Portland Women's Forum State Scenic Viewpoint

One of the most iconic Columbia Gorge viewpoints! Fun to meet up with other photographers here. No services.

The view here was spectacular. And the history was fascinating. It's a bit of a drive to get to, but well worth it.

Have never stopped here before, but road to Crown Poont was closed so...nice viewpoint, plenty of parking, a few of the info plaques around-worth the few minutes it takes!

One of the great dark sky spots to see stars near portland, however recently ruined by the installment of a very bright spotlight pointing into the parking lot from the street

It has a remarkable overlook view of the river. We also met some ladies painting.

Beautiful park, with great trails and views. I really enjoyed myself.

Know before you go! It's 20 minutes from the airport, free lookout with decent amount of parking, has never been more than half full whenever I've visited. Pictures really don't do it justice you have to see it in person!

Online can destroy gems like this, many people stop here because it's the first overlook in the tithe Gorge. My favorite time to go when there's 3 inches or more of ice on everything! No one around!

Ah! The last free viewpoint on the historic hiway 30 going east.As of yet still no parking fee unlike Vista House and others. Been coming here for decades and the view never disappoints. Plenty of hikes nearby. No amenities. And the viewfinder is gone. Needs a lil TLC but a lovely stop on Larch.

One of the many state parks along the historic Columbia Gorge Highway. Multilevel parking spots with many viewing points. Beautiful view. Wish they would update the Native American plaque on the large rock instead of saying aboriginal Paradise actually name the native peoples of this area.

The state park website says, "No trip to Vista House is complete without a stop at the Portland Women's Forum for stunning view of the historic landmark framed by the Columbia River Gorge." And I would tend to agree. I have always stopped here before heading over to the Vista House or Multnomah Falls, whether it was just by myself on a trip to the gorge or when I was showing visitors the area. It's not much more than a parking lot and lookout point, but it makes for a great view and great photos. It's a neat bit of history that women raised funds for this land. Their names are inscribed on a plaque here. You go girls!

I always feel "weird" rating beautiful places. How can I? This spot is absolutely phenomenal! The park, itself, is also nice. A good amount of parking. Easy to follow signage. A great place to take a break from driving.

Personally, the views from here are my favorite of the gorge. It lets you see Vista Point, the mountains, and the river below. AND it's the first lookout along Hwy 30 eastbound! A must stop for sure.

Hands down, best view of the Columbia River Gorge! Expansive and breathtaking views of the Columbia River with the Vista House perched on Crown Point. It's truly spectacular, as is the drive along Scenic Highway 30 to get there. It's absolutely worth an intentional stop here, then continue on to the Vista House to take in more of this gorgeous scenery. Also known as Chanticleer Point (wrote a similar review under this heading) this gorgeous view point is A National treasure, the land gifted by a group of women who raised money to purchase this piece of land and then gifted it to the Oregon Park & Recreation Department, ensuring future generations can enjoy this glorious spot. The Women's Forum continues their fund raising to make improvements to Chanticleer Point and other parks in need of improvements. The original group of women have their names on a memorial plate which was dedicated May 19, 1960. I'm so grateful for their foresight and commitment to preserving nature. As you pull into the huge parking lot, immediately oark to the right for what I think are the best views of the Gorge and Vista House. Then walk to the end to take in additional vistas. There are informational placards that provide the history of this area and a coin operated telescope (coins required, cost 50 cents) at the end nearer to the river if you want up close views of the river and basalt cliffs. There are few benches to rest, relax and breathe in the beauty of this incredible area. The Women's Forum at Chanticleer Point is a place I visit often on my way through the Gorge. With the ever changing sky, the view is always different but always incredible. It sometimes gets windy so be prepared; this is the Gorge! When friends come to Portland for a visit, this is always on the agenda. When they take in the view, they immediately comprehend the beauty of Oregon and are in awe. Plus its the epic spot for a photo!

This view point is part of Oregon State Park. It has beautiful cliff view point overlook the Columbia River Gorge. It is also call Chanticleer Point. The history is a group of women from Portland recognizing the view point is treasure for many visitors to come. They have make collection, tea, sales to raise the money to but this piece of land. Eventually they succeeded and later gift the land to Oregon Park and Recreation Department. This women names were put in memorial plate to remember the Chanticleer Point. The memorial was dedicated May 19, 1960. It is recognizing those women preserved the natural beauty of the Columbia River Gorge. These women forum are continuing their collection and raise fund for the park improvements and other parks that need funding. Their mission is worthy for generations to remember them.

The Portland Women's Forum State Scenic Viewpoint (also known as Chanticleer Point) is an excellent vista point that provides a wonderful view of the Columbia River Gorge! I stopped by here on the way to the Vista House. There's plenty of parking and it doesn't seem to get too crowded since it's kind of off the beaten path. I came here on a cold winter morning, so my view of the river was a little obscure due to the morning fog. But in better weather, you can actually spot the Vista House too. There's a telescope and a few informational plaques that you can read up on about the viewpoint. There's also a water fountain and a few benches. It could serve as a nice place to enjoy a quick picnic lunch. It's located right off of the Columbia River Highway, so it's easy to get to. If you're on the way to Multnomah Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Latourell Falls, or the Vista House at Crowne Point, it's definitely worth a stop!

This place was an excellent first stop. My 93yo grandpa isn't able to walk much and this scenic spot allowed him to see views and learn a little about Oregon.

Oh wow! As a flatlander, I was super excited to got for a drive along the Columbia River and enjoy some scenic views. This was our first stop... which is also called Chanticleer Points (so I'm duplicating this review under that listing). Great breezes and not too many people. This spot doesn't have any facilities besides the overlook.

This is kind of the start of the journey down "Waterfall Alley". You can really get amazing scenic views of the Columbia River Gorge up here and you can even see the Vista House ever so small in the distance from the viewpoint. I've been up here when it's raining, or typical Pacnw grey skies, and sunny days. It's almost always windy though so I wouldn't venture too close to the edge on a windy day. I would also keep a close eye on your kids and pets as well. No one wants you to go blowing off the edge of a cliff, however scenic the fall may be. Yes, I'm being sarcastic...jeez. There is plenty of parking and it's free as it's not really that big of a stopping point. Your next stop will most likely be the Vista House if you're heading downhill, so if you forgot to take any photos at the Women's Forum Viewpoint, then don't worry. They Vista House has gorgeous views as well.

I never knew about this until some women friends organized an event here. So I visited and the history is fascinating. It has reopened after the Eagle Creek complex fire. http://portlandwomensforum.com/ It's a good early morning or late afternoon golden hour photo op spot. Those hours you can capture the Vista House against the Gorge backdrop. There are apps like Sun Surveyor which allow photographers to find the time and angle of the sun (or moon) for your exposure pleasure. Once you visit on a day the Gorge isn't fogged, you will recognize many of the photographs you have seen were shot from this spot.

Every visitor to the Columbia Gorge coming in from PDX or Portland should make this their first stop along the Historic Columbia River Scenic Highway. You will get a great view of the Gorge unless you encounter smoke from wildfires. It was still a great view, just could have been better. I highly continuing on to Vista House and the falls area.

One of the most iconic views of the Columbia River Gorge. Don't expect souvenirs, a gift shop, or pamphlets if you're a tourist familiarizing yourself with the area. The Vista House is a separate spot. It's a breathtaking spot for sunsets&sunrises over the Gorge. It's well worth the drive&effort. It's off historic Highway 30. You can behold the Cascade volcanoes- St. Helens, Rainier, Hood, as well as the mighty Columbia River. It gets very breezy. There's plenty of parking since it isn't a typical tourist trap. A spectacular viewpoint on the mighty Columbia.

After Vista House At Crown Point, we drove up a few minutes and stopped here. It is the same view of the mountain and river but just a different perspective. After being at Vista House At Crown Point, the bar was raised too high haha. Parking here is easier since it is not as popular and there is no gift shop. Still worth stopping by for 5min.

What a gorgeous vista point! This stop is just before the Vista House. Worth checking out! It is higher than the vista house, though the view is obscured by some trees. No bathrooms here, but there is a small trail that leads down. Lots of parking! Empty compared to the Vista House.

If you Google for "Columbia Gorge" images, I bet a ton of the photos on the first page will be of this view. The view of the Vista House at Crown Point from the Women's Forum is amazing. You have to get off of I-84 and go up into the hills to get to the Viewpoint. I'd recommend going along the Historic Columbia River Highway and making a quick stop here, and then continuing onwards towards the other waterfalls and views. The Viewpoint has a nice little parking lot. It can get very windy.

We were there recently and unfortunately all the roads to Vista House and Multnomah Falls were closed due to a recent fire so this was as close as we could get. I was so disappointed we came all the way to Oregon and missed those sights but I came across this place by accident on Yelp thankfully. No waterfalls but the view was beautiful and you could actually see Vista House in the distance.

Great views. First quick stop along the Columbia River. Take some pictures and continue on your journey.

This view is incredible! Nice lot and Pokémon spawn here in two places! This view is incredible! Nice lot and Pokémon spawn here in two places!

Located on the Historic Columbia River Highway, this is one of the first vista stops. I came across it on my way to Crown Point Vista House, and decided to make a stop since I was here anyway. Beautiful views of the Gorge, plus you can see both Vista House and Vista Inn from here. Definitely worth a stop if you're on the way to Vista House anyways!

Breathtaking views! Man I love living and raising my family here!!!!! God is so good!!!!

Just pray you get some good weather with decent visibility and you're all set. Worth stopping and admiring the view and obviously a selfie won't hurt too.

My mother and I set off on a scenic drive up the Oregon coast on the way to the waterfalls. I fell asleep for most of the way and woke just as we were pulling into the parking lot to this breathtaking view. Definitely worth a visit.

The viewpoint is better than most (except of course the PDX Men's Forum State Park which has a 20% higher parking fee and got promoted from being a county park in half the time) but the one trail leading off from this area (Rooster Wagon Trail) isn't great. It's just a meandering walk downhill to the train tracks and not many good views after the first switchback to start off the trail. Women should be offended this is the hike associated with their park. In fact, you want my real advice don't even do the hike, pack a couple adirondack chairs down to the first bend, pop open a lime le croix (or whatever your fancy) plop it in a cozy and settle down to enjoy the view while listening to . If that sounds like giving up, also know there we ran into 5 snakes on the walk. I'm not making this up, it wasn't great but luckily my girlfriend scared them away for me.

Wowza! I don't think I've seen a better vista of the Columbia River Gorge! This view is the "classic" Columbia River Gorge scene: you get the Crowne Point Vista house in the distance, mountains, the river... it is truly breathtaking. I prefer this vista to the one at Crowne point since it's less crowded and parking is easier, plus I like the Vista house in the view. There's a few walkways and some vita points made of old stone work for you to stand and admire. There's a few paid spyglasses if you want to really get a close of view but I find that they weren't necessary. To get here you need to take highway 30, it's beautifully scenic and shouldn't be missed!

Great views of the river. We were trying to get to the Vista House, but the road leading to it was closed. We settled at this scene viewpoint and were well compensated by the views.

I found that the most exciting view from this point was the view of the place that had a better view... You can snap a great picture of the Crown Point vista house to explain to your friends where all of your really good pictures came from, but that's about it. The view directly toward the river is completely blocked. I agree that there is ample parking, but that is primarily due to the lack of draw. I came here only because I was looking for a substitute upon learning that Crown Point is closed down for a few months...I don't think I'd visit again even if leisurely driving by with nothing in particular to do and a full charge on my camera's battery.

Great place for that scenic iconic oregon tourist photo. My husband has taken lots of pics here and messed around with photoshop. It's just a parking lot so no restrooms or businesses around. But it's not far from troutdale so go down the hill and check it out

Great view before heading to Vista House and Multnomah Falls. We take every visitor to Columbia Historic Hwy drive and we always stop here for a photo shoot. Unfortunately parking has been becoming a problem at Multnomah Falls and sometimes we have to skip it, but everyone is happy at least they got to stop by at this place and Vista House (and see the falls on our way back to Portland on I-84)

First vista stop on the Historic Columbia River Highway. Plenty of parking and not crowded. My colleague recommended stopping here vs the Vista House so we did. Great views of the Colombia River, but from afar. For close up views, go to Vista House.

Another great view of the Columbia River/Gorge. You can see the Vista House from here. Parking is more limited here than Vista House. Check this out too!

My favorite spot to watch a sunset, look east at the Gorge anytime of the year.