If your idea of the perfect summer weekend includes scenic drives, mountain hikes, waterfront views, locally owned restaurants, craft breweries, golf, and charming small towns, Skamania County should be at the top of your travel list.
Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Skamania County is where outdoor adventure meets laid-back small-town hospitality. With Stevenson as your home base, you’ll be just minutes from hiking trails, golf courses, breweries, shopping, and some of the Pacific Northwest’s most breathtaking scenery.
Here’s how to spend the perfect 48 hours exploring Skamania County this summer.
Day One: Adventure in Carson & Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Start with Coffee at Cross Cut Espresso
Kick off your day with a stop at Cross Cut Espresso in Carson. Grab a fresh cup of coffee, breakfast sandwich, burrito, or pastry before heading out for a day of adventure. It’s the perfect way to fuel up before exploring one of the most scenic areas of the Columbia River Gorge.
Choose Your Adventure
One of the best things about Skamania County is that incredible outdoor adventures are never far away.
Spend the morning exploring the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, where miles of hiking trails wind through towering evergreens, rushing waterfalls, and peaceful mountain landscapes. Looking for a challenge? Dog Mountain offers one of the Columbia Gorge’s most iconic hikes, rewarding those who reach the summit with breathtaking panoramic views of the river below. (Keep in mind that seasonal permits are required during peak wildflower season.)
Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, taking in sweeping mountain vistas, or simply enjoying the fresh forest air, there’s no shortage of unforgettable places to explore.
Lunch & Local Craft Beer at Backwoods Brewing
After a morning on the trails, you’ve earned a great meal.
Head to Backwoods Brewing Company in Carson, a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Known for its handcrafted beers, pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, and relaxed atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to recharge before the rest of your afternoon. Grab a seat outside on the patio during the summer months, order a local brew, and soak in the easygoing pace that makes Skamania County so special.
Unwind at Carson Hot Springs
After lunch, slow things down with one of the area’s most beloved traditions, a soak at Carson Hot Springs Resort.
For more than a century, visitors have traveled here to experience the naturally heated mineral waters known for their relaxing and restorative qualities. Whether you book a spa treatment or simply enjoy a mineral bath, it’s the perfect way to unwind after a morning spent exploring the Gorge.
Evening in Stevenson
As the day winds down, make your way back to Stevenson and enjoy a leisurely stroll through downtown, admire the Gorge views, and settle into the slower pace that makes summer weekends here so memorable.
Day Two: Explore Stevenson
Start with Coffee at The Cabin
Ease into your second day with a stop at The Cabin Drive-Thru on the east end of Stevenson. Grab your favorite specialty coffee, breakfast sandwich, or fresh pastry before heading toward the waterfront for a relaxing morning.
Walk the Waterfront
Summer mornings are made for exploring the Stevenson waterfront and if you’re here on a Saturday in the summer, be sure to stop in at the Stevenson Farmer’s Market!
Take a leisurely stroll along the Columbia River, where you’ll often find kiteboarders and windsurfers skimming across the water while sailboats drift through the Gorge. It’s one of the best places to slow down, take in the scenery, and appreciate the incredible beauty that makes this region such a popular destination.
After your walk, spend some time wandering through downtown Stevenson. Browse locally owned boutiques, gift shops, galleries, bookstores, and specialty stores featuring handcrafted goods, outdoor gear, artwork, and locally made products. It’s the perfect place to find a unique souvenir while supporting local businesses.
Lunch at Red Bluff Tap House
When it’s time for lunch, head to Red Bluff Tap House.
Known for its welcoming atmosphere, delicious burgers, sandwiches, fresh salads, and rotating craft beer selection, it’s a favorite stop for both visitors and locals. Enjoy a leisurely meal before heading out for one last afternoon of exploration.
One More Adventure
There’s still time to experience a little more of Skamania County before heading home.
Visit the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center Museum to discover the fascinating history of the region, from Indigenous cultures and early pioneers to the railroad, logging, and transportation industries that helped shape the Columbia River Gorge.
If you’re ready for one final outdoor adventure, head to Skamania Lodge. Play a round on the Gorge 9 short course, tackle the putting course, hike the nearby trails, or enjoy a round of disc golf surrounded by spectacular Columbia River views. However you choose to spend the afternoon, it’s the perfect way to soak in a few more hours of summer in the Gorge.
Dinner Before Heading Home
Before wrapping up your weekend, settle in for one last meal at one of Stevenson’s local favorites. Enjoy handcrafted pizza and award-winning beer at Walking Man Brewing, savor Northwest comfort food at Big River Grill, or unwind with a scenic meal at Skamania Lodge.
There is no wrong choice and you’ll end the weekend exactly the way a summer getaway should, with great food, beautiful scenery, and memories that will have you planning your next trip back before you’ve even left town!
Discover Your Summer Adventure
Whether you’re hiking waterfalls, golfing beneath towering evergreens, enjoying a craft beer after a day outdoors, shopping in downtown Stevenson, or simply watching the Columbia River roll by, Skamania County offers something for everyone.
The best part? A weekend here never feels rushed. It’s a place where adventure and relaxation go hand in hand, inviting you to slow down, stay awhile, and discover everything the Columbia River Gorge has to offer.
This summer, make Stevenson your home base and spend 48 unforgettable hours exploring the very best of Skamania County. Plan your adventure here!
Key Takeaways
- Stevenson is the perfect home base for a summer weekend in the Columbia River Gorge, offering easy access to hiking, scenic drives, breweries, waterfront activities, and small-town shopping.
- Explore Skamania County with stops at local favorites like The Cabin, Backwoods Brewing Company, Red Bluff Tap House, Elks Ridge Golf Course, and the Columbia River waterfront.
- Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, disc golf, paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing, and countless scenic viewpoints throughout the county.
- Summer is also packed with farmers markets, live music, festivals, and community events, making every weekend a little different.
- Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, family vacation, or outdoor adventure, Skamania County offers something for every type of traveler.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stevenson, Washington worth visiting in the summer?
Absolutely. Summer is one of the best times to visit Stevenson thanks to warm weather, outdoor recreation, waterfront activities, local events, music festivals, hiking trails, breweries, and scenic views throughout the Columbia River Gorge.
How many days should I spend in Stevenson?
A 48-hour weekend is ideal for experiencing the area’s highlights, including hiking, local restaurants, breweries, shopping, and nearby attractions throughout Skamania County.
What are the best things to do near Stevenson, WA?
Popular activities include hiking nearby trails, exploring the Columbia River waterfront, visiting local breweries, playing golf or disc golf, kayaking or paddleboarding, shopping at local businesses, and attending seasonal events.
Where should I eat in Stevenson and Skamania County?
Visitors can enjoy everything from coffee and breakfast at The Cabin to lunch and dinner at Red Bluff Tap House, Walking Man Brewing, Backwoods Brewing Company, Big River Grill, and The Skamania Lodge. There are plenty of local dining options throughout the county.
Is Stevenson a good base for exploring the Columbia River Gorge?
Yes. Stevenson offers convenient access to many of the Gorge’s most popular attractions while providing a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere than some neighboring destinations. It’s an excellent home base for exploring both Washington and Oregon sides of the Gorge.
What outdoor activities are available in Skamania County during the summer?
Summer visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, fishing, paddleboarding, kayaking, golfing, disc golf, scenic drives, wildlife viewing, waterfall adventures, and relaxing along the Columbia River.