Cathedral Tree Trail
1 / 10

Cathedral Tree Trail

4.6
·28 reviews·Astoria, United States

Discover the awe-inspiring Cathedral Tree on a serene, moss-laden forest trail in Astoria, Oregon. Connect to the Astoria Column for stunning views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Cathedral Tree Trail

Cathedral Tree Trail

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover the awe-inspiring Cathedral Tree on a serene, moss-laden forest trail in Astoria, Oregon. Connect to the Astoria Column for stunning views.

4.6
(28 reviews)

"Being out of breath and the burning in my legs no longer mattered because I was in awe! It was HUGE!"

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Sturdy Shoes Are Key

Trail can be muddy & slippery. Good tread is a must!

🐌 Look for Banana Slugs!

A fun surprise for kids and adults alike. Keep your eyes peeled!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Cathedral Tree

The Cathedral Tree

End of the main trail

A truly massive, awe-inspiring tree that makes the hike worthwhile. Its sheer size is breathtaking!

Astoria Column Views

Astoria Column Views

Via connecting trail from Cathedral Tree

Ascend the column for panoramic views of Astoria, the Columbia River, and the Pacific Ocean. A rewarding vista after your hike.

Banana Slug Spotting

Banana Slug Spotting

Along the trail

Keep an eye out for the vibrant yellow banana slugs! A fun and unique discovery for all ages, especially kids.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Trail Conditions & Footwear

The Cathedral Tree Trail can get muddy and slippery, especially after rain. Wear sturdy, well-treaded shoes to navigate the uphill sections and potential slick spots. Some parts involve climbing over rocks, so good grip is essential for a safe and enjoyable hike. TikTokReddit

Parking & Access

Parking near the Irving Street entrance can be limited and may have potholes. Consider visiting during off-peak hours. Alternatively, you can access the trail from the Astoria Column, which offers a different perspective and avoids parking hassles, though it might involve a small fee for parking at the Column itself. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Dry weather
Why
Less slippery, easier hiking
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Replying to @Ghostharbor even the “small” waterfalls in Oregon don’t disappoint. This was a great stop heading back from Fort Stevens back into Astoria. It’s a very short hike, but you do have to climb over a few rocks and there are some minor steep parts. Definitely recommend adding to your Astoria itinerary. #OregonCoast #AstoriaOregon #oregonwaterfalls #traveloregon #pnwonderland
@pdxnicole
1.1K likes • 22.4K views

👟 Sturdy Shoes Are Key

Trail can be muddy & slippery. Good tread is a must! TikTokReddit

🐌 Look for Banana Slugs!

A fun surprise for kids and adults alike. Keep your eyes peeled! Reddit

Beautiful Cathedral Tree Trail . . . . . #reel #nature #astoria #astoriaoregon #oregon #hiking #forest #trees #pnw #pacificnorthwest
a_spacepug
187 likes • 3.3K views
Caleb told me walking through a tree was good luck, and for some reason I totally believed him! Cathedral Tree Trail 🌲 • trailhead at @theastoriacolumn ! • 1.6 miles dirt path / boardwalks • mossy forest and nature • moderate (some climbing parts) • splits in the trail so I’m surprised we found it ENJOY! ➕ SAVE for when you’re in Oregon! 👤 FOLLOW for more PNW adventures! #tatesandstates ...
tates.and.states
77 likes • 2.2K views

⬆️ Uphill Climb

Most of the trail is uphill, so be prepared for a moderate workout. TikTokReddit

🅿️ Parking Patience

Street parking is limited; consider off-peak times or parking at Astoria Column. Reddit

📍Cathedral tree trail that leads to a view of Astoria, OR. Sometimes, the simplest paths lead to the most breathtaking places... and this one was the top of Astoria, OR. #travel #adventure #oregon
dr.ottraveler
0 likes • 366 views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Sturdy Shoes Are Key

Trail can be muddy & slippery. Good tread is a must! TikTokReddit

🐌 Look for Banana Slugs!

A fun surprise for kids and adults alike. Keep your eyes peeled! Reddit

⬆️ Uphill Climb

Most of the trail is uphill, so be prepared for a moderate workout. TikTokReddit

🅿️ Parking Patience

Street parking is limited; consider off-peak times or parking at Astoria Column. Reddit

🌳 Embrace the Moss

Enjoy the lush, moss-covered trees and serene forest atmosphere. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(28 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Cathedral Tree Trail to be a beautiful and quiet forest hike, with the massive Cathedral Tree being a major highlight. Many enjoy the opportunity to spot banana slugs and appreciate the serene atmosphere. However, some find the tree itself slightly underwhelming and note that the trail can be steep, muddy, and slippery, especially after rain, making good footwear essential. Parking can also be a challenge.

"Very quiet and beautiful trail. Lots of maintenance is being done at the moment, so be sure to stay on the actual trail. Most of it is uphill and a little slippery after or during rainfall, but once I reached the cathedral tree, being out of breath and the burning in my legs no longer mattered because I was in awe! It was HUGE! I used this trail to access the Column and didn't wanna pay $5 for parking, so you'll have to park on the street and it has some potholes at the moment and can't hold a lot of cars so go at less busy times of the day!"

Taryn Ellingson

"not really worth the trip unless you're local or happen to be driving by, a mile round trip from the Irving Street entrance. The cathedral tree itself is somewhat underwhelming. The wide gravel trail up to the tree from the street is steep, that's why I rate it moderate. A great spot for letting kids run off some steam!"

Kelly Tyler

"A short and quite easy trail. We saw a bunch of banana slugs and the kids had a blast trying to find the next one! You got to walk slowly and enjoy the solitude and calmness of the trail. It was not we but I can see that with some rain the trail can become muddy and slippery. While the markings and signs are not great but they are still there and easy to find. The trail ends at the Cathedral tree which makes it a fun adventure with a goal! Will highly recommend it if you are visiting the Astoria Column."

Ash Jafri

What People Like

Massive Cathedral Tree
Quiet forest atmosphere
Banana slug spotting

What People Dislike

Underwhelming tree for some
Muddy/slippery conditions
Limited parking

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The main trailhead is often accessed from Irving Street in Astoria. You can also connect to it from the Astoria Column. Be aware that street parking can be limited and the trail can be steep in parts. InstagramReddit

Parking is available on the street near the Irving Street entrance, but it's limited and can fill up quickly. Some visitors opt to park at the Astoria Column and access the trail from there. Reddit

While public transport might get you to Astoria, direct access to the trailhead via public transport is not commonly mentioned. It's best to plan for driving or ride-sharing. TikTok

Trail markings can be inconsistent, and the trail may split. Following signs towards the 'Cathedral Tree' or using a navigation app is recommended. InstagramReddit

The Astoria Column is a prominent landmark and can be reached by car. There is a parking area at the base of the column, which may have a fee. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Cathedral Tree Trail itself is generally free to access. There might be a parking fee if you choose to park at the Astoria Column. Reddit

As an outdoor trail, it's typically accessible during daylight hours. There are no set opening or closing times. TikTok

The trail is free to enter. The only potential cost would be for parking if you choose to park at the Astoria Column. Reddit

Yes, the trail is open year-round. However, conditions can vary significantly, with winter and spring often being muddy and slippery. Reddit

Visitors are encouraged to stay on marked trails, especially when maintenance is ongoing, and to respect the natural environment. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The trail is approximately 1.6 miles round trip, making it a relatively short but rewarding hike. InstagramReddit

It's generally considered moderate due to some steep sections and the need to climb over rocks. It's a great spot for kids to burn energy. TikTokReddit

You'll experience a mossy, serene forest with towering trees, the impressive Cathedral Tree itself, and potentially banana slugs. Connecting trails can lead to the Astoria Column. InstagramReddit

Yes, it's a good option for families looking for a short hike. Kids often enjoy spotting banana slugs and the novelty of walking through a giant tree. InstagramReddit

Restroom facilities are not typically mentioned as being directly on the trail itself. They are more likely to be found at the Astoria Column or in nearby parks. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the immense scale of the Cathedral Tree, the lush moss-covered forest, and the panoramic views from the Astoria Column. The unique split paths also offer intriguing photo possibilities. Instagram+1

Absolutely! The mossy trees, unique flora, and the sheer grandeur of the Cathedral Tree make it a fantastic spot for nature photographers. Instagram

Morning light filtering through the trees can create a magical atmosphere. For the Astoria Column, consider golden hour for stunning panoramic shots. Instagram

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local park rules and regulations before flying a drone in the area. TikTok

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the trees and forest. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife or distant views from the Column. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Cathedral Tree Trail is a fantastic option for families! The 1.6-mile loop is manageable, and the moderate incline is a great way for kids to burn off energy. InstagramReddit The highlight for many children is spotting the abundant banana slugs along the path – it turns the hike into a fun scavenger hunt! Reddit The sheer size of the Cathedral Tree itself is awe-inspiring for all ages, offering a memorable natural wonder. Reddit

While the trail can be muddy and slippery after rain, sturdy, closed-toe shoes will help little ones navigate safely. Reddit Consider parking at the Astoria Column to avoid potential street parking issues and to combine your hike with a visit to the landmark for even more family fun and incredible views. InstagramReddit

🚶‍♀️ Solo Hikers & Nature Enthusiasts

For solo hikers seeking a peaceful escape, the Cathedral Tree Trail offers a serene forest experience. The quiet atmosphere and the grandeur of the ancient trees provide a perfect setting for reflection and connection with nature. InstagramReddit The moderate difficulty means you can enjoy a good workout without an overly strenuous commitment. Reddit

Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the lush, moss-covered environment and the chance to observe local flora and fauna, including the unique banana slugs. Reddit The trail's connection to the Astoria Column also provides an opportunity to combine your hike with panoramic views, offering a broader perspective of the Oregon coast. Instagram+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Trail and Its Mysteries

The Cathedral Tree Trail is known for its enchanting, moss-draped forest and the star attraction: the massive Cathedral Tree itself. While the main path is around 1.6 miles round trip, some visitors note that the trail can split, adding an element of mystery and adventure to the hike. Instagram+1 This can make it feel like a treasure hunt, with the goal of reaching the impressive tree. The trail is primarily uphill from the Irving Street entrance, making it a moderate challenge that's manageable for most. Reddit

Many visitors appreciate the quiet solitude and the calming atmosphere of the forest. The abundance of moss and lichen on the trees creates a vibrant, almost otherworldly environment. InstagramReddit Keep an eye out for the local wildlife, particularly the bright yellow banana slugs, which are a common and delightful sight for hikers, especially children. Reddit The trail's natural beauty and the unique experience of walking amongst such ancient trees make it a memorable stop for nature lovers. Instagram

For those seeking even more adventure, the trail connects to the Astoria Column. This offers an opportunity to extend your exploration and gain stunning aerial views of the surrounding landscape. Instagram+1 The combination of a forest hike and a historical landmark provides a well-rounded experience for visitors to Astoria. Reddit

Understanding Trail Conditions and Safety

The Cathedral Tree Trail's condition can change significantly depending on the weather. After or during rainfall, the trail becomes notably muddy and slippery, posing a challenge for hikers. TikTokReddit This is why wearing appropriate footwear with good tread is frequently emphasized by visitors. The uphill sections, combined with potentially slick surfaces, require careful footing. Reddit

Some reviewers mention that maintenance is sometimes ongoing, so it's important to stay on the designated path to ensure safety and preserve the trail. Reddit While the trail is generally well-marked, there can be moments where it splits, adding to the sense of exploration. InstagramReddit Visitors who have hiked in wetter months, like March, specifically note the muddy conditions. Reddit Planning your visit during drier periods or being prepared with waterproof and grippy footwear will greatly enhance your experience and safety on the trail. Reddit

You may also like