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Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

Viewpoints in Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

The Columbia River Gorge features a diverse array of overlooks ranging from the lush, temperate rainforests of the west to the arid grasslands of the east. These sites highlight geological formations shaped by the Missoula Floods, including sheer basalt cliffs and the unique Cigar Rock pillar. Key locations like Sherrard Point offer views of five Cascade peaks, while others, such as Memaloose Overlook, provide historical context regarding the region's indigenous heritage.

Scenic Viewpoints — Map
Ryan Harvey / CC BY-SA 2.0
A

Columbia River Gorge Overlook

Overlooks the western entrance of the Gorge near the Washougal area.
B

Portland Women's Forum State Scenic Viewpoint

Historic site offering a classic vista of the Vista House at Crown Point and the river corridor.
C

Sherrard Point

A summit lookout on Larch Mountain providing a 360-degree panorama of five Cascade volcanoes: Rainier, St. Helens, Adams, Hood, and Jefferson.
D

Memaloose Overlook

Provides views of Memaloose Island, a traditional Chinook burial site, and the transition into the eastern Gorge's desert landscape.
E

Redtail Lake Overlook

Located within the Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge with views of the Columbia River and surrounding wetlands.
F

Steigerwald Lake Overlook

Observation point for birdwatching within a 1,040-acre national wildlife refuge.
G

Lemmons Viewpoint

A trailside lookout on Dog Mountain known for seasonal balsamroot and lupine displays.
H

Quiver Point

Scenic lookout located along the Cape Horn Trail overlooking the Columbia River.
I

Scott Point

A high point on the Cape Horn Loop offering vistas of the Gorge's basalt cliffs.
J

Arrow Point

Viewpoint on the Cape Horn Trail with views of the river and passing barge traffic.
K

Cape Horn Viewpoint

Overlooks the sheer basalt walls of the Gorge and the Prindle area.
L

Pioneer Point

A quiet lookout located on the upper section of the Cape Horn Trail.
M

Viewpoint

View Point
N

Cigar Rock

A distinct basalt pillar formation visible from the lower Cape Horn Trail.
O

Wygant Middle Viewpoint

Elevated lookout on the Wygant Trail system overlooking the central Gorge.
P

Wygant Lower Viewpoint

Lower elevation trail viewpoint with views of the Columbia River and Dog Mountain.
Q

Wauna Viewpoint

High-elevation lookout offering views of the Bonneville Dam and the Bridge of the Gods.
R

Buck Point

Trail viewpoint near Eagle Creek providing vistas of the river and surrounding forest.
S

Panorama Point Vista House

County park site overlooking the Hood River Valley orchards and Mount Hood.
T

Ice Age Floods Viewpoint

Geological marker explaining the impact of the prehistoric Missoula Floods on the landscape.
U

Puppy Dog viewpoint

Scenic spot in the Catherine Creek area known for early spring wildflower blooms.
V

Mitchell Point Overlook

Historic site featuring views of the river and the recently reconstructed Mitchell Point Tunnel.
Columbia River Gorge Overlook
Drive
Portland Women's Forum State Scenic Viewpoint
Drive
Sherrard Point

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