vista house

We made a quick stop here on our Columbia River Highway road trip. Being a week day in winter, the building was not open. I got a few photos of the building and the surrounding views before continuing on with our journey. Because it wasn't open, I don't really know anything about the story of this place, but it was quite photogenic.

We stopped here before seeing the waterfalls. The balcony or observation deck was amazing! Stunning view! The middle floor has an information desk and beautiful structures. The basement has a little gift/coffee shop and historical items.

We were there during the winter season (February) and the view is amazing but like one of the other reviewers the winds were brutal. The building was closed as we visited on the weekday. I can imagine during the summer that this view is really something to see. This is a great start to your trip along the old highway road to Multnomah Falls.

Historical, cold, windy, nice drive, once is enough. If the weather had been better, I would have enjoyed this more. It was cold and windy (no rain) so it made it hard to enjoy it from outdoors. The gorge is just a beautiful place.

The Vista House is a beautiful example of magnificent architecture and a hospitable example of Samuel Lancaster's vision for a traveler/tourist friendly stop along the Columbia River Gorge. This is a beautiful building that rises 700 feet above the river and gives sweeping views of the gorge in both East and West directions for miles and miles. So why then did I only give this attraction 3 stars? Because the view is what it's all about. You go here (or we did) not so much for the beauty of the building; but, because of the location of the building which affords you dramatic views. The two things (the building and the view) compete for your admiration. It seems unrealistic to me that someone would build such a magnificent building just for travelers to stop at. I live in the Midwest. We call these Rest Stops. I couldn't reconcile myself with this. But, go anyway. I just couldn't rate it higher.

Came here on a rainy stormy day, which for us is unique. The views of the river and surrounding trees, mountains and hills was breathtaking. The storm came and went many times over the 90 min we spent soaking in the views. Seeing the clouds and rain roll in and out, sun pop though the parting clouds and the rainbows over the river was a wonderful experience and I will remember it always. Stood in the rain with an umbrella and just took in all the beauty. Coming from Palm Springs area, I have never seen so much water WATER every where......we could really use some down here! The Vista house itself was great. Wonderful architecture and historty. I would definitely recommend this spot for the historicity and the jaw dropping views. Great to see both young and old enjoy the beauty of God's green earth!

The title of this review by itself tells the basic story of this amazing building, but there is still a lot more to be said. This structure screams "WPA project!", but it actually is older than that, dating from 1918. This was part of the vision of Samuel Lancaster, Multnomah County assistant highway engineer, for a traveler- and tourist-friendly Columbia River Highway, and this magnificent structure on a promontory over 700 feet above the river continues to contribute to that. In addition to snapping a few pictures of its exterior, you should also take a look around the inside of the building and see what the world looks like from its balconies.

I visited the Vista House towards the end of Oct. The view was beautiful. We got lucky to have nice weather when we visited, the sky was bright blue with NO Oregon rain! It is a quick spot, you can park your car and walk around snapping photos of the beautiful views around, and even walk inside the Vista house for a even higher view and can stand on the roof of the house and look around. You wont spend ALOT of time at this little spot, but it is worth the stop and snapping a few photos and watching the nature around.

Located directly beside Old Columbia River Highway, Vista House affords amazing views from high above the Columbia River Gorge. Parking is abundant, so it is easy to make a quick stop, paruse the gift shop and historical information, and go upstairs for pictures.

Went to the Park Service Vista House in Oregon for a aerial view above Columbia River.What can I say - the Park Service just does it right! The Vista House observatory and rest stop is a great stop! It was started in 1916 and is 725 feet above the Columbia River. The views are great. You can see for miles and miles. Employees are there that can answer all your questions and you can get other ideas of things to see in the area.

Take time to stop in to the Vista House. Spend time taking in the views of the Columbia River and surrounding areas. Make sure to bring your camera to get some great photos.

The views from here are amazing! When we went it was so windy that we could barely stand. Hard to take pictures but beautiful to look at!

The Vista House is a comfort station along the Historic Columbia River Highway. There are great views of the river all around. The inside has been beautifully restored. There are restrooms, a gift shop and a small coffee bar on the lower level. There are rangers on the main level to tell you the history of the building and the area. They gave us a nice map showing where all of the waterfalls are along the highway.

Beautiful view of the Columbia River, the Vista House is an attraction on its own, great spot for taking pictures and seeing all of the river in one shot!

Vista House was built as a rest stop in 1918 on the old Columbia River Highway. The sitting is beautiful perched high above the Columbia River Gorge with magnificent views both up the river as well as down the river. The architecture of the building is most attractive built of cut sandstone with a green tile roof. The inside is beautiful built of marble, and a three story dome. The building is on the Nat Register of Historic Places. Of course there are restrooms and a gift shop inside. Well worth a visit.