With world-class kiteboarding, award-winning breweries and great shopping options, you might think of Skamania County, Washington as an adult-focused destination but there are actually tons of family-friendly options in our lovely community! Keep reading to learn about our favorite family-friendly adventures in Skamania County, Washington!
Nestled on the west side of town, the Skamania Lodge has a beautiful view of the Gorge and the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and is the perfect place to start your family-friendly adventure.
There are many fun activities at the lodge that are great for all ages including three miles of easy hiking trails, a disc golf course and ziplining at Skamania Lodge Adventures.
After hiking or ziplining, a delicious cold treat is in order! Head on down the hill and straight to Scoopy’s Social Club right in the heart of town where you’ll find a wide variety of delicious ice creams, Italian sodas and more!
After you grab an icy treat, hop in the car and head west for some educational fun.
Built in 1938, the Bonneville Dam provides a wealth of knowledge on the Columbia River and fish biology. Luckily, the dam is just a short drive from Stevenson and if you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can drive over the Bridge of the Gods, (which is worth it for the view, by the way) and meet Herman, the 500-pound sturgeon who lives at the Dam. His exact age is not known, but he is estimated to be in his 80s. There are multiple fish-feeding areas that kids and parents alike will enjoy. There are other fish hatcheries and national wildlife refuges in our area if you want to explore more.
Ready for some lunch after exploring the dam? Grab your picnic basket and head to Beacon Rock State Park! Hike to the top of the ancient volcano, an easy 1.5-mile hike, that provides a beautiful panoramic view of the Columbia River Gorge! Or hang out in the park which is comprised of 4,650 acres, including camping sites and 9,500 feet of shoreline along the Columbia.
Summer sunsets are memorable in the Gorge so be sure to head east to Home Valley Park (only a 5-minute drive from Stevenson) and enjoy a waterfront sunset at the base of Wind Mountain! With sweeping views to the east and the west from the beach, it’s the perfect place to soak in a summer evening. Grab a blanket and watch the kids play and dig in the sand along the mighty Columbia!
Looking to add more to your fun-filled family-friendly day? Head east about 20 minutes to Cedar Creek Alpacas. This family-owned alpaca farm provides farm tours, hosts events and also has a farm store with beautiful hand-crafted items.
Ready to come out and explore the Columbia River Gorge? Skamania County, Washington is the perfect base camp for all of your history, cultural and art adventures! With multiple museums, historical landmarks and art studios, 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! Plan your trip now!