Dream Catcher: The View Point Inn

The edge of the world seen from the View Point Inn garden.

The View Point Inn is a charming chalet-style lodge, once a hotel and restaurant. Located above Crown Point, it offers panoramic view of the Columbia River to the west. The main level features a dining hall with an exposed beam ceiling and a large, stone fireplace, while the second floor is home to cozy hotel rooms. Starting with its construction in 1924, the inn has been a dream come true for some owners while leaving others bankrupt. The 100-year old inn has a colorful past with an interesting story.

Address: 40301 E Larch Mountain Rd, Corbett OR

Year Built: 1924

Architect: Carl L. Linde

Style: Tudor Arts and Crafts 

Building Size: 4700 square feet

Initial Cost: $47,000

The View Point circa 1950

The history of the View Point Inn traces back to 1884 when Mr. Lorens Lund, a Danish immigrant, was granted 120 acres of land under the Homestead Act. Lund and his wife, Mari, named their property "Thor's Heights," inspired by the Scandinavian god who resided in a high, majestic home with an unparalleled view of the world—an apt name indeed. Three decades later, the Lunds donated most of their land to Multnomah County and the City of Portland, including the area that would become the Vista House at Crown Point.

In 1924, Grace Palmer purchased the land and hired architect Carl Linde to design and build a tea house and resort for travelers along the new Columbia River Highway. A Tudor Arts and Crafts-style building was constructed for $47,000. Unfortunately, Palmer was slightly ahead of the curve, and after 2 years, business at "Palmer Place" was insufficient. Palmer filed for bankruptcy and was forced to sell the property.

 In 1927, William Moessner, a native of Germany, who was the head chef at the Benson Hotel bought the inn. He renamed the building “The View Point Hotel.” Moessner and his wife Clara operated the business successfully in the 1930s and 40s. During this time, the View Point Hotel gained fame as a roadhouse, attracting notable visitors from around the globe. Among the signatures in the guestbook were those of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Clark Gable, Charlie Chaplin and Thomas Dewey. During WWII, the inn shut down but did reopen after the war. However, with the completion of  water-level freeway (I-84) in 1952, the inn and Highway 30 were permanently bypassed, resulting in a significant decline in visitors. Business declined and the inn served its last meal in 1962 and the hotel closed afterwards. Moessner lived in the inn as his private home until his death in 1979. Moessner operated the inn for 35 years while living in it for over 50 years. He loved the place and stayed until the very end. He achieved his dream. 

The View Point Inn in 1985

In the 1970s, the inn fell into disrepair. In 1982, Karen and Douglas Watson purchased the property and transformed it into a private residence. They successfully had the inn added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. However, their renovations took a less-than-ideal turn. They painted over the kitchen cabinets and moldings, covered the original hardwood floors with carpet, and plastered the walls with wallpaper that reflected the 1980s style—choices that were not in keeping with the inn’s historic charm. This direction ultimately detracted from the property’s true potential.

In 1997, the Watson's leased the inn to Geoff Thompson, who opened the it as a school and training facility for disabled adults. A year later, zoning officials said that the school was primarily operating as a restaurant instead of a training center. This violated their conditional use permit by offering too much food and drink, and not enough education. It was a loophole that initially worked for Thompson, but would eventually bring more scrutiny and complaints against him. In 1999, he was found in violation of Multnomah County zoning rules and the Oregon Dept of Justice investigated him for fraudulently using state Medicaid funds. In 2000, he agreed to close the inn, pay a $15,000 fine and settled with all parties. Thompson limped off to Los Angeles CA.

In 2003, after a deal to sell the inn fell through, Thompson and his partner, Angelo Simione, purchased the property for $450,000. They renovated the inn and began living there. A year later, they started hosting weddings and events on the property. In 2005, they sought approval from the Columbia River Gorge Commission and Multnomah County to open the inn as a restaurant and visitor center. However, their request faced strong opposition from the Friends of the Gorge, an environmental advocacy group. After navigating a mountain of permits, borrowing substantial sums of money, and dealing with contentious resistance, they achieved the impossible: the county granted approval and issued a 5-year permit.

The inn reopened a year later and quickly became a beloved destination for foodies and romantics in the Pacific Northwest. Its popularity peaked when scenes from the vampire fantasy film Twilight were filmed at the View Point Inn. Over the next four years, the View Point Inn thrived as a world-class restaurant. On the surface, all was well, but there was a dark underbelly of discontent: unpaid contractors and credit cards, staff grievances and some unhappy customers.

One of the signature features of the inn was the large stone fireplace

Prom scene from Twilight filmed at the View Point Inn

Sadly, on July 10, 2011, a fire broke out in the roof, devastating the upper part of the inn. The damage was catastrophic. While Thompson's finances had become strained due to the inn’s heavy debt and many brides lost their deposits after the closure, his commitment to realizing his dream cannot be overlooked. Thompson’s determination and resilience in the face of fierce opposition are a testament to his drive. The View Point Inn, under his ownership, though short-lived, remains both a high point and low point for the inn’s history.

July 10, 2011 roof fire started

Unfortunately after the fire, Thompson revealed that the fire insurance policy had lapsed and there was no coverage to rebuild the inn. It was a the end. Thompson expressed his frustration with President Obama and Governor John Kitzhaber, criticizing federal and state agencies for not offering him a bailout loan similar to the ones provided to the mortgage industry and Wall Street. To make his feelings even clearer, he hung a large sign on the side of the inn depicting him being crucified, a dramatic gesture that certainly amplified his anger. However, it created an uncomfortable scene in the neighborhood. Thompson attempted to rally support, but despite his efforts, he was unable to secure investors or donations. With no insurance to rebuild, he was forced into bankruptcy, and the bank repossessed the inn, ultimately selling it.

The "Crucifixion" August 2011

A New Owner and New Life for The View Point Inn

In 2016, Heiner and Sheron Fruehauf realized a lifelong dream when they acquired the deteriorating View Point Inn. Deeply drawn to its rich history and breathtaking location atop the Columbia River Gorge in their hometown of Corbett, they saw immense potential in the property. Dr. Fruehauf wants to turn the restaurant into a world-class wellness center. It's an ambitious plan to rebuild the inn starting with raising the building and pouring a new basement foundation under the structure. One of the things I can't help but notice in the pictures is a new addition to the front: a large yellow fire hydrant. I don't know if that's a jab at former owner Geoff Thompson or if it was part of the permit process, or maybe both. 

2016: Assessment & Cleanup

2017: New Roof Installation

2024: Almost Ready

Architecture of the Inn

The VPI was built in the arts & crafts style, a type of architecture that was popular in 1870's England. The style emphasized the hand craftsmanship of the late middle ages. 

Signature features of this type of architecture are:

• Materials: Locally sourced materials like timber, brick and stone
• Roof: Low-pitched roofs with deep overhangs, often gabled or hipped
• Porches: Covered front porches with large columns
Chimneys: Prominent chimneys made of brick or stone
Windows: Many small-pane windows
Construction: Traditional construction methods and skilled craftsmanship
Floor plans: Open floor plans with built-in cabinets, shelves, and seating
Ceilings: Wood beam ceilings

One new addition to the roadside of the inn is a ginormous fire hydrant sitting out in front by the mailboxes. I can't help but think this was part of the zoning agreement with the remodel permit. Sometime in the near future, there needs to be a ceremony dedicating that fire hydrant to former owner, Geoff Thompson.

View Point Inn Time Line

1924  Viewpoint Inn built

1925  Palmer House opens

1927  Palmer sells to William Moessner

1927  Palmer House changed to View Point Hotel

1937  President Theodore Roosevelt visits View Point

1962  View Point Hotel closes & becomes private residence

1979  William Moessner dies and nephew Erwin Goeltz inherits property

1980  Contents of View Point Inn/William Moessner estate auctioned off

1982  Goeltz sells inn to Douglas and Karen Watson

1985  VPI placed on National Register of Historic Places

1986  Creation of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Act

1997  Geoff Thompson leases VPI

2000  Thompson settles with state officials and surrenders VPI lease

2003  Geoff Thompson buys VPI for $450,000

2006  Multnomah County issues VPI 5-year conditional use permit

2007  VPI opens as restaurant, hotel and wedding venue

2008  Small fire damages kitchen

2011  Severe fire destroys upper floor and roof of VPI

2011  Thompson/VPI file for bankruptcy 

2012  Multnomah Co revokes conditional use permit to operate VPI

2013 Thompson's reconstruction effort fails, sells inn

2016  Heiner and Sheron Fruehauf purchase the Inn for $577,000

2021  After long permit process & planning, works begins to restore the Inn

2024  Huge yellow fire hydrant installed in front of inn near the street (GTFH?)