Corbett, Oregon - Vista House - The Western Statue of Liberty

The Vista House did reopen after being closed for several years for renovations. All visitors to the Pacific Northwest should explore the Columbia River Gorge, and the Vista House is a great place to go. It's located on the old scenic highway, way up on a bluff overlooking the whole Columbia River valley. Besides being a scenic viewpoint and a beautiful piece of old (1916-1918) architecture, they have a lot of information on the history of the area (and yes, a gift shop and restrooms). [krupp, 01/02/2008]

A story in the Oregonian tells the story of why this attraction is not yet open (despite promising to be open in April). Apparently the State of Oregon, which owns the property, and the Friends of Vista House, who are doing the reservation, had a miscommunication with the City of Gresham, which apparently does building codes for Corbett as well. That miscommunication (really a dispute over the Americans with Disabilities Act) may delay opening until September, when an elevator will be installed to allow the disabled bathroom, guest shop, and museum access in the basement. The main floor and the roof may be open as early as July 1st with oudoor porta-potty access for the disabled and no access to the basement. [Ted Seeber, 06/15/2005]

This million dollar rest stop on the Scenic Columbia Gorge Highway is promised to reopen this spring. Closed in 1999 due to extensive water damage and a leaky roof, this three story combination bathroom, guest shop, and sightseeing tower built during the Great Depression is perched high on a cliff promontory on the Western end of the Columbia River Gorge, above the town of Corbett, Oregon. Once called the Western Statue of Liberty, this was meant to be the Western Gate of the United States. I look forward to taking my 2 year old son there this summer. Supposedly will be open by April 2005. [Theodore M. Seeber, 02/26/2005]