I live in the Portland Oregon area. I traveled up to Astoria to take a look around and visit some sites. FYI a famous movie "The Goonies" was filmed there. The column is one of the best things to do in Astoria. The climb to the top is worth it for the view. I didn't get any pictures of the stairs heading to the top of the column.
Door leading to the top of the column.
View from the top.