5 Things You Didn’t Know About Corbett, Oregon

Updated 02/2025.
If you are interested in some of Oregon’s best scenery, it’s worth getting to know Corbett, Oregon. Located just off the Columbia River Historic Highway between the Sandy River and Crown Point, Corbett, Oregon sits twenty miles east of Portland. The area is known for its proximity to stunning waterfalls and famous landmarks. The little burg of 2,300 residents is one of Portland’s many desirable suburbs, offering a serene lifestyle.
Beyond boundless nature, the town itself also has a history worth noting. Here are the top 5 things you didn’t know about Corbett.
1. Corbett’s Renowned Landmarks and Attractions

Image from USDA.gov
Columbia River Gorge
We can’t have a top 5 list without talking about its main attraction, the Columbia River Gorge. Eighty miles long and up to 4,000 feet deep, this breathtaking river canyon winds through ridges and cliffs offering some of the most gorgeous scenery in Oregon. But with it comes some added attractions and activities.
Vista House

Image by Josh B—Flickr—CC BY-SA 2.0—Wikimedia Commons
Vista House was built to celebrate the magnificence of the gorge. Situated 733 feet above the Columbia River, it guarantees spectacular views, and it is an eye-catching structure of its own. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Designed in 1915 by Portland architect Edgar M. Lazarus and named by Multnomah County’s Assistant Highway Engineer Samuel Lancaster, Vista House opened to the public in 1918. It exemplifies the German Art Nouveau style, with the rock work surrounding it (as well as the retaining walls and bridges for the Columbia River Highway) built by native Italian craftsmen. Alaskan marble and cream and pink limestone grace the interior of the structure.
Women’s Forum

Image from Wikipedia
Stop by Women’s Forum, also known as Chanticleer Point, for a stunning view of Vista House and the gorge. The forum was created in the 1940s to preserve the Columbia River Gorge in response to heavy logging in the area. It is also responsible for preserving the viewpoint. Funds raised by the group were used to purchase this land, which was then donated to Oregon Parks Service.
Outdoor & Recreational Activities in Corbett
In addition to admiring the beauty of the gorge and Vista House, there are plenty of ways to explore the outdoors.
Hiking
According to Alltrails, here are the top ten trails in the Corbett area:
■ Angel’s Rest—a moderate 4.5-mile hike with a spectacular view of the gorge from the top
■ Latourell Falls Trail—a moderate 2-mile hike in Guy W. Talbot State Park
■ Wahkeena Falls Loop Trail—a 5.1-mile hike to one of the best waterfalls on the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
■ Latourell Falls—an easy .2-mile to falls in Guy W. Talbot State Park
■ Bridal Veil Falls Trail—an easy .5-mile hike in the Shepperd’s Dell State Natural Area
■ Wahkeena Spring—a moderate 3-mile out-and-back hike
■ Coopey Falls Trail—an easy 1-mile hike in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
■ Devil’s Rest and Foxglove Way East Loop—a difficult 7.6-mile hike in Shepperd’s Dell State Natural Area
■ Sandy River Trail—a moderate 3.7-mile hike in Oxbow Regional Park
■ Shepperd’s Dell Falls—an easy .1-mile hike to the falls
Cycling the Historic Columbia River Highway
Corbett is a gateway to one of Oregon’s most stunning rides—the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail. This paved route winds through the gorge, providing breathtaking views of cliffs, waterfalls, and lush forests. Riders can also pedal through sections closed to vehicle traffic.
The ride from Corbett to Crown Point provides one of the most iconic views in the state. Continuing off to Multnomah Falls makes for a full-day adventure.
Birdwatching in the Columbia River Gorge
The gorge is home to diverse bird species ranging from bald eagles to western tanagers. Nearby Larch Mountain and the Sandy River Delta are prime spots for birdwatching, particularly during migration.
Water Activities on the Sandy River
Sandy River branches off the Columbia River just minutes from Corbett. The river is a prime spot for warm-weather fun. The calm stretches are popular with kayakers and paddleboarders, and the river’s salmon and steelhead are also popular for fishing. The river’s cool, clear waters also provide a refreshing break from the summer heat.
2. Corbett is Brimming With History
Corbett is home to other locations listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has also been home to some famous people.
Historical Places
Corbett is named for prominent pioneer Senator Henry W. Corbett, who purchased a farm in the area in 1885. The town went through several names before the post office was created and named after him.
Corbett is home to a few structures on the National Register of Historic Places.
Andreas Graf House

Image by Ian Poellet—Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0—WikimediaCommons
The Andreas Graf House is a private farm residence built in the Queen Ann stick style in 1885 for the first Graf family in the area. Located on 153.74 acres, which the original Grafs homesteaded in 1883, the home remains in the family. Learn more about the Andreas Graf House.
Springdale School

Image by Finetooth—Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0—WikimediaCommons
Another of Corbett’s National Register of Historic Places, the school was first built in 1899, followed by a second in 1919 and a third in 1931. It is in an art-deco style.
The Springdale and Corbett school districts were consolidated in 1960, and the school ceased to be used as a school in 1966. The space became a rentable venue for residents and, eventually, the present Springdale School Community Association.
View Point Inn

Image by Ian Poellet—Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0—WikimediaCommons
Another building listed in the National Register of Historic Places, this inn was built in 1924 in the Arts and Crafts style and used as a roadhouse for Columbia River Highway travelers. It once hosted President Franklin Roosevelt and other dignitaries. More recently, it was the setting for the prom scenes in the first Twilight film.
When Interstate 84 was created, the inn fell into disrepair. It was bought in the 1990s as a restaurant and location commercial events venue, but its actions worked against National Scenic Area rules. The Corbett community wasn’t thrilled, and lawsuits and employee grievances grew over time. The building even caught fire twice and seemed beyond repair.
The inn was listed on Restore Oregon’s Endangered Places in 2012, and by 2014, plans to renovate were shelved. Then, in 2016, Dr. Heiner and Sheron Fruehauf purchased the property. Approvals were given for land use and the renovation and reopening of the inn and restaurant, including plans for a Chinese spa and wellness retreat center for day visitors and inn guests.
Progress has been slow, but a groundbreaking finally took place in 2021. Read more about the plans and progress for the new venue, which will bear the name of “The Healing Order.”
Historical People
Corbett is not without its notable people. Two are Billy Oskay and Fritz Springmeier.
Born in Kingston, New York, musician Billy Oskay moved to Oregon and became the head of the music department at Oregon’s Mt. Angel College in St. Benedict, Oregon. He was a member of the group Everything’s Jake and, in 1987, helped form the group Nightnoise.
In 1992, he left Nightnoise to focus on record production. He bought twenty-six acres of land in Corbett and built Big Red Studio from 1997 to 2000. Oskay still produces albums from Big Red and occasionally performs violin with Seattle-based singer-songwriter Jim Page.
Fritz Artz Springmeier, born Viktor E. Schoof, is an American author of conspiracy theorist who used to call Corbett home. He has written several books on the global elite who, according to him, are conspiring to take over the world. Springmeier’s life took a scandalous turn in 2002, landing him in prison for several years. It isn’t clear where Springmeier currently lives.
3. Corbett is Home to Agriculture and Farms
Farm to fork is a cinch in Corbett. A handful of farms that serve the surrounding area all year long.
Kerslake Farms was founded in 1904 and is still run by the family. It sells beef, hay, straw, corn, berries, and pumpkins. The farm is recognized by the Oregon Century Farm and Century Ranch Program, a state program that honors ranchers and farmers who have worked the same area of land for at least 100 years.
Old MacDonald’s Farm combines agriculture, gardens, farm animals, and natural resources to offer enrichment programs to kids and at-risk youth in a safe farm setting. It is the only non-profit of its kind in the state.
Sturm’s Berry Farm is family-owned and has operated for over fifty years. It devotes over 100 acres to berries of all kinds. You can order frozen berries or pick them yourself in the summer. You can also pick up the perfect Christmas tree for the holidays.
3. Corbett is a Haven for Retreats and Camps
Corbett is home to retreat centers and plentiful natural spaces, perfect for communing with the great outdoors on your own or with larger gatherings.
Camp Angelos is a Corbett venue for retreats, camps, weddings, school events, reunions, and more. The camp is set in beautiful natural surroundings and offers cozy cabins, a lodge (which can be used as an event space), trout ponds, and hiking trails.
Menucha Retreat and Conference Center is a sacred space for purposeful work. It offers an array of classes and workshops, such as painting and sewing, harmonica playing, an acoustic blues guitar camp, and a bluegrass workshop. Menucha also welcomes individuals looking to create their own personal retreats and larger events and gatherings.
4. Corbett is a Small Town With a Big Commitment to Community
Local Clubs and Organizations
From the Crown Point Historical Society to 4-H to the Grange, Corbett has an abundance of clubs and organizations that encourage life enrichment and community connection. Corbett also has a Garden Club and the Windy Quilters formed in 2000.
The Corbett Education Fund (CEF) was formed in 1997 and has been responsible for raising funds for a local jogging trail and various greenhouse projects, to name a few. The organization currently focuses on making scholarships to students planning to pursue education beyond high school.
The Columbia Gorge Food Salvage Program was founded in 2000. It is located in the basement of Corbett’s Grange and works as an outreach program that provides food assistance to Corbett and neighboring residents east of the Sandy River.
Annual Events & Community Life
For a small town, Corbett has big sense of community. Annual events bring residents and visitors alike together throughout the year.
Corbett’s Fourth of July Fun Fest & Parade
One of the town’s most anticipated events is the Corbett Fourth of July Fun Fest. It attracts between 5,000 and 10,000 visitors a year. The day starts with a parade running down the Historic Columbia River Highway, featuring local businesses, school groups, and vintage cars. It is followed by live music, food vendors, and family-friendly activities. The event is capped off with a fireworks show.
Crown Point Historical Society’s Annual Fundraiser
Each year, the Crown Point Historical Society hosts a fundraiser to preserve and promote Corbett’s rich history, including guided tours of historic sites, lectures from local historians, and hands-on exhibits of Corbett’s past.
Seasonal and Holiday Festivities
Corbett embraces the changing seasons with a variety of seasonal events.
● In the fall, local farms host pumpkin patches, hayrides, and corn mazes.
● During the winter holidays, Corbett’s community center and local grange hold festive markets with handcrafted goods, baked treats, and holiday performances.
● Spring and summer bring garden club events, farmers’ markets, and outdoor concerts.
Curious About Owning a Home in Corbett?
If the natural and man-made beauty and character of Corbett appeal to you, why not make it your new home? Get in touch with our top 1% buyer’s agents. We’d love to show you available homes in this unique community and make your real estate dreams come true. Call us at 503-773-0000 or chat with the bot on our site. We look forward to showing you what Corbett, Oregon has to offer!