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Skamania Lodge

A Northwest getaway for families, couples or even just you

Skamania Lodge offers both relaxation and adventure. Photo credit: Kristin Kendle

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Sometimes taking a vacation outside of Washington is just not in the stars. However, Washington state is not short on amazing vacation destinations. Case in point - Skamania Lodge.

Skamania Lodge is the perfect place to get away from it all, quite literally. About 45 minutes from Portland, the lodge is pleasantly isolated in the best kind of way. The nearest town is Stevenson, Washington, which has less than 1,500 residents. Otherwise, the lodge is surrounded by nothing but Northwest nature - the Columbia River to one side, towering evergreen forests to another.

"Skamania Lodge is an authentic Pacific Northwest escape, where visitors can find opportunities for both relaxation and adventure in the beautiful setting of the Columbia River Gorge," said Todd Gillespie, director of Sales and Marketing. "We're tucked away on 175 wooded acres and offer more than forty-five recreational activities, so everyone is sure to find something they'll enjoy."

If you want to get out and explore, the area is filled with outdoorsy adventures, from climbing Beacon Rock and hiking to Multnomah Falls to horseback riding. You could even add in a day trip to Portland. But once you're at Skamania Lodge, everything you could possibly need is right on the premises, so there's no need to leave.

Rooms

Skamania Lodge allows you to book a room that suits your budget and space needs, and choices range from Superior Rooms with mountain and forest views, Fireside Rooms that include a gas fireplace, River Rooms that have views of the river, and rooms with both a fireplace and a view. If you can afford the splurge, get a room with a river view. The forest views are beautiful, but it's difficult to top the inspiring views of the Columbia River and surrounding mountains.

Restaurants

The lodge has three restaurants: the upscale Cascade Dining Room, the mid-level River Rock and the casual Greenside Grille. Cascade Dining Room and River Rock both have views of the Columbia River, and during warmer months, you can sit outside on a patio with a view at the River Rock. Greenside Grille is located near the golf course and is the best choice if you want to grab an affordable sandwich or burger.

Alternately, the lodge also offers room service and take-out service. There is no grocery store in the vicinity, so it doesn't hurt to bring a few snacks for your room, too.

Recreation

If you're only at Skamania Lodge for a few days, chances are you'll have no need to leave the property to stay busy. There's an 18-hole, par-70 golf course that winds its way through the 175 acres of the property. There's also a driving range, practice bunker, and chipping and putting greens.

Another major claim to fame for the lodge is its zipline tours - and you may even see some zipliners zipping right over your car as you park. Zipline tours take you into the canopy of the forests around the lodge over seven ziplines that measure 100 to 900 feet in length. On the flip side, if exploring the forests from high up is not for you, there are three hiking trails that crisscross the property. Trails are moderate, with some minor elevation changes and rocks and roots along the way.

After a day of exploring and playing outside, there may be no finer way to relax than with an evening at the pool. Skamania's pool complex includes an indoor pool, indoor hot tub, and an outdoor hot tub.

Cap your evening off by the fire pit outside. Bring your own s'mores ingredients and skewers for roasting marshmallows, or you can buy s'mores kits in the lodge's store.

Families
Skamania Lodge is an amazing destination for a romantic retreat, yet it's also pretty amazing for families. Kids will enjoy making s'mores by the fire or spending time at the pool. There are plenty of open spaces for kids to run around and large rocks for them to explore. The hiking trails are labeled as moderate, so they may be tough for strollers at points, but they are approachable for families as long as the kids can handle walking 1.5 miles. There's a playground on the south side of the property, too.

Skamania Lodge, 1131 Skamania Lodge Way, Stevenson, 844.590.1792, skamania.com

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