Start off your tasting tour where microbrews began in Stevenson! A pioneer in the Columbia River Gorge, Walking Man Brewing has been crafting award-winning beer since 2000. Enjoy their spectacular dog-friendly beer garden or cozy up inside to savor a taster flight or a pint along with pub food and artisan pizza. Next, take a short walk along the Stevenson waterfront and soak in the beauty of Teo Park as you follow the path that leads along the Columbia River’s northern shore. Hard cider is up next on the tasting tour. Jester and Judge Cider Company produces their recipes, using fruit grown in the Hood River Valley. Their tasting room features a view of the Columbia River along with an array of flavorful ciders to sample including Cherry, Apple, Pineapple, Blackberry, Blueberry-Lemon and more. In the same waterfront complex you’ll find Skunk Brothers Spirits where you can do a little whiskey tasting! Their Prohibition-style tasting room, complete with a peephole in the door, creates a memorable experience. Crafted right here in Stevenson, you will have a variety of whiskeys to choose from … Sweet Apple Pie Moonshine, Corn Whiskey, Cinnamon Whiskey, Blueberry Cordial and other seasonal spirits. Be sure to check into one of our local lodging properties for the night so you’re ready for day two on the tasting tour!
A short hike on the Pacific Crest Trail is a great way to start off the second day. You can access this famous trail by parking at the Bonneville Trail head just 5 miles west of Stevenson on Highway 14. Gillette Lake is a destination point that you can hike to and back in just 5 miles round trip. Time to check out another brewpub and this time you are headed across the Bridge of the Gods into Cascade Locks, Oregon. Thunder Island Brewery is an adventure-based 7-barrel brewery that is handcrafting beers in the Pacific Northwest since 2013. Taste brews inspired by a love of outdoor adventures, with a nod to local history and with a respect for all that the scenic Columbia River Gorge has to offer. From there, you’ll cross back over the bridge into Washington and head east on Highway 14 to Carson bur your next brewery experience. Backwoods Brewing was founded in July of 2012, by the Waters family. The first brews that came out of the pub were off a small one-barrel system. However, it is a 20-barrel system that they brew on today, with the production of their beer now in Stevenson, allowing them to expand seating at the pub in Carson. Try a sampler tray of their logging-themed beverages and pair it with delicious pub food.
To add more brewery stops to your tasting tour, check out www.breweriesinthegorge.com. For local wineries, visit www.gorgewine.com and for cideries, go to www.gorgecidersociety.com.