A classic symbol of the Columbia River Gorge, Vista House draws travelers to Crown Point for expansive views of water, cliffs, and sky. Samuel C. Lancaster, design engineer of the Historic Columbia River Highway, envisioned the outcropping as an ideal rest stop and observatory where the Gorge could be viewed in silent communion with the infinite. Portland architect Edgar Lazarus designed Vista House to recall the ancient and mystic Thor’s crown. Braced against the Gorge winds, the small building embodies strength, with ashlar-cut sandstone on the exterior and Alaska Tokeen Marble and Kasota Limestone on the interior walls. Vista House was dedicated on May 5, 1918, to the memory of Oregon’s pioneers. Groundbreaking for Vista House coincided with the dedication of the Historic Columbia River Highway on June 7, 1916, when President Woodrow Wilson touched a button in the White House to unfurl the flag atop Crown Point as cannons roared, rose petals fluttered, and onlookers toasted with loganberry juice. Believing that each component of the highway should harmonize with the natural beauty of the Gorge, Samuel Lancaster confronted major construction challenges here, including the five hundred sixty-foot reinforced concrete viaduct that circles Crown Point, one of his innovations and the first highway structure built under his supervision in Multnomah County. Despite careful quarrying and manufacturing techniques, at least half the total output of marble is waste.

Photo: Phyllis Prats

Photo: Phyllis Prats

Photo: Phyllis Prats

Photo: Phyllis Prats

Photo: Phyllis Prats

Photo: Phyllis Prats

Orient, Oregon · USA