Why we like it
- Picturesque location within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
- All room have views of the Columbia River Gorge or the forests of the Cascade Mountains
- You’ll struggle to tick off each one of the many outdoor pursuits on offer that include surprising offerings such as kite surfing
- A style that harks back to the great wilderness lodges of the early 20th century but with an attitude to service firmly rooted in the 21st.
- Many golf balls were lost when we tried out the challenging 18 hole course, nestled within the resorts 175 wooded acres
About Skamania Lodge
Taking its name from the Chinook word for ‘swift water’, Skamania Lodge is indeed aptly named. Wherever possible, rooms and public areas enjoy views over the rushing waters of the Columbia River gorge, a channel carved between forested mountains and the imposing, snow-capped volcanos beyond. The lodge was built in 1993, local timbers and stone as well as high pitched roofs on show as a nod back to the grand lodges of the early 20th century. The original Pacific North West works of art are a homely touch and the gas fireplaces in many of the rooms are a welcome addition in the cooler months.
A selection of indoor activities is available at Skamania Lodge but outside is where the adventure begins and in ways you might not have considered. Yes hiking, biking, kayaking and rafting are all possible but try your hand at windsurfing or kite surfing for close encounters of the fluvial kind – yes the river is that wide! We can personally recommend the half day zip line tour which takes in seven zip lines of up to 900 feet in length as well as three sky bridges and is an inventive way to explore the forest canopy. After an action packed day in the wilderness, refuel for tomorrow’s endeavours in the homely Cascade Dining Room with its wood-fired oven and signature specialities such as seared salmon or elk osso bucco.