“Columbia River Gorge”

Description

“Columbia River Gorge” Fine Art Print

Vista House and Crown Point at Sunset

The Beautiful Columbia River Gorge has several viewpoints but my personal favorite is this view from the Portland Women’s Forum.  The view looks East towards the drier side of the Gorge.  Formed by volcanoes and rainfall, the Gorge is a visual delight in every direction.  The building on the right side of the image is the iconic Vista House, built in 1917 served as a rest stop for early Gorge travelers.  The sight for Vista House ,”Crown Point” was selected for its sweeping, and awe-inspiring views of the Columbia River Gorge.  Within the Vista House’s 3,300 square feet are a gift shop and an espresso stand, the profits of which support the upkeep of this historic Oregon landmark.  Approximately 1,000,000 visitors per year visit Crown Point and the Vista House.

The Portland Women’s Forum was formerly known as Chanticleer Point and was occupied by the Chanticleer Inn, which was built in 1912 by Mr. and Mrs. A. R. Morgan.  The Chanticleer Inn has a popular destination for several decades, until it burned.  The property was purchased by the Portland Women Forum in 1956 with preservation in mind.  The Women’s Forum lobbied for government funds and held teas, doll shows, fashion shows and sold lifetime memberships in a spirited effort to purchase and preserve this spectacular viewpoint.  In 1963, the property was placed in control of the State of Oregon.  It should be noted from the Women’s Forum website that the Forum is, “non-political, non-partisan and non-profit”.  Just a motivated and talented group of women sharing the common objective of preserving and protecting the beauty of the Columbia River Gorge!