Historic ferry returns to Astoria as tourist attraction

ASTORIA, Ore. (KOIN/AP) — A ferry that once plied the Columbia River between Astoria and Washington state will soon be back in service as a tourist attraction.

The Daily Astorian reported Monday that the ferry was one of several that transported passengers and cars across the river before the Astoria Bridge opened in 1966.

The ferry, called Tourist No. 2, also laid mines at the river’s mouth during World War II.

A nonprofit called Astoria Ferry is buying the boat from its current owner, Christian Lint, and will offer rides and private parties.

Lint, of Bremerton, Washington, sailed the ferry to the Astoria docks Monday. He said that after he learned of the boat’s history, he felt “convinced that this is the place it should come back to.”

“People all around knew this boat before it left in ’66,” Dulcye Taylor with the Astoria Ferry Group said. “They’re just waiting for us to open the doors to let them back on.”

For information on booking a tour on the ferry, click here.