A basalt promontory on the Columbia River Gorge, Crown Point is known historically as Thor’s Heights or Thor’s Crown. It is located approximately 24 kilometers east of Portland in eastern Multnomah County. The views can only be described as stunning at this comfort station that has been called everything from the “Crown Jewel” of Oregon Parks to the most expensive in Oregon history.
A postcard of Crown Point from circa 1930–1945. Photo Credit – Wikipedia
Crown Point, a scenic lookout, offers panoramic views of part of the Columbia River. During the lava flow between 14 and 17 million years ago, the Columbia River’s ancestral channel was filled with lava, which created a monument that stands 733 feet above the river.
A National Natural Landmark was designated at the Point in 1971. There is a steady climb uphill to reach this attraction along the scenic highway. It’s worth stopping for a latte and a visit to the little museum and gift shop to enjoy the beautiful view over the Columbia River valley.
This elevated sidewalk surrounds Vista House and column retaining walls built in 1914. As a part of the historic Columbia River Highway, the viaduct is listed both on the National Register of Historic Places and on the National Historic Landmark Registry.
A 225-degree circle is formed by the spiral viaduct of 560 feet, which is made of reinforced concrete. Within a 24-foot roadway cut into the rock formation, it has seven-foot-wide sidewalks, curbs, and a four-foot-high parapet wall.
The viaduct and the parapet walls that surround Vista House are stabilized by dry masonry retaining walls. There is something wonderful about the surroundings. Several people were very inconsiderate around Multnomah Falls and clogged up route 30 while waiting for a parking space to become available.
Crown Point, a scenic lookout, offers panoramic views of part of the Columbia River. Photo Credit – Wikipedia
Vista House
It is not until visitors come around the bend near Corbett at exit 22 that they realize the true impact the Columbia River Gorge has when they see the famous building perched on top of the cliff. The building in the background is the Vista House in Crown Point.
Vista House is not only a museum but also a memorial to Oregon pioneers and a comfort station for travelers along the historic Columbia River Highway. State, house, and gorge histories are all included.
There are no words to describe the views down the gorge. A natural setting such as this can leave some people standing for several minutes, admiring the cliffs, river, boats, weather, and wildlife.
The Vista House makes an excellent observatory for watching the weather roll down the gorge, as well as viewing boat traffic through the telescopes. With access just inside the house, the balcony gives an even greater view from the vista, weather permitting.
The building in the background is the Vista House in Crown Point. Photo Credit – Wikipedia
An elevated promontory on the Columbia River Gorge’s south side, the site is situated 223 meters above the Columbia River. Columbia River Highway National Historic Landmark includes Vista House as one of its major contributors.
After nearly two years of construction, Edgar M. Lazarus completed the octagonal stone building in 1918 in the Art Nouveau style. During the five-year restoration period that began in 2000, the building underwent significant changes.
A National Register-listed historic property, the Vista House can be found in the Corbett locality. Seeing the aurora borealis at Vista House is a popular activity. Views of Portland and Vancouver, Washington, can be enjoyed from the top of Vista House, which can be reached by stairs. The eastern side of the gorge is dominated by Beaver Rock.
On the Historic Columbia River Highway, visitors can stop at the building for a photo opportunity. After five years of restoration, the building reopened in 2005 after being refurbished and repainted. A new membrane and tiles were installed on the roof to completely rebuild it. In 2002, the exterior of the building was restored.
An architect renowned for his work in Oregon designed the Vista House. Samuel Lancaster, the consulting engineer for Columbia River Highway, came up with the idea for the observatory at the site, which features high-grade marble and brass fixtures. Friday through Monday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the VISTA House is open to the public.
