Near the northernmost point in the coast is the port city of Astoria. The city lies on the Columbia River a little east of where the river meets the Pacific Ocean. Astoria has a rich history, being the first permanent United States settlement on the Pacific coast. Lewis and Clark, on their famous expedition to the Pacific Northwest, established Fort Clatsop just outside what is now Astoria. Being a port city, it became a hub for the fur trading industry led by John Jacob Astor, who the city was named after. One of the highlights of the city is the Astoria Column that has moments in Oregon’s rich history etched on its cylindrical rise above the city. The views provided offer a 360 degree view of the surrounding countryside. While the view overlooking the Columbia River and the Astoria-Megler Bridge is a favorite composition, the view above looking south is also a beautiful view.