Crown Point, which marks the gorge's western edge, offers amazing panoramic views across the gorge. Here the 1916 Vista House observatory, an art nouveau–style rotunda, houses a visitor center, gift shop and snack stand.
Vista House
Columbia River Gorge
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
20.85 MILES
This popular riverside park, which lines the west bank of the Willamette River, was finished in 1978 after four years of construction. It replaced an old…
23.7 MILES
Abutting the more manicured Washington Park to the south (to which it is linked by various trails) is the far wilder 5100-acre Forest Park, an urban…
22.59 MILES
Often called the most authentic Japanese garden outside Japan, this tranquil escape recently underwent a $30-million expansion under the guidance of…
21.18 MILES
The heart of downtown Portland, at the heart of Portland’s retail district and the city’s transit system, is a multi-tiered brick plaza nicknamed Portland…
22.8 MILES
West of the city, Washington Park is a lush destination with 410 acres of green space, well-manicured gardens and forested trails. Within the parkland are…
Vancouver National Historic Reserve
21.07 MILES
Situated within easy walking distance of the city center is Vancouver's most important historical monument, and also one of the most important statewide…
Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center
19.51 MILES
Located just below Skamania Lodge, this museum weaves together the many threads that form the area's history – Native Americans, early explorers, pioneer…
20.71 MILES
The best time to walk along the Portland Waterfront is on a weekend, when you can catch this famous market showcasing arts and crafts, street entertainers…
Nearby Columbia River Gorge attractions
12.41 MILES
Washington's Beacon Rock, the core of an ancient volcano, is a prominent state park about 7 miles west of the Bridge of the Gods. It offers hiking,…
15.3 MILES
Next door to Bonneville Dam, in pretty grounds with picnic tables, is this visitor-friendly facility. There are several ponds full of rainbow trout and…
16.02 MILES
This dam was one of the largest New Deal projects of the Depression era. Completed in 1937, it was the first major dam on the Columbia River. Dam…
4. Eagle Creek Recreation Area
17.1 MILES
The beautiful, 13.2-mile Eagle Creek Trail was the gorge's most popular hike before the 2017 fire that has closed it indefinitely. There is no timeline on…
5. Cascade Locks Historical Museum
19.09 MILES
Housed in an old lockmaster's three-story residence (1905) across from the locks, this museum features Native American artifacts, a fish wheel and a…
6. Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
19.46 MILES
The large, beautiful grounds at this 5-acre garden near Reed College are covered with more than 2000 full-grown rhododendrons, azaleas and other plants,…
7. Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center
19.51 MILES
Located just below Skamania Lodge, this museum weaves together the many threads that form the area's history – Native Americans, early explorers, pioneer…
20.11 MILES
This spirit-factory started as a small-time operation using a short copper still that remains on the premises (it's tucked away on a shelf). Now the…