Clamber up the Column’s 164 steps to the top of the world, Astoria style. Other than it providing the best vantage point for taking in all the Victorian houses dotting the surrounding hillsides, and for enjoying the junction of the Columbia River flowing into the Pacific, the column itself is a graphic depiction of Oregonian and American Indian history. But the kids are going to love the .75 cent, 4″ balsam wood planes (sold at the adjacent gift shop) that they’re allowed to launch from the top of the tower. An imbedded metal tip on the nose of the miniature plane allows for stellar gliding action. Grown kids love it, too.