Local Guides World
Octagonal rest stop & observation point overlooking river & mountains, built in the early 1900s.
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Reviews — 8
The Visitor Center was closed (they’re open Fri-Mon), but the view of the Columbia River Gorge is breathtaking and definitely worth the trip up! Peaceful, beautiful, and puts the size of the Columbia River into perspective.
One of the best viewpoints. It's definitely windy and cold so dress for the occasion but you won't get a view quite like this anywhere else. It's best to go early in the morning, and when it's not so cloudy. But when the fog comes in you'll feel like you're in twilight.
One of my favorite places to go!
One of my favorite places to go!
It is a very beautiful, gorgeous vista house overlooking outstanding views like the Columbia River Gorge. I went on an extremely windy day so the building was closed. Other than that, everything was amazing
Beautiful building with nice bathrooms and sweet gift shop and coffee shop downstairs. But the view is the reason to go! Recommend sunrise or sunset for visit. Check the weather b4 you go, as it can get scarey-windy.
I love stopping here on travels up the gorge. This building is so impressive, with amazing history and design. Wonderful views! There is a gift shop and coffee shop in the basement, as well as restrooms. They even have a penny swisher machine, my favorite souvenirs!
Being a historic building, there are stairs to access, I believe, every aspect of the building. They are not difficult, but a little narrow. Even if you are unable to utilize the stairs, there are still wonderful views to be seen of the building exterior and of the gorge itself from vantage points around the building.
Being a historic building, there are stairs to access, I believe, every aspect of the building. They are not difficult, but a little narrow. Even if you are unable to utilize the stairs, there are still wonderful views to be seen of the building exterior and of the gorge itself from vantage points around the building.
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 of my visit.
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 of my visit.
This was incredible to see. The views are just spectacular, and I was absolutely in awe standing here taking everything in. I recommend going up top and checking everything out as well as going downstairs and seeing the historic info. The gift shop has some amazing finds in it, and I found some great gifts for my family to bring back East with me.
