Historic Columbia River Highway closed indefinitely around Vista House as pavement ‘settles’

Published 8:02 am Thursday, March 13, 2025

A stretch of the Historic Columbia River Highway has been closed between Larch Mountain Road and the Vista House due to roadway settling — the sinking of pavement layers, often caused by complications with the soil.

That means the popular tourist route through the Columbia River Gorge is blocked to all motorists effective immediately, the Oregon Department of Transportation said. This is expected to be a “long-term closure,” and there are no estimates for when the roadway will be able to be safely reopened.

Through traffic should use Interstate 84. Exit 22 (Corbett Hill Road) and Exit 28 (Bridal Veil) remain open to access destinations along the Historic Highway, avoiding the closure.

This is a frustrating development for those looking to commute into the Columbia River Gorge, especially on the heels of the Stark Street Bridge reopening after six months of emergency repairs.