Columbia River Mouth

The town of Astoria near the mouth of the Columbia River has fascinated me long before it became the trendy place it is today. The river is over four miles wide at this point, a bridge linking Oregon to Washington state starts right in town. The town has a history of Finnish immigrants, who came to work in the logging and fishing industry. Being a Finn, I treasure the Cardamon Rolls still found at the Home Bakery, or the Finnish sauna at the Cannery Pier Hotel. 
The river is always full of action, from huge cargo ships coming and going, the pilot boat ferrying river pilots and bar pilots to and from the ships, fishing vessels, US Coast Guard boats and private boats. There are sea lions ( a noisy nuisance!), seals and sea birds. Nice bike path follows the river front. Many of the eateries are located in such a way that this can all be taken in while enjoying a meal or a brew. 
Near the very mouth of the river, close to the South Jetty, are some sandy beaches, some on the ocean side as well. They are never crowded, at least not yet... The extra is taken at the river beach out there.