36. Vista House, 3/12/11

Majestic – It is the only word to describe Crown Point and the vulnerable Vista House. While the weather certainly did not cooperate with us, Jess and I did not let that stop us. After all, we do live in Oregon and have found that if you wait for “good” weather, you would miss out on a lot of wonderful opportunities. It was cold and wet when we arrived AND there was an unplanned wedding about to take place when we arrived. While it is a public building, out of respect for the couple, we waited outside and snapped a few pictures. When we were totally soaked, we moved our waiting to the car. The wait was certainly worth it. The building is fantastic. I can certainly understand why a couple would want to marry inside the building. The lighting is amazing, the history compelling, and the view…stunning.

Vista House serves as a gateway to the adventures awaiting you at the many Oregon State Park properties that dot the south side of the mighty Columbia River. The vista from Crown Point affords a breathtaking display of the Columbia River Gorge, even more so on a clear day. The Historic Columbia River Highway unfolds below: a graceful ribbon of gentle curves that belies the sophisticated engineering and painstaking design of this, The Kind of Roads, as it was known.

Since 1918, this regal sight has enthralled millions of travelers. From its surrounding vantage point 733 feet above the Columbia River, sightseers and photographers have enjoyed one of Oregon’s most inspiring views.

Few places combine nature’s wonders and human architectural brilliance so majestically. Crown Point is a promontory shaped by the same volcanic lava flows, floods, and winds that created the Columbia River Gorge. The site was designated as a National Natural Landmark in 1971. It has been protected as a state park property since 1938 when Multnomah County and the city of Portland gave the building and adjacent land to the state for park purposes.

The Vista House was built as a rest stop observatory for travelers on the old Columbia River Gorge Highway and as a memorial honoring Oregon’s pioneer—particularly those who made their way down the Columbia River. It has been described by its architect as “a temple to the natural beauty of the Gorge.”

Financing the building of the Vista House was challenging. No state dollars were available, leaving the project dependent on funds from Multnomah County and donations from private parties. The total cost of construction—completed on May 1, 1918—was about $100,000. The structure is 44 feet in diameter and 55 feet high. The roof, which for many years was topped with a copper crown, has been restored to its original surface of matte-glazed green tiles.

I can see why this amazing spot is photographed so often; it truly is majestic. I only hope that some day I can revisit the site in “good” weather only so I can do it justice in my photography. Thanks Jess for sharing this with me.