Skamania Lodge: For Relaxation Or Thrill Seekers

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A trip to Skamania Lodge is the perfect way to recharge, relax, and enjoy nature. The property sits up above the Columbia River Gorge near Stevenson, Washington. It offers panoramic views of the river and Gorge.

About 45 minutes from the Portland Metro area, it makes for an easy weekend getaway, family gathering spot, or work retreat. The property offers ample space for large group gatherings, business conferences, weddings, and more.

Skamania Lodge and Grounds

The Skamania Lodge was built in the early 90s and is styled in a northwest rustic theme, situated in an expansive clearing surrounded by evergreen forests to the north and panoramic views of the river to the south. 

The backside of the lodge opens to a large lawn with many seating options, including fire pits (that can be used for roasting marshmallows) and Adirondack chairs in the grass.

There is a large amphitheater for events and an outside-covered event space. Don’t worry if you forget something -inside the main lodge is a well-stocked gift shop with options from local artisans and snacks, drinks, and smores kits to use while at the firepit. They host a summer concert series on the lawn in the summer months.

Rooms and Tree Houses

Accommodations at Skamania Lodge include rooms of various sizes, including suites with either river or forest views. After staying in a river-view room, I would say it’s 100% worth the upgrade, especially if you intend to spend some time in your room.

Our river view added an extra layer of peacefulness as we watched the spring storms roll through and boats traveling on the river below. We also opted for a room with a gas fireplace which added to the experience and coziness of the room.

For those larger groups, families, or folks looking for a unique experience, Skamania Lodge offers Tree houses for your stay. These are self-contained tree houses (not really in a tree, but you get the feeling of it) equipped with everything you could need, including a kitchen, fireplace, sitting areas, movies, games, etc.

Dining

Skamania Lodge offers a few different dining experiences on the grounds.

The Cascade Dining Room offers a more formal dining experience and a panoramic view.  Featuring a menu featuring northwest dishes, local seafood, steaks, wine, etc. Weekend brunch.   Reservations recommended.

River Rock Lodge is casual, with a full view of the river and ground from the cozy fireside dining experience. It features wood-fired pizzas, burgers, and desserts. No reservations.

The Backyard Bar Grill is located along the golf course.  It serves burgers, sandwiches, and other grill items with outdoor seating around another fire pit and is pet-friendly for those traveling with their furry companion.

Waterleaf Spa

Kick-starting your time at Skamania Lodge with a spa treatment gets you into relaxation mode quickly and is our recommendation. The Waterleaf Spa offers various treatments, including massages and facials. We recommend you arrive early and use the sauna or outdoor hot tub before your treatments.

Activities On-Site

• Pool and Hot Tub – A heated indoor lap pool and hot tub exist. But our favorite was the outdoor hot tub with a rock waterfall feature within some trees with a peekaboo view of the Columbia River.
• Fitness Center – The onsite fitness center has treadmills, bikes, ellipticals, and weight stations.  
• Outdoor Fitness Loop – This 0.9-mile loop trail takes you through a forested part of the property with fitness stations. Each station explains/instructions board. You might bring a towel or plan to get a bit wet at some of the stations.
• Hiking Trails/Forest Bathing – The property has several forested trails varying in length and terrain. There are also trails skirting the golf courses that are more accessible for those with limitations.

• Zip Line – The ultimate adrenaline rush was flying through the trees, Tarzan style. The zip line course has seven lines, with the longest at 900 ft.
• Aerial Course – This adventure rope course was a highlight of our trip and is sure to get your blood pumping. Safely and doubly clipped to a cable line, you can attempt 22 aerial obstacles above the lodge, scrambling across cargo nets and balancing on wobbly logs. There is also an optional climb to the Eagle’s Nest, which takes you to the highest point on the property with a river view. 
• Golfing – Perfect for golf lovers or golf newcomers. The two courses in the property’s backyard are The Gorge’s 9-hole course and an 18-hole putting course. For the golfers or wannabee golfers, the 9-hole course is right on the resort and gives you a perfect amount of time on the course to still enjoy the other amenities. The putting course isn’t your typical putt-putt. This putting course offers 18 holes with manicured putting greens for practicing.
• Ax-Throwing – For those who haven’t channeled their inner Paul Bunyan, you must try ax-throwing. A quick lesson makes it easy to pick up and offers a fun, competitive activity.
• Disc Golf – An 18-hole course throughout the lush grounds and rolling hills.

Activities Near Skamania Lodge and Stevenson

• The Sternwheeler – Departing from the nearby town of Cascade Locks (on the Oregon side) is the paddleboat known as the Sternwheeler. They offer day and night trips to Stevenson, the Bonneville Dam, and backup. Their weekend brunch is a perfect way to spend the morning and take in the sights on this up-close view of the Columbia River Gorge. Get a fantastic view of Skamania Lodge from the water.
• Historic Highway and Multnomah Falls – Across the river is the original route east to west through the Gorge. These days it’s used as an access point to the many waterfalls and viewpoints along the beautiful gorge. If you don’t have time for the historic highway, which can take several hours, you can visit Multnomah Falls. For this option, take the Multnomah Falls exit 31 from off I-84. Here you can access the lodge and hiking trails around the site. Note: They will start a $2 permit fee to drive the Historic Highway. Read more about it here.
• Whitewater Rafting – About an hour east of Stevenson near White Salmon, whitewater rafting is available during the spring and summer months on the White Salmon and Klickitat Rivers—full and half-day guided trips for those looking for an adrenaline rush.
• Beacon Rock – About 20 minutes west of Skamania is Beacon Rock State Pack. This large rock formation protrudes high above the river and identifies with its namesake as a waypoint on the river. This park has river access for boaters and fishermen. For those hikers in the group, there is a trail to the top of Beacon Rock which opens up to a bird’s eye view of the river. Very much worth the short hike.
• Cascade Locks – Just across the river from the Bridge of the Gods is the town of Cascade Locks. Named for the fish locks allowing safe passage upstream from the Bonneville Dam for salmon and other native fish. This town is a historic crossroads for the Native Americans who have stewarded the land and the descendants of those who currently fish the river. The riverside park is a great spot to enjoy a walk and learn about the area’s history.   
• Hood River – This small town is nestled on the Oregon side between the Columbia River and the slopes of Mt. Hood and makes a great day trip. Home of the fruit loop, which takes you on a tour of the local orchards that provide much of the pear and apple products in the region. Hood Rives is also a destination for wine lovers with its many vineyards and tasting rooms. Many people flock to Hood River for some world-renowned wind and kite surfing. Don’t forget to check out the small downtown area, which has many shops, breweries, and local artists.

Tip: If you enjoy hiking off-site, look at our hiking guide here. As well as our Packing for Vacation

Check it out for yourself, book a stay, make reservations, and enjoy your vacation! Skamania Lodge.

How to get to Skamania Lodge:

Disclosure

We did not receive any compensation for this post. We booked a stay here, thoroughly enjoyed our time, and wanted to share it with others.