It had been 90 years.

In 2024, under the guidance of Dr. Paul Silka, a group of dedicated swimmers and volunteers decided it was time to bring back The Swim Across The Columbia - a classic event of the Astoria Regatta! 🌊Don't want to take the plunge into the Columbia River but still want to be part of the action? Stay tuned for more splash-free adventures where you can run, skip, or dance across the finish line without ever getting wet! So grab your friends, and join us for a swim full of fun and laughter!🏊‍♂️

Join us Saturday, July 19 at the Columbia River Maritime Museum to cheer on the finishers for the Astoria Regatta’s Swim Across the Columbia! Participants will be led by Dr. Paul Silka, CMH's Emergency Department medical director, as they swim around six miles from Washington to Oregon.

The Astoria Co-Op will provide complimentary pastries and fresh fruit for supporters to enjoy. Freshly roasted coffee from All Good Coffee Co. will also be available for purchase, with a portion of proceeds donated to the BuildCMH Expansion Project.

Thank you to our partners, the Astoria Regatta, Columbia River Maritime Museum, Clatsop County Sheriff's Office, the Coast Guard, ODFW, WDFW and many others who are helping to make this a safe event for everyone on the water.

Boaters, please be aware of swimmers and kayakers in the river from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Be on the lookout for support vessels accompanying the swimmers and local marine authorities.

We look forward to seeing you at the finish line!

Astoria Regatta : Swim Across the Columbia

On a rainy Sunday morning, fifteen swimmers braved the Columbia River, starting at Knappton Cove Heritage Center in Washington. This event marked the return of the “Swim Across the Columbia” after 90 years as part of a fundraiser for Columbia Memorial Hospital's expansion project. Despite foggy conditions, swimmers, accompanied by kayakers, took a 5-mile journey targeting the Columbia River Maritime Museum.

Grace Laman was the first woman to finish, while Matthew Knapik, an experienced open water swimmer, reached the Astoria side first among all participants. Safety was a priority, with jet ski operators and the South Pacific County Technical Rescue team assisting throughout. The event was one of several endurance challenges by hospital staff to raise funds for the expansion project.

Join CMH and our other partners

and community supporters as they celebrate

some of the most iconic Regatta events,

including their annual Swim Across the Columbia.

Our Regatta Festival is four days of fun,

maritime history, and community.