crown point state park

Travelling from our base in Portland we decided to travel US30 and explore the gorge on both sides of the river.First stop was Crown Point,a 700ft plus bluff that provided spectacular views(after the morning fog lifted) of the the gorge.We stopped at the Vista House before heading east to Multnomah Falls,a 620ft two tiered falls that offers great photo ops especially if you hike up to the bridge over the lower falls.Heading east we stopped at Oneonta Gorge before arriving at Cascade Locks and our journeyOver the Bridge of the Gods($1 cash toll) to Stevenson,WA.

A lovely spot to stop and drink in the surrounding area. Magnificent scenery and quiet. Nice visitors facility with drinking fountain, bathrooms and gift shop. Well worth the stop.

One of those "take your breath away" views. Overlooking the Columbia River from the basalt cliffs - views from Portland to the Bonneville Damn.Coin Operated Telescopes, espresso bar, gift shop, museum.

Crown Point can be considered the beginning or the end of the Columbia River Gorge, depending on whether you're heading east or west, respectively. Coming from Portland on the Historic Columbia River Highway, Crown Point and the iconic Vista House are the first things you'll see as you enter the gorge area. Crown Point provides fantastic views of the gorge to the east and the Columbia River as it heads towards Portland to the east. The octagonal Vista House, built in 1916, is a museum and gift shop as well as having a balcony on the second floor for more great views of the surrounding gorge. This spot is definitely worth a stop and get a good view of the beautiful area. We were heading through the gorge and stopped to see the waterfalls and finished up with a stop at Crown Point. We had been hiking around in the woods all day finding waterfalls, and Crown Point made a great last stop to see the "big picture" of the entire gorge after spending most of the day deep in the woods.

Unfortunately the museum was closed on Monday. However, the glass is gorgeous. This location is worth the stop for the exquisite views.

Hubby and I visited Crown Point and the Vista House while on a 2-week road trip through the Pacific Northwest. We drove east from Portland along the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge along Historic Route 30 - a truly GREAT drive that I highly recommend! We stopped at the Women's Forum State Scenic Viewpoint first - great views! - then continued east to Crown Point. I'm disabled, so I decided I'd stay in the car while hubby went into Vista House to see the interior. He came back to the car and said he'd found a ramp into Vista House, and that the volunteers had told him there was disabled access to the lower level (gift shop, etc.). We went into the upper rotunda, which is quite beautiful. When I approached the information desk and told one of the volunteers I'd heard there was disabled access to the lower level, she said "Oh, yes; just give me a moment" and started scooting people away from a specific area of the rotunda's marble floor. Next thing I knew that portion of the floor started rising, revealing an elevator compartment! Everyone in the rotunda, including myself and hubby, was WAY surprised! I was able to use that elevator to visit the lower lever; which includes the gift shop, a snack bar, and restrooms with ADA-compliant fixtures; then call the volunteer desk from a phone on the lower level to return us to the rotunda. VERY nice and greatly appreciated!

On scenic 30 from Troutdale, you first pass by the Women's Forum State Scenic Viewpoint. Pull over, it's just a pull over with parking and several viewing points, but the view looking away from the direction of Portland down the gorge is much better here than from Crown Point. However, the drawback is that you cannot see well back to Portland---it's mainly a one directional view but it is more spectacular here and with many fewer obstructions, noise, people, etc.

We were driving the Historic Columbia River Highway which is beautiful in it's self, and stopped to take in the view of the River Gorge from the Vista House at Crown Point State Park. The views are lovely, and the house is an added little attraction with an upper level for more viewing and there is a gift shop in the basement. The mail level has an information desk.

We were so happy that we decided to get off the big main road and drive on the smaller and more scenic route (E Historic Columbia River Highway) - which also took us to this viewpoint.

It was very hot and crowded, but the views are amazing. We had traveled the "wrong way" down Route 30, starting at Hood River, so did not need the travel info. We lingered near the info. desk but neither of the staff asked if they could help. That is the first time in ten days we found Oregonians to be less than helpful. Took a few pictures and left quickly.

This site is amazing and a must for those who love scenic views. It's windy because it is up on a cliff, but that's part of what makes it exciting. If you have a couple of quarters, you can pop them into the viewing binoculars they have stationed around the point. This allows you to see even more details of the magnificent gorge. Crown Point is the home of the Vista House, which is a small museum-like visitors center with a gift shop. Unfortunately, we showed up after hours and were unable to go in.

The building is impressive and there are murals on the lower level that describe it" construction, along with a gift shop and snack area. There is an balcony/walkway with a 360 view. Outside you can walk around the large space and take pictures up and down the Columbia. Get you maps and information regarding the waterfall over the next 7 miles. Go on a clear day if possible.

The road to the point is narrow and windy, so do be careful and go slow! It is almost always VERY windy , so be VERY careful when you get out of your car, you really do need to only open one door at a time(serious) However, that being said after all the cautions--go, its a beautiful view.

A lot of history, wonderful views of the Columbia River Gorge. A unique travel information located on a historic highway with a view you won't forget. The Center was just refurbished a year or so ago and is in itself an unforgetable visit.

Most of the best view of the Columbia River Gorge will be seen in this platform...Also, informational history materials about the gorge are available inside the Crown Point vista building...