Columbia River Gorge Landmark, Vista House, Restored

Vista House serves as a rest stop and viewpoint for highway travelers, and as a memorial honoring Oregon's pioneers.

Photo Courtesy: Vista House

(CORBETT) - Vista House first opened its doors in 1918. 88 years later, Vista House atop Crown Point opens in early May to those eager to see the newly restored icon of the Columbia River Gorge

Visitors will see the stone building`s outside surface restored from top to bottom, repairing years of water damage.

Copper roofing - added decades ago to try and stop leaks - was removed and stronger tiles that match the original tiles` honey, green and gold colors now adorn the dome.

Contractors also replaced or repaired balcony decks and windows and installed a security surveillance system.

The building interior features rebuilt and refinished ceilings, walls, stairs and handrails at both the building`s rotunda and lower levels.

A custom-designed lift - in keeping with the historic architecture of Vista House - makes the building fully accessible.

A more efficient geothermal heating system completes the work.

The funds for restoring Vista House came from federal and state government sources, and the generous contributions of many private people and organizations.

The exterior restoration funds came from federal grants, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department`s lottery-supported Facility Investment Program, donations raised by the Friends of Vista House and a McGraw Family Trust grant given through the Oregon State Parks Trust.

A two-year fundraising campaign launched by a partnership among the Oregon State Parks Trust, the Friends of Vista House, and OPRD raised more than $2 million for the interior restoration.

After an early May rededication, the Vista House will be open for the summer season from

1:00 PM - 6:00 PM May 5th, and from 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM seven days a week all summer.

Directions: On Historic Columbia River Highway, 11 miles east of Troutdale. From Interstate 84, take Exit 22 at Corbett and head east on the Historic Columbia River Highway.