Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
natural surroundings.
Rock Creek Park
(Rock Creek Dr. and Rock Creek Park Rd.) on the west side of town provides an excellent place for
beginner sailboarders and kitesurfers to practice their art.
Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center
Located a mile west of Stevenson, this award-winning museum (990 SW Rock Creek Dr., 800/991-2338,
www.columbiagorge.org
, 10 A.M.-5
P.M. daily, closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day, $7 adults, $6 seniors and students, $5 ages 6-12, free for kids under 6) looks
across Rock Creek Cove to the mighty Columbia River. Highlights include an enormous simulated basalt cliff, with its crevices filled by Native
American and pioneer artifacts, a 37-foot-high fish wheel, a restored Corliss steam engine, and Native American artifacts. Another section intro-
duces you to the spiritual side of the Columbia Gorge. The museum also is home to objets d'art and furniture once belonging to Russian mystic
Baron Eugene Fersen, along with the world's largest collection of rosaries. Special exhibits change frequently, and a museum store features the
works of local artisans.
Wine Tours
Based in Stevenson, but running tours all along both sides of the scenic area,
Martin's Gorge Tours
(503/349-1323 or 877/290-8687,
www.martinsgorgetours.com
) specializes in running both small and large groups through the best of the area's wineries and waterfalls all year
long, plus taking hikers on wildflower hunts during the colorful spring months. Run by a knowledgeable and affable guide, the service offers a
laid-back way to check out big portions of the area while sipping vino without worry of driving impaired. The company's signature Wine and
Waterfall Tour ($99) will take you on an all-day adventure through the Gorge that departs directly from several hotels on the stretch between
Carson and Bingen.
Festivals and Events
The
Fourth of July
brings the usual fireworks, picnics, and concessions to Skamania County; the best way to see the fireworks is aboard the
sternwheeler
Columbia Gorge
(503/224-3900,
www.portlandspirit.com
), which offers a special tour. In late July, the
Columbia Gorge Bluegrass
Festival
(800/989-9178,
www.columbiagorgebluegrass.net
)
brings foot-stompin' music, contests, dances, and plenty of food all day long at the
Rock Creek Fairgrounds in Stevenson. The annual
Skamania County Fair and Timber Carnival
(509/427-3979), held in August, offers enter-
tainment, a parade, timber contests, exhibits, and food. The fair prides itself on being one of the last original free fairs.
Sports and Recreation
Rent sailboards, kayaks, canoes, snowshoes, climbing gear, and mountain bikes from
Waterwalker
(21 Carson Depot Rd., 509/427-2727). This
popular store also offers sailboard lessons most summer afternoons.
The
Skamania Lodge Golf Course
(SW Skamania Lodge Dr., 509/527-2541,
www.skamania.com
, $40-65) reigns as the nicest set of links the
Gorge has to offer. With amazing Columbia cliff views, well-tended fairways and greens and a practice facility with a driving range, bunker, and
chipping and putting greens, this is a true destination-style course.
Accommodations
The finest luxury resort in the Gorge,
Skamania Lodge
(1131 SW Skamania Lodge Dr., 509/427-7700 or 800/221-7117,
www.skamania.com
,
$209-289 d) is a huge property sporting an indoor pool, sauna, hot tubs, fitness center, tennis courts, 18-hole golf course, hiking trails, and con-
vention facilities. The lodge has a classic feeling. Its tall windows face the Columbia River and an enormous river rock fireplace heats up the
lobby. Rooms come in various sizes and have views of the mountain or the river. Pet rooms are available for an additional fee. Inside is a small
Forest Service
information center and bookshop
(509/427-2528, 9 A.M.-5 P.M. daily). It also hosts guest speakers each spring and fall.
If those rates are a little rich for your blood,
Columbia Gorge Riverside
(509/427-5650,
www.cgriversidelodge.com
,
$79-199 d) offers a cozy
atmosphere in its modern, well-appointed log cabins along the Columbia River near Stevenson. It has no phones or TVs, but each has a kitchen,
back deck, and access to the hot tub.
Park RVs at
Lewis & Clark RV Park
(509/427-5982, $20 nightly) in North Bonneville, which offers well-spaced campsites on its grassy and
tree-shaded property.
Food
Joe's El Rio
(193 Hwy. 14, 509/427-4479, 4-9 P.M. daily) has authentic Mexican cuisine to eat in or carry out.
