Trying to find a scenic point overlooking Portland (Oregon City, Hood River: house, restaurant)

[TylerWelsh]

I visited portland years ago and was lucky enough to have someone show me this beautiful lookout point. I have very little idea where it was other than:

It was south west of portland.

it overlooked the water

To the east on the water was a large factory that produced large white clouds of smoke. could have been on an island

The roads we took were windy and somewhat residential.

It was about 20 minutes, maybe a bit more from I-5.

There were a lot of trees around and then one biulding.

It was at a dead end.

If you have any idea where this could be it would mean a lot to me. I beliece I've narrowed it down but cant be sure. Thanks soo much for your help!!

[Lilly12103]

Rocky Butte!!!!!

[StealthRabbit]

Originally Posted by Lilly12103

Rocky Butte!!!!!

http://columbiariverimages.com/Regio...cky_butte.html

Or Mt Tabor ?

Yeah, I think you may have been in NE, looking out over the airport / Columbia River / Camas Mill.

Or even Crown Point Vista house (closer to water / single building, windy roads (Not residential))
FRIENDS of VISTA HOUSE - Crown Point State Park, Corbett, Oregon

Maybe Willamette Falls overlook (Oregon City)
Willamette Falls - Oregon City, Oregon - Waterfalls on Waymarking.com

Possibly there is an overlook on Marquam Hill (tram), but you would have a tough time seeing Camas Mill.

How long ago was this? There could have been a factory on the East Side of Willamette, but I don't remember one in the last 25 yrs.

[khunguni]

Council Crest?

[TylerWelsh]

Thank you so much for your advice. I'll try research each of these!!!

[TylerWelsh]

I think you guys have found it for me, despite my poor clues. From the photos it looks like it is Crowns point Vista House! A few things don't quite match, but I will go there and see if the pieces don't fall into place. I'm planning on proposing during this weekend trip, is there a better spot around the portland area?? Thanks again for your help!!

[StealthRabbit]

Originally Posted by TylerWelsh

... is there a better spot around the portland area?? Thanks again for your help!!

For vistas?
It depends what you want to see (city / lights / terrain / ...) and the time of day.
Rocky Butte is pretty good.

I also like the vista at the Rose Garden (Washington Park) or Pittock Mansion area for evening sun projection on downtown windows and a snow capped Mt Hood.

I'm sure there are lots of inner Portland vistas I know nothing about. City Grill can be good for sunset / night lights right in the center of town.

Sunrise (the few that we have) is great from Cape Horn (on WA side across from Crown Point).
The Columbia River - Cape Horn, Washington
Cape Horn Loop Hike - Hiking in Portland, Oregon and Washington

I usually prefer a gorge loop, eastbound on WA SR14, across Bridge of the God's (Cascade Locks $1) and back westbound on historic highway (goes by many falls + Vista House)
How to Drive the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Byway in Washington | eHow.com
Beacon Rock is a nice spot if you have time.

If you have more time, drive east to Biggs Jct, and see stone henge & Maryhill Museum Maryhill State Park, a Washington State Park

The east gorge is really nice at the moment (rare shades of green + blossoms in the orchards). Depending on the time of day (mid-day best), the OR side gives great vistas of geology on the WA side (from Hood River East).

The gorge is worth a day, especially in the spring, with greens and waterfall flows at peak. But, then I enjoy it everyday, the frozen waterfalls and fall colors are nice too.

[Rob Allen]

I thought the answer to the original question would be somewhere along Terwilliger Blvd. in southwest Portland. The Chart House restaurant there has a great view and might be a nice place for a proposal.

Another possibility is the Japanese Garden - the view of the city from behind the pavilion is wonderful!