5 Things You Didn’t Know About Corbett, Oregon

Article thumbnail

Updated 02/2025.

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

Vista House

Image by Josh B—Flickr—CC BY-SA 2.0—Wikimedia Commons

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

Hiking

■       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

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

Image by Ian Poellet—Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0—WikimediaCommons

Corbett is not without its notable people. Two are Billy Oskay and Fritz Springmeier.

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.

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

●     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!

Let's Connect
Contact us.

What My Clients Are Saying

Stephen was just simply a fantastic realtor to work with in selling our home. If we had another 50 properties to sell, Stephen would be in charge of all of them. He was so professional in handling every detail of our sale, and he was so responsive to every question that came up in the course of our transaction. My wife and I are very thankful that we found Stephen.

Alan