Beneath the streets and sidewalks of Astoria lies a secret world few visitors ever see — a dimly lit labyrinth of tunnels, artifacts, and stories from Oregon’s oldest coastal city.
The Astoria Underground Tour takes guests below ground for an unforgettable journey into the city’s past, blending historical storytelling, local lore, and an unmistakably eerie atmosphere that lingers long after you return to the surface.
Long before tourists flocked here to snap photos at The Goonies filming locations, Astoria was a bustling port town with a complicated history.
When a devastating fire swept through downtown in 1922, 30 city blocks were reduced to rubble overnight. The resilient community rebuilt atop the ashes — literally — leaving behind a network of passageways that remained sealed off and largely forgotten for decades.
Today, those tunnels have been restored and reopened for guided tours, offering visitors a rare look at the hidden heart of Astoria.
Led by guides Chad Gallup and Jeff Daly, the tour escorts guests safely through a rehabilitated section of the tunnels beneath the old business district.
Along the way, you’ll hear stories of Astoria’s rebirth after the fire, the lives of the people who once lived and worked underground, and the mystery of the so-called Shanghai tunnels — rumored routes once used to smuggle goods and, according to local legend, even unwilling sailors.
Each step deeper into the tunnels reveals something new. The tour features restored rooms where people used to live, period artifacts, and vivid lighting effects that give the experience an atmospheric glow.
It’s not a ghost tour per se, but with the flicker of shadows and echo of your footsteps on the old brick floors, the place carries an undeniable sense of the past — one that some visitors describe as eerie. As one Reddit user described after posting a photo from the tour, “I was taking random pictures and not really taking it seriously when I caught this one. My sister-in-law freaked out when I showed her the photo at lunch right after the tour.”
The tour lasts about one hour and is flat, safe, and accessible for nearly all ability levels, though there are a few spots where you might have to duck your head. It’s an experience that captivates both history buffs and curious explorers — with enough intrigue to thrill younger adventurers, too.
The guides encourage questions, laughter, and open-minded curiosity, blending local humor with heartfelt reverence for Astoria’s enduring resilience.
While much of the original tunnel system remains sealed, Daly and his team have painstakingly recreated and stabilized a section of the underground network. They combine old records, photographs, and oral histories from longtime residents to reconstruct a world that would otherwise have been lost to time. What results is an immersive, sensory experience — part museum, part storytelling theater, and part archaeological adventure.
If you’ve already climbed the Astoria Column or strolled the waterfront, consider adding the underground to your itinerary. It’s a side of the city that few people ever get to see — a hidden chapter of Oregon history waiting quietly beneath your feet.
Hours & Contact Information
Tours: Every Saturday afternoon, with additional times available upon request.
Private Bookings: Groups of 6–10 people can arrange custom tours by calling ahead.
Phone: 415-713-4141
Location: Beneath downtown Astoria, Oregon (exact meeting spot provided upon booking).
When you emerge back into the daylight, you’ll never look at Astoria the same way again — because some treasures, as any Goonies fan knows, are found underground.
The regular underground tours are offered year-round. For more information, visit oldastoria.com/underground.php.
