We visited Vista House during Memorial Day weekend while touring the Columbia River Gorge and its many breathtaking waterfalls. This unique building stood out amidst the forested surroundings—almost like a beacon overlooking the Gorge. It’s a striking and unusual stop, and the panoramic views from here are absolutely spectacular. Parking, like many places along the Gorge, was definitely a challenge—especially during the busy holiday weekend. That said, it’s worth being patient and circling a bit if needed. There is a small parking lot, but it fills up quickly. Just be mindful that the roads along the Historic Columbia River Highway (Highway 30) are very narrow and winding. Drive carefully and take your time—this route is far more scenic than taking I-84 and adds to the overall experience. If you’re planning to see the waterfalls in the area, Vista House makes for a perfect stop along the way. Take in the views, snap some photos, and enjoy the historic charm of this little gem perched above the Columbia River.

It's the best place to observe the area. It's 3-5 miles inland from the main road. The historic road (Route Historic 30) is incredibly beautiful. Just driving down that road was a real pleasure. Inside the building, there's information about the region's history. There's also a gift shop, restrooms, and a small grocery store. You can get coffee, etc. But what makes it special is its location. There's no need to go there for the building itself.

This was a great place to stop along the way to Multnomah Falls. There was a rainbow in the distance. The view of the gorge was one of the most breathtaking views I have ever seen. Oregon is such a beautiful state. There was gift shop and cheap coffee in the lower level of the lookout building. Upper floor observatory was closed.

Great place to visit! We took a tour, and the Vista House was our first stop. It’s quite a long drive up, but the incredible view makes it totally worth it. The building has a restroom in the basement, a gift shop, and a coffee shop. You’ll find yourself taking lots of pictures because the scenery from up here is breathtaking. I imagine it must be even more beautiful at night when all the lights are glowing.

The park Ranger was a highlight here. He caught my husband and I geocaching and even gave us a tip on another one in the area! The Vista House was magical. It so neat how something so old is still in working/visiting condition! From the ceilings to the charming bathrooms, it was impressive. The views were something to take in as well. It’s a marvel how places like this exist in the USA.

Great overlook of the area, extremely scenic and looks better than any picture I could take. Has near 180 degree view of the river/gorge area. There is a gift shop and some historical/informational poster slides to see/read. The thing was built ~1918. There is also coffee/beverages for purchase and a public restroom if needed.

It's a beautiful area and a great place to take great photos. Due to a rock slide, the main road to get there was closed so we had to go via the Bridal Veil exit but it was well worth the drive.

This place is gorgeous. The hike is a bit steep if you have any knee or mobility issues. Totally worth the drive. I hear there are 2 waterfalls there. I only saw the lower one. The kids could run around and climb on the rocks.

Stunningly beautiful waterfall with a very short and easy hike. About a 6 minute walk from the parking lot and wow is it nice. A very tall waterfall that you can literally walk into if you wanted (obviously do not). I got as close as possible to it and it’s very fun and the water begins splashing you which is cool. Don’t forget to stop at this waterfall you will not regret it!

Medium hike. Dog friendly. Worth the view. Not crowded. Upper and lower falls. Can be steep at times.

This was the first of 5 waterfalls we visited on our trip to the Portland area. It was my first experience with large waterfalls. On this one, since the day was just beginning, we took the long tour and hiked all the way up to the top of the falls and back down the other side. It was quite a hike. I logged nearly 12000 steps on that stop. We also spent plenty of time watching the falls, and enjoying the beauty.

Latourell Falls absolutely blew me away! This spot was spectacular—the view is stunning, and it felt like a hidden treasure compared to the much more crowded Multnomah Falls. One of the best parts is how close you can get to the base of the waterfall—feeling the mist and hearing the roar up close was incredible. There are two trail options here. I took the shorter one, and it was totally doable and definitely worth the walk. Peaceful, scenic, and not too strenuous. Perfect if you’re looking for something rewarding without the crowds or a full-day hike. Out of all the waterfalls we visited during our camping trip, this one was my favorite. I’d recommend Latourell Falls to anyone looking for a beautiful, serene experience in the Columbia River Gorge. Don’t miss it!

Extremely short hike to get to the bottom of the waterfall. It’s purely amazing how high the water comes from and you are able to see the whole waterfall. It’s very touristy if you don’t like crowd you could try other near by waterfalls. Though it’s worth seeing this closely.

We had a great time!! Took both kids and they loved the water, the trees, the flowers, and even the rocks have character!!! Definitely worth the trip!!! So close to many trails and vista house!!!

Splendid hike and views! Very easy to traverse, elevation isn't much. Waterfalls are incredible and I cannot imagine what this place would be like during Sunrise/sunset. Worth the drive, perfect selfie spot lol

Very short walk down, uphill on way back. Its not slippery or steep, just hard on my knees..lol beautiful falls with viewing platform. Lost a star because falls are not as large as expected..but its a beautiful small spot with a short trail that has a few bridges.

There was plenty of parking when I went and the restroom is very conveniently located next to the parking. The trail starts out all downhill, so be prepared for the hike back up. Still worth the short 2/3 mile loop!

The view was great. Very easy to get to. Provides a great view of the Colombia River. If you're in the area you should check it out

Great short hike. There are some slippery spots with loose dirt, eat appropriate shoes!

Wonderful falls with a quick and easy hike. No paid parking. No hiking shoes needed. Great way to see a great fall without too much work!

Bridal Veil Falls in Oregon is a picturesque waterfall located in the Columbia River Gorge, a region known for its scenic beauty and numerous waterfalls. The falls are accessible via a short, well-maintained trail that offers lush greenery and beautiful views along the way. The trail is relatively easy, making it a great stop for families or anyone looking for a quick hike with a rewarding view. At the base of the falls, you’ll see the water elegantly flowing over basalt rocks, creating a veil-like effect that makes it a popular spot for photos. There’s also a viewpoint nearby offering stunning views of the Columbia River Gorge.

A beautiful open space to enjoy a picnic on a sunny day while taking in the scenic river views. The area is peaceful and well-maintained, with clean facilities and conveniently located restrooms. The trees are neatly kept, adding to the pleasant atmosphere. Plus, the large parking lot provides easy access.

This is a great place to stop stretch and use the bathroom while traveling I-84 into the Columbia River Gorge. It has a huge parking lot clean amenities and easy access to the bank of the Columbia River and a beautiful view of the river and surrounding hills and mountains. Top it all off with the songs of the birds hanging out here and it's well worth the stop to check it out.

What is stunning Park! The views of the Columbia River are breathtaking. And then to top it all off clean working restrooms!!!

Rooster Rock State Park is such a beautiful and peaceful place. The water is very shallow near the shore, which makes it super safe and fun for little kids to play and splash around. The scenery is absolutely stunning — lush greenery, big open skies, and gorgeous views of the Columbia River. There’s plenty of space to picnic, relax, or just enjoy nature. Highly recommend for a chill family day outdoors!

If your plan is to fish, as was ours, then this is not the place unless you have a boat. Very rocky inaccessible fishing banks. Perfect for picnics, bbqs and fun with the family

My favorite beach on the Columbia River! Feels great to have the sun shining and the water rush by your bare skin! People are cool. Bring a shade.

I would recommend this if you were on a family trip or outing and wanted somewhere to picnic/play/ be in or near water. Lots of parking and picnic tables. It does cost $12 I believe to park for the day.

Beautiful views on a clear day. I prefer sunrise. Usually enough parking. Bring something to cover your ears! The wind can be intense. In the right light, you can see a face on the washington side.

Amazing, especially if you venture around the road guardrail. There is a lot of graffiti to read and some really steep cliffs. It is an amazing view.

After guiding tours in this area since 1992, I’d say this is one of the most spectacular and historic places on earth.

Most excellent historical site to visit! Seriously awesome views!

Was closed when I went but Free parking and spectacular view on the outside!

Beautiful 😍 Really sweet to go in the mornings when it's quiet. Under construction at the moment, but the view is still amazing!! 🌞🌻✨️

Majestic views! 1st rest stop in US! Check out the marble in the bathrooms. Cute giftshop! Windy but awe inspiring views of the Columbia River. What a scenic driver and we drove by Multnomah Falls!

Started from Multnomah Falls and hike Larch Mountain Trail # 441 (14.22 miles / 4,039' elevation gain) *Not crowded: but only if you start early. Once your beyond the first few falls. The amount of people on trail declines fast. *Great Conditions: up until you get to mile 4. After that's the snow was deep, if I did this trail again in the same conditions I wouldn't do it without Snow Shoes. The last 2 miles I was post holing every step up to my knees. *Other things: at about mile 3 the bridge has been serious damaged, but it's still able to be used. (Picture posted). Overall great adventure.

Don't even try it with a Tesla in the middle of winter. Stalled everyone and we had to dig it out - twice! Regardless, the wintery drive up the snow covered pines from the first snow was beautiful. Kids enjoyed playing in it while we wait.

Not crowded on a week day. Really short walk to an amazing view point where you can see Hood, Adams, Rainier, and St Helens on a clear day.

Someone has done a really lovely job designing this natural area. Please drive carefully on Larch Mountain Road. Know that it's usually 15° cooler on top than at sea level. Phone navigation sometimes suggests driving to the top in order to get to Multnomah Falls, know that that's a steep 7-10 miles each way, much easier to get to from the bottom. The wilderness is a maze of official and user-made unofficial trails, so bring a map and your other 9 essentials. If you get lost, stop moving and call 911 and MCSOSAR and I will come and rescue you. Like in the famously ridiculous reviews of national parks, like Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, I didn't even get to touch lava.

Back again at one of my favorite places...Larch Mountain. Time to catch a beautiful sunrise. It is worth getting up at 4AM to have a little alone time and delight in the glory of God's creation. Take a jacket. It is still cold that time in the morning. Get a seasonal parking pass in advance as there aren't alwa6s pens and envelopes to pay for parking when you get there.

7/28/19 Larch mountain loop, OR. 7.16 miles in 3hrs 21 minutes with 1400ft elevation gain. This is a nice hike with no views unless you go up the paved path to the top. We did a loop in the forrest on a Sunday and then checked out the top. Trails were busy. Bathroom was stinky. Lots of parking here and you do need a northwest forrest pass, america the beautiful or pay a parking fee at the information post. Lot was half full when we arrived and full when we left.

Great short hike even for smaller kids this is fairly easy only hard part is steps going uphill the drive to the mountain takes longer then the hike. The drive is definitely longer than the hike took 15 minutes to the top and back to the parking lot.

This is an amazingly beautiful State Park located on the Historic Columbia Highway. The trails throughout are well maintained, and the scenery is spectacular. There are picnic tables and plenty of parking. This is a must stop along with all the other trails and parks along this route, plus the numerous magnificent waterfalls in the area. The basalt cliffs and the forces of nature that it took to make this beautiful landscape are mind-boggling. Built by Mother Nature and shaped by Father Time. As always, leave no trace, leave it better than you found it, and enjoy 😉!

What a beautiful place! I live in the desert in CA so all the lush verdant foliage. I'm actually thinking of moving to this area as I'm sick of desert brown & no water. There are gorgeous waterfalls here. It's an amazing place!

Nice short hike for beginners.All in all.Nice hike with fresh northwest air.

The 220 acre park whichj was formerly the summer residance of great man. plesent atmosephere when other places was hot The watee fall is realy marvellous

Beautiful hike, awesome views, so much green, and beautiful waterfalls. I don't have a single thing to negatively talk about in this hike. The parking was easy, the trails were well kept and maintained, and very easy to follow. The hike was moderate with some elevation gain, and had MANY photo ops.

Beautiful area off the Columbia river highway. Nice trails, restrooms, & picnic area. Parking not a problem. Love the mossy bridge & views of the nearby waterfall

Not the best 5 star park/falls in OR but still 5 stars. Worth your time. Depending on which trail you take, the hike will be hard for 5-10 minutes then get easy. Some trails are just easy the whole way. Take your time and relax, the water, foliage, and views are beautiful.

Wish they would stay open long -but I understand. When it's safe to swim they have life jackets for kids to borrow and return (honor system).

Have so much fun here! Parking lot is pretty big but can fill up on a hot day, parking is free. Their is easy river access as well as trails up to the bluff and relaxing meadows to have a picnic or sun tan in. Restrooms available as well as a few picnic tables and bbq grills.

We visited the Sandy River at the Lewis and Clark State Recreation Site in Troutdale, Oregon (location here), and I have to say—it’s one of the most beautiful river spots I’ve seen so close to Portland. The views are stunning, with peaceful trees, a wide stretch of river, soft sand, and rocky edges where you can sit and take in the scenery. It should feel like a hidden gem. But instead, it felt like a place that has been neglected for too long. There was trash everywhere. Beer cans, glass bottles, food wrappers—even piles of garbage tossed into bushes, stuck in the water plants, and half-buried in the sand. It was heartbreaking to see such a naturally gorgeous space treated this way. The river deserves so much more respect. What made me feel even more uneasy was seeing someone who seemed like they were helping—pretending to pick up trash—but it turns out he was actually going through people’s stuff and stealing belongings. That completely changed the mood for me. It’s scary when you’re just trying to enjoy a day at the river and suddenly you don’t feel safe leaving your towel or bag even for a second. At one point, we found an actual lockbox—like a safe—wedged between the rocks. That’s not something you expect to see at a peaceful river spot, and it just added to the feeling that this area is being used for all the wrong reasons. Yes, there were a few people who seemed to be living in the area. I know that’s a bigger issue, and I’m not here to judge. But the lack of care and oversight is what really stood out to me. It’s clear that no one is regularly cleaning, patrolling, or watching over this beautiful public space. I truly believe this area could be so much more. It has all the natural beauty to be a relaxing, family-friendly destination. It could be a place where people connect with nature, take their kids, bring a picnic, or just float peacefully in the river. But right now, it feels abandoned—and it’s sad to say that I’d be hesitant to return unless something changes. I hope local and state officials start paying more attention to this area—not just for the safety of visitors, but to honor and protect the land itself. The Sandy River is a treasure, and we should be doing everything we can to take care of it. A little maintenance, more presence, and better trash management could go a long way. We want to return, but next time, I hope it feels safe, clean, and welcoming—for everyone.

What a great little park to take a stroll on the Sandy River and see some wildlife like Canada Geese, Merganser Diving Ducks and some nice views of the river. I was here on a nice late September Saturday retrurning home from White Salmon, Wa.

Lewis and Clark boasts one of the best, and most accessible swimming holes in the Portland metro area, particularly for those with little ones, or for people lacking in strong swimming skills. The current here is negligible, the water relatively shallow all-throughout, and there is plenty of sand and shade to go around. Plus, free parking (no day use fee), and it's literally right off the highway! The only downside to be aware of is that the railway bridge is heavily used: during our three hour visit, no less than four trains came barreling through, roaring and blowing their horns, which spooked our young son a little each time; he would cling to me until each passed which, due to their length, lasted several minutes. People sensitive to loud noises should take note and prepare accordingly.

A great place to hang out at the river catch some rays and chill in nature before work. They have lifeguards on the river so a good safe place as well

I love coming down to Lewis and Clark in the summer or I float Dabney to Lewis and Clark. Nice place to cool off and relax. Can get busy on hot days. Lewis and Clark is my #1 spot if I'm just going to hang out at the river. My favorite spot is under the train trestle. The water is deep there, great for swimming.

Pretty great little spot to paddleboard! The water is deep/shallow in various spots of the lake, so watch your fins. Plenty of picnic tables. Very low key and minimal people. For the first couple hours I was the only one on the lake.

My husband and I went here over Thanksgiving weekend for disc golf! Loved it 😊 Very dramatic view of the waterfall! And even a babbling brook with a little bridge. The holes are short, around 200ft or so - good for kids and beginners and quick and easy in among the trees The T boxes aren't very well maintained but they work, and the signage wasn't the best. Very pretty, great parking and well thought out short 9 hole course. Restrooms were closed for the winter but Multnomah falls has bathrooms and is just a mile down the road (and a 7 mile drive back, fair warning)

Fun park/lake. Nice for a birthday party or summer gathering at the park. There are sites with grills and wooden tables. There is access to the small lakes. One is mostly used for fishing while the other is used for kayaks or paddle boards. It was a fun day. You can see a waterfall on the side of the gorge from the park and other birds. The train sometime passes right by.

Locals know this is a tourist trap but it’s still a cool spot to see & explore.

Our GPS took us to a different park and had us take exit 28. Don’t do that, you need to keep going to exit 30 otherwise you have to get back on the highway and go the opposite direction in order to go east again to exit 30. Benson lake area is very big with lots of parking. We brought a kayak but forgot our paddles. Bad idea as we didn’t know there was a current. We ended up stuck on the other side of the lake and some ppl we met at exit 28 were there and offered to paddle us to the other side. The bottom when you first get in and the other side of the lake where it’s shallower it looks and feels gross too. Lots of muck and slimy things all over the rocks. Some parts you step and sink into the muck. The fee for the day was $10, card only. I will also say the bathrooms were actually nice and clean with lots of TP.

Good place for a quick stop to take a break or a picnic. Noisy park since it's next to the highway. $5 fee(card only).

Beautiful place! We came up to see if anyone was fishing, but found that it's no longer allowed in the area my hubby used to go. The area was so peaceful and serene.

Launched from here for tubing with friends. Got there early, around 8am on a summer weekend and there was plenty of parking. You do need to pay for parking so be aware of that. And also, when we were done tubing around 2pm it is VERY busy and people were circling for parking so make sure to get there early if you can for parking. Restrooms were clean and the launch point was nice and easy. Will tube here again for sure. :) Our end point was Lewis and Clark and we floated for about 4 hours in early August.

Beautiful park. Great place to put in your tube and float the river. I went from here to Glen Otto Park, a distance of about four miles and about a three hour journey. If you don’t want to float or if the water is too swift and cold, you can picnic, walk the many trails or, play a game of disc golf. The rangers patrol the park on a regular basis so be on your best behavior. Park can get quite busy during the summer so arrive early. A $5 day use fee is required for this park.

this is a great place to sit and read. water is pretty clean its just darker water and I prefer the crystal green blue water to swim so I can see if there are critters around. very kid friendly and the parking lot is not far at all from the trail. the trail is short to reach water. if you walk to the right or left about 10 mins you find more privacy.

This is a really nice park to enjoy. Sitting on the banks of the Sandy River, you can hike around and get some alone time, picnic, or play disc golf. I’ve played here at least once before, but today I dropped in just to play 9. It’s a very challenging course for me and I played lackadaisically as I was alone. It has very nice signage, tee pads, and baskets. There are many water hazards so I should have worn my Keen sandals instead of my hiking boots. There were plenty of ripe apples and blackberries. I was surprised how much water was still flowing in the feeder streams. On hole 9, I lost my disc, then found four other strays before returning to the original side of the creek to see my disc suspended in the briars. So overall, I found about $60 worth of new discs to use. I only saw about 10 other folks out and even a few cats from Tennessee. I had fun. Thank you and good night!

I’d give 5 stars just for dogs not being allowed. Of course that doesn’t mean people listen unfortunately. People think they should be able to just take their dogs anywhere and let them run amuck even in protected areas… and then down rate even though it’s made clear dogs/pets aren’t allowed, even on the website that they didn’t bother checking before they go. Other than that: it’s a nice park $5 day fee with person pay station and card station There are Trash and recycle bins available As well as Life jackets available in multiple areas. Multiple good swimming spots along the river. The water is very clear, i don’t see any bigger fish but there were people fishing along the banks, and I’m sure there’s some somewhere! Some of the Trails are rough and steep in some areas. I saw some People with strollers, and it’s doable but may be rough at times. There are Paved and unpaved trails. An “Island” in center you can take a trail to that makes you feel pretty secluded. Ample parking, 3 parking areas. There are Tables and a few cookout grills in different areas, not all packed together in one area, which is nice. There’s a shelter where a family was having a birthday party at that seemed like a great spot for it! Two bathrooms with Running water and indoor plumbing- not vaults. It took me and my teen Just under an hour to explore pretty much the whole area. About 1.5 miles of trails. Large Disc golf area, that isn’t just all out in the open. I don’t play but I imagine it’s a fun area for the people that do.

Nice place but lately every time I go in the morning, there is trash. Today there were used diapers lying around with cans of beer and broken glass bottles. People need behavioral etiquette!

No dogs 🐶 allowed! Even if they are quiet and well-behaved and better citizens than many humans who are allowed into the park. For the taxes I pay, I’d love to be able to take my family there, but like many tax funded places it is not currently allowed.

The scenery is beautiful but the road needs repair. Main route trucks and with the strong winds this is dangerous. To many drivers in the left lane driving slowly making the lane useless for passing.

Beautiful short but uphill hike. The whole trail is just 2 miles, so it's a great little part of the day hike. Great for pictures :)

A good spot to get out an explore. Good trails, water falls to view. We had a picnic near one of the waterfalls.

Lots of places to park. Beautiful hikes or just sightseeing.

Pretty park, would be nice if it weren't so busy

Beautiful here . No sirens just us and nature.

Nice little state park