Cathedral Tree Trail: Distance, Parking & Astoria Guide
Our original Astoria forest-trail reporting and photography for the walk between Irving Avenue and the Column.
Read the guideOregon Coast and Coast Range · Near Astoria
Cathedral Tree Trail
Cathedral Tree Trail is a soft-surface urban forest route in Astoria that connects Irving Avenue with the Astoria Column and passes the large Cathedral Tree. The City of Astoria lists the trail itself as 0.9 mile one way, which is 1.8 miles round trip if you return the same way. Natural surfaces, stairs, and grades that exceed 20 percent in places mean this is not an accessible path for every visitor. The Column parking area may charge a parking fee; the trail itself has no separate fee.
- DifficultyModerate
- Distance1.8 mi round trip
- Elevation gainVaries
- Nearest townAstoria
The place
Why Cathedral Tree Trail is worth the stop
Cathedral Tree Trail is a soft-surface urban forest route in Astoria that connects Irving Avenue with the Astoria Column and passes the large Cathedral Tree. The City of Astoria lists the trail itself as 0.9 mile one way, which is 1.8 miles round trip if you return the same way.
Natural surfaces, stairs, and grades that exceed 20 percent in places mean this is not an accessible path for every visitor. The Column parking area may charge a parking fee; the trail itself has no separate fee.
What the experience feels like
Most visitors start at the Astoria Column east parking area, where restrooms may be available depending on hours. The Irving Avenue end has only very limited legal pullouts. Do not block neighborhood access.
Expect mud, roots, stairs, and windfall after storms. The city does not publish elevation gain for this trail, so this guide does not invent one. Follow current Astoria leash rules; dog-waste dispensers are provided.
This planning page is the trail-facts URL. The That Oregon Life Cathedral Tree article remains the longer Astoria story.
From our Oregon archive: Read That Oregon Life’s full story about this trail.
Trailhead map
Start at the verified public trailhead
Coordinates: 46.181700, -123.817300 · Open in Google Maps
The coordinates identify the documented public parking area or trailhead—not a summit, waterfall, or off-trail feature.
Know before you go
Practical trail information
- Distance
- 1.8 mi round trip
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Route type
- Out and back
- Elevation gain
- Varies by route
- Trailhead
- Astoria Column east parking area
- Parking
- Use the Astoria Column lot or the very limited legal pullout spaces at the Irving Avenue trailhead.
- Permit
- No hiking permit is required.
- Fees
- The Astoria Column parking area may charge a parking fee; the trail itself has no separate fee.
- Dogs
- Dog-waste dispensers are provided; follow current City of Astoria leash rules.
- Restrooms
- Facilities are available around the Astoria Column but may have hours or fees.
- Best season
- Natural surface, stairs, steep grades, mud, and wind damage can affect the route.
- Key hazards
- Grades exceed 20 percent in places; stairs, erosion, mud, and windfall can make footing difficult.
No star ratings
Why this is rated moderate
The moderate rating reflects 1.8 mi round trip with more effort, uneven tread, or access rules than a short developed walk. Match the group to the official route, not just the number on the card.
EasyShort, signed, and relatively straightforward when conditions match the official description.
ModerateMore mileage, elevation, uneven tread, or access rules that require preparation.
HardSteep, exposed, long, or otherwise consequential travel where turning around is part of good judgment.
Protect the place
Leave No Trace at Cathedral Tree Trail
Trails, meadows, and viewpoints wear down quickly when people cut switchbacks, wander off the route, or leave waste behind. Keep this outing on durable, legal ground.
- Stay on the signed trail, use established viewpoints, and respect every closure.
- Pack out food scraps, dog waste, toilet paper, and everything else you bring.
- Leave rocks, plants, wood, and historic features where they are.
- Keep soap, food, and sunscreen out of streams, and give wildlife and other visitors room.
More in the region
Nearby Oregon trail guides
Official City of Astoria trail page reviewed August 31, 2026.