Vista House At Crown Point

06/01/2026

“A Man Called York” from Oregon Black Pioneers is on display in the rotunda of Vista House for the month of June. Come learn about York’s life and his contributions to the Lewis and Clark Expedition that passed by Crown Point on the way to the Pacific Ocean.

Vista House is open to visitors Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays 9am to 5pm, weather permitting.

An Oregon State Parks Day-use parking permit - either single day fee or annual pass - is required at Crown Point State Park and other nearby Oregon State Parks.

Image description - two banner displays with images and text about York stand in front of pillars with the opalized art glass windows behind and the view of the Columbia River Gorge outside

05/30/2026

Be prepared with the outdoor essentials for hikes in the Columbia River Gorge

As we approach summer, it's a good time to review your outdoor gear and make sure you're prepared.

Staying aware of the weather is one important step! According to the US National Weather Service Portland Oregon, there is a moderate risk of thunderstorms on Thursday 5/28 for the Cascades and Upper Hood River Valley, where a few storms may become severe with heavy downpours, hail up to the size of a quarter, and gusty winds up to 60 mph.

05/27/2026

Especially out in the Columbia River Gorge 🥾🩴

“You must choose, but choose wisely…” -Grail Knight

Nobody wants slippy-sloppy. Or was it sloppy-slippy? Either way, taking the wrong footwear on the trail can quickly turn a fun hike into a painful one. Before heading out, research the route and terrain so you can choose the right gear for your adventure. Heels, open-toed shoes, and flip-flops are not ideal for hiking trails. For dirt or gravel trails, opt for sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes with good traction and ankle support. For paved or urban pathways, comfortable sneakers or tennis shoes are usually a better fit. Your feet will thank you later.

Now, to be fair, it's ! Flip-flops are great for beach parks, the pool, short walks, getting lost in the parking lot, or just embracing vacation mode. But rocky trails, waterfalls, uneven terrain, being chased by a herd of bison, mud, and steep inclines? That’s where things can get a little…well, slippy. Also sloppy.

Make good choices.

Image: A screenshot of a post from the National Park Service account on X that reads: “Always hike with proper supplies and equipment. Remember, flippy floppies may lead to slippy sloppies.”

05/26/2026

Vista House is located at Crown Point along the Historic Columbia River Highway and is an Oregon State Park.

Vista House is open to visitors Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays 9am to 5pm, weather permitting.

An Oregon State Parks Day-use parking permit - either single day fee or annual pass - is required at Crown Point State Park and other nearby Oregon State Parks.

Image description - Vista House with its stone exterior stands to the right side of the photo under cloudy skies and the view of the Columbia River below looking west

05/26/2026

On Memorial Day, we honor our military service members who served for our country and gave the ultimate sacrifice. 🇺🇸

Vista House is open to visitors Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays 9am to 5pm, weather permitting.

An Oregon State Parks Day-use parking permit - either single day fee or annual pass - is required at Crown Point State Park and other nearby Oregon State Parks.

Image description - a vintage photo shows the crowd gathered around Vista House while the flag is being raised on May 5, 1918 including military members dressed in uniform

05/24/2026

Lots of summertime adventures brings lots of cars out into the Columbia River Gorge!

The beauty of the gorge is created by its narrow roads and small spaces along the edge of the cliffs. Those small spaces only fit so many vehicles and there is a maximum vehicle length of 35 feet. Please park in marked parking spaces and drive carefully.

If a parking lot is full, you can go along to another park or explore something else nearby and return later in the day to your first destination. There are also shuttles available to Multnomah Falls and along the waterfall corridor during this busy summer season.

Vista House is open to visitors Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays 9am to 5pm, weather permitting.

An Oregon State Parks Day-use parking permit - either single day fee or annual pass - is required at Crown Point State Park and other nearby Oregon State Parks.

Multnomah Falls is a US Forest Service park and requires a timed-entry permit during the busy season.

Image description - Vista House, a stone octagonal building, sits upon Crown Point overlooking the Columbia River below as Beacon Rock stands behind in the distance

05/22/2026

Vista House is now open more hours this summer to welcome visitors!

Vista House is open to visitors Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays 9am to 5pm, weather permitting.

An Oregon State Parks Day-use parking permit - either single day fee or annual pass - is required at Crown Point State Park and other nearby Oregon State Parks.

Image description - looking out the opened west side door with its Oregon State Parks welcome mat below and opalized art glass window panes above as the view of the Columbia River on its way to Portland streches outside into the distance

05/21/2026

Summertime adventures are coming and Vista House will be open more days to welcome visitors 😊

Beginning May 22, 2026, Vista House is open to visitors Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays 9am to 5pm, weather permitting.

An Oregon State Parks Day-use parking permit - either single day fee or annual pass - is required at Crown Point State Park and other nearby Oregon State Parks.

Image description - lampposts stand along the viaduct wall with the view of the Columbia River Gorge behind under mostly blue skies with some puffy clouds to the left and north side of the river

05/17/2026

The Historic Columbia River Highway, US route 30, is open from Corbett past Crown Point and Multnomah Falls to Ainsworth as ODOT has reopened the viaduct east of Multnomah Falls after its repair project.

The busy summer season is almost here and Vista House will be open more to welcome visitors. Friends of Vista House is looking for more volunteers to join us in greeting visitors, answering questions, and telling the stories of Vista House and the Historic Columbia River Highway. Interested in volunteering with us? Contact us via message here,
email [email protected] or
call 503-344-1368 x2

Vista House is currently open to visitors Fridays through Mondays 9am to 5pm, weather permitting.

An Oregon State Parks Day-use parking permit - either single day fee or annual pass - is required at Crown Point State Park and other nearby Oregon State Parks.

Image description - the view looking east from Crown Point past the viaduct and its lampposts, above the river, and towards Beacon Rock in the distance with layers of clouds fill the sky

05/17/2026

The Historic Columbia River Highway is fully open between Corbett and Ainsworth as the viaduct east of Multnomah Falls reopened today!