Vista House at Crown Point — Attraction in Washougal

This has been on my list of places to see for a few years. I finally got around to it yesterday. There are plenty of distant views. There is a gift shop, as well as displays of clothing typical of the early 1900's...when it was built, stones and rocks found regionally, and photographic comparisons of 1917 to 1997. It's interesting to see what buildings existed when. Many local buildings burnt down and had to be rebuilt. All of this is touched on, along with photographs. There is also some history on the building, purpose and related controversy of the Vista House.

I snagged some carved, metal, feather magnets, outlining a flying bird. They are being used as holdbacks for my kitchen window curtains. They work beautifully. I also purchased a pendant with a raven and the three moon phases from the half off box. Unfortunately, the chain busted when I removed the price tag (sticky wrapped on chain). I will need to replace the chain because of that. I wish they used a different method to tag the necklaces.

Parking is a pain as there is not near enough. Tour vans were also bringing people to the site, so it was very crowded. It's worth the visit, but be prepared for unaware people blocking walk paths and sometimes being rude about blocking areas.

There is a coffee shop and fully plumbed washrooms.

They are only open Friday through Monday to tour inside and get to the top level. There is no fee as of the time...

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Vista House at Crown Point, and I must say, it was an experience to remember. As soon as I arrived at the top of the hill, I was immediately struck by the stunning views of the Columbia River Gorge and the surrounding forests.

The Vista House itself is a marvel of architecture, with its iconic octagonal shape and classic design. As I stepped inside, I was taken aback by the intricate details of the interior, from the ornate stained glass windows to the intricate woodwork and stonework.

But the real highlight of the Vista House is undoubtedly the views. The large windows offer sweeping panoramic vistas of the gorge and the distant mountains, and I found myself transfixed by the stunning natural beauty on display.

As I explored the various levels of the Vista House, I learned more about the history of the area and the role that the building has played in preserving and celebrating the natural wonders of the Columbia River Gorge. It was truly a fascinating experience, and one that I would highly recommend to anyone who loves nature, architecture, or simply breathtaking views.

Overall, I was thoroughly impressed with Vista House at Crown Point. The combination of stunning natural beauty and magnificent architecture make it a must-see destination for anyone visiting the Columbia...

The first stop for our drive along the Columbia River Gorge Highway was Vista House. We saw it and had no idea what it was, but the walkway had great ‘vista’ points of the river. I don’t know if it is ever rented out for events but it seems like a great venue for small weddings or photo shoots. Vista House is a museum at Crown Point that also serves as a memorial to Oregon pioneers and as a comfort station for travelers on the Historic Columbia River Highway. The site, situated on a rocky promontory, is 733 feet above the Columbia River, on the south side of the Columbia River Gorge. The gray sandstone building is hexagonal, the rotunda is 55-feet high, and it was designed in the Art Nouveau style. It was completed in 1918. The interior is marble, even the restrooms. The windows are a pale opalescent glass, which looks like stained glass. Vista House is owned by the Oregon Department of Transportation. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. It was an overcast morning, but the idea of long vista views was clear. In one of the photos, we stood on an overlook where the name 'Rooster Rock' is embedded in the pavement. Rooster Rock itself is visible in the far distance in the State park of...