A resolution to consider for 2019 is to stop responding to people that you are “crazy busy.” Yes, it’s probably true that you are over-committed, but most likely it’s a choice. Perhaps it’s because there are just too many positive options, invitations, opportunities that come your way in a given week or month. In anticipation of 2019, the Bridgeworthy Traveler booked a trip to the Pacific Northwest to claim some much needed downtime, family time and to ditch technology to rejuvenate ourselves as we headed towards the new year – if only for a couple days. Thankfully, an unusually named resort, Skamania Lodge, delivered a much-needed, rain-soaked, tree-flying, absolutely gorge-ous experience that gave us both head-space and physical space to unwind ourselves as we head into another year.
Ok, let’s unpack that unusual name. Skamania is a Chinookan word meaning swift water, and refers to the fast-moving water of the Columbia River which the resort overlooks. Located in Stevenson, Washington just across the river from Oregon, this peaceful lodge offers over 250 guest rooms (including “tree house” rooms), miles of trails, an 18-hole (par 70) golf course, spa, indoor pool, indoor/outdoor whirlpools, tennis, basketball, zip-lining course, aerial tree course and of course, ax throwing! It was built in 1993 but was designed to honor the great lodges of the early 1900s.
Let’s back up a bit before we jump into the Skamania experience. Our family flew from San Diego to Portland, Oregon in about two hours and 30 minutes. Depending on your arrival time, you may want to caffeine-up at Stumptown Coffee which is conveniently located within PDX.
There is plenty to see and do in Portland, but we were rushing to get to Skamania so we could slow down. We hopped in our rental car and started the 50 minute scenic drive to Skamania Lodge. Ok, not so much “scenic,” but ridiculously beautiful, nature-infused, now-we-know-the-true-meaning-of-GORGE-OUS drive towards our final destination. On the left side of the road is the Columbia River and on the right side of the road are dozens of waterfalls, forest and mountains. Not only was it the peaceful beginning that we were searching for, but it was the much needed space that we needed to experience. Living in Coronado, you forget what it’s like to see open space or “land.” Of course, we have the ocean and bay, but we don’t have waterfalls, rivers and acres of beautiful forest.
In less than an hour, we were crossing the Columbia River courtesy of the Bridge of the Gods. This picturesque bridge opened in 1926 and is a steel truss cantilever bridge that crosses the Columbia River between Oregon and Washington. If you are hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, you will cross this bridge.
A few miles after crossing the bridge, we turned into the property and wound our way up to the main entrance of Skamania Lodge. It really did look like it was built in the early 1900s – complete with wood-carved bears and elk horns affixed to walls. Of course, it does contain all of the modern amenities to ensure a peaceful retreat: a three story fireplace, plenty of “lounging” areas, full-service spa, pool, whirlpools, restaurants and most of all, space. There is just something that forces you to unwind when you experience outdoor space or even indoor space. For example, the cavernous “great room” was the perfect place to play cards, get a drink, view the “real” Christmas tree, or just warm yourself near the fire. Although overcast, you can still see down to the river through the “wall of windows:”
Upon arrival, the weather was indeed rainy, overcast and a bit dreary – we loved it. Southern California doesn’t get nearly enough rain, so we were thrilled to have a bit of “weather” for the next few days. Plus, none of the planned activities (ziplining, hiking, outdoor whirlpool) required sunshine.
We stayed in the Gorge Suites which are located on the third and fourth floors of the lodge and have sweeping views of the river gorge, mountains, forest and grounds of the resort. These suites include a king bed, sitting area (with queen sleeper sofa), fireplace, fridge, sink, private balcony and a nightly turndown service. For additional accommodations, visit their website to view guest rooms and the highly coveted, tree houses.
Traveling with two phone-obsessed teenagers requires purposeful planning to pry their devices away and to push them out to Mother Nature. Fortunately, it was easy to convince them to sign up for the aerial zipline course in the nearby treetops. Please note that in the video below, this “zipper” chose to spin, but that is of course optional:
Zipline Tour Highlights Requirements:
- Ziplines range from 100 feet to over 900 feet in length.
- 2.5 hours of 7 ziplines, 3 sky bridges, an auto-belay and some light trail walking
- There is no age limit. A guided adventure, prior experience is not required
- Weight requirement of 60lbs to 275lbs
- No open toed shoes allowed
- Ziplining occurs in all weather so dressing in layers is suggested
While the teens ziplined, we hiked two of the nearby trails to enjoy the serenity, the misty views and yes, the raindrops hitting us along the way:
After the spending a good chunk of the day hiking and ziplining, it was time to relax in the water features of the resort. For those wanting an even higher level of relaxation, be sure to check out the Waterleaf Spa located inside the resort.
In the evening, the teens explored the indoor pool:
Your dining options at Skamania include the Cascade Dining Room and River Rock. Not only was the food delicious, but the views of the grounds and river served as dessert during our meals.
Cascade Dining Room (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner):
River Rock (Casual Dining and Occasional Live Music):
All in all, our time at Skamania Lodge was a great escape and a very restful experience. Not only did it help us to slow down, but it gave us lots of opportunities for family time, including many competitive games of Phase 10 by the community fireplace (notice the couple in the background playing cards was well):
For more information on planning your escape, visit their official website.
Tip: Want to avoid overcast and rainy days, plan visiting in the spring or summer. Of course, we loved the rain, but it did limit some activities.
Thanks to the Skamania Lodge staff for the delightful stay and to Kyle Mallory of Sasquatch Agency for arranging the details to make this experience possible.
