There’s something about September in the Columbia River Gorge that makes you want to slow down and look around.
Summer crowds begin to thin, mornings feel a little crisper, and the changing light brings a golden glow to the river, mountains and trees. Whether you’re an avid photographer searching for the perfect shot or simply looking for a beautiful place to start or end the day, Stevenson and Skamania County offer plenty of places to watch the sky put on a show.
From peaceful waterfront views to elevated overlooks, here are some of the best places to catch a sunrise or sunset in and around Skamania County.
Sunrise at the Stevenson Waterfront
If you’re willing to get up early, the Stevenson waterfront is one of the easiest, and most beautiful, places to watch the day begin.
With wide-open views across the Columbia River and the Oregon side of the Gorge, the waterfront gives you plenty of room to find your perfect vantage point. On calm mornings, you may catch reflections on the water, while low clouds and mist can add an entirely different mood to the landscape.
Bring your camera, grab a coffee afterward in downtown Stevenson, and you’ve already started your day on a pretty spectacular note.
Photography tip: Arrive before the official sunrise time. The soft light and changing colors in the 20–30 minutes before sunrise can be just as beautiful as the sunrise itself.
Sunrise at Beacon Rock State Park
Few landmarks are as recognizable in this stretch of the Columbia River Gorge as Beacon Rock.
Located just west of Stevenson, Beacon Rock State Park offers dramatic scenery at any time of day. Early mornings are especially peaceful, with the surrounding cliffs, forest, and Columbia River taking on the softer light of sunrise.
If you’re planning to hike, check current park hours and trail conditions before heading out, and remember that daylight comes a little later in forested areas than it does along the open river.
For photographers, the entire Beacon Rock area offers opportunities to capture the layers that make the Gorge so distinctive: towering basalt cliffs, evergreen forests, the river, and changing skies.
Golden Hour at Skamania Lodge
You don’t have to venture far to find a beautiful elevated view.
Set above the Columbia River, Skamania Lodge offers expansive Gorge scenery and plenty of reasons to linger as afternoon turns into evening. The surrounding grounds and viewpoints make this an especially easy option if you’d rather pair the scenery with dinner, drinks, golf, or an overnight stay.
September’s earlier sunsets also mean you don’t have to wait until late in the evening for golden hour, a definite bonus for anyone planning a full day of exploring.
Credit: Skamania Lodge
Sunset Along the Stevenson Waterfront
Yes, the waterfront makes the list twice, and for good reason.
In the evening, the atmosphere changes completely. Watch boats move along the Columbia, see windsurfers and kiteboarders take advantage of the Gorge winds, and enjoy the changing colors over the river as the sun drops lower.
Take a walk along the waterfront, find a spot to sit, and enjoy one of the simplest experiences Stevenson has to offer.
It’s also conveniently close to downtown, making it easy to catch the sunset before heading to a local restaurant or brewery for dinner.
Credit: Teresa Robin Photography
Sunset at Cape Horn
For a more dramatic Gorge view, head west toward Cape Horn.
The Cape Horn area is known for sweeping views of the Columbia River, steep cliffs, and the surrounding mountains. With its elevated perspective, it’s an incredible place to experience the scale of the Columbia River Gorge and photograph the warm evening light across the landscape.
If you’re hiking the Cape Horn Trail, plan carefully around daylight hours, seasonal trail conditions, and closures. For a simpler stop, scenic viewpoints along the State Route 14 corridor can still offer beautiful Gorge scenery without committing to a longer hike.
Sunset at the Cook-Underwood Lookout
For a sunset with a view, take the scenic drive east from Stevenson toward the Cook-Underwood Lookout.
Follow Highway 14 along the Columbia River before heading uphill onto Cook-Underwood Road, where the landscape opens to expansive views of the Gorge. From the lookout, you can take in the Columbia River winding below, the forested hillsides of Oregon across the water, and Mt. Hood rising in the distance.
It’s a particularly beautiful spot to visit in September, when the warm evening light begins to take on that unmistakable early-fall glow and the first hints of seasonal color may start appearing across the landscape. The drive itself is part of the experience, with river views, forested stretches, and classic Columbia River Gorge scenery along the way.
For photographers, the elevated vantage point offers a chance to capture several of the Gorge’s defining features in one frame, from the river and surrounding hills to the Hood River Bridge to Mt. Hood on a clear day. Arrive before sunset to enjoy golden hour and watch the light change across the landscape.
Make the Most of September Light in the Gorge
September is one of the best times to photograph the Columbia River Gorge. The days are still long enough for plenty of exploring, but sunrise arrives a little later and sunset comes a little earlier than during peak summer.
A few tips before heading out:
- Check sunrise and sunset times. They change quickly throughout September.
- Arrive early. Give yourself at least 20–30 minutes before sunrise or sunset to find your spot and enjoy golden hour.
- Bring layers. Even warm September days can turn into cool mornings and evenings along the Columbia River.
- Expect changing conditions. Clouds, wind, wildfire smoke, and Gorge weather can all affect visibility.
- Stay on designated trails and public areas. Protecting the Gorge ensures these views remain beautiful for everyone.
- Bring more than your phone. A camera is wonderful, but binoculars can also be fun for spotting wildlife and activity along the river.
And remember that cloudy doesn’t necessarily mean disappointing. Some of the Gorge’s most dramatic sunrises and sunsets happen when clouds catch the changing light.
Plan a September Getaway to Skamania County
The best part about chasing sunrise or sunset in the Gorge is everything you can do in between.
Spend the day hiking in the Columbia River Gorge or Gifford Pinchot National Forest, explore downtown Stevenson, visit local shops, grab lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy a craft beer, or simply spend a few hours along the river.
Then, as the day winds down, find your favorite viewpoint and watch the Gorge change with the light.
Whether you capture the perfect photograph or put your phone away and simply enjoy the view, September is a beautiful time to experience Skamania County from sunrise to sunset. Plan your adventure today!
Key Takeaways
Where is the best place to watch the sunrise in Stevenson, Washington?
The Stevenson waterfront is one of the most accessible places to watch the sunrise, offering expansive views of the Columbia River and surrounding Columbia River Gorge.
Where can you watch the sunset in Skamania County?
Popular sunset locations in Stevenson and Skamania County include the Stevenson waterfront, Skamania Lodge, Cape Horn, Beacon Rock State Park, and the Cook-Underwood Lookout.
Is September a good time for photography in the Columbia River Gorge?
Yes. September offers beautiful golden-hour light, cooler mornings and evenings, and later sunrises and earlier sunsets compared with midsummer, making it an excellent month for landscape photography.
What should photographers bring to the Columbia River Gorge?
Bring layers, sturdy footwear, extra batteries, lens-cleaning supplies, and a tripod if you’re planning to photograph in lower light. Always check weather, smoke, trail, and park conditions before heading out.
What is the best time to photograph sunrise or sunset?
Plan to arrive at least 20–30 minutes before the official sunrise or sunset. The light immediately before sunrise and after sunset can produce some of the most colorful and dramatic photographs.