Portland Women’s Forum State Scenic Viewpoint

The Portland Women’s Forum State Scenic Viewpoint is the first overlook along the Historic Columbia River Highway as visitors head east from Portland, offering one of the most iconic views of the Columbia River Gorge. SITES worked with the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department to develop a comprehensive plan for revitalizing this celebrated site, balancing visitor access, resource protection, and the preservation of its historic character.

The design addressed priorities identified in the Columbia River Gorge Management Units Plan and incorporated standards from the Scenic Resources Implementation Handbook, the HCRH Trail Design Guidelines, and the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Management Plan. It focused on enhancing the visitor experience by separating vehicles from pedestrian viewing areas and introducing an ADA-accessible route across the site’s steep slopes.

Other proposed improvements included expanded but discreetly screened parking, new restroom facilities, additional seating and gathering areas, and amenities for cyclists and trail users entering the Gorge. The design also emphasized environmental stewardship through invasive species removal, native plant restoration, and preservation of historic monuments.

Public engagement was a key part of the process. SITES supported Oregon Parks and Recreation Department-led outreach through opportunities-and-constraints analyses, schematic concepts, and refined designs shaped by community feedback. The resulting plan provides a clear, context-sensitive vision for improving accessibility and sustainability at one of the Pacific Northwest’s most remarkable viewpoints.