The Pacific Northwest has no shortage of beautiful places, and the Columbia River Gorge is no exception. And what better way to immerse yourself in the lush forests of the PNW than a luxury tree house? The new tree houses at Skamania Lodge are an adventure all on their own. And these are no ordinary rustic tree houses.
The Columbia River separates most of Washington and Oregon all the way to the Pacific Ocean. Just before reaching the Cascade mountain range is the lush Columbia River Gorge. Here, you’ll find more waterfalls than you can count and an incredibly diverse range of ecosystems. And if you like green, fern-fringed, mossy covered forests, then this area is for you.
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Arriving to Skamania Lodge
Skamania Lodge is nestled in the trees overlooking the Columbia River from the northern, Washington side of the river. The nearest town is the cute little town of Stevenson. Our quickest route to get to Skamania Lodge was to cross the Columbia River from I-84 in Oregon via the “Bridge of the Gods” or the Hood River Bridge (both have a $2 toll).
Our stay at Skamania Lodge Tree Houses happened to be scheduled a couple days after new Covid restrictions in Washington state were put in place in November, so things were a bit quieter at the lodge than usual. But peace and quiet is exactly what I craved and needed. And there’s no better way to achieve solitude and social distancing than in a tree house.
After pulling up to the entrance decorated in holiday juniper and lights, we checked in at impressive lobby then drove a couple minutes down the road to the tree houses. The newest and tallest of their collection of tree houses are located in a beautiful little clearing surrounded by trees with a mountain view.
Although they are not “technically” built in a tree, they are 40 feet in the air, which essentially makes them sit up in the trees and feel like you’re immersed in the forest.
A Tour Around The Tree House
You park down below and walk up a gravel path to your tree house. The yard has a gas fire pit and Adirondack chairs perfect for the outdoor scene. You’ll find a s’mores kit in the tree house to complete your outdoor fire pit experience. This was one of my favorite parts of the entire stay.
Inside the tree house is shockingly spacious and beautifully decorated. The large windows frame a modern cozy fireplace and the deck has two sets of doors opening up onto the beautiful platform in the trees. One of my favorite features is the see through fireplace so you can enjoy the cozy vibe from inside or out on the deck relaxing in the chairs.
The largest of the tree houses have this quaint little nook with an additional bed. It can be closed up with the fabric curtains and has it’s own lighting inside. The windows all around make it feel like you’re surrounded by forest.
The bathroom is huge with a grand walk-in glass shower. In the closet you’ll find a couple of robes and slippers. I’m such a sucker for a hotel robe, and this one did not disappoint.
The little corner by the entrance to the tree house has a wine fridge, an electric tea kettle, a microwave, and a Nespresso coffee maker.
I love the warm, modern, artsy vibe. There is ample unique lighting throughout the tree house and in-floor heating in the bathroom. Swoon.
History of the Skamania Lodge
The main Skamania Lodge is huge. Completed in 1993, the lodge was built to be reminiscent of the old lodges of the 1900’s. Many materials used in the building process came from 100-200 year old recycled beams and flooring from other dismantled buildings. Serving as a lodge, meeting place, and event center overlooking the river and mountains, the Skamania Lodge also features original local artwork depicting Native American history of the Columbia River Gorge.
What to do at the Skamania Lodge
With a property of 175 acres, you’d never even have to leave Skamania Lodge to keep yourself occupied. If I’d had more time to explore more of it, I would have loved to.
Hike
There are 4 miles of hiking trails onsite, including a fitness trail! I’d never even heard of a fitness trail before, but this almost 1 mile loop trail has 5 stations with varying levels of difficulty at each, with signs to describe how to utilize the station. Or you can watch this video!
Zipline and Aerial Park
Yes, you can actually zipline your way through the forest with Skamania Lodge’s treetop adventure. With 7 lines ranging from 100 to 900 feet and 3 sky bridges, it will take about 2.5 hours to complete the guided course.
The aerial park is a self guided adventure challenge in the trees where you can test your agility and fear of heights. Don’t worry: you’re carabinered to a cable so you won’t fall out of the trees.
These activities were closed for the season when we were there, but we could see some of the cables and platforms up in the trees and they looked so neat! Next time for sure.
Additional Onsite Activities
Axe Throwing: For real, you can throw axes just for fun. Practice your skills with a wooden target…and don’t forget your flannel.
Rent Bikes: Hotel guests get free Raleigh bike rentals with their stay. You can cruise the property trails or road bike to town if you’d like.
Game Room: Ask the front desk to reserve the game room.
Golf: Coming in the spring, Skamania Lodge’s golf course is shaping up to be a beautiful one.
You can learn more and book these activities HERE.
Spa and Wellness Center
The Waterleaf Spa, fitness center, indoor pool and hot tub, and outdoor hot tub all look beautiful. We weren’t able to enjoy them due to the new Covid restrictions, but we took a little tour to see what it was like. I sure would’ve liked to swim in that pool and dip in that hot tub. Next time I’d like to splurge for a massage too.
Dining at Skamania Lodge
If it was any other time besides a pandemic, we would have been able to enjoy the beautiful dining at Skamania Lodge. They have a restaurant with huge tall windows overlooking the property and river in the distance. Such a bummer we didn’t get the opportunity to sit at the Cascade Dining Room or River Rock Lounge, which is more casual. The Cascade Dining room has an incredible menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner prepared by chef Matt Hale.
Currently, the River Rock Lounge is offering takeout for each meal or they can deliver it to your room, due to the Covid restrictions in place.
We loved the room delivery for dinner. We moved the end tables and chairs in our room to face each other in front of the fireplace and I ate in my robe. I had the steelhead tacos and a house salad and Chris had the Brussels sprouts and a burger. Everything was amazing and impressively packaged (no styrofoam, thank goodness) for delivery.
We also had breakfast and cappuccinos outside under the pavilion by one of the many rock fireplaces one morning which was a little chilly but beautiful. This area can also be rented out for events. Can you imagine having a wedding with these views?!
Things to do Near Skamania Lodge
The Columbia River Gorge area has a diverse range of activities to keep you busy. Plus, it’s less than 45 minutes away from Portland!
Chasing Waterfalls
This is the land of waterfalls! There are so many within close proximity to each other, you could spend days – weeks – trying to see them all. Cruise along the stunning Historic Columbia River Highway that runs parallel to I-84 and it will take you to many of the highlights.
One of the most famous is Multnomah Falls. It’s stunning, but I personally prefer the undeveloped ones you have to hike a little ways too. There are extensive trails around and above Multnomah Falls that will take you to plenty of other less crowded, smaller falls.
Some other beautiful falls in the area with varying degrees of hiking (and some remain closed due to the Eagle Creek Fire) are Latourell Falls, Horsetail Falls and Ponytail Falls, Elowah Falls, Wahclella Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Wahkeena Falls.
There are waterfalls on the Washington side of the river as well. Check out Panther Creek Falls, Falls Creek Falls, Spirit Falls, Dog Creek Falls, and Sweeny Falls.
For an extensive list of hikes with or without waterfalls, click HERE.
Go For a Drive
Aside from driving along the beautiful Historic Columbia River Highway, you should continue west on this winding road past Latourell Falls and up the hill to the 1917 Vista House. There is a lovely view of the Columbia River Gorge from the top. And if you continue past the Vista House, you’ll have a view looking back at the Vista House perched on the ridge.
Watersports
This region of the Columbia River is world renowned for its wind surfing. To many of us (myself, especially) a windy place is incredibly annoying. But if you’re a windsurfer, it’s heaven. The wind comes funneling through the gorge making conditions on the river perfect. Hood River is a common base for windsurfing and kitesurfing. You may come to this region as a pro, a beginner to take lessons, or just as a spectator to watch from the shores in Stevenson or Hood River.
Other water sports include white water rafting on the White Salmon River or kayaking and paddle boarding tours or rentals. Click HERE to learn more.
Every considered flyboarding? It’s essentially like you’re a super hero with a jetpack propelling you out of the water. You can do that here too.
Fishing in this region is quite popular as well. Click HERE to learn more.
Wineries and Breweries
Winter Activities
Must Brings
An Umbrella: This place is known for being wet!
Rain/Wind Jacket: A definite must.
Fleece Leggings: I could live in fleece lined leggings, but they are especially important for the coastal chill, especially when it’s not summer.
Puffy Coat: It can get downright chilly with that humid coastal air and I’m always cold in these conditions.
Hiking Shoe: You need something with some traction for all the slippery trails around here. I wish I had a video to show you of myself slipping into a splits position on a log in front of Latourell Falls. It hurt, but it was pretty funny.
Conclusion
I hope this post on the Skamania Lodge and the new treehouses has inspired you to add it to your bucket list! There are so many unique places to stay around the Pacific Northwest where we can support local businesses like hotels, restaurants, and artists while still being safe during something as crazy as a pandemic. And when the pandemic is over, these businesses will still need our help to make a comeback. Click HERE to book your stay at Skamania Lodge or directly through their website.
While our stay at Skamania Lodge was complimentary, all opinions are my own, and our experience at Skamania Lodge was truly wonderful. It’s a place I would’ve instantly wanted to stay because of the unique experience, the location, and the beauty of the PNW. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
