Hike-in Required
No
ADA accessible
Yes
Guided tours
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

The Crown Point Vista House was built in 1916 in conjunction with the Historic Columbia River Highway (so named after Interstate 84 became the predominant means of travel). The highway is still the only route to Crown Point, which sits 733 feet above the Columbia River. Columbia Vista House was built as a stop for travelers along the highway in need of a rest and a fantastic view of the Columbia River Gorge. The building is an octagonal shape with a copper dome, and it now houses a museum, gift shop and interpretive display of historic and geologic points of interest in the Gorge. The architect of the Vista House was Edgar Lazarus, whose famous sister, Emma Lazarus, wrote the poem on the Statue of Liberty.  In 1974 Vista House was added to the National Register of Historic Places

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Historically significant. Close to Portland. Great view. Great drive.

Cons

Weekend crowds. Exposed to the elements.

Pets allowed

Allowed

Features

Big vistas
ADA accessible

Location

Comments

03/19/2017
Breath taking view of the Gorge.

NOTE: as of 03.20.2017, "Debris flow has closed the Historic Columbia River Highway between Multnomah Falls and Bridal Veil Falls in the Columbia River Gorge." http://katu.com/news/local/historic-columbia-river-highway-now-closed-from-bridal-veil-to-multnomah-falls

Travelers headed East into the gorge that are wishing to make this detour will have to double back after leaving Vista House, taking I-84W to turn around at the exit for NE Corbett Hill Rd (scenic highway starting point).
07/30/2016
Vista House is a great place to go for sunset and can be a nice spot for night photography as well.
10/22/2016
Great colors right now for shots of Vista House
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