Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Columbia River Gorge & Vista House


I'm continuing on with my vacation pics from late last summer. I have many places that I love in the Pacific NW, but the Columbia River Gorge has to be one of my favorites. The views are spectacular here and we managed to visit on a fairly sunny day, at least for awhile anyway. 



A map of the Columbia River Gorge scenic highway. Vista House is located near Corbett OR, by the small black arrow. 

To find out more about Vista and the Columbia River Gorge visit Friends of Vista House  and Travel Oregon here.



From this distance the Vista House almost looks unreal, since it is perched atop Crown Point, a large cliff that juts out toward the Columbia River. 

It was rather hazy and overcast when we first approached the Vista House. I wasn't able to get the detail I wanted so I softened these pics a bit for somewhat of a watercolor effect. 

I was glad to see the clouds break up a bit as we arrived. Vista  House was built between 1916-1918 and was intended to be an observation point for visitors to relax and  enjoy the views of the Columbia River Gorge. The octagonal building houses a gift shop, museum and historic interpretive displays. 



It is rather dark inside the building, but the views outside reflect the beauty of the region.  


Lots of vintage marble and lovely stained glass windows. These stairs lead to the balcony.

More sunlight steaming in allowed me to take a few pictures that really showed off the variety of colors of the stained glass.  

The beautiful domed copper ceiling. 

A few more photos from the balcony of Vista House. I believe we're around  700 feet above the Columbia at this point. 



Around this time last year we hadn't received much rain so the sandbar is exposed. I love all the green and the haziness of the hills in the background. There's so much more to share about this region and if you're interested in finding out more make sure you check out the links by the map. 

I always enjoy sharing photos of our lovely region. Thanks for stopping by!





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18 comments:

  1. JimSeptember 4, 2013 at 2:47 AM

    Terrific views. Great house.

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  2. Noel MorataSeptember 4, 2013 at 12:51 PM

    Beautiful tour and architecture, loved all the stained glass and river views

    I'm inviting you to join us for Travel Photo Mondays, it runs the whole week starting on Mondays, come link up with us.


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  3. Butterfly 8)(8 BungalowSeptember 4, 2013 at 6:43 PM

    I loved the Columbia gorge when we visited. Gorgeous photos!

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  4. Neva FelsSeptember 4, 2013 at 7:03 PM

    Beautiful pictures and loved the Columbia Gorge water scenes. I'm new to this travel group and glad to get to know your blog.

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  5. Orange BlossomSeptember 4, 2013 at 7:36 PM

    One of my favorite places to visit. Wouldn't quite be the Northwest if it weren't misty and cloudy... Even in the Summer"

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  6. Ruth KellySeptember 5, 2013 at 7:45 AM

    I have driven by there many times on my way to Portland but never noticed this house unless it was one on the Washington side of the river.

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  7. AnonymousSeptember 6, 2013 at 4:20 AM

    Beautiful reminder of our trip there!
    Also thinking of those waterfalls nearby!
    TY for posting!
    KAY
    redbirdv.wordpress.com

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  8. Neva FelsSeptember 6, 2013 at 8:09 PM

    A beautiful scene captured so well. I'm so glad that I joined this travel blogging group so that I can enjoy your pictures too.

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  9. ClaudiaSeptember 7, 2013 at 1:08 PM

    Gorgeous! I've never been to that part of the country and I'd sure love to!

    xo
    Claudia

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  10. Pam KesslerSeptember 8, 2013 at 4:09 AM

    That view is gorgeous. Makes me want to jump in the car and come out that way for a visit!

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  11. eileeninmdSeptember 9, 2013 at 2:10 AM

    Beautiful views and tour! It is a gorgeous area to visit. Lovely photos. Have a happy week!

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  12. LorrieSeptember 9, 2013 at 8:44 AM

    River, mountains, forests, beautiful architecture - there's much to enjoy in your post. Great photos. Hope your week is starting well.

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  13. PoppySeptember 9, 2013 at 12:47 PM

    Beautiful surroundings, Diane! Glorious views of the gorge and such intricate painting and decor of Vista House! Thanks for taking us along!

    Poppy

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  14. MarmePurlSeptember 9, 2013 at 1:07 PM

    Yup. Another place to visit just added to my bucket list.

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  15. MarySeptember 9, 2013 at 2:53 PM

    Thanks for stopping by and leaving your comment Diane. Lucky you living in such an awesome place. I have visited the Columbia River Gorge a couple of times - it is breathtaking scenery. Your pics are marvelous - thank you for sharing.

    Have a nice week - hope the lovely Summer weather you've had continues a while longer!

    Mary (in North Carolina)

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  16. PondsideSeptember 9, 2013 at 8:50 PM

    What a beautiful place and beautiful view! I've been to Astoria, to see that part of the Columbia, but never to the place you've shown.

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  17. Khammany @ Sweet Inspired HomeSeptember 10, 2013 at 5:33 PM

    The roof on Vista House is gorgeous! I love that green tile! The green stained glass is gorgeous too!

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  18. Mary Howell CromerSeptember 11, 2013 at 4:35 AM

    I so adore this place. We last visited there in 1994. As a young child we lived near the coast and I longed to return for a visit. This coming month, we shall be very close, and yet too far to see and so I was happy to see this...lovely~

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I always enjoy reading your comments!

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