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Youngs Bay facts for kids

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Remains of T J Potter on northeast shore of Youngs Bay, Astoria, OR, 2012
View of the "new" Youngs Bay Bridge from the remains of the sidewheeler T. J. Potter on the northeast shore of Youngs Bay.

Youngs Bay, also known as Youngs River Bay, is a beautiful body of water located in the northwest part of the U.S. state of Oregon. It's where the Youngs River flows into the mighty Columbia River. You can find Youngs Bay nestled between the cities of Astoria and Warrenton.

How Youngs Bay Got Its Name

Youngs Bay and the Youngs River are named after a very important person. The river was first discovered in 1792 by William Robert Broughton. He was part of the Vancouver Expedition, a famous journey of exploration. Broughton decided to name the river after Admiral Sir George Young, a respected officer in the Royal Navy.

Bridges Crossing the Bay

Youngs Bay is crossed by two main road bridges that help people travel around the area.

The New Youngs Bay Bridge

The busiest bridge is the new Youngs Bay Bridge. It's a special type of bridge called a vertical-lift bridge, which means a section can lift up to let tall boats pass underneath. This bridge was finished in 1964. It stretches about 1.75 miles (2.8 km) across the bay. The new bridge has two lanes and is part of U.S. Route 101, a major highway that runs north to south.

The Old Youngs Bay Bridge

About two miles (3.2 km) east of the new bridge, you'll find the Old Youngs Bay Bridge. This bridge is much older, having been completed in 1921.

The Historic Railroad Trestle

For many years, from 1895 to 1986, a long railroad trestle also crossed Youngs Bay. This wooden structure was about 1.6 miles (2.6 km) long. It was built in 1896 for the Astoria and Columbia River Railway Company. Over time, it was owned by other railway companies, including the Spokane, Portland, and Seattle Railway and later the Burlington Northern Railroad. The railroad bridge even had a swing-type draw span that could pivot open for boats. The new Youngs Bay Bridge actually passed over the top of this railroad bridge near the north river bank. The last train used the railroad bridge in 1982, and it was taken down in 1986.

Fishing and Tides in Youngs Bay

Youngs Bay is a very important place for fishing. Many people come here to catch fish like sturgeon and salmon when it's the right season. A lot of the local fishing community, especially those who use gillnets, keep their boats and fish in Youngs Bay.

The water level in the bay changes a lot throughout the day. This is because of the strong tides. Youngs Bay connects to the Columbia River, which then flows into the vast Pacific Ocean about 10 miles (16 km) to the west. These ocean tides cause the water in Youngs Bay to rise and fall significantly.

USACE Astoria-Megler Bridge
Youngs Bay, seen in the distant left, past Astoria, Oregon; where it meets the Columbia River.
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