Posted in Oregon Hiking, Nature July 19, 2020 by

It’s A Short, Easy Stroll To The 300-Year-Old Cathedral Tree In Oregon

Astoria is one of Oregon’s most charming towns, and it’s well-know for many things: as the oldest town in the state, as the place where the movie The Goonies was shot, and as home to the Astoria-Megler bridge, which is the longest continuous truss bridge it the country.

There’s another amazing thing to see here in Astoria, and it’s a natural wonder. Take a short, easy trail to see the Cathedral Tree.

Irving Avenue Trailhead: 2800 Irving Avenue, Astoria, OR 97103

To see the Cathedral Tree, start at the Irving Avenue Trailhead.
rolson2/Tripadvisor
Watch for this white fence to find the Richard Fencsak Cathedral Trail. Mr. Fencsak was a beloved member of the community who ran the local bike shop and wrote as a food critic for The Daily Astorian.
Laura Bryant/Alltrails
Shortly before his death in 2008, the Astoria City Council named the trail after him.
The trail takes you though a forest that's lush with greenery. Spruce and hemlock provide a canopy, and wildflowers bloom here in the spring.
Shawn Zembal/Alltrails
Along the way, watch for little signs that point out different trees, plants, and points of interest. This area was once home to many more centuries-old trees.
Laura Bryant/Tripadvisor
You'll make your way up the hill, and will come to this large staircase. Once you get to the top...
Shawn Zembal/Alltrails
...you'll find a short boardwalk trail that takes you right to The Cathedral Tree.
Robby G C/Tripadvisor
The tree is immense. Its circumference is 27.5, and its diameter is 8.5 feet. The tree's roots branch out in such a way that they create a small room.
Monique Renee/Google
The Cathedral Tree is over 300 years old, and stands more than 200 feet tall. Not only is this tree impressive - it also has its own legend.
Vic C/Tripadvisor
In 2007, a violent wind storm knocked down many of the trees in this little forest, but the Cathedral Tree held its ground. It's not only a beautiful natural wonder; it's also a hardy survivor.
Once you visit the tree, you can return the way you came, or backtrack about 40 feet down the boardwalk to a junction that will eventually lead you back down to Irving Avenue.
Jenn Bastian/Alltrails
Along the way, you'll enjoy a stunning view of the Columbia River and the Astoria-Megler Bridge, and you can visit the Astoria Column before returning to the trailhead. The entire lollipop trail is three miles.

Have you taken the Cathedral Tree Trail? Tell us about your adventure in the comments!

While you’re in Oregon, take a stroll along the Astoria Riverfront Walk, and make sure to catch the views from atop the Astoria Column.

Address: 2800 Irving Ave, Astoria, OR 97103, USA