Hiking destinations: Skamania Lodge

The Destination:

The Columbia River Gorge is a special place. In fact, it was the first in the country to be recognized as a National Scenic Area, and more recently placed near the top of the Best-Rated Places in the world list. Justifiably, folks around Portland are proud of their backyard paradise.

The Gorge is an ideal destination for all sorts of outdoor enthusiasts; in particular, hikers. Sitting in the heart of this hiking Shangri-la is the Skamania Lodge. Located just west of Stevenson, the lodge is easily accessed but hidden from view in 175 wooded acres below Table Mountain and Greenleaf Peak.

Born from a partnership between the Columbia River Gorge Commission, the USDA Forest Service, Skamania County and Grayco Resources Inc, the lodge was built in 1993 to resemble the great lodges of the early 1900's. In true Northwest fashion, resource reclaimation was at the heart of construction. The Cascadian style Skamania Lodge features giant timber columns taken from the old BumbleBee cannery in Astoria. In addition, Southern Longleaf Pine recycled from a 150-200 year old building in Georgia was used to complete some of the lodge flooring.

Perhaps one of the lodge's greatest assets for hikers is the onsite US Forest Service Information Center located in the lobby. Open 7 days a week from 9am to 5pm, the friendly and knowledgeable staff at the Information Center are more than happy to point out local trails or even customize a hiking adventure for visitors. There are even 4.25 miles of scenic hiking trails on the lodge grounds.

Some of the lodge's amenities include:

Accommodations-

• 254 guest rooms with either one king, two queen or two double size beds
• Guest rooms have either a river or forest view
• All rooms feature original artwork, color TV, telephone with voice mail & a data port, wireless high-speed internet access, clock radio, hair dryer, coffee maker, iron & ironing board, Nintendo, in-room movies and individual climate control
• Pet rooms available with advance reservations only. There is a non-refundable $50 charge per stay.

Dining-

• Banquet dining for up to 500
• The Cascade Room for elegantly casual dining
• The River Rock for a lighter fare menu and cocktails
• The Greenside Grille for seasonal dining at the golf course
• In room dining available for your convenience
• Catering available in both our indoor and outdoor venue space

Sports and Rec-

• 18 hole golf course
• The Waterleaf Spa & Fitness Center featuring:
  • Massage therapy, body treatments, manicures and pedicures by appointment
  • Indoor heated swimming pool
  • Whirlpools, outdoor hot tub and dry saunas
  • Stairclimbers, recumbent bikes, EFX machines, treadmills and weight systems
  • Two outdoor tennis courts
  • Basketball court
  • Outdoor sand volleyball court
• Walking & hiking trails
• Adult bicycles available

Area Hiking:

The world class hiking available within a stones throw of the lodge is mind-boggling. On the Washington side, Table Mountain, Falls Creek Falls, Gillette Lake, and Dog Mountain are all close by. Just across the bridge on the Oregon side, hikers can easily visit Eagle Creek, Indian Point, Dry Creek Falls, or Wahclella Falls. Again, a visit to the Forest Service Information Center can provide maps and hints about these trails and many others.

Nearby Attractions:

Other activities and attractions located near the Skamania Lodge include horseback riding, whitewater rafting, wineries, sternwheeler rides, and fishing, just to name a few.

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