A Sunday Drive Along the Historic Columbia Gorge Highway

Posted on: July 23, 2007

One of many fun activities in Metro Portland is enjoying a leisurely Sunday drive; we have them in every direction, and so many destinations are within an hour of Portland. It makes for a fun, sunny afternoon in the country. On a recent drive along the scenic Columbia Gorge, we headed up the hill into Corbett, then east on the Historic Columbia Gorge Highway to Crown Point and the historic Vista House; this point is the most iconic Columbia Gorge view, and one you have seen in many photographs. If you haven’t visited this area, I highly recommend it as a “must see”. We were also delighted to find View Point Inn reopened; it is the last remaining inn of the 21 that made area a luxury resort in the 1920’s. The inn was built by renowned Oregon architect, Carl Linde; and, when it was opened in 1925, it received notable guests like Franklin D. Roosevelt, Charlie Chapman, and the Baroness Ellen of Sweden to name a few; the Inn is rich with history.

Photo Courtesy of Dennis Stilwell, borrowed from the Friends of Vista House website.

The Vista House at Crown Point recently received a $3.2 million dollar “facelift” thanks to the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, Oregon State Parks Trust, and the Friends of Vista House. The renovation updates the visitor center with a lift to the lower-level interpretive center, making it accessible to everyone. Vista House was built in 1916-1918 as a memorial to Oregon pioneers and as a comfort station for those traveling on the Historic Columbia Gorge Highway. The octagonal stone structure towers 733 feet above the Columbia River, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and in the National Geographic Society’s 2001 “Save America’s Treasures” book. From the stone steps you can see from Portland to Hood River along the mighty Columbia River. Sunsets from this viewpoint are awe-inspiring, and you’ll remember it the rest of your life.

Photo Courtesy of David A. Barss of Vals Photographic, and borrowed from the View Point Inn website.

Five minutes from the Vista House we decided to stop by the View Point Inn for a bite to eat. It was a graceful step back in time including a formal dining room with huge Rumford-designed fireplace and French doors which open west onto the Sunset Veranda; the vista views of the Columbia Gorge are absolutely breathtaking from here. The fountain garden invites all to stroll and take in the view. We had dessert on the patio, and watched the changing scene as the sun went down. Ambience abounded!

The Inn itself not only has an excellent menu but serves as a bed and breakfast. Tucked upstairs are several lodging suites and rooms. We were able to take a peek in a couple empty rooms, and much time has been spent on details so that one’s stay will be memorable. Plan to spend the day sightseeing in the area or hiking up on Larch Mountain (or take one of many trails just off the Historic Columbia Gorge Highway that follow streams and waterfalls), and then spend the night at the View Point Inn.

They also cater small weddings and other special events; and, during the Christmas season, it provides special holiday events. Click here for contact information to discover the hours of operation and make reservations for the bed and breakfast; the link also includes directions to this delightful destination.

Be sure to experience these special places; I know I am going back.

Written by Judy Brooks, Broker for portlandrealestate.com.