a few food carts here if you’re hungry, along with a smattering of outdoor tables. There is also a Starbucks in the Square. So indulge and take a load off your feet for a bit. Look for the post with many signs pointing in different directions to destinations worldwide. Also, look for the “Portland Man” statue – he’s holding an umbrella and running towards something. But what?

Across the street to the south is Portland City Hall. Here you can take a self-guided tour (on select days and times) but just the outside of the building is pretty impressive in itself.

Unleash Your Wanderlust with Explorer Sue

Need help with itinerary planning? I can help. I am a certified travel advisor and an expert on the Pacific Northwest.

The Pearl District

For starters, this is a great place to get your brew and art on! Start with a beer or cider at any one (or more) of the pubs along the “Brewery Block” which consists of such historical buildings as the Portland Armory and Blitz-Weinhard Brewery building. Then head over the world’s largest independent bookstore, Powell’s Books . Within these walls, there are over 1 million books (yes, I said that right) and you can pick up a color-coded map at the entrance to find your way around. In case you’re wondering, yes, there’s a café inside if you need to take a break from your book adventure.

A few blocks east and down the hill a bit is Chinatown. While this one certainly does not hold a candle to San Francisco’s or Vancouver, B.C.’s Chinatown, it is definitely worth at least looking at the ornately decorated entrance. And they do have a couple of really good Chinese restaurants here, as well as the Chinese Gardens .

Not far from here is a cluster of art galleries, such as Elisabeth Jones Art Center, Upfor Gallery, Nine2Five Gallery, and the Art Institute of Portland. Here is a great website with other art galleries in this area.

The Pearl is great for shopping, whether that is a national chain or small boutique. Just walk along Couch St (pronounced “cooch”) from 10 th to about 14 th avenues and you will run into some great shops and restaurants. Also, 13 th and Everett has some great boutique shops, and for lunch or dinner.

To round out your walk (or start it, it’s your choice) go to The Fields Park, on NW 10 th and Overton. This is a small urban park, but it’s unique in all of the natural grasses and flowers you’ll find here. There are benches to sit on and lovely ponds to gaze in.

Belmont and Hawthorne Streets

For a more bohemian walking tour (and let’s face it, so much about Portland is bohemian) head to the east side and explore the parallel streets of Belmont and Hawthorne. You can start on one or the other, as they are a mere six blocks from each other.

As in a previous blog post , much of the charm of Hawthorne has been lost with gentrification, but the shining pearls of this great street remain!

McMenamins Baghdad Theater is worth a visit. This historic building hosts first-run movies and of course, a tasty brewpub right next door. The beauty of a McMenamin’s theater is that they have beer, wine, pizza, and other tasty nibbles in addition to your (also very tasty) popcorn, which you can enjoy during the movie.

Further down the street at Hawthorne and 39 th is one of Portland’s oldest venues, the Hawthorne Theatre . And right next door is a comedy club! 

When you get hungry and need one of the best pies in Portland, walk up to Apizza Schools on 47 th and Hawthorne. Call ahead to be sure you get your pie by the time you get there, so you don’t have to wait. They make every delectable pizza hot and fresh. Pro tip: better make that lunch, because they only make a certain amount of house-made dough every day, and when it’s gone, it’s GONE.

On your way north up to Belmont Street, be sure to meander a little bit in the residential areas. Some of Portland’s most wonderfully “Portlandic” houses are in this neighborhood, and you will get a true feel for some of the classic old Portland homes to be found throughout the city.

Now that you’ve reached Belmont, take a break at the Horse Brass Pub . This British-themed pub offers a ton of foreign brews, with down-home traditional dishes from the U.K. Scotch Eggs, or Bangers and Mash, anyone?

Walk up and down this historic street from 28 th to 39 th avenues – you will run into loads of unique shops and restaurants.

THEN…finish out your day at Laurelhurst Park , just five blocks north of Belmont on 39 th and SE Stark. (39 th St is also called Caesar E. Chavez Blvd.) It’s a huge gorgeous park with walking trails, places to picnic and a large duck pond.

There are so many nooks and crannies in Portland to explore and discover. Dare to get off the beaten path and find your own Rose City oasis!

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Susan Stephens has lived in Oregon most of her life and the Pacific Northwest is her playground. She has traveled extensively throughout Oregon, Washington State, and British Columbia. Her passion is to explore every nook and cranny of this gorgeous part of the world and bringing it to her readers.

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Hello travel Portland,

If you in the area of 5thandTaylor Street, downtown PDX, we would love to have you stop off for a visit. We are Glowing Greensat 509 SW Taylor Street. We have Blacklight indoor minature golf, 6 lanes Axe Throwing and 2 Escape Room Games and a Small Beer & Wine Pub.

Glowing Greens Blacklight Miniature Golf, Downtown Portland Oregon Glowing Greens is Portland’s premiere blacklight indoor mini golf, 3-D adventure miniature golf course. Company parties or birthday party rental. glowinggreens.com Have a great day,

Raymond Latocki Owner

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• Change of Address
• Salem’s First Residence
• 1841 Methodist Parsonage
• 1841 The Jason Lee House
• 1847 The John D. Boon House
• 1849 The David Leslie House
• 1854 William and Chloe Willson’s home
• 1855 St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
• 1860 The Waller-Chamberlin House
• 1860s? Ferry/17th Street House
• 1863 First Congregational Church
• 1865 McCully-McMahon House
• 1869-07 William Lincoln Wade House
• Salem in 1876
• 1883 Rockenfeld House
• 1887 Eugene Breyman House
• 1890 West-Klein House
• 1893~1896 German Methodist Parsonage & The Moon House
• 1894 Dr. Carlton Smith
• 1895 Collins Downing House
• 1903 Salem’s Post Office
• 1903 Warner Breyman House
• 1907 The Duniway-Lachmund House
• 1910 Leslie Methodist Church Parsonage
• 1910 Hinges-Kimball House
• 1910 Court Street and “Piety Hill”
• 1910 Parrish House
• 1910 Albert Moores House
• 1913 Christian Wiedmer House
• 1917 McGilchrist House
• 1913 The Heffley House
• 1918 Schlesinger House
• 1925 Huntington House
• 1921 Ford and Perry Houses
• 1919 Thompson-Brand House

SHINE on Salem

Salem Heritage Network

Salem Walking Tours

Walking Tours provide occasions to enjoy the pleasures of Salem’s natural beauty and the historic character of our city. They introduce visitors to our historic neighborhoods, follow creeks in urban parks, cross the Willamette River on the Union Street Railroad Pedestrian Bridge and experience Salem’s the important place in Oregon History. The photo album tours are designed to be experienced virtually,  the images taking you step by step through each walk from the comfort of your home.  The printable walking guides supplement these virtual tours should you want to take your own self-guided walk through the city.

Each walk is a circle, so you may begin and end wherever you choose, walking in the direction in the printed guide. If you wish to take just a section of the walk, there are suggestions for those choices. Some guides are for a portion of tha  entire route.

Be aware of certain hazards in these walks: fractured sidewalks, railroad tracks, tree roots on the path, or street traffic. Take your time in strolling while you learn about that neighborhood’s history and the residents who lived there in the past, but be careful of your steps. Enjoy a leisurely walk!

Available Walks

• Full Tour 2 Miles ( Download the printable walking guide)

Downtown Walking Tour ( View Virtual Tour )  The collection contains historical photos from the early 1900s and our collection up to June 2023. 

• The Full Tour 1.4 Miles ( Download the printable walking guide)
• 1940s Walk in Salem’s Historic Downtown ( Download the printable walking guide)

• Full Tour 1.5 Miles ( Download the printable walking guide)

Pringle Creek Heritage Parks and Deepwood Estate ( View Virtual Tour ) Pringle Creek meanders through Salem, south of the downtown area through a series of parks, institutions and public spaces

• Full Tour 2.68 Miles ( Download the printable walking guide)

• Full Tour 1.75 Miles ( Download printable walking guide)

Gaiety Hill/Bush Pasture Park Historic District ( View Virtual Tour ) This historic neighborhood covers about 19 city blocks and features historic houses dating from 1878-1938 and bordered by Bush’s Pasture — now a city park aptly named for its former use as grazing pasture for the Bush family’s cattle — an interesting relic of open space in an otherwise urban area.

• Full Tour ( Download printable walking guide)

• Full Tour 3.3 miles ( Download printable walking guide)

Southeast Salem: Then and Now ( View Virtual Tour ) Designated by the Salem Landmarks Commission as the city’s 2nd Heritage Neighborhood in 2015, the Southeast Salem neighborhood is filled with often overlooked historical gems.  Explore some of the stories of the people who lived here around the turn of the 20th century.

• Full Tour : 3.88 miles ( Download printable walking guide)
• Part I :West Side 1.88 miles ( Download printable walking guide)
• Part II : East Side 1.15 miles ( Download printable walking guide)

Browse Virtual Tours

Southeast Salem Walking Tour

Historic Grant Neighborhood Walk 

Salem in Oregon History Walking Tour

Downtown Walking Tour

Riverfront Walking Tour

Pringle Creek Heritage Parks and Deepwood Estate

Court – Chemeketa Historic Residential District

Gaiety Hill / Bush’s Pasture Park Historic District

Walk and Hike Around Portland tours

Wake up with doughnuts and city views 6:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m. $45 Viewpoints, doughnuts, 1 to 2 mile (2 to 3 km) urban hike Monday - Saturday

Historic Astoria Loop Hike

• Find a hike
• Recent changes
• Get Involved

From Oregon Hikers Field Guide

• End point: Columbia River Maritime Museum
• Hike Type: Loop
• Distance: 2.3 miles
• Elevation gain: 240 feet
• High Point: 125 feet
• Difficulty: Easy
• Seasons: All year
• Family Friendly: Yes
• Backpackable: No
• Crowded: No

Hike Description

The concentration of 19th century and early 20th century homes in these few blocks of the first American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains is unique in Oregon, particularly since these slopes somehow escaped devastating fires in 1883 and 1922 that gutted the nearby downtown area. You'll also visit the site of Fort Astoria, the first American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains, as well as a small monument to the first post office west of the Rockies. A Walking Tour of Astoria pamphlet can be purchased at a few different places in Astoria, including the gift shops at the Astoria Column and the historic Flavel House .

Begin at the Flavel House, actually at its 1887 carriage house, which is now a gift shop and mini-museum. Tours of the 1886 Flavel House depart from here and cost $7. The tour will take you to two levels of this historic Queen Anne-style house that was commissioned by Captain George Flavel, a prominent Astoria citizen and pilot on the Columbia River Bar. Even if you don't take the guided tour, stroll around the outside of the building to admire the octagonal tower, wrap-around porch, and bay windows. The garden features a large sequoia, cork elms, and plantings of roses.

From the Flavel House, head up 8th Street one block, passing two 19th century homes once owned by sawmill operator Conrad Boelling, and then turn left onto Franklin Avenue. You'll pass various old homes on the left and right before you come to the 1916 Methodist Church. When you reach 11th Street, go right for one block. Two of the homes on this block of 11th Street were built by D.K. Warren, the founder of Warrenton. Turn left onto Grand and view the 1903 First Presbyterian Church on your right. At 1133 Grand and 1167 Grand, you'll see the homes of Captain John Babbidge, a steamboat operator, and the Rev. Thomas Hyland, first priest of the Grace Episcopal Church.

Next, make a left on 12th, and at the corner of 12th and Franklin, you can note the elaborate spindlework on the 1895 home of Nellie (Fisher) Wilson, later occupied by county judge T.S. Cornelius. Now you'll go right to proceed along Franklin again. In the middle of the block, at 1337 Franklin, is the 1852 home of river pilot Captain Hiram Brown. This is the oldest house in Astoria, and thus one of the oldest homes in the state of Oregon. Hiram Brown constructed one part of the house on the east side of town. Ten years later, he put it on a barge that took it down the river. Using a system of rollers, the house was hauled to its current location where he had already constructed the west section of the current building. On the left side of Franklin, pass the 1867 house of Charles Stevens, a pioneer of the Oregon Trail, poet, and book shop owner. 1410 Franklin was a boarding house where the future governor of Oregon, Oswald West, once lodged.

When you come to 15th Street, proceed uphill to Grand Avenue, but first admire the derelict and haunted-looking "second" Flavel House. This home was left to wrack and ruin by reclusive descendants of George Flavel. After being abandoned for a quarter of a century, the building was purchased in 2015 and there are plans to renovate it. Next, go left on Grand. At the corner of Grand and 16th is the 1896 Philip Stokes House: Stokes owned a clothing store in downtown Astoria. Continue on to 17th Street. The corner here displays some wonderful Victorian homes, including 1711 Grand, the 1890 home of George Sanborn, a cannery owner. Head down 17th one block and go left on Franklin for two blocks. Between 16th and 15th on your left is the 1885 Grace Episcopal Church, the oldest church in Astoria. On the right is the 1922 Masonic Temple. Turn right on 15th: on the corner is the 1910 dwelling of Chris Schmidt, a cannery owner. On the right in the middle of the block is an obelisk marking the site of the first post office west of the Rockies.

At the corner of Exchange and 15th is a partial replica of Fort Astoria, established in 1811, and the principal trading post of John Jacob Astor's Pacific Fur Company. The site was purchased by the British-owned North West Company, later merged with the Hudson's Bay Company, in 1813 and renamed Fort George. Here, you'll also find a monument to Ranald McDonald. McDonald, the son of Hudson's Bay factor Archibald McDonald and Princess Raven, the daughter of Chinook Chief Concomly, was born at Fort Astoria in 1824. Something of a wanderer, the adult McDonald booked passage for the East on a whaling ship and, in 1848, rowed ashore the northern island of Hokkaido in Japan, a country then closed to westerners. The Japanese banished him to Nagasaki, their only trading port with the West, and decided to use him as an English teacher. For almost a year, McDonald taught the language to a select group of samurai before he was shipped home the next year. Thus, Ranald McDonald became the first native speaker of the language to teach English in Japan.

You can drop down to 15th and Duane and stop in at the Fort George Brewery and Public House for a locally-brewed pint and a bite to eat. Then return to Exchange, and proceed west for two blocks. At 16th and Exchange is Astoria's Heritage Museum, once the City Hall. Turn left on 17th and walk two and half blocks, crossing Commercial Street, to the waterfront and the Columbia River Maritime Museum . The museum is open daily ($14.00 admission) and exhibits cover the history of shipping on the lower Columbia River and the world-famous Columbia River Bar, the "Graveyard of the Pacific". Even if you don't want to go inside there are some outdoor exhibits you can take a look at, most notably the lightship Columbia and the pilot boat Peacock .

After viewing the waterfront here (See the Astoria Riverwalk Hike ), walk back to Commercial to turn left to walk through part of the downtown area, taking in the John Jacob Astor Hotel and the 1920s Liberty Theater. When you get to 8th Street, make a right to return to the Flavel House . First, however, you could check out the Oregon Film Museum at 732 Duane Street. The museum is housed in the 1914 Clatsop County Jailhouse, and exhibits displays related to movies that were filmed in Oregon.

• Maps: Hike Finder
• Map of Downtown (Astoria Downtown)

Fees, Regulations, etc.

• Dogs on leash
• Admission fee for Flavel House, Columbia River Maritime Museum, and Oregon Film Museum

Trip Reports

• Search Trip Reports for Historic Astoria Loop Hike

Related Discussions / Q&A

• Search Trail Q&A for Historic Astoria Loop Hike

Guidebooks that cover this hike

• Walking Tour of Astoria, Oregon by Vera Whitney Gault
• 100 Hikes/Travel Guide: Oregon Coast & Coast Range by William L. Sullivan
• Oregon Favorites: Trails & Tales by William L. Sullivan
• Historic Astoria (Oregon.com)
• Flavel House Museum (Clatsop County Historical Society)
• The Flavel House (Oregon.com)
• "Flavel House Museum in Astoria preserves Queen Anne mansion of first bar pilot's family" (Oregon Live)
• Harry Flavel House in Astoria, Oregon (Cult of Weird)
• "Buyer Finds Home In Astoria's Flavel House" (OPB)
• Fort Astoria - Fort George (National Park Service)
• "Fort Astoria, Oregon" (The Columbia River: A Photographic Journey)
• Fort Astoria (Wikipedia)
• Ranald MacDonald (Wikipedia)
• Heritage Museum (Clatsop County Historical Society)
• Columbia River Maritime Museum ]
• John Jacob Astor Hotel (Wikipedia)
• "Local developer Caruana reimagines the Astor Hotel" (The Daily Astoria)
• Liberty Theater (Tickets West)
• Oregon Film Museum

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