Pacific Northwest gem Astoria sits on Oregon's famed North Coast. The Columbia River, just to the north, marks the natural boundary between Oregon and Washington state. If you're a military history buff, check out the nearby Fort Stevens State Park. It sits on the Oregon coast just west of Warrenton. The fort was in service as a defense installation from the Civil War to World War II eras. Today you can check out abandoned command centers and see century-old gun batteries. Don't miss the area's dramatic wreckage of the Peter Iredale, which ran aground in 1906. The 4,300-acre park includes over 500 campsites. The trout fishing is excellent in freshwater Coffenbury Lake. The mighty Columbia River draws in a diverse cross-section of wildlife, too. Expect to see majestic bald eagles swoop in now and then. Traveling by RV? There are several solid choices among area RV parks. Try Lewis and Clark RV Park or Kampers West. Both provide full hookups and cabin/cottage rentals. The weather here is rarely uncomfortably hot or cold. Average highs are in the upper 60s in the summer and mid-50s for the winter. Like much of the Pacific Northwest, Astoria sees a lot of rainfall. Pack accordingly when planning a multi-day hiking excursion!