Portland Women's Forum State Scenic Viewpoint

No trip to Vista House is complete without a stop at Portland Women’s Forum for a stunning view of the historic landmark framed by the Columbia River Gorge.

This small park’s namesake organization, the Portland Women’s Forum, was active in preserving the natural beauty along the Gorge and donated the land to the state.

Come see for yourself why this is one of the most popular viewpoints for photographing Vista House.

The same view that attracts visitors from around the globe inspired the visionaries of the Historic Columbia River Highway , built in 1918 as the first road linking Portland and The Dalles.

In 1963, the property was turned over to the State Of Oregon “reserving to the Portland Women’s Forum the right to erect and maintain a memorial on the property”. Members of the Portland Women’s Forum have worked for preservation and beautification of the Columbia River Gorge since 1950. This had been the old Chanticleer Inn property with a magnificent view of the Columbia River Gorge. The additional tract was purchased after litigation in 1970. The Portland Women's Forum was made up of representatives of the principal women's organizations of Portland. For many years under the leadership of Mrs. Gertrude Jensen, the Forum was very active in the preservation of natural beauty along the Columbia River Gorge. The group was responsible for appointment of the first Columbia Gorge Commission in the 1950s.