Things To Do
Skamania Port Waterfront
Located in the heart of Stevenson, WA, this charming waterfront park offers stunning views, river access for fishing and swimming, excellent tasting rooms, and a great vantage point for watching windsurfers!
Historic Columbia River Hwy
Enjoy a scenic drive or hike through the breathtaking Columbia River Gorge. You can view multiple waterfalls directly from the highway or with a short hike, and there are also longer, more challenging trails. Must-see spots include Multnomah Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horsetail Falls. Don’t miss the Vista House and Angels Rest for more stunning views. A $2 permit is required for driving the corridor to help manage congestion; purchase it here: https://www.oregon.gov/odot/waterfall-corridor-permits/Pages/default.aspx.
Skamania Lodge
Experience luxury at this high-end resort, featuring hotel rooms, treehouses, and glamping options. Enjoy a variety of activities, including golfing, zip lining, a ropes course, disc golf, a full-service spa, or simply relax by the fire!
Cascade Locks Marine Park
One of Brian’s favorite spots in the Columbia River Gorge! Enjoy breathtaking views of the Bridge of the Gods, the Columbia River, and surrounding mountains. Take a stroll across the footbridge to Thunder Island for a peaceful spot to soak in the scenery.
Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler
Experience the Columbia River Gorge from the water on the Sternwheeler, docked at Cascade Locks Pavilion Park. Purchase tickets for a scenic cruise, and before boarding, explore the park, walk to Thunder Island, snap a photo with the Sasquatch statue, and then enjoy your ride!
Eastwind Drive-In
A must-visit for families and fans of classic soft-serve ice cream! After exploring Thunder Island, treat yourself to a giant soft-serve cone on a hot day—I've visited this spot many times for just that!
Thunder Island Brewing Company
Enjoy delicious beer, tasty food, and stunning views of the Bridge of the Gods and the Columbia River! Drop by after exploring Marine Park and Thunder Island!
Wind Mountain Trailhead & Hiking in The Columbia River Gorge
Highly recommended for its stunning views at the top! This hike is challenging but worth the effort. Brian has enjoyed it many times with friends and the kids. The Columbia River Gorge offers a variety of hiking trails on both sides of the river. For more information on trails and their difficulty levels, visit: https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Columbia_River_Gorge_Hikes.
Bonneville Fish Hatchery
For those who share Brian's enthusiasm for big dams and fish hatcheries, this one is a must-see! Not only will you learn about the Columbia River Gorge’s coho salmon, electrical power, and the dam itself, but you’ll also meet Herman, a 70-year-old, 10-foot, 450-pound sturgeon (pictured above). Now that’s a big fish—makes me hungry just thinking about it!
White Salmon
The charming town of White Salmon, perched on a bluff with breathtaking views of the Columbia River and Mt. Hood, is a perfect stop on your Columbia River Gorge drive. It's a great place to visit before or after crossing the Columbia River to/from Hood River (Toll Bridge $3.50). Enjoy its breweries, the delicious White Salmon Baking Company, and more!
Hood River
Hood River's downtown and waterfront area is charming and full of character! Known for its wines, ciders, beers, historic buildings, and watersports, it’s a great spot to explore. Shop and taste wines in downtown, then head to Hood River Waterfront Park to watch thrilling windsurfers. Afterward, enjoy a brew at pFreim Brewing and finish with gelato from Romeo Gelato. It’s a perfect day in the Columbia River Gorge!
Hood River SUP and Kayak
Rent a kayak or paddleboard and spend a few hours on the Columbia River! Pull over to the beach to relax, watch serious (Olympian-level) windsurfers, and take in the scenery. It’s a fantastic, active day out for the whole family!
Hood River Fruit Loop
The Hood River area is renowned for its beautiful apple orchards, farms, proximity to Mt. Hood, and views of the Columbia River. Be a fruit (pun intended ;) ) and take a drive on the Hood River Fruit Loop. Enjoy stops at farm stands, pick-your-own fruit, and more. It’s a fantastic opportunity to sample some of Oregon's most delicious artisanal and farm-made products!
Portland
Portland, home to Mario and Brian, offers a wealth of activities, from parks and museums to hikes and restaurants. Just under an hour's drive from Stevenson, WA, it’s perfect for a day trip! Brian and Mario are happy to share recommendations—just ask!
White Water Rafting in Maupin, OR!
Although it's about a 1.5-hour drive from Stevenson, WA, it's definitely worth the trip! Rafting companies offer guided half-day and full-day whitewater rafting adventures on the Deschutes River. That’s us 'dump trucking' (flipping over) on the Class 3 rapid known as "Boxcar."