Vista House
Vista House
4.5
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
It's an odd structure, a stone octagon in "German art nouveau" style.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view










Top ways to experience Vista House
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
1 within 3 miles
Attractions
26 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- kgilbert78Columbus, Ohio2,698 contributionsWorth a StopThis is one of the first stops on the western end of the Columbia River Gorge. It was built as such slightly over 100 years ago as a rest area. The view is amazing--but so is the building. It's Art Deco and really cool. There's an small coffee shop and small gift shop along with a small museum. There is a bit of climbing stairs required to see everythingVisited May 2022Traveled as a coupleWritten April 10, 2023
- IrishRoverPittsburgh, Pennsylvania2,961 contributionsWorth the stopRoad side stop with a view to sue for. We worth the stop on scenic route 30. If you are head to see the Multinoma Falls it is worth making this a stop as well. Great vast views and a a perfect place to get viewsVisited July 2023Traveled with friendsWritten July 15, 2023
- minimize940314Los Angeles, California3,527 contributionsOverlookI visited this place on my way back to Portland, as the final stop of my trip to River Gorge. Unlike my expectation, the weather was foggy when I got here. However, the glimpse of overlook was fantastic. Ample parking spaces.Visited February 2023Written August 28, 2023
- Michael W17 contributionsA great piece of US architectural and transport historyA very interesting piece of architecture and history - the drive along the historic highway 30 is beautiful so go slow and savour each curve and vista point. Be sure to understand the history of Vista House before visiting and note the incredible details of the structure including the roof, rails and stairways. Building such a structure there in 1930 would have taken much planning and engineering. In particular note the gentle curve of the guardrails - the builders were very pleased with those. The interior has limited opening hours so check the website.Visited September 2023Traveled soloWritten October 2, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
678 reviews
Excellent
415
Very good
229
Average
33
Poor
0
Terrible
1
Jerri L
Johnston, IA2,146 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
This historical location was where we chose to start our Columbia River Gorge drive. The views all around go for Miles and miles. We arrived around 10:05 AM and the building was open and staffed with rangers eager to answer questions. (I believe it opened at 10AM the day we visited). Check hours as the site said closed for covid but it was open (maybe the first day open again when we visited?) also closes for high winds. The interior was very cool - the shape of the building, the dome and the windows… beautiful and fun to walk through and downstairs to the museum or up to the second floor for overlook views. Lots of history and information on the area and time when it was built.
Written July 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael W
17 contributions
Sep 2023 • Solo
A very interesting piece of architecture and history - the drive along the historic highway 30 is beautiful so go slow and savour each curve and vista point. Be sure to understand the history of Vista House before visiting and note the incredible details of the structure including the roof, rails and stairways. Building such a structure there in 1930 would have taken much planning and engineering. In particular note the gentle curve of the guardrails - the builders were very pleased with those. The interior has limited opening hours so check the website.
Written October 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
California_momofsix
Fairfield1,085 contributions
Aug 2020
During our visit the inside of Vista House was closed due to covid, but we still considered a stop worthwhile. The parking lot was open and from the parking lot visitors have the most beautiful view of the Columbia river valley. Perfect place for pictures. The 'vista' that gave the structure its name is remarkable. Don't miss it.
Written October 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David G
Santa Clarita, CA548 contributions
May 2021
We were visiting the Columbia River Gorge, camping in Troutdale. We came here first by car while on a long drive thru the gorge. The house was closed due to Covid but it sure looked interesting! The views from this vantage point are fantastic! So good in fact, I went for a bicycle ride from Troutdale again and rode to Vista House just to see it again. Lots of cyclists do that ride along the historic highway.
Written May 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amy D
Washington81 contributions
Jul 2021 • Friends
Use Sasquatch Shuttle’s parking lot and hop-on/hop-off service so you can relax and don’t have to fight for parking. This is one of their stops! I wouldn’t have known it existed if not for the shuttle. And I’m so glad we took advantage of the stop.
The views on a sunny day are spectacular and the historical building is pretty amazing!
The views on a sunny day are spectacular and the historical building is pretty amazing!
Written July 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kgilbert78
Columbus, OH2,698 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
This is one of the first stops on the western end of the Columbia River Gorge. It was built as such slightly over 100 years ago as a rest area. The view is amazing--but so is the building. It's Art Deco and really cool. There's an small coffee shop and small gift shop along with a small museum. There is a bit of climbing stairs required to see everything
Written April 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PandaHouston
Houston, TX6,233 contributions
Sep 2020
Normally when you go to Vista House, you can get really good views of the Columbia River Gorge. However, the day we went, Saturday 9/12, the area was covered in haze and smoke due to the wildfires.
There is also no entry into the building because of COVID. It was really quiet when we went, just a few other people.
There is also no entry into the building because of COVID. It was really quiet when we went, just a few other people.
Written September 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
minimize940314
Los Angeles, CA3,527 contributions
Feb 2023
I visited this place on my way back to Portland, as the final stop of my trip to River Gorge. Unlike my expectation, the weather was foggy when I got here. However, the glimpse of overlook was fantastic. Ample parking spaces.
Written August 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dog-Friendly Travels
Vancouver, WA172 contributions
Aug 2021 • Solo
This was a great place to stop and see a birds eye view of the river and the gorge! It was very pretty and the drive was nice as well. A few good stops on the way up to the point too. Nice lavender farms and fruit stands.
Written August 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rather_Nomadic
Panama City, FL1,912 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
Great view overlooking the Columbia River valley with Oregon on one side and Washington on the other. Cool old building with viewing areas on the roof. It’s a good stop for bathrooms and snacks or coffee as you take the scenic route along the river, above I-84. No fee for entry or parking. Quick stop.
Written July 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paradise438951
Clearwater, FL5 contributions
Would the route between Vista House and Corbett (where trolley begins and ends) be walkable? Is there room for walkers or would it be treacherous?
reza v
Austin, TX1 contribution
Is there any admission fee or parking fee?
travelwriter52
Clinton, SC3,361 contributions
no charge to get in or park, however it is a popular destination and there is limited parking.
msarangam
Hyderabad, India29 contributions
Hi David,
It looks amazing. Planing to go over there, is road safe enough to drive to this point. TO travel to this location requires Chains ?
travelwriter52
Clinton, SC3,361 contributions
google Oregon Trip Check to see if it shows the condition of the roads. It is better to come from the west to see it as the roads get progressively more windy but even from the west, you have some steep roads. So you are right to be concerned. The west side of Mount Hood has the most ice and snow. You might be able to call the coffee shop and see if the employees had any problem. As for chains, if you come during the winter, the law requires you to carry chains whether you use them or not, unless you have snow tires.
Mary C
Central Oregon, OR4 contributions
Is it possible to get married at Vista House?
David A Edwards
Melbourne, Australia128 contributions
No idea, sorry.
smalltownNorCal
14 contributions
I'm afraid of driving on cliffs and especially with no or little railings. How is the drive there and back.is there another way to get my mom there .
TirelessWorker
Nelson, New Zealand145 contributions
This is not a road to be afraid of. It curves gently as it elevates. Go slowly and enjoy the view.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingVista House - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Vista House
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Vista House:
- Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Tour from Portland, OR (From $79.00)
- Morning Half-Day Multnomah Falls and Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Tour from Portland (From $80.75)
- Afternoon Half-Day Multnomah Falls and Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Tour from Portland (From $80.75)
- Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls & Mt Hood Tour from Portland, OR (From $139.00)
- Columbia River Gorge Tour from Portland (From $66.67)
- Hotels near Vista House:
- (8.48 mi) Best Western Cascade Inn & Suites
- (7.77 mi) McMenamins Edgefield
- (7.01 mi) Best Western Plus Port of Camas-Washougal Convention Center
- (7.03 mi) Comfort Inn Troutdale-Portland East
- (8.33 mi) Camas Boutique Hotel
- Restaurants near Vista House:
- (6.82 mi) Multnomah Falls Lodge Restaurant
- (9.33 mi) Nicholas Restaurant
- (9.32 mi) The Local Cow
- (6.77 mi) K&M Drive In
- (7.78 mi) Black Rabbit Restaurant
- Attractions near Vista House:
- (1.37 mi) America's Hub World Tours
- (1.38 mi) Latourell Falls
- (1.88 mi) Bridal Veil Falls State Park
- (4.44 mi) Columbia River Highway
- (7.49 mi) Envi Adventures
Vista House Information
Excellent Reviews | 415 |
---|---|
Very Good Reviews | 229 |
Vista House Photos | 772 |