Apparently, there was A LOT going on in Stevenson, Washington back in 1993! The Skamania Lodge officially opened for business, Big River Grill started serving their delicious American cuisine and the Gorge Blues & Brews Fest kicked off a summer tradition! Keep reading to learn about these unique Stevenson treasures that are still thriving 30 years later!
Skamania Lodge
There are many things that make the Skamania Lodge unique, but one distinctive fact is that it is the only lodge located in the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area. Visitors are lucky enough to have sweeping views of both the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and the Columbia River.
A partnership between the Columbia River Gorge Commission, the Forest Service, Skamania County and Grayco Resources, Inc., resulted in the lodge being built in 1993. Nestled on 175 wooded acres, there is an abundance of activities to keep you busy! Hiking trails, a world class spa, an adventurous zip line course and a stunning golf course will be sure to get your appetite going! After your days’ adventures, head inside (or on their outside patio depending on the time of year), for a gourmet meal consisting of delicious local fare. Don’t forget your drink! Try out a local craft beer, a whimsical cocktail or an award winning local wine.
Learn more about Skamania Lodge and book your stay today!
Big River Grill
Started by Joe Schlick in 1993, Big River Grill still continues to delight locals and visitors of Stevenson, Washington. From their locally famous salmon chowder, to brunch, to craft beer, to cocktails, you can’t go wrong!
When it came time for retirement, Joe knew he wanted to sell the beloved restaurant to someone who would carry on the foundations he had established and sold it to Justin and Courtney Gross in 2015. While Big River Grill is known for their traditional American style food, the kitchen staff is constantly creating new, exciting specials that feature different styles of cuisine. They strive to make sure that all of their guests leave satisfied and happy!
In addition to feeding people far and wide, this locally owned family business also established the Big River Grill/Jesse Gross Memorial Scholarship which allows Stevenson High School graduates to further their education.
Check out their website to learn more, check out their menus and see what fun 30th anniversary activities they’ve got going on!
Gorge Blues & Brews
This once small festival has grown so much over the years! Did you know that the festival’s original name was Brews Blues & BBQs? The first festival took place in June 1993 and was located on the front lawn of Skamania Lodge in Stevenson, Washington. It started off as a small beer festival that included about six or seven breweries, the accordion player from The Rheinlander and some great bratwurst.
Re-named Gorge Blues & Brews Festival in 2011, the event continues to take place at the Fairgrounds where there is plenty of space, lots of parking and the added benefit of camping on site. The expanded space at the Fairgrounds has also allowed for the addition of a second stage and the event went from hosting 3 bands to 10 bands!
Another fun addition in 2011 was the introduction of “Locals Night” on Friday evening which expanded the festival from one day to two days.
See the lineup and get your tickets here!
Here’s to another 30 years!
Coming out to the Gorge Blues and Brews Festival, grabbing a bread bowl of Salmon chowder or checking out the historical architecture of the Skamania Lodge? Stevenson, Washington is the perfect basecamp for all of your Gorge adventures! With world-class kiteboarding, award-winning breweries and exquisite local fare, there are endless things to do once you arrive in Stevenson! And that’s just in town 🙂 Staying in the Gorge HQ means you’re only minutes from hikes, wineries, waterfalls, scenic drives, fishing, golfing and SO MUCH MORE! Book your trip now!