Portland Women’s Forum State Scenic Viewpoint, Oregon: Visitor guide

When I first pulled into the parking area — officially named Portland Women’s Forum State Scenic Viewpoint but still called Chanticleer Point by locals — what immediately struck me was how every single person with a camera was pointing in the same direction. Nobody photographs the Columbia River itself from here. Everyone photographs Vista House, that elegant stone octagon perched on Crown Point 1.5 miles east, framed by the Columbia River Gorge stretching beyond. This is the spot for that classic Oregon postcard shot, and everyone knows it. Hence it’s a popular spot on Columbia River Gorge day tours from Portland.

Quick overview

How much does Portland Women’s Forum State Scenic Viewpoint cost? Nothing. The viewpoint is completely free to visit 24 hours a day, year-round, with free parking in a paved lot holding approximately 30 vehicles. There are no entrance fees, no permits, no timed reservations, no charges whatsoever. Walk from your car to the viewpoint in literally 30 seconds.

The viewpoint sits on 7.26 acres donated to Oregon State Parks by the Portland Women’s Forum in 1963, having been preserved from logging and development by determined women who raised funds through teas, fashion shows, and membership drives. The panoramic view stretches east across the Columbia River Gorge, with Vista House at Crown Point as the centrepiece, Beacon Rock visible in Washington State, and on clear days, Mount Hood rising in the distance. An accessible paved viewing area provides interpretive signs explaining the Gorge’s geological and human history. For more adventurous visitors, a hiking trail on the western edge of the parking lot accesses 0.8 miles of the old Chanticleer Inn road — the narrow, winding route where guests once travelled from riverboats and trains to reach the clifftop inn that burned in 1930.

At a glance

How much does Portland Women’s Forum State Scenic Viewpoint cost?

The viewpoint is free. Parking is free. Trail access is free. No charges exist.

The Columbia Gorge Express ($5.00 one-way) operates daily service from Portland’s Gateway Transit Center, stopping at Troutdale, Multnomah Falls, Cascade Locks, and Hood River. The bus doesn’t stop directly at Portland Women’s Forum but serves nearby attractions. The Waterfall Trolley ($37 adults, $19 youth ages 6–12) runs May 24–September 1 with hop-on/hop-off service at various Gorge locations — check their route for current stops.

There are also several day tours available year-round.

Special use permits: The park requires a special use permit for weddings, commercial photography, organised events, or activities beyond casual visiting. Download the application from Oregon State Parks website or call (503) 695-2261 for requirements. Casual tourist photography requires no permit.

What time does Portland Women’s Forum State Scenic Viewpoint open?

The park is officially open 6am–10pm daily. In practice, the parking area and viewpoint are accessible outside these hours — barriers don’t physically close at 10pm, though Oregon State Parks technically restricts overnight parking.

Best viewing times: Sunrise attracts photographers positioning for golden-hour shots of Vista House and the Gorge. The eastern orientation means morning light illuminates Vista House beautifully. Late afternoon and sunset also provide dramatic lighting, though Vista House falls into shadow. Midday sun creates harsh light and less atmospheric conditions. Overcast days with dramatic clouds often produce the most compelling photographs — the stone building and Gorge cliffs gain intensity against moody skies.

Seasonal considerations: The viewpoint operates year-round. Winter can bring ice, snow, and dangerous driving conditions on the Historic Columbia River Highway — chains or traction devices may be required. Summer offers reliable weather but maximum crowds. Autumn provides fall colour and fewer visitors. Spring wildflowers bloom in the Gorge, though rain is frequent.

Do I need to book Portland Women’s Forum State Scenic Viewpoint tickets in advance?

No. There are no tickets, no bookings, no permits for general visiting. Simply drive to the parking area and walk to the viewpoint. This straightforward access contrasts dramatically with nearby Multnomah Falls’ complex $2.00 peak-season permit system.

The parking lot holds approximately 30 vehicles in a paved area. This fills completely on sunny summer weekends and when photography workshops arrive — I’ve seen 15 tripods set up simultaneously at the viewpoint, with everyone waiting for the same perfect light. The lot typically fills 10am–3pm on popular days. Arriving before 9am or after 5pm virtually guarantees a space. Weekday mornings outside summer months offer empty parking and relative solitude.

Overflow parking: When the main lot fills, some visitors park along the Historic Highway shoulder, though this is discouraged. The narrow, winding highway makes roadside parking potentially hazardous. If the lot is full, consider visiting Vista House itself (1.5 miles east), which has a larger parking area and offers the reverse view back towards Portland.

Crowds: The viewpoint attracts approximately 385,000 visitors annually — significant, though far less than Multnomah Falls’ two million. Tour buses occasionally stop, disgorging passengers for 10-minute photo opportunities. Photography groups book sessions here. Proposal planners arrive with elaborate setups. Despite this, the viewpoint rarely feels overwhelmingly crowded — the viewing area is spacious enough to accommodate 50+ people comfortably.

Parking

Main parking area: Paved lot (approximately 30 spaces) directly adjacent to the viewpoint at 39210 E Historic Columbia River Highway. From Portland, take Interstate 84 east to Exit 22 (Corbett), turn right at the top, wind 1.4 miles uphill to a junction, turn left at the stop sign for Vista House, and proceed 1.7 miles on Historic Highway 30 to the parking area on your left. Well-signposted. No fees, no time restrictions (park is officially open 6am–10pm). Accessible parking available.

Accessibility: The paved parking lot leads directly to a paved, accessible viewing area approximately 100 feet away. Wheelchairs can easily access the main viewpoint. Interpretive signs and the best Vista House views are fully accessible. The old Chanticleer Inn road trail is not accessible — uneven, overgrown, and steep in sections.

Getting there car-free: Limited options. The Columbia Gorge Express bus serves the Gorge but doesn’t stop directly at Portland Women’s Forum. Cycling the Historic Columbia River Highway is popular — it’s a designated scenic bikeway. From Corbett (approximately 1.5 miles west), the road climbs steadily with narrow shoulders and winding curves. E-bike rentals from Bridal Veil make this more manageable. The Waterfall Trolley may include this stop on its seasonal route.

Road closures: Be aware of ongoing construction on the Historic Columbia River Highway. As of winter 2026, sections east of Multnomah Falls remain closed for repairs through spring 2026. Check ODOT TripCheck for current conditions before travelling.

History

The property’s story begins with Mr. and Mrs. A.R. Morgan, who purchased this clifftop land in 1912 and built the Chanticleer Inn — named after the rooster in the medieval fable “Reynard the Fox.” The inn capitalised on its spectacular Gorge views, attracting guests who travelled via riverboat or train to the Columbia River below, then braved a narrow, winding road climbing the cliff face to reach the establishment. That road, portions of which still exist accessible to hikers, twisted precariously up nearly 700 feet of vertical elevation.

The inn operated successfully until 1930, when fire destroyed it. The property sat abandoned for decades, facing potential logging or commercial development — the fate befalling much of the Columbia River Gorge during the early-to-mid 20th century.

Enter Gertrude Glutsch Jensen and the Portland Women’s Forum. In 1950, Jensen took a Sunday drive up the Historic Columbia River Highway and witnessed logging operations despoiling the Gorge. She returned to a Portland Women’s Forum meeting and declared that the “Great Gorge of the Mighty Columbia River” required protection. The Forum — a civic organisation representing principal women’s groups in Portland, founded in 1946 — made Columbia River Gorge preservation their permanent project.

In 1956, the Portland Women’s Forum purchased 3.7 acres at Chanticleer Point through fundraising efforts including teas, fashion shows, doll shows, and membership drives. Members who contributed had their names engraved on a memorial marker. Additional litigation and purchases expanded the property to 7.26 acres by 1970. In 1963, the Forum donated the land to Oregon State Parks, reserving only the right to erect and maintain memorials on the property. A drinking fountain memorial to Gertrude Glutsch Jensen was installed (no longer functional).

The Forum’s preservation efforts extended beyond this single viewpoint. Under Jensen’s leadership, the group successfully lobbied for appointment of the first Columbia Gorge Commission in the 1950s, establishing precedent for protecting the Gorge from unchecked development. Their activism contributed to the eventual establishment of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area in 1986, providing federal protection for 292,500 acres. The Portland Women’s Forum continues meeting monthly (October–June) in Portland, maintaining their commitment to Gorge preservation.

What to see at Portland Women’s Forum

The main viewpoint is a paved, accessible area approximately 100 feet from the parking lot. Waist-high stone walls provide foreground framing for photographs without obstructing views. The panorama extends east: Vista House at Crown Point dominates the middle distance (1.5 miles away), perched on its basalt promontory 733 feet above the Columbia River. Beyond Vista House, the Columbia River Gorge stretches towards Hood River, with layered ridges creating depth. Beacon Rock (848 feet tall) rises on the Washington State side. On exceptionally clear days, Mount Hood’s snowy peak appears on the eastern horizon.

Interpretive signs explain the Gorge’s geology (carved by catastrophic Missoula Floods 15,000 years ago when ice dams burst in Montana), the Historic Columbia River Highway’s construction (completed 1922 as America’s first scenic highway), and the Portland Women’s Forum’s preservation work. A plaque commemorates the group’s 1963 land donation and their decades of activism. The memorial drinking fountain to Gertrude Glutsch Jensen no longer functions but remains visible.

The old Chanticleer Inn road can be accessed from the western edge of the parking lot. Look for an unmarked trail heading downhill through forest. This unimproved path follows approximately 0.8 miles of the original narrow road that guests once travelled from the river to the clifftop inn. The “road” is now overgrown, rocky, and steep — proper hiking boots essential. Multiple viewpoints along this route provide different perspectives of the Gorge and Vista House, though vegetation has encroached significantly. Few visitors explore this trail, making it surprisingly quiet despite the viewpoint’s crowds.

Photography opportunities: This is primarily a photography destination. The classic composition positions Vista House centre-frame with the Columbia River Gorge stretching beyond. Telephoto lenses (200mm+) isolate Vista House dramatically. Wide-angle lenses capture the full panorama. Sunrise photography requires arriving before dawn to claim prime positions — serious photographers set up tripods at 5am during summer. The viewpoint’s elevation (approximately 700 feet above the river) provides excellent layering for landscape composition.

What’s included with your visit?

• Free access to viewpoint and parking area, year-round (park officially open 6am–10pm)
• Paved, accessible viewing area with panoramic Columbia River Gorge views
• Unobstructed views of Vista House at Crown Point, Beacon Rock, and Mount Hood (clear days)
• Interpretive signs explaining geology, history, and the Portland Women’s Forum’s preservation work
• Memorial plaque and fountain honouring Gertrude Glutsch Jensen
• Access to 0.8 miles of the old Chanticleer Inn road trail (western parking lot edge)
• Litter bins and basic facilities
• Tour-accessible features (wheelchair-friendly main viewpoint)
• Photography opportunities with no special permit required for casual tourist photography
• Connection to Historic Columbia River Highway scenic drive

Things to do near Portland Women’s Forum State Scenic Viewpoint

Vista House at Crown Point (1.5 miles east, 3 minutes’ drive) — The iconic 1918 stone observatory that you photograph from Portland Women’s Forum can also be visited directly. Free admission, free parking (larger lot than Portland Women’s Forum). The octagonal building features Alaska marble walls, stained glass windows, espresso stand, gift shop, and historic exhibits. Open Friday–Monday during summer (9am–5pm); winter hours 10am–4pm. Accessible via lift. Panoramic 360-degree Gorge views from the balcony and surrounding grounds. Closed when wind exceeds 50mph. This is the “reverse” view back towards Portland, offering different photographic opportunities. The building itself is architecturally stunning and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Latourell Falls (2.8 miles west on Historic Highway, 5 minutes’ drive) — A 249-foot single-drop waterfall plunging over basalt cliffs coated in chartreuse lichen. Free parking (15–20 spaces), free admission, viewable from the parking area. A 5-minute trail descends to the falls base (60 steps). The 2.4-mile loop trail continues to Upper Latourell Falls (100 feet, two-tiered cascade) and provides Columbia River viewpoints. One of the Gorge’s most photogenic waterfalls due to the glowing lichen contrast against dark basalt. Toilets close seasonally in winter.

Rooster Rock State Park (5 miles west, 10 minutes’ drive via I-84 Exit 25) — A 872-acre state park on the Columbia River offering sandy beaches, picnic areas, and river access. Day-use fee $5.00 per vehicle. The park includes a clothing-optional beach section (clearly marked). Popular for swimming, windsurfing, and kiteboarding when Gorge winds pick up. Facilities include toilets, picnic shelters, disc golf course, and boat launch. The park provides convenient Interstate 84 access for continuing east without backtracking. Spectacular views of Crown Point from river level — the “reverse” perspective from Portland Women’s Forum.

Multnomah Falls (7.5 miles east, 15 minutes’ drive) — Oregon’s tallest waterfall at 620 feet and the Pacific Northwest‘s most visited natural recreation site. Historic lodge with restaurant, visitor centre, gift shop. Requires $2.00 timed-entry permit May 23–September 1 if arriving by private vehicle via I-84 Exit 31 (9am–6pm). Trail to Benson Bridge (0.2 miles) provides classic views; trail to top (2.4 miles, 700 feet elevation gain) offers greater challenge. Expect significant crowds year-round.

Bridal Veil Falls (4.5 miles east on Historic Highway, 8 minutes’ drive) — A two-tiered 120-foot waterfall tumbling through moss-covered forest. Free parking (approximately 20 spaces) at Bridal Veil Falls State Scenic Viewpoint. The 0.3-mile trail descends through old-growth forest to a viewing platform at the falls’ base. An overlook trail atop Gorge cliffs provides wildflower displays and Columbia River views. Picnic tables, toilets, grassy areas. Less crowded than Multnomah Falls whilst offering comparable beauty. Also home to Sasquatch Shuttle services and e-bike rentals for exploring the Gorge car-free.

Practical tips

Location: Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, 22 miles east of Portland on Historic Columbia River Highway. The nearest town is Corbett (1.5 miles west). Portland sits 30 minutes west; Hood River is 40 minutes east.

Getting there: From Portland, take Interstate 84 east to Exit 22 (Corbett), turn right at top onto NE Corbett Road, wind uphill 1.4 miles to junction, turn left at stop sign for Vista House, proceed 1.7 miles on Historic Highway 30 to parking area on left. From Hood River/eastbound, take Exit 35 (Ainsworth), drive 10 miles west on Historic Highway to parking area on right. Check ODOT TripCheck for current road closures before travelling — sections between Portland Women’s Forum and Vista House may be closed.

Time needed: Allow 20–30 minutes minimum. Most visitors spend 15 minutes photographing from the main viewpoint. Add 30–60 minutes if exploring the old Chanticleer Inn road trail. Photographers arrive hours before sunrise to claim positions and wait for perfect light.

Footwear: Any footwear sufficient for the paved, accessible main viewpoint. Proper hiking boots essential for the old Chanticleer Inn road trail — expect overgrown paths, uneven surfaces, steep sections, and potential mud. Most visitors never leave the paved viewing area.

Photography: This is primarily a photography destination. Bring telephoto lenses (200mm+) for isolating Vista House, wide-angle for full Gorge panoramas. Tripods permitted and common (I’ve counted 20+ setup simultaneously during sunrise). Sunrise photography requires early arrival — serious photographers claim spots by 5am during summer. Overcast days with dramatic clouds often produce better results than clear blue skies. No permit required for casual tourist photography; commercial shoots require special use permits.

Weather considerations: The viewpoint is exposed with minimal shelter. Columbia River Gorge winds can be ferocious — hold onto hats and tripods. Rain is frequent October–May. Winter can bring ice and snow, making the Historic Highway treacherous — chains or traction devices may be required. Check forecasts and road conditions. The elevation (approximately 700 feet above river) means temperatures are often cooler than Portland.

Crowds: Busiest 10am–3pm on summer weekends and when photography workshops arrive. Tour buses stop irregularly. Proposal planners occasionally appear with elaborate setups. Despite 385,000 annual visitors, the viewpoint rarely feels overwhelmingly crowded — the viewing area is spacious. Weekday mornings and winter offer the most solitude.

Accessibility: Fully accessible main viewpoint via paved paths from parking (approximately 100 feet). Wheelchair users can access all primary views, interpretive signs, and photography positions. The old Chanticleer Inn road trail is not accessible — uneven, steep, and overgrown.

Dogs: Permitted on leash throughout the park and on trails. Clean up after pets. The paved viewpoint area suits dogs well. The old Chanticleer Inn road trail is overgrown and challenging for some dogs.

Facilities: Litter bins at viewpoint. No toilets (nearest are at Vista House, 1.5 miles east). No drinking water (the Gertrude Glutsch Jensen memorial fountain no longer functions). No picnic tables, though people picnic on the grass. No food service — bring your own supplies.

Safety: The viewpoint is fenced with stone walls, but supervise children near edges. The old Chanticleer Inn road trail is unimproved and potentially hazardous — watch for uneven footing, overgrown vegetation, and steep drop-offs. Winter ice makes both the viewpoint and trails treacherous.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Portland Women’s Forum State Scenic Viewpoint free?

Yes, completely free. No entrance fees, no parking charges, no permits for general visiting. The park operates 6am–10pm daily with free parking for approximately 30 vehicles. This straightforward access contrasts with Multnomah Falls’ $2.00 peak-season permit requirement.

What’s the difference between Portland Women’s Forum and Chanticleer Point?

They’re the same location. “Portland Women’s Forum State Scenic Viewpoint” is the official name honouring the civic group that preserved the land. “Chanticleer Point” is the historic name from the Chanticleer Inn (1912–1930) that once operated here. Locals often use both names interchangeably. GPS coordinates and signage use “Portland Women’s Forum.”

Can you see Vista House from Portland Women’s Forum?

Absolutely — this is the premier location for photographing Vista House. The viewpoint sits 1.5 miles west of Vista House at Crown Point, providing the classic angle with Vista House centre-frame and the Columbia River Gorge stretching beyond. Every Oregon postcard, brochure, and Instagram photo showing Vista House from a distance was shot from Portland Women’s Forum. This is why the viewpoint exists and why 385,000 people visit annually.

Is Portland Women’s Forum better than Vista House?

They offer different experiences. Portland Women’s Forum provides the iconic view of Vista House with the full Gorge panorama — this is the “money shot” for photography. Vista House itself offers 360-degree views from Crown Point, architectural beauty, historic exhibits, facilities, and the ability to walk around the building. Most visitors do both: photograph from Portland Women’s Forum, then drive 1.5 miles to visit Vista House directly.

How long should I spend at Portland Women’s Forum?

Most visitors spend 15–30 minutes. The main viewpoint is small and specific — you photograph Vista House, read interpretive signs, and enjoy the panorama. Photographers arrive hours before sunrise to claim positions and wait for perfect light. If hiking the old Chanticleer Inn road trail, add 1–1.5 hours. There are no facilities, picnic areas, or extended activities beyond viewing and photography.

Can you hike from Portland Women’s Forum to Vista House?

Not safely. The 1.5-mile distance between them follows the narrow, winding Historic Columbia River Highway with minimal shoulder and constant vehicle traffic. Walking this route is genuinely dangerous. Drive between the two locations (3 minutes). Alternatively, the old Chanticleer Inn road trail from Portland Women’s Forum heads downhill (not towards Vista House) and is overgrown, making through-hiking impractical.

What’s the best time to photograph Vista House from Portland Women’s Forum?

Sunrise provides the most dramatic light — the eastern orientation illuminates Vista House and the Gorge beautifully during golden hour. Serious photographers arrive by 5am during summer to claim prime positions. Late afternoon and sunset also work, though Vista House falls into shadow. Overcast days with dramatic clouds often produce the most compelling images — the stone building and Gorge cliffs gain intensity against moody skies. Midday sun creates harsh light and less atmosphere.

Is the viewpoint wheelchair accessible?

Yes, fully accessible. The paved parking lot leads directly to a paved viewing area approximately 100 feet away. Wheelchairs can access all primary views, interpretive signs, and photography positions. The old Chanticleer Inn road trail is not accessible due to uneven, overgrown terrain and steep sections.