Northwest Railroad Depots: Astoria, Oregon

I originally posted this information on my old website on March 26, 2009, and last updated it on December 18, 2009.

Depot in Astoria, Oregon on September 24, 2005

The Astoria & Columbia River Railroad was completed to Astoria on April 4, 1898, with the first train on May 16. The Spokane, Portland & Seattle took over February 24, 1911.

Depot in Astoria, Oregon on September 24, 2005

This depot was built in 1924, which incidentally turned out to be the peak year for rail travel in Astoria. Passenger service to Astoria ended in 1952, but the depot was used by the railroad for other purposes for many years.

Depot in Astoria, Oregon on September 24, 2005

Eventually even the freight rail traffic disappeared, and the SP&S's successor Burlington Northern donated the depot to the Columbia River Maritime Museum. Today, the museum uses the depot for storage.

Lewis & Clark Explorer at Astoria Depot on September 24, 2005

The tracks to the depot are now owned by the Portland & Western Railroad, though there is no freight rail business in Astoria.

Lewis & Clark Explorer at Astoria Depot on September 24, 2005

Except for the Lewis & Clark Explorer during the summers of 2003 to 2005, no trains have come this far in a long time.

Lewis & Clark Explorer at Astoria Depot on September 24, 2005

Though the Lewis & Clark Explorer stopped in front of the depot, the building itself has remained closed, and is in need of serious repair.

Astoria Riverfront Trolley at Astoria Depot on September 24, 2005

The tracks through Astoria are now owned by the city, and are used for the Astoria Riverfront Trolley, which stops near the depot.

Lewis & Clark Explorer at Astoria Depot on September 24, 2005

Lewis & Clark Explorer at Astoria Depot on September 24, 2005