Elliott Corbett Memorial

Elliott Corbett Memorial State Recreation Site is a scenic viewpoint in the Columbia River Gorge in Multnomah County, Oregon. The site honors Elliott Corbett, a Portland civic leader and conservationist who championed the preservation of the gorge's natural beauty. The viewpoint offers dramatic views of the Columbia River and the surrounding gorge landscape from the Historic Columbia River Highway.

The gorge landscape visible from the memorial supports diverse wildlife. Bald eagles and osprey fish the Columbia River below. Raptors soar on the thermals generated by the gorge's unique topography. Deer and elk inhabit the forested slopes. The river supports salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon.

The vegetation at the viewpoint includes Douglas-fir, bigleaf maple, and Oregon white oak. The gorge's unique east-west climate gradient creates diverse plant communities visible from the site. Spring wildflowers including balsamroot and lupine color the slopes.

The viewpoint showcases the dramatic Columbia River Basalt formations that form the gorge walls. The layered basalt flows, carved by the Missoula Floods, create the towering cliffs visible from the memorial. The Columbia River flows through the only sea-level passage through the Cascade Range.

The western gorge is cool and wet, with precipitation averaging 75-85 inches annually. The gorge winds are a defining feature. Clear viewing conditions, best in late spring through early fall, reveal the volcanic peaks of Mount Hood and Mount Adams.

The gorge has served as a human corridor for over 10,000 years. Elliott Corbett (1907-1988) was a prominent Portland banker and civic leader who served on numerous conservation and community boards, advocating for the protection of Oregon's natural resources.

The memorial was established to honor Elliott Corbett's contributions to conservation and the community. The site preserves a scenic viewpoint along the Historic Columbia River Highway.

The primary attraction is the gorge viewpoint. The site connects to the broader network of viewpoints and trails along the Historic Columbia River Highway. Nearby attractions include Crown Point, Multnomah Falls, and numerous other waterfall hikes.

The site is along the Historic Columbia River Highway in the western gorge. Parking and a viewpoint are provided. The Portland area provides full visitor services.

The site is managed within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area framework. Recovery from the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire and ongoing invasive species management are priorities.