Vista House was built on Crown Point as a tribute to the pioneers who traveled the Oregon Trail to settle the Oregon Country and the Columbia River Gorge. It was conceived by (Historic) Columbia River Highway engineer Samuel Lancaster. It was designed by Portland architect Edgar M. Lazarus in 1915 and completed and dedicated in 1918. Like most of the structures associated with the Scenic Highway, Vista House and the highway that curves around it were created in perfect harmony with the natural setting of the Gorge.
An extensive restoration of Vista House was completed in 2005. Several important features were returned to the original design including the replacement of the copper roof with a green tile roof. A controversial ramp was added to the east side of the steps to make the building accessible to all. By chance, I took this photo just after the restoration was completed and just before the ramp was installed.
Vista House is located in Crown Point State Scenic Corridor, part of the Oregon State Parks system. Vista House is owned by the people of the State of Oregon and managed by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. The facility is staffed by the volunteers of the Friends of Vista House.
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