Why Fall is Perfect in Skamania County
Tucked away in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge, Skamania County transforms into a spectacular autumn wonderland each fall. From the vibrant foliage of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest to world-class wineries and historic hot springs, this 48-hour itinerary captures the best of Washington’s fall season. Whether you’re seeking adventure in the forest or relaxation by the river, Skamania County offers the perfect blend of outdoor recreation and cozy comfort.
FRIDAY: Arrival & Autumn Immersion
3:00 PM – Check-in at Your Fall Basecamp
Where to Stay:
- Skamania Lodge – Luxury mountain retreat with Columbia River Gorge views and cozy fireplaces
- Carson Mineral Hot Springs Resort – Historic 1897 resort with mineral spring baths and 18-hole golf course
- Wilder & Pine Riverside Cabins – Waterfront log cabins with river views and kitchenettes
- For more options, visit https://skamania.org/places-to-stay/
4:00 PM – Downtown Stevenson Exploration
Start your weekend walking around historic downtown Stevenson, Skamania County’s county seat. Browse unique shops and galleries or enjoy our paved waterfront trail while enjoying the crisp fall air and Columbia River views.
Must-Visit Spots:
- Local boutiques and artisan shops
- Stevenson waterfront for sunset photography
6:00 PM – Dinner at Big River Grill
Fuel up with locally sourced comfort food at this beloved Stevenson restaurant. Their hearty dishes and cozy atmosphere perfectly capture the fall dining experience.
8:00 PM – Stargazing
End your evening with stargazing over the Columbia. Skamania County’s clear skies and minimal light pollution create ideal conditions for viewing fall constellations.
SATURDAY: Mushroom Hunting & Wine Country
8:00 AM – Hearty Breakfast
Start with a delicious breakfast at your accommodation or grab breakfast options and tasty coffee from Crosscut Espresso in Carson to fuel your foraging adventure.
9:00 AM – Mushroom Hunting in Gifford Pinchot National Forest
The Perfect Fall Foraging Experience
Head north from Carson into the 1.3 million acres of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest for the ultimate Pacific Northwest autumn activity. Fall is prime mushroom season, with chanterelles being the most sought-after variety.
Essential Information:
- Free permits required – Available online or at forest offices: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/giffordpinchot/permits
- Harvest limit: 2 gallons per day, 10 days per calendar year
- Best areas: Forest Service roads
- Peak season: September through November after wet weather
- What to bring: Baskets, knife, brush, harvest area map
Pro Tips:
- Focus on Douglas fir forests with thin Oregon grape ground cover
- Look for the distinctive golden chanterelles hiding under fall leaves
- Always verify mushroom identification with experts before consuming
12:30 PM – Forest Picnic Lunch
Pack a picnic featuring local products and enjoy lunch surrounded by autumn colors in the national forest. The changing aspen and maple leaves create a stunning backdrop for your mid-day break.
2:30 PM – Wine Tasting in Underwood
Drive to the picturesque hillside community of Underwood for an afternoon of wine tasting with panoramic Gorge views.
Featured Wineries:
AniChe Cellars
- Small family winery specializing in European-style blends
- Stunning hillside location with Columbia River Gorge vistas
- Award-winning Syrah-Viognier blends and complex white wines
- Woman-owned boutique operation
Hawkins Cellars
- Over a decade of small-lot, age-worthy wines
- Sources from recognized Oregon and Washington vineyards
- Intimate tasting room atmosphere
- Focus on earthy, minimally processed wines
Loop de Loop Winery
- Family-owned boutique winery with stunning Gorge views
- Small-batch artisan wines focusing on quality over quantity
- Intimate tasting experience in a scenic mountain setting
- Perfect addition to your Underwood wine tour
5:00 PM – Scenic Drive & Sunset
Take the Cook-Underwood Road to Underwood Lookout for breathtaking panoramic views of the Columbia River, fall foliage, and Mt. Hood. This elevated vantage point offers perfect sunset photography opportunities.
7:00 PM – Dinner & Local Brews
End your day at Backwoods Brewing Company, a family-owned brewery in Carson, Washington. Founded in 2012 by the Waters family, they craft exceptional Northwest beers using local ingredients and have a wide variety of food options.
Must-Try:
- Renowned wood-fired pizza
- Garlic parmesan tater tots
- Smoked salmon nachos
- Craft beer selection featuring local ingredients
SUNDAY: Hot Springs & Scenic Drives
8:30 AM – Coffee & Planning
Grab a local coffee from Gotta Hava Java while reviewing your final day activities. Check weather conditions for optimal scenic drive experiences.
9:30 AM – Carson Mineral Hot Springs
Historic Relaxation Since 1897
Immerse yourself in the therapeutic waters of Carson Mineral Hot Springs, a historic landmark featuring:
- Mineral water pumped directly from the Wind River
- Antique clawfoot tubs (circa 1930 charm)
- 18-hole golf course
11:30 AM – Early Lunch at Elk Ridge Golf Course
After your relaxing soak, head to the scenic Elk Ridge Golf Course for lunch with stunning mountain and valley views. It is the perfect spot to fuel up before your fall foliage adventure.
12:30 PM – Fall Foliage Scenic Drive to Panther Creek Falls
Spectacular Autumn Colors in Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Take the winding road north from Carson toward one of the region’s most beautiful waterfall hikes. This scenic drive showcases the best of Skamania County’s fall foliage as you climb into the Cascade Mountains.
* Please observe all signs and restricted areas when recreating in Skamania County *
The Drive:
- Wind River Highway north from Carson
- Dense forest canopy with brilliant autumn maples and cottonwoods
- Multiple pullouts for photography of fall colors
- Panther Creek Falls Trailhead is a 2.5-mile round trip hike through vibrant fall forest to a stunning 100-foot waterfall.
Why This Route is Perfect for Fall:
- Higher elevation means more dramatic color changes
- Mix of deciduous trees creates spectacular yellow and orange displays
- Cooler, moister climate preserves fall colors longer
- Less crowded than other Gorge locations
3:00 PM – Afternoon Snack Break
Stop by Traverse PNW Market for local snacks and artisan treats to refuel after your scenic drive and waterfall adventure.
3:30 PM – Columbia Gorge Museum
Cultural & Natural History in Stevenson
Explore this comprehensive museum featuring:
- Area geology, culture, and Indigenous history
- Unique attraction: World’s largest rosary collection (4,000 pieces!)
- Early steamship and logging exhibits
- Perfect indoor activity to round out your weekend
5:30 PM – Farewell Dinner
Walking Man Brewing Company in Stevenson
Conclude your weekend at this award-winning brewpub featuring:
- High Road Scotch Ale and Black Cherry Stout (award winners)
- Take home a 64-ounce growler as a souvenir
- Outdoor patio perfect for fall weather
Essential Fall Weekend Tips
What to Pack:
- Layered clothing for changing mountain weather
- Waterproof boots for mushroom hunting
- Camera for stunning fall photography
- Reusable water bottles
- Picnic supplies for outdoor dining
- Mushroom identification guide
Weather Considerations:
- Fall temperatures range from 45-65°F
- Pack rain gear (September rainfall enhances mushroom growth)
- Sunny mornings often give way to afternoon clouds
Transportation:
- From Portland: 45 minutes via I-84 to Bridge of the Gods
- From Seattle: 2.5 hours via I-5 South to Highway 14
- Local driving: Highway 14 connects all major attractions on this itinerary
- Parking: Free at most attractions and downtown Stevenson
Seasonal Timing:
- Peak fall foliage: Late September through mid-October
- Mushroom season: September through November (after rain)
- Wine harvest season: September through October
- Stevenson Mushroom Festival: Late September (check dates)
Budget-Friendly Alternatives
Free Activities:
- Mushroom hunting (with free permits)
- Hiking and fall foliage viewing
- Government Mineral Springs exploration
- Stargazing
- Downtown Stevenson walking tours
Extend Your Stay: Bonus Day Activities
Mount St. Helens Day Trip
- 2.5-hour scenic drive from Stevenson through fall forests
- Windy Ridge and Spirit Lake viewpoints
- Johnston Ridge Observatory (if open seasonally)
Additional Wine Country
- Savage Grace Wines – Minimal-intervention, lower-alcohol wines
- Columbia Gorge Wine Map – 25+ wineries within 40 miles
Adventure Activities:
- Fall kiteboarding on the Columbia River (cooler, less crowded)
- Hiking Beacon Rock – 848-foot volcanic core with autumn views
- White Salmon River rafting (weather dependent)
Planning Your Perfect Fall Weekend
Skamania County offers an unmatched combination of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and cozy fall comfort. From foraging for chanterelles in ancient forests to sipping local wines while gazing at the stars, this 48-hour itinerary showcases why autumn is the perfect time to discover Skamania County, Washington.
Ready to plan your visit to Gorge HQ? Check current conditions, make reservations, and discover more seasonal activities at: visitstevensonwa.com
* Please observe all signs and restricted areas when recreating in Skamania County *