About Vista House
The Vista House was built in 1917 on one of the most beautiful scenic points on the Historic Columbia River Highway. It was constructed to provide travelers a place to rest and refresh themselves as they made their way down the magnificent Columbia River Gorge. Learn More History Here.
The Friends of Vista House is a non-profit group in partnership with Oregon State Parks who work to help preserve and share the story of this beautiful historic Oregon structure. Our volunteers provide visitors with regional and interpretive information to help make their visit a valuable experience.
Information about the educational exhibits and displays relating to the building is available. Our volunteers provide special building tours and talks to school, civic, and tourist groups. Visitors learn about the architecture of Vista House, the Historic Columbia River Highway, the Columbia River Gorge, local history, the geology, flora and fauna of the region, and the many wonderful attractions along the Highway and throughout the Gorge.
The Vista House is designated as Bike Friendly.
Our Friends of Vista House Gift Shop offers visitors high quality regional artwork and local gift items and is open throughout the spring, summer, and fall seasons. Our Cafe serves refreshments and snacks for travelers and is open year round (winter weekends, weather permitting). Learn More About Our Gift Shop Here!
More on the Vista House
There has been some kind of commercial activity in the Vista House since its inception. Cross & Dimmitt produced and sold post cards in the building for many of its early years. There was also a gift shop in operation by a succession of concessionaires. The nature of the operation of the building changed when, in 1982, the Friends of Vista House was formed by a group of dedicated community volunteers. Since that time, FOVH has worked in cooperation with the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department to provide more education to the public and to operate the building in a more interpretive manner. The Friends’ volunteers contribute thousands of hours each year to staff the information desk, and FOVH operates a Gift Shop and Cafe in the lower level to fund its mission activities.
