Skamania Lodge

A beautiful 20 years

Getting some place is part of the enjoyment, and the drive up SR-14 (either direction) or across the Bridge of the Gods over the Columbia River toward Skamania Lodge lets you know you're in one of the most beautiful areas in the Northwest. As you turn up the drive and realize the forest closes in around the Lodge, you feel both peaceful and protected.

Skamania Lodge opened February 26, 1993, as part of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area established in 1986. This act included a lodge and meeting center, Skamania Lodge. It is now operated by Destination Hotels & Resorts. Located on 175 wooded acres, there are 45 (apparently someone has counted them) 'recreational choices' including hiking, bicycling, golfing, white water rafting, tennis, basketball, volleyball, fishing and more, in and around the Lodge. You can take advantage of guided hiking or fishing tours, brewery tours, zip line tours, canoeing/kayaking tours, wine tastings, cave tours and weekend activities for the family that include a game room and movies (indoor in winter, outdoor in summer).

Choose from 254 guest rooms or suites with Cascade Mountains forest or Columbia River views. Each room includes robes, coffee makers, Wi-Fi and windows that actually open so you can enjoy the fresh air. As with most resorts, there is a fee that covers items like the Wi-Fi connection, bicycles, parking, etc. In addition to the guest rooms, there are 23 function rooms within 22,000 square feet of conference space with advanced technology, natural lighting, and a conference center concierge.

The four story lodge with high-pitched roofs includes the Gorge Room with 100-year-old timber columns from a defunct Astoria cannery, wood flooring from a 150-200 year old building in Georgia, Montana slate, and an 85-foot tall fireplace made from andesite rock from an abandoned quarry close to the Lodge. Throughout, you will find local artwork, ceramics and petroglyph rubbings showing Native American history in the Gorge area. There is enough artwork that they�ve created a CD and brochure so you can take a walking tour to enjoy it all. Broad hallways give you a feeling of luxury and space.

Skamania's 18-hole, par 70 golf course designed by Bunny Mason overlooks the Columbia River. Even when you play badly, it's a good day. The facility offers a golf shop, rental equipment, driving range, practice bunker, chipping and putting greens, and a staff of PGA professionals to assist you. Light, casual food and a great view is available seasonally at the Greenside Grille.

The Waterleaf Spa and Fitness Center offers spa treatments (massage, facial, nails, body treatments) designed to enhance your relaxing visit to the Lodge. The beautiful indoor swimming pool is a big attraction for children and adults, and there is also a fitness center to get you ready for those 45 'recreational choices.'

Dining is a huge part of a getaway and Skamania offers a farm-to-table experience in the Cascade Dining Room and River Rock. Nearly every ingredient is produced within 50 miles of Skamania. Wonderful views of the Gorge and Columbia River enhance your dining. The Cascade Dining Room is a wide-open room that features a breakfast buffet along with the regular menu, lunch, dinner, and a wood-fired oven. The wine list is primarily Washington and Oregon, with few wines from outside the Northwest. River Rock features a fireplace and an outdoor patio, serving lunch and dinner, with breakfast on Sunday only. River Rock's wine list is less extensive and more casual than the Cascade Dining Room. They also have a fun list of specialty cocktails, along with a number of local and other beers.

Carlton farms pork chop, house made Tasso, white beans, Eagle Rare bourbon peach barbeque sauce

Nearby you will find amazing views, and natural and man-made wonders like the Vista House (who knew a rest stop could be this good?), Crown Point Observatory, the Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler, Bonneville lock and dam, the Bridge of the Gods, and the many falls (Bridal Veil, Multnomah and more).

Skamania Lodge is a charming spot to visit, whether it's for a meal, a walk around the area, a visit to the spa or golf course, an overnight stay or a business meeting. The Gorge is such an exceptional place, it's best to stay several nights so you can enjoy both the scenic area and the Lodge. And since it's their 20-year anniversary, you'll find special packages and events throughout the year.

Skamania Lodge 1131 SW Skamania Lodge Way Stevenson, WA 98648 509-427-7700 business 800-221-7117 reservations 800-376-9116 group sales www.skamania.com

Nicky Farms Apple cider brine Duck breast, smoked bacon and apple risotto vanilla scented red wine