A great thing about Pacific Northwest destinations is that no matter how many times you visit them, you can always experience something new.
That holds true for Astoria, an easy two-hour drive from Portland on Hwy. 30 along the Columbia River.
So for the umpteenth time I set out for this historic port city. Once I arrived, I had the urge to see a sweeping view, which led me to the Astoria Column. From the top of Coxcomb Hill, I admired the iconic panorama where the Columbia River meets the Pacific.
A toll booth employee was on break, and we struck up a conversation. She proceeded to clue me into to a short hike right off the parking lot that leads to the Cathedral Tree.
This charming woodsy hike descends into shady greenery and leads to a hollowed-out tree that does indeed resemble a hobbit-like cathedral.
And just a few feet away is a weathered wooden bench – a kind of pew I guess – where one can sit quietly near the Cathedral Tree and soak up the restorative energy of the forest.
