Vista House At Crown Point

A beautiful spot to stop and see the incredible views, get a history lesson… and use the classy marble restrooms! This has been a place I’ve wanted to stop at for a long time, and I really enjoyed it. It’s not really my husbands idea of a super-​fun stop but he and our little one actually liked walking around and seeing the views and the cool historic building. There’s a small gift shop downstairs where they sell coffee drinks, and there’s also a walk through museum.

Located near Latourell Falls and somewhat near Multnomah Falls, this is one of those look out points that you drive by and say «Hey, this looks pretty cool», so you pull over and check it out.
It’s a great view of the river, however, once you snap a photo, it just doesn’t look as nice anymore. But hey, maybe we should stop living behind our phones and cameras for once.
I believe this is a historic site because Lewis & Clark stopped here. Parking is free and entry into the house is also free.

Vista House is one of the first (if not the first) stop most will make when traveling along the Historic Columbia River Highway (US 30). The Historic Columbia River Highway is a scenic, twisty road, so be sure you aren’t on a rushed schedule like we are… and make sure you haven’t rented a Prius like we did. Boy did I wish I had my Toyota 86/​Scion FR-​S/​Subaru BR-​Z!
Anyhow, Vista House is right along the road and pretty hard to miss. The parking area is right along the road, with ample parking most of the time. The near 100 year-​old structure is quite a site, but even better is the view from the upper observation deck. There’s also a basement level, which is where some exhibits, a gift shop, and the restrooms reside.
Admission is free, though donations are accepted. Be sure to check the hours before you set out as they vary by season.

Stop number one on your way to the scenic waterfalls along the Historic Columbia River Highway should be the landmark Vista House at Crown Point. The views of Washington, Oregon, and the Columbia River from the Western entrance to the Columbia River Gorge are breathtaking … and free.
During the Winter, Vista House is only open Fri, Sat, & Sun. 10:00 a.m. — 4:00 p.m. Seven days a week service (9:00 — 4:00) begins in the Spring (March 14 in 2016) and continues through the summer with extended hours til 6:00 p.m. All of the hours are «weather permitting.» Too confusing? Just check the website.
* Admission is free; Donations accepted
* Vista House sits 733 feet above the Columbia River
* Crown Point is also known as Thor’s Heights
* Lewis & Clark camped below Crown Point at Rooster Rock
* Vista House was dedicated May 5, 1918
* The site became a Oregon State Park park in 1938.
* The building was restored in the earlier 2000s
* And rededicated on May 5, 2006
* Over 1 million visitors come to Vista House each year
* Vista House is 24 miles from Portland
* And 8 miles from Multnomah Falls
* Within 10 miles on Historic Columbia River Highway are 7 waterfalls
* The octagonal building is Art Nouveau Gothic-​Jugendstil
* A gift shop and museum are downstairs; so are the restrooms
* Named Crown Point Natural Landmark in 1971
* Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974
* Declared a National Historic Landmark in 2000
On November 14, 1915, The Oregonian newspaper wrote, «Vista House is intended to be the finishing achievement for the greatest highway in America and will grace the highest spot on that wonderway.» This statement is still true over 100 years later.

It’s as beautiful as they say, people. It’s such a quick view worth seeing, and not a far drive from Portland at all. You just park, see one of the most beautiful views Portland has to offer, and snap some photos that you’ll treasure forever. Pray you get a sunny day where you can see further out. And try to bring a nice camera — those photos will likely treat you better than my iphone, but hey, it’s a view you definitely want to savor.

Friendly staff. A beautiful building. Wonderful views. Very clean restrooms. It’s everything you could ask for when spending the day looking at waterfalls!

«The view is just stunning and breathtaking «
The Vista House was Completed in 1918. It costed $ 100,000 to build this beautiful multi level building with old marble floors, a gift shop and visitor center. A beautifully restored historical site, which is maintained by the Oregon Parks & Recreation Department and the «Friends of Vista House». While visiting the Columbia Gorge national scenic area, we heard about the Vista House which was nearby down the road, The Vista House features Free Admission and Parking. This memorial gives you information about the site, and how the Oregon trail passed through here on the way to Willamette Valley. They have a couple of exhibits on display, It was nice to get timely Information from several credible Guides at the Vista House, about the history of the building. It was restored many decades ago and stands as a fixture to the history of the expansion of the western United States, specifically the Pacific Northwest. There are restrooms in this facility as well as a small café. A must see if you are traveling in Oregon and you want to see some great views of the Columbia River Gorge, and the State of Washington just across the river.

While visiting the Columbia Gorge national scenic area, we were directed to the Vista House nearby, which can be seen in the distance from the Women’s forum.
Contrary to what I was told and compared to information from Wikipedia, the vista house is owned by the Oregon Department of Transportation and is a public monument /​memorial to the Oregonian pioneers who’ve traveled here via the Oregon Trail back in the 1850’s. It is also recognized as a national historic place and a tourist trap for sure on your way east out of Portland and its vicinity. It’s quite a modern marvel, although due to its size, it almost looks like a one room church, with a basement that is home to the gift shop. Completed in 1918, it costed $ 100,000 to build and had been labeled previously as a glorified restroom. The overall experience here at the Vista House was brief, but well worth the visit. You’d be happy you did.
The Vista House can be found down the road from the Columbia Gorge national scenic area — Women’s Forum. You really cant miss it, unless you were trying to. On this recent visit on a very blustery Saturday in October 2015, it was decidedly quite interesting once we had gotten out of the rental car. I knew it was at elevation, but the winds were blowing fiercely. The best part of this short stop to the Vista House was that it was Free Admission. Yes! Free Admission! Can’t beat that! Inside you’d find that this memorial gives you information about the site and how the Oregon trail passed through here on the way to Willamette Valley. On this particular day, my friend and I actually met a person who knew a mutual friend of ours, who happened to work/​volunteer at Vista House. Thought that was pretty neat.
We took about 15 minutes to browse inside Vista House before taking our leave. They have a couple of exhibits on display and felt free to ask questions while I was there re: the relationship between the Oregon trail pioneers and the Vista House monument. It was nice to get timely Information from a credible source rather than pulling it off of Google. The architecture of the stricter was quite immaculate inside and out. It was restored many decades ago and stands as a fixture to history of the expansion of the western United States, specifically the Pacific Northwest. There are restrooms in this facility as well as a small café. It wasn’t worth it, in terms of food. The free parking was excellent and there was plenty of parking, depending on the time of day you go.
I’d definitely recommend it, if you had the time. A compliment to your visit to the Columbia Gorge national scenic area, along with the several spectacular waterfall vistas nearby as well. Come for the beauty. You’d be glad you did.
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this unique little building built started out as a reat stop in 1916 on Crown Point, it was our first stop along the Columbia River Gorge.
Vista House is the most amazing rest stop and view I’ve ever seen to.

A beautifully restored historical site, it is maintained by the Oregon Parks & Rec Dept.
The actual building was closed due to high wind the day we were there and boy was it windy! which sucked because I wanted to go up on the upper deck and through the window the plase looked very cool.
The view is spectacular from all sides,
You just need like fifteen minutes to enjoy all this place has to offer especially in the high winds.
On to the waterfalls.

Vista House is one of those places you probably don’t hear about as often as Multnomah (except now that Westways did a feature you probably have), and it’s easy to hit during a larger drive of the Historic Columbia River Gorge Highway. The structure itself is absolutely beautiful, and the views of the river are spectacular. Parking is crowded, but patience does pay off as folks are constantly rotating through. There is a small and charming gift shop on the lower level, and bathrooms, too. Worthwhile stop.

Part 7 of my Oregon adventures.
«Upon completion of the Columbia River Highway (1916), motor travelers identified the need for a „comfort station.“ Design engineer, Samuel Lancaster, envisioned Crown Point as the ideal site for „an observatory from which the view both up and down the Columbia could be viewed in silent communion with the infinite.“ Vista House also serves as a tribute to Oregon’s pioneers.» –http://​vis​ta​house​.com/​faqs/
Vista House is the most amazing rest stop I’ve ever been to. A beautifully restored historical site, it is maintained by the Oregon Parks & Rec Dept, and «Friends of Vista House», an non profit org who staffs the Vista House and makes things like having a concierge, coffee shop, and museum shop possible.
The views here are breathtaking. The nearby Columbia River and gorge valley are spectacular to see. As a «gateway» to the waterfalls of the area, it really helps to set the mood for all the natural beauty you are about to take in as you travel down the State Scenic Corridor.

The Vista House is a beautiful multi level building with really nice old marble floors and a gift shop and visitor center. Definitely worth the stop if the weather is nice, we stopped in September and it was beautiful. Vista House will close down if there is inclement weather as fierce winds up to 130 mph may pass through the Gorge in the stormy winter.
Park for free and take in some great views of the Columbia River Gorge, and the State of Washington just across the river. Still not as breathtaking a view as the Scenic lookout but still fantastic. If you are traveling on the Columbia River Highway it is worth a stop.
The volunteers are very helpful and informative. I saw a nice poster display (see my photo although it did not come out that great) and learned the names of different types of waterfalls based on how the water flows downward. I had fun identifying the different types of falls while we visited some of the falls and I am glad we made this stop prior to visiting the falls (we came in from Portland side).

Came here after hiking Oneonta Falls, Horsetail Falls and seeing Multnomah Falls. Definitely need to stop here if its your first time in Portland. The view is just stunning and breathtaking. Photos aren’t good enough. You need to experience this in person. It is just an incredible river and mount view/​scenery.
Parking can be a bit difficult but stay patient since people don’t stay long at this spot. There is a gift shop at the bottom so you can scoop up some memories but the best memory are the photos and experience.

Come here, rain or shine! This incredible view of the river and the gorge can only be experienced in person. The pictures you will take cannot match the majestic views you can enjoy here.
This is one of my favorite places to visit, the serenity and majesty of the place permeate my being and bring peace and a stillness within that leaves me without adequate language to describe it. Sorry! Just try it for yourself, and take a few minutes to walk around the entire balcony.
Vista House fits the definition of its name perfectly.

First stop in my most recent Portland trip was the Vista House! There is definitely a breathtaking view here. We brought some Blue Star Donuts to enjoy the view.
The Vista House is not really house. more of a tower that you can go up to and see the gorge. The gorge is GORGEous. Sigh. I know, I wish I could be more original with my jokes, but it truly is GORGEous. The drive here is also beautiful!
If you are in the area, you should definitely stop by here and experience the blissful view.

I’m funny about tall places. I refuse to pay money to stand on eat on top of a building. But if it’s out in nature, I’ll overcome most any obstacle to stand atop a particularly awesome vantage point. Fortunately, the powers-​that-​be at Vista House aren’t trying to overcharge you for subpar food. Nope, you can just drive up the mountain and check out an absolutely spectacular view of the Columbia River Gorge. On a particularly clear day, you can see for miles and miles and miles, and you’ll question why anyone would ever live someplace other than the Pacific Northwest.
The Vista That being said, I don’t think that Vista House is an attraction to visit on its own. It’s a good 20 minute diversion on the way to or from the wealth of hikes or outdoor activities the gorge has to offer, but I don’t think I’d be satisfied if this were the main attraction. Keep it on your list and definitely visit. Just don’t make it a special trip.

I really enjoyed the Vista House. Weather was great the day I came and the view of the gorge was breathtaking. We were lucky to find the house open and our walk through the historical exhibits was charming. The marble, the winding staircase, the stained glass windows… were all lovely. I’m looking forward to my next visit!

If you’re driving to Multnomah Falls, this is a great stopping point to overlook the Columbia River Gorge and mountains. No charge to go there and there are bathrooms onsite. There is plenty of space to park and they accept donations as well.

Do you know that phrase about something being so beautiful that it literally «knocks you off your feet»?
That really happens. At least it does here, at Crown Point, when the winter winds are so intense that even the Vista House closes to the public.
How windy was it? My car was trembling in the wind while it was parked. I had to wait for the wind gusts to subside before I could even close my drivers side door. And yes, I was slightly nudged off my feet as I left the temporary shelter of the bunker-​like Vista House and tried to stumble back to the car.
That’s the Columbia Gorge for you at this utterly exposed vantage point. It’s a chance to experience nature in comfort — sort of. You can duck behind the stone wall, you can hide behind the Vista House, but eventually, the wind will get ya.
Which is why there were at least a dozen brave and slightly foolish souls out on a recent December Sunday here — to feel the power of moving air from atop this epic perch.
At sunset, with the winds gusting into what must have been the 75 mph range, it felt utterly exhilarating. That’s part of why one comes here, I imagine: to feel nature’s power and then retreat to the comforts of one’s car. This section of historic highway, above the interstate traffic, is as nice a road trip destination as one is likely to find. 10 – 15 minutes is all it takes: park, picture-​take, point out in wonder at the Columbia, then move on.
Even if the Vista House itself is closed. Who cares anyway? The winds sure don’t!
Road trips are about the unusual, the out-​of-​the-​way, and the epic. Crown Point is a little of all three wrapped into a tidy and neat windswept package.

My opening statement is «This place is so Beautiful! Although I did find everything about OR beautiful, this was an amazing place to be.
The view was truly breathtaking, The building was magnificent. You can see the wonder of the Columbia River. Lots of greenery, which always excites me because, I live in Phx, AZ where it never rains and it is as hot as Ha-​tties.
The smell of clean air is also a wonderful thing.
The ladies was nice and clean, Italian marble all over the place indoors.
Yes they had a coffee shop and a gift shop.
This place is just another reason to love OREGON.