Launching a Balsa-Wood Glider when Visiting Astoria Column Oregon

The 125-foot Astoria Column Oregon is a waypoint along the Oregon coast, orienting visitors to the Columbia River navigation and providing scenic views of the surrounding area. Over time, it has become a tradition to launch a balsa wood glider from the top of the tower when visiting the northern Oregon coast. While launching your plane, you can enjoy the views of Young’s Bay, the Columbia River and the coastline from this scenic point in Astoria.

What Is the Astoria Column Oregon

The Astoria Column in Oregon is a tower set upon the 600-foot Coxcomb Hill that offers scenic views of the Columbia River and the surrounding countryside from a deck at the top. The idea for its construction was the branchild of the president of the Great Northern Railroad as a celebration of the exploration and settlement of the West. The murals on Astoria Column were designed to depict the history of Astoria and American exploration.

Built in 1926, artwork up and down the column displays life in Astoria from before the white men arrived, all the way to when the railroad made its Oregon connection. A few specific murals are the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and the discovery of the Columbia River.

Even if you don’t try your hand at launching a balsa wood glider from atop Astoria Column, it’s worth a trip when you’re in the area. The Astoria Column view is a sight to behold and well worth the uncomfortable climb up the Astoria Column stairs.

To learn more about the Astoria Column Oregon, visit our article on our trip to the town of Astoria.

What Is an Astoria Column Glider?

On a rare clear, sunny day in Astoria, one boy made the climb up the spiral staircase of Astoria Column in Oregon with a small balsa wood glider in his hand. At the top, he did something a little unusual, but would be the beginning of a standing tradition. After writing his initials on the small wooden airplane, the boy launched it and watched it disappear.

The very next day, the same little wooden airplane was found 6 whole miles away from Astoria Column. The coastal winds had carried the glider out and over the trees.

Today, thousands of people visit Astoria Column a year to see if they can beat that distance. Very few ever have, but that doesn’t stop visitors from trying.

Where to Get a Glider at Astoria Column Oregon

Upon driving through the gates of the Astoria Column property, you will see many gliders that fell short of their anticipated journeys. At times, the ground is littered with them.

Some visitors will gather these gliders and bring them up to the top of Astoria Column for another flight. However, after plummeting such a distance, most gliders have received some damage by the time they reach the ground.

If you are looking for a fresh glider, the small gift shop across the parking lot and in front of the column sells Astoria Column balsa wood gliders for a nominal fee. The employees of the gift shop are also able to give some pointers on how to get the best glider flight.

If you’re visiting Oregon and wondering if it’s really worth stopping at Astoria Column, consider this. The tower receives 300,000 visitors annually, and the gift shop can sell up to 600 balsa wood gliders on a clear day.

What It’s Like to Launch a Glider From the Top of Astoria Column

After climbing the 164 Astoria Column stairs, a treacherous spiral staircase with no railing, you step out onto a narrow platform. On breezy days, you can almost feel the column sway slightly in the wind. The sheer number of people at the top on a busy day can feel overwhelming, but once you start your glider flights, you quickly forget.

To launch your glider, step up to the edge and set your aim. We found it best to launch the glider straight out and with the direction of the wind. Sometimes this means you may have to move to the opposite side of the column to achieve the correct wind direction.

Another thing to consider to achieve a successful flight is tail position. We found the tail adjustment seemed to work better set right in the middle of the balsa wood glider.

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