SKAMANIA ANNUAL GUIDE TO SKAMANIA COUNTY & THE SURROUNDING AREA
ELEVEN HIKES LODGING
A GUIDE TO SPECTACULAR SCENERY
ELEGANT RESORTS & SPAS TO PEACEFUL CABINS
RECREATION
24FUNTHINGS TO DO
EVENTS
YEAR-ROUND ART, THEATER, FAIRS & FESTIVALS
2010 edition www.skamaniacounty.org
1
2010 SKAMANIA COUNTY VISITORS’ GUIDE
<< www.skamania.org
View from Cape Horn
Such magnificent beauty wasn’t created overnight. It can, however, be appreciated that way.
A Retreat for the Senses
When you check into Skamania Lodge, you’ll be able to Discover a place that enlivens the senses, where spectacular check out the Columbia River Gorge’s unparalleled beauty.views You can dazzle the eyes. A place where the scent of cool, fresh air invigorates feast on panoramic views and gourmet cuisine in our restaurants. you while teeing off on a manicured fairway. Where the f lavors our your trailswater. beforeThe heading spa to Or, stretch yourcuisine legs on hiking of gourmet make mouth sound to of the snow relax and let tensions drift away. You’ll feel many emotions during crunching under your snowshoes fills you with quiet pleasure. yourAnd memorable stay. Satisfaction will be justthe onesoul. of them. where indulgent spa treatments touch •
Discover Skamania Lodge.
Spectacular Views • Challenging 18-hole golf course • Luxurious spa • Award-winning NW cuisine destinationhotels.com • Miles of hiking trails • Wildflowers & Waterfalls • Rafting, fishing and wineries close at hand • Museums • Only 45 minutes from Portland, OR
Seasonal rates available, Starting at $169 for summer, $129 for winter. www.skamania.com
Reservations: 1.800.221.7117 866.349.6220 • DiscoverSkamaniaLodge.com A distinctive experience provided by Destination Hotels & Resorts.
SKLO00257.indd 1
11/19/09 9:13 AM
w wiinnddrriivveerrbbuuiillddeerrss..ccoom m fine quality at affordable prices 509. 427. 5886 custom homes • remodels • cabinetry 2 2
2010 SKAMANIA COUNTY VISITORS’ GUIDE
www.skamania.org
www.skamania.org
SKAMANIA COUNTY
∫
∫
YOUR ANNUAL GUIDE TO SKAMANIA COUNTY AND THE SURROUNDING AREA
CONTENTS
Welcome to Skamania County Skamania County is rich in natural beauty with something different to see and enjoy around every corner. Mount St. Helens, with a dramatic and awesome presence, keeps watch over the northwest corner. The Gifford Pinchot National Forest offers recreation seekers endless opportunities to year-round outdoor adventures — from the extreme to the sublime. And the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is attracting visitors from around the globe to experience its majestic vistas. Combine the powerful impact of Mother Nature’s handiwork with the friendly people, premiere lodging, delicious dining, unique shopping and festive year-round events and we truly become the dream destination. So welcome to Skamania County where you can encounter all of the above within our borders. If this is your first visit, we hope you use this guide as a tool to lead you to any and all that we have to offer. If you are returning, welcome back! And look for new information inside that will help you discover another favorite activity or site. Are you contemplating a move in 2010? Thinking of calling Skamania County home? This guide can serve as a great relocation resource, providing government and service information along with statistics, websites, telephone numbers and much more. Whether you are visiting, considering relocation or a local resident looking for activities while friends or family are in town, stop by or call Skamania County Chamber of Commerce for help. We are happy to assist by providing maps, brochures, passes, guides, personal preferences — anything to ensure your time here is memorable and entices you to return. This publication is the perfect start to the Skamania County experience, the most comprehensive guide to the unlimited opportunities available here.
4
Resources
8
Communities
16
Where to Stay
18
Where to Eat
20
Cultural Events
22
Distinctive Wines of the Gorge
24
Columbia River Gorge Map
26
Gifford Pinchot | Mount St. Helens | Map
28
Beaches | Windsports
30
Recreational Activities
34
Fishing in Skamania County
35
Bonneville Lock and Dam
36
Hiking Trails
40
Events Calendar
42
Chamber Members
46
Advertiser Listing
Thank you for selecting Skamania County as a destination… we look forward to sharing this spectacular place we call home.
About the cover: View from Cape Horn on Highway 14. For you Twilight fans, the close up shots of Edward and Bella in the tree canopy, overlooking the river and forest, were shot at Cape Horn.
Casey Roeder Executive Director Skamania County Chamber of Commerce casey@skamania.org
PUBLISHER Judy Bair | Wind River Publishing DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Annie Van Domelen | annievandesign
The Chamber’s Visitor Information Center is located at: 167 NW Second Avenue (State Route 14), Stevenson, Washington Hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30am–5pm From Memorial Day through Labor Day we are also open: Saturday, 9am–5pm and Sunday, 10am–4pm 800-989-9178 or 509-427-8911 info@skamania.org | www.skamania.org www.skamania.org
Skamania County 2010 Published by Wind River Publishing All Rights Reserved © 2010 For advertising and editorial information: 541-806-1436 judywrpub@earthlink.net www.windriverpub.com
2010 SKAMANIA COUNTY VISITORS’ GUIDE
3
About Skamania County
Welcome to Skam
“Rich in Heritage — Surrounde
Location
Climate
Skamania County spans a distance of 1,672 square miles on the north shore of the Columbia River in the southwestern part of Washington state. The Gifford Pinchot National Forest covers more than 80% of the county. Skamania County also contains portions of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, and is bisected north and south by the Cascade Mountain Range. The major driving route is State Highway 14, which leads east from the metropolitan area of Vancouver, Washington or Interstate 84 from Portland, Oregon. Both cities can be reached in less than an hour’s drive from Stevenson, Washington, allowing county residents access to the best of both rural and urban lifestyles.
Skamania County enjoys a mild but variable climate with rainfall and temperatures growing drier and warmer as you travel from west to east.
RAINFALL AMOUNTS BY COMMUNITY (annual approximate rainfall in inches)
2009
Skamania County is rich in natural beauty with some Amounts Mount St. Helens, withRainfall a dramatic and awesome pr Gifford PinchotValley National Forest offers recreation Carson/Home 80” seekers endless op the extreme to the sublime. And the Columbia River Gorge Nation Mill A/Cook/Willard 55” globe to experience its majestic vistas. Combine the powerful im North Bonneville 70” people, premiere lodging, delicious dining, unique shopping and dream destination.
Community
Skamania/Prindle
Top Employers
70”
So welcome to Skamania County where you 99” can encounter all of t Stabler we hope you use this guide as a tool to lead you to any and all that Stevenson And look for new information inside that will 80” help you discover ano move in 2009? Thinking of calling Skamania County home? This gu Underwood 47” ing government and service information along with statistics, webs
Skamania Lodge | Resort & Conference Center Skamania County | County Government Stevenson-Carson School District | School System Insitu | Aerospace/Manufacturing Wilkins, Kaiser, Olsen | Lumber/Plywood Bonneville Hot Springs Resort | Resort & Spa A & J Select | Grocery Store Big River Grill/El Rio | Restaurants High Cascade Veneer | Veneer Plant PUD No.1 of Skamania County | Public Utility District
Upper Washougal/Cape Horn/
56”
Whether are visiting, considering relocation or a local resident lo Skye/Mt.you Pleasant stop by or call the Skamania County Chamber of Commerce fo brochures, passes, guides, personal preferences—anything to ensu return. This publication is the perfect start to the Skamania County available here.
AVERAGE TEMPERATURES & PRECIPITATION
Thank you for selecting Skamania County as a destination… we look
Month
Taxes The tax levy rate for Skamania County runs from $5.94 to $10.52 per $1000.00 of assessed value. Properties in the State of Washington are valued at 100% of market value. In 2009 the total assessed value for Skamania County was $1,357,677,657, with approximately 9,000 taxable parcels. If you have any questions regarding the variations or tax rates in your area, please contact the Skamania County Assessors Office at 509-427-3720.
Minimum
Mean
Maximum
Inches
January
24°
36°
March
33°
47°
May
39°
59°
Casey Roeder 49° 10.75 Executive Director 63°Skamania8.27 County Chamb casey@skamania.org 79° 2.49
July
50°
69°
89°
September
44°
62°
87°
November
31°
43°
61°
.58
2.82 167 NW Secon 17.68
Open Satu Saturday, 9:00 a.m 800-989-9178 or 509-4
Skamania County facilities & recreation Facilities and Parks • Activities • Events Skamania County Fair & Timber Carnival Columbia Gorge Bluegrass Festival Public Pool and Climbing Wall
5 0 9 - 4 27 - 3 9 8 0
www.skamaniacountyparks.com 4
2010 SKAMANIA COUNTY VISITORS’ GUIDE
www.skamania.org
www.skamania.
GOVERNMENT RESOURCES Skamania County 4-H Ambulance Animal Control Auditor’s Office Auto Licensing Assessor’s Office Building Inspection Line Building Permits Community Facilities & Recreation County Commissioners Fire District, Carson Fire District 5, Skamania Fire District, Underwood Fire District, Washougal Port of Skamania County Road Departments: Prindle Stevenson Underwood Senior Services, Stevenson Sheriff Non-Emergency Skamania County Economic Development Council Swimming Pool Treasurer Voter Registration
State of Washington 509-427-3932 509-427-4233 509-427-9490 509-427-3730 509-427-3732 509-427-3720 509-427-3922 509-427-3920 509-427-3980 509-427-3700 509-427-5013 509-427-4152 509-427-3654 360-837-3574 509-427-5484 360-837-3211 509-427-3951 509-493-1709 509-427-3990 509-427-9490 509-427-5110 509-427-3983 509-427-3760 509-427-3730
Department of Social Services Drivers Licensing,White Salmon Washington State Patrol WorkSource - Job Service
U.S. Government Offices Columbia River Gorge Commission Department of Natural Resources Post Office, Bingen (Underwood/Cook) Post Office, Carson Post Office, North Bonneville Post Office, Stevenson Post Office, Washougal U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Bonneville Dam Visitors Center U.S. Fish and Wildlife Spring Creek National Fish Hatchery U.S. Forest Service Mt. Adams Ranger Station
{
509-493-3323 360-599-2025 509-493-1225 509-427-5051 509-427-8784 509-427-5532 360-835-8582 509-427-4281 509-493-2934 509-395-3400
Please note that permits are required for outdoor burning. Call Skamania County Public Works at 509-427-3910, City Hall in Stevenson, or North Bonneville for details.
City of North Bonneville City Hall Fire District, North Bonneville Police Department Senior Center
509-427-0713 509-493-1131 360-260-6291 509-427-4464
}
Skamania County Economic Development Council
509-427-8182 509-427-8182 509-427-4050 509-427-5234
Bridging the Gap
City of Stevenson City Hall Fire District, Stevenson
509-427-5970 509-427-5970
COLUMBIA GORGE MORTGAGE TEAM
between
Businesses and Resources
* *
Toll-Free: 88-THE-GORGE (888-434-6743)
Hood River Bingen The Dalles
SECURING PARTNERSHIPS, RESOURCES & INCENTIVES FOR B ALANCED GROWTH 167 NW 2nd Stevenson, WA (509) 427-5110 pbryan@skamania-edc.org
www.skamania-edc.org
www.skamania.org
2010 SKAMANIA COUNTY VISITORS’ GUIDE
5
COMMUNITY RESOURCES Banks/Credit Unions First Independent Bank, Stevenson Riverview Community Bank, Stevenson Lacamas Credit Union, Stevenson
Libraries 509-427-5698 509-427-5603 509-427-4031
Churches Carson Bible Church Carson Church of the Nazarene Cascade Locks Chapel Assembly of God Cascade Locks Bible Fellowship Cascade Locks Community Church Church of Christ, Carson Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Stevenson Evergreen Presbyterian Church, Mill A Faith Tabernacle, Open Bible Standard Church, Stevenson First Baptist Church of Stevenson Jehovah’s Witness Hall, Carson Little Church in the Valley, Stabler North Bonneville Community Church Seventh Day Adventist Church, Stevenson Shepard of the Hills Lutheran Church, Stevenson Skamania Community Church St. Patricks Charismatic Episcopal Church, Cascade Locks Star of the Sea Catholic Church, Stevenson Stevenson Church of the Nazarene The Bridge, Stevenson United Methodist Church, Stevenson
509-427-8373 509-427-8398 541-374-8775 541-374-4444 541-374-8999 509-427-4669 509-427-5927 509-538-2255 509-427-5451 509-427-8342 509-427-8175 509-427-4821 509-427-8142 509-427-8890 509-427-5972 509-427-8517 541-374-8763 509-427-8478 509-427-5378 509-427-5378 509-427-5354
Day Care/Early Learning Wee Care, Stevenson Child of Mine ELC, Skamania
509-427-7711 509-427-4131
Fraternal Organizations American Legion Hall, Carson Eagles Lodge, Stevenson Friends of the Library Skamania County Lions Club Stevenson Toastmasters
WIND RIVER EYE CARE Keith L. Miller, O.D. Optometric Physician 136 NW Second St. P.O. Box 1356 Stevenson, WA 98648
(509) 427-8259
6
2010 SKAMANIA COUNTY VISITORS’ GUIDE
509-427-8989 509-427-5255 509-427-4798 509-427-7611 509-427-8981
Stevenson Community Library North Bonneville Library
509-427-5471 509-427-4439
Medical Services/Health Organizations Alcoholics Anonymous Hamilton Park Senior Apartments, North Bonneville Mid-Columbia Family Physicians Rock Cove Asst’d Living Center, Stevenson Skamania County Counseling Center Skamania County Health Department Skamania County Domestic Violence/ Sexual Assault Skamania County Emergency Services Skyline Hospital, White Salmon (from Stevenson) Stevenson Dental Center Stevenson Food Bank Wind River Eye Care
509-427-5548 509-427-0018 509-427-4212 509-427-7272 509-427-3850 509-427-3881 509-427-4210 509-427-5065 509-493-1101 509-427-4083 509-427-8605 509-427-4334 509-427-8259
Newspapers Skamania County Pioneer Columbian, Vancouver, WA Oregonian, Portland, OR
509-427-8444 360-694-2312 509-427-8840
Service Providers CABLE SERVICE Broadstripe City of North Bonneville ELECTRIC SERVICE Skamania County PUD#1 GARBAGE SERVICE Skamania County Sanitary Svc (residential) NATURAL GAS NW Natural Avista RECYCLE TRANSFER SITES Mt. Pleasant Stevenson SEWER SERVICE City of North Bonneville City of Stevenson TELEPHONE/INTERNET PROVIDERS CenturyLink Gorge Networks Saw Net Broadstripe WATER SERVICE City of North Bonneville City of Stevenson Home Valley Water District Skamania County PUD#1 Underwood
www.skamania.org
800-829-2225 509-427-8182 509-427-5126 509-427-4122 800-233-3111 800-233-9165 360-837-3329 509-427-3926 509-427-8182 509-427-5970 866-228-1362 888-508-2363 509-427-4865 800-829-2225 509-427-8182 509-427-5970 509-427-4447 509-427-5126 509-427-5126
COMMUNITY RESOURCES COMMUNITY
Moving to Skamania County? New to the area? Call me for assistance with your insurance needs.
POPULATION
SCHOOL INFORMATION
Carson/Home Valley
3,014
Stevenson/Carson School District K-12 ‡ 509-427-5674
Mill A/Cook/Willard
282
Mill A School: K-8 ‡ 509-538-2522 Stevenson High School ‡ 509-427-5631
North Bonneville
877
Stevenson/Carson School District K-12 ‡ 509-427-5674
Skamania/Prindle
500
Skamania School: K-8 ‡ 509-427-8239 Stevenson High School ‡ 509-427-5631
1,000
Stevenson/Carson School District K-12 ‡ 509-427-5674
Stabler Stevenson
1,440
Stevenson/Carson School District K-12 ‡ 509-427-5674
Underwood
1,005
White Salmon School District K-12 ‡ 509-493-1500
Upper Washougal Cape Horn/Skye Mt. Pleasant
2,612
Cape Horn/Skye: K-5 ‡ 360-954-3600 Mt. Pleasant: K-7 ‡ 360-835-3371
Judith Lanz Auto ☼ Homeowners Renters ☼ Health Insurance
FARMERS
25 SW Russell Ave. PO Box 1151 Stevenson, WA 98648
PH: 509-427-5517 jlanz@farmersagent.com
Building your future. Whether you’re looking for a Business Checking Account or an Auto Loan, we’re here to meet your financial needs.
Redefining RuRal HealtH CaRe 509.493.1101 • WHite Salmon WWW.SkylineHoSpital.Com
LCCU is your local, not-for-profit full-service Credit Union ready to help you plan and save for the future.
Same View. New OutlOOk.
Branch Location: 147 SW 1st St., Stevenson 24-Hour Drive Through ATM Branch Hours: Tues - Fri 9am - 5:30pm and Sat 9am - 1:30pm
Skyline provides you expert care when you need it, and where you want it. State-of-the-art patient wing Eighteen new rooms of personalized care All-in-one birthing suites
The only FAA-approved hospital-based heli-pad in the Gorge
... And endless dreaming space Visit our physicians at the Rock Creek Clinic Stevenson, WA 509.427.4212
B u i l d i n g Yo u r Fu t u r e 8 8 8 . 8 3 4 . 3 6 1 1 • w w w. l a c a m a s . o r g • 1 4 7 S W 1 s t S t . www.skamania.org
2010 SKAMANIA COUNTY VISITORS’ GUIDE
7
Communities of Skamania County Stevenson On the north bank of the Columbia River lies the historic community of Stevenson, Washington. As Skamania Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seat of government and home to fine destination resorts, Stevenson strives to keep visitors busy with activities and events throughout the year. With an award winning brew pub, art galleries, fine restaurants, distinctive clothing and jewelry stores, along with stylish coffee bars, one can only delight in discovering this welcome respite from the big city. The town itself is nestled between the mountains and rugged basalt cliffs of the Gorge to the north and the Columbia River to the south. Views of the Gorge in and around Stevenson are breathtaking and not to be missed. www.cityofstevenson.com
Swift Communities Heading west along the Swift Reservoir on Forest Road 90 in Skamania County, travelers will find several small residential communities. Located on the southeast side of Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, this area is considered the last outpost on your way to Mount St. Helens. This 13-mile-long reservoir has wonderful waterskiing coves, great fishing, and lots of room for fun and exploration. Surrounded by the beauty of Mount St. Helens and National Forest land, the area attracts hikers, bikers, boaters, fishermen (and women) and sun seekers of all ages. A public boat launch and campground are located at the reservoir. Wintertime as well offers many possibilities, from snowmobiling to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
North Bonneville Recreation runs year-round at North Bonneville. Hunting, fishing and hiking are literally at your doorstep. The Heritage Trail system displays historical and scenic opportunities. Find first class lodging and relaxation in the luxury of the Bonneville Hot Springs Resort and Spa. On the east side of town, the mighty Bonneville Dam is a must-see attraction. The Bradford Island Visitors
8
Center is a five-level-facility, offering amazing underwater views of migrating fish, a large theater, and informative displays that explain the history and workings of a hydropower plant. You can also watch fish swim upstream from four fish ladders, one on the Washington shore and three on the original project. www.northbonneville.net
Mill A, Willard and Cook Mill A and the neighboring communities of Willard and Cook, Washington are located on the eastern side of Skamania County. Willard was home to Broughton Lumber
2010 SKAMANIA COUNTY VISITORSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; GUIDE
www.skamania.org
Flume, a nine-mile-long, 1000-foot-drop, wooden lumber slide. For decades the Broughton Lumber Company timbered in the mountains, sending their logs to the riverside mill. The mill has been closed for several years, and the old flume is slowly rotting away but can still be seen from Highway 14. The 1967 TV episode of Lassie made the flume famous as the popular collie floated down the chute to the Broughton Lumber mill. The small community of Cook is home to the Little White Salmon National Fish Hatchery.
visit
North Bonneville, Washington www.northbonneville.net
One of Washington’s best kept secrets. North Bonneville is ideally located between the recreational attractions of the Columbia Gorge and the metropolitan Portland area, just 45 miles away.
• Bonneville Hot springs Resort & spa • 12 miles of Walking/Biking trails • Outdoor Park setting Available for Large or small Gatherings • Family Oriented Community • Beacon Rock 9-Hole Golf Course • 18-Hole City Disc Golf Course • Bonneville Dam & Fish viewing • Hiking & Camping at Beacon Rock state Park • Lewis & Clark Rv Park & Campground
Calendar of Events for 2010 July 9 -11 Gorge Days
Sock Hop and BBQ Street Rod Cruise In Kid Zone Disc Golf Tournament
Saturday Nights ~ July 9 thru Sept 11 Movies in the Park (Gazebo) Shows start at dusk
Heritage trails website: www.nbtrails.net Disc Golf Association: www.nbdga.org
Call or visit the North Bonneville City Hall Monday thru Friday 509-427-8182 214 CBD Mail PO Box 7 North Bonneville WA 98639
www.skamania.org
2010 SKAMANIA COUNTY VISITORS’ GUIDE
9
Skamania
Carson
Underwood
Skamania and Skamania Landing are located on the Washington side of the Columbia River, 15 miles west of Stevenson. Residential homes, a public school and a general store are the makings of this small community, with hiking and picnicking opportunities at nearby Sam’s Walker and St. Cloud Day Use Sites. Franz Lake Refuge is a popular place for wintering tundra swans. Visitors may even get lucky and spot a bald eagle hanging out at the wetlands.
Carson, Washington is the gateway to the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Oldman Pass and Mount St. Helens. Wind River Highway runs directly through Carson leading to world class fishing, hunting, hiking, mountain biking, berry and mushroom picking, sledding, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and beautiful scenery. Carson retains much of its history via architecture as many of the original buildings are still standing. This sleepy little town is the perfect “base” from which to experience the many recreational opportunities found in the region. www.chvs.org
Underwood is located at the far eastern end of Skamania County. It is on the eastern slope of the Cascades with less rain accumulation than the western side of the county. The combination of good soil and climate allows the Underwood wineries to produce premium wine grapes. The Spring Creek National Fish Hatchery in Underwood raises over 15 million Tule Fall Chinook salmon each year. From the hatchery, visitors can also watch large numbers of windsurfers enjoying the brisk winds at this world-class windsurfing site.
10
2010 SKAMANIA COUNTY VISITORS’ GUIDE
www.skamania.org
www.skamania.org
2010 SKAMANIA COUNTY VISITORS’ GUIDE
11
Cascade Locks, Oregon
Home Valley
Neighboring Cascade Locks, Oregon is located directly across the Columbia River from Stevenson, Washington. A short trip across the Bridge of the Gods takes you to this small community, which is home to the Sternwheeler Columbia Gorge, the legendary riverboat that offers a variety of cruises on the Columbia River. This historic community has become a premier sailing site and training ground for Olympic sailboat racers due to the convenient launch site which boasts a quick sail to the race course with excellent spectator viewing. The scenic beauty of the Columbia River, coupled with access to several recreational activities, make the small town of Cascade Locks another popular destination in the Columbia River Gorge. www.cascadelocks.net
Home Valley, Washington is located near the mouth of the Wind River just 10 miles east of Stevenson. Popular ball fields, picnic area, sandy swimming beach and playground are all found at the county park on the riverfront. Two RV parks, a motel, cafe and mini-mart are conveniently located next to some of the best fishing in the world. The boat launch in Home Valley is located at the mouth of the Wind River, which leads boaters to the Columbia River, famous for its spring Chinook and fall steelhead. www.chvs.org
Stabler Also known as ‘Hemlock,’ Stabler is a small community in the southernmost region of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Stabler is primarily a bedroom community for commuters working in nearby Carson, Stevenson and other towns in the Columbia River Gorge. Stabler is also home to the Wind River Canopy Crane, a research faciltiy that studies the old growth forest ecosystem with an emphasis on the forest canopy.
12
2010 SKAMANIA COUNTY VISITORS’ GUIDE
The West End West Skamania County consists of Upper Washougal, Cape Horn, Skye and Mt. Pleasant, Washington. These communities border Clark County with proximity to the greater Vancouver area. Great views of the Columbia River can be seen from the Cape Horn pullout along Washington State Highway 14. For you Twilight fans, the close up shots of Edward and Bella in the tree canopy, overlooking the river and forest, were shot at Cape Horn.
www.skamania.org
Little White Salmon River and is home to the Little White Salmon National Fish Hatchery. Mill A boasts a public school that houses 77 students, grades K-8.
Photo courtesy of Brian McNamara
Vi s i t H o m e Va l l e y 5 miles east of Stevenson, Washington
Wind Mountain Resort & Cafe RV-sites with full hook-ups and Motel Rooms with all the amenities Wireless Internet available
Groceries Gas/Diesel
Great Food at our Cafe
Sporting Goods Bait & Tackle Licenses
Come enjoy your stay with us while relaxing or recreating in Skamania County
50561 Highway 14 Home Valley, WA 98648 (509) 427-5152
and Permits
Home Valley Store Your Convenience Store in Home Valley
(509) 427-4015
50151 Highway 14 Home Valley, WA 98648 13
www.skamania.org
“Heart of the Columbia River Gorge"
scenic
historic
CASCADE LOCKS oregon
hiking ☼ Pacific Crest Trail ☼ cycling ☼ camping trophy fishing ☼ scenic drives ☼ art ☼ fish hatchery boating ☼ waterfalls ☼ old growth forests ☼ world class sailing
www.cascadelocks.net www.skamania.org
2010 SKAMANIA COUNTY VISITORS’ GUIDE
13
Skamania County
Advertisers Index
Thank you to the Skamania County Chamber of Commerce and all of the advertisers for their support in making this publication possible. Remember to refer to the Membership Directory on pages 42-45.
A GREAT PLACE TO
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PET GROOMING AND GIFTS ANTIQUES Skamania County Economic Development . . 7 Kandi’s K-9 Klips and Gift Boutique . . . . . . 10 Rivertown Antiques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 FAIRS/FESTIVALS PORT OFFICE ART GALLERIES Skamania County Fair/Bluegrass Festival . . . 3 Port of Skamania . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 River House Art Gallery & Studio . . . . . . . 20 GROCERIES/GAS/CONVENIENCE STORES QUILTING ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT A&J Market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Birdhouse Quilting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Skamania Performing Arts Foundation . . . . 20 Home Valley Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 REAL ESTATE BANKING/FINANCES Main Street Convenience Store . . . . . . . . 25 Skamania County Title Company . . . . . . . 46 Real Estate Professional Columbia Gorge Mortgage Group . . . . . . . . 7 Skamania General Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Windermere Glenn Taylor Real Estate . . . . 47 First Independent Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 GOLF RESTAURANTS/COFFEE BARS Lacamas CreditCOUNTY Union . . . IS . .A . .WONDERFUL ...... . . 8 SKAMANIA PLACERock to retire, start a. .business Beacon Golf Course . . . . . . . or . . raise . . 31 Andrew’s Pizza . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 BOAT CRUISES Carson Mineral Hot Springs Golf & Spa Resort 15 Bahma Coffee Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 aSternwheeler family. Residents areGorge proud endless attractions in the Columbia Columbia . . of . . the . . . beauty . . 33 and Skamania Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Big River Grill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 BONNEVILLE LOCK AND DAM HEALTH devoted AND WELLNESS Bonneville Hot Springs Resort & Spa . . . . 16 River Gorge. This year National Geographic Traveler its sixth annual “Places Bonneville Lock and Dam (Fish Ladders) . . 32 Robbie Yoder, Arbonne Consultant . . . . . . . 4 Bungalow Bar & Grill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 CAMPING Rated” Destination Stewardship survey to the world’s most .celebrated Skyline Hospital . . . . . . . . and . . . .iconic . . . . .travel .8 Carson Mineral Hot Springs Golf & Spa Resort 15 Northwest Land Management . . . . . . . . . . 26 HIKING The Charburger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 destinations. Oregon and Washington’s Columbia Gorge region rated number six in the CARSON/HOME VALLEY/STABLER Martin’s Hike and Bike Tours . . . . . . . . . . 31 The Crab Shack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Wind River Business Association . . . . . . . . 13 INSURANCE Joe’s El Rio . . . . . . . . . . . . .John . . . .L . .Scott . . . 19 world! Take time to explore our communities in Skamania County and experience our CASCADE LOCKS Judith Lanz Agency of Farmers Insurance . . 6 JoLinda’s Coffee and WineColumbia . . . . . . . . Gorge . . . . 19 Cascade small Locks Tourism . . . . .unique . . . . .restaurants, . . . 14 friendly town charm, growing wine industry and an abundance Skamania Lodge . . . . . . 138 LODGING . . . .NW . . . Second ......2 CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Bonneville Hot Springs Resort & Spa . . . . . 16 SKAMANIA COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Stevenson WA of outdoorCounty activities. For those visitors. .coming from the Portland area, someone phrasedMember Listing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42-45 Skamania Chamber of Commerce 3 Carson Mineral Hot Springs Golf & Spa Resort 15 98648 CHURCHES Riverside Lodgeto . .cross . . . . the . 16 SPAS itThe beautifully: “If you want to get to heaven inColumbia less thanGorge an hour, you have Bridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Econo Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Bonneville Hot Springs Resort & Spa . . . . . 16 Faith Tabernacle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Bridge of the Gods.” River Mist Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Carson Mineral Hot Springs Golf & Spa Resort 15 CLOTHING AND GIFTS Skamania Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Skamania Lodge . . . . . 971-533-3646 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Duck Soup Clothing & Gifts . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Wind Mountain Resort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 STEVENSON www.johnlscott.com/ COFFEE/WINE SHOPS MOTORCYCLE GUIDE AND RALLY Stevenson Business Association . . . . . . . . 31 Skamania County is the perfect destination — for two days, two weeks or a lifetime! carolbradley Bahma Coffee Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Sound RIDER! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 STORAGE UNITS Jolindas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 SKAMANIA MUSEUMS Wind River Storage . . . . . . -. .S.TEVENSON . . . . . . 14 CONSTRUCTION Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center 20 WINERIES/TOURSNORTH BONNEVILLE Should you choose to make Skamania County your home, stop by and visit Museum our local Invision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 PARKS FACILITIES AND RECREATION Martin’s Hike and Bike (wine tours) . . . . . 31 CARSON O&S Enterprises Inc. to . . help . . . .you . . . find . . . .your 8 realtors who areNW, eager new home in theParks Gorge. Skamania County Facilities & Recreation 3 Maryhill Winery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Wind River Builders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
live, work & play
Carol Bradley
Specializing in finding your dream home in the Gorge!
For all of your Real Estate Closings — be it sale or loan; insist on closing with our fast and friendly staff. If you work out of town, we can arrange for you to sign in that town. Conveniently located in downtown Stevenson
GIVE US A CALL TODAY!
509-427-5681
41 Russell Street . . PO Box 277 Stevenson, WA 98648
The Skamania County Title Company is the only title office in Skamania County and is located just one minute from the courthouse. With over 44 years of experience, Skamania County Title Company works hard for each customer, with a return customer rate of 90%.
46 14
2010 SKAMANIA COUNTY VISITORS’ GUIDE
www.skamania.org
www.skamania.org
www.skamania.org
2010 SKAMANIA COUNTY VISITORS’ GUIDE
15
Where to Stay
photo courtesy of Skamania Lodge
Surrounded by the Cascade Mountains and amazing sunsets over the Columbia River, Skamania County is the perfect get away destination.
S
KAMANIA COUNTY is filled with a variety of lodging
European-Style Day spa, eat in the Pacific Crest dining room
locations; from the cozy bed and breakfast, to
or play a round of miniature golf. With a variety of local banquet
downtown hotels, to full-service luxury resorts.
halls, meeting rooms, caterers and professional services, you
In the summer when there are festivals and events,
can choose from accommodations that are perfect for group
hotels are booked, so it’s best to make reservations for
events of any size.
lodging in advance. For those looking for a smaller more intimate lodging experiIf you are searching for the luxurious comfort of a full-service
ence, consider Columbia Gorge Riverside Lodge which offers
resort, consider staying at Skamania Lodge, a magnificent
romantic and peaceful cabins just a stone’s throw away from
mountain resort nestled on 175 wooded acres. This Pacific
the riverfront. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Columbia River
Northwest resort offers 254 guest rooms, dining room and
from the River Mist Lodge, with over 5,000 square feet and a
lounge, meeting facilities, an 18-hole golf course, full-service
23 foot ceiling.
spa, an indoor heated swimming pool, hiking trails and much more. Guests staying at Bonneville Hot Springs Resort and
Check out the warm and friendly atmosphere at Wind Mountain
Spa can relax by rejuvenating in the 12,000 square foot
Resort. You’ll find motel rooms, a grocery store, cafe, gas
16
2010 SKAMANIA COUNTY VISITORS’ GUIDE
www.skamania.org
station and an RV campground. If you are looking for lodging within walking distance of downtown Stevenson, family operated Rodeway Inn is the place. Whether your purpose for visiting is pleasure, business or the event of a lifetime, there are services available to make your getaway relaxing, comfortable and enjoyable.
{
See ad for Skamania Lodge on page 2, and Wind Mt. Resort on page 13. More lodging options listed on page 44.
}
(formerly Econolodge)
Free
Wireless Internet Continental Breakfast Cable TV & HBO Jacuzzi Suite All non-smoking rooms Refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker in all rooms Pet friendly rooms available
509-427-5628 40 NE 2nd Street Stevenson, WA 98648
Just 35 miles from Vancouver or Portland Escape to Bonneville Hot Springs Resort and Spa. The beauty of the scenic Columbia River Gorge,, soothing hot springs mineral water, relaxing accommodations, over 40 relaxing body treatments, locally crafted wines, and regional dining specialties are just Bonneville Bridge of the Gods Hot Springs a few of the many reasons that make this casual, elegant resort and spa the Hood River Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area top Gorge getaway. Portland • Mineral spring filled indoor and outdoor jetted soaking pools and dry sauna • 25 meter indoor lap pool filled with natural mineral hot spring water. • Award-winning Northwest Wine List
Gift Card The perfect gift for friends or family. Available in any amount. Call Toll Free 866-459-1678
• Romantic dining and regional specialties in the Pacific Crest Dining Room • 78 guest rooms and suites – all with private fresh air balcony and many with spring filled private hot tub
Bonneville Hot Springs Resort & Spa 866-459-1678
l
www.bonnevilleresort.com
Visit our web site for monthly resort and spa special offers
www.skamania.org
2010 SKAMANIA COUNTY VISITORS’ GUIDE
17
provides a great deck on the riverfront for an evening meal. El Rio serves creative New Mexico and Texas inspired meals with rich homemade sauces— and don’t forget the tequila! Stevenson’s coffee and wine shop, Jolinda’s, specializes in organic baked goods, fresh squeezed juices and delectable fresh salads. Andrew’s Pizza serves up pizza, pasta dinners, salads, calzones and so much more, along with sports on tap on the large screen TV. Casual dining in a comfortable setting is found at Mark’s Place, serving up home style breakfast, lunch and dinner. Make sure to visit Skamania Lodge where there is a selection of dining experiences to meet every request. The award-winning Cascade Room is a highlight of the lodge featuring Pacific Northwest cuisine. You can enjoy a delightful meal by the river rock fireplace or seasonal outdoor dining at the River Rock Lounge, or choose the Greenside Grille located outside by the golf course. The Pacific Crest Dining Room’s unique, warm environment at Bonneville Hot Springs Resort and Spa specializes in healthful spa cuisine and regional specialities. While the Cascade Lounge offers burgers, sandwiches, hot wings and more in a casual dining atmosphere.
Where to Eat
fare, friendly service and a great view of the Columbia River. Home baked pies,
INING OUT while visiting small
After a day of hiking or sightseeing, you
towns has its advantages.
will want to sit back and relax with a
Short lines, for one, and
fine meal at Big River Grill where music,
unique, family owned estab-
lighting and general ambience provide
lishments offer fresh local flavor for your
customers with an immediate sense
enjoyment on your adventure. Outdoor
of casual warmth and welcome. If you
dining with spectacular views is an
favor coffee, chai tea, frappé freezes,
added feature at several area restau-
smoothies or chillers, along with great
rants, inviting you to enjoy gorgeous
food and atmosphere, you’ll love Bahma
mountain and Columbia River views.
Coffee Bar. The Crab Shack not only has fine seafood and libations, but also
18
Charburger offers traditional American
2010 SKAMANIA COUNTY VISITORS’ GUIDE
www.skamania.org
eleven kinds of hamburgers and a salad bar are just a few of the menu items found at this fun family owned restaurant.
{
See ad for Big River Grill on page 47, El Rio Texicantina on page 47, Crab Shack on back cover, Skamania Lodge on page 2, and Bonneville Hot Springs on page 17. More restaurant options on page 45.
• • • • •
D
Across the river in Cascade Locks, the
}
drew’s Pizza n A Pizza & Pasta Gorge Famous Since 1991 In downtown Stevenson
509-427-8008
In Beautiful Stevenson, WA
* Organic Bakery
New York Hand Tossed Brick Oven Pizza
Pizza by the Slice • Fresh Salads • Pasta Dinners Calzones • BBQ Beef, Meatball & Italian Sandwiches Microbrews & Wine • Wings • Big Screen TV
* Coffee Roasting
* Breakfast & Lunch
We can accomodate large groups!
* Espresso & Juice Bar
* Wines & Wine Tasting * Free WiFi
The Charburger
in Cascade Locks, Oregon open 7 days a week
Family Dining
overlooking the Bridge of the Gods and the Columbia River
savory food espresso teas beer wine sake tasty treats chocolates wi-fi & art www.bahmacoffee.com
376 SW Rock Creek Dr.
Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner 11 kinds of Burgers! Champagne Sunday Brunch Gift Shop, Bakery & Espresso
PO Box 451 · Stevenson, WA 98648
A place of sanctuary and comfort
www.JoLindas.com 509-427-0100
Phone: 541-374-8477
Linda@JoLindas.com
Casual Dining in a comfortable setting
Mark ’s Place Serving
Breakfast & Lunch: 7 days a week Dinner: Thursday, Friday & Saturday Homemade soups
& Desserts
62 SW Russell Avenue 509-427-0006 Call for hours Conveniently located in downtown Stevenson Large Groups and Special Events Welcomed
www.skamania.org
2010 SKAMANIA COUNTY VISITORS’ GUIDE
19
A
rt theater ∙ history fairs ∙ festivals
Await your arrival in Skamania County
THEATER While in Skamania County plan to enjoy one of the many performances provided by the Skamania Performing Arts Foundation (SPAF). From their summer musical to the Guest Artist Series, SPAF offers a wide variety of entertainment. www.skamaniaarts.org
HISTORY
ART
The Columbia River Gorge is one of the most historic locations
In a community so rich in beautiful scenery and history, it
in the Pacific Northwest. A trip to Skamania County would not
makes perfect sense that Skamania County is full of dedicated
be complete without a visit to the Columbia Gorge Interpretive
artists. Many artists agree that living amongst the beauty
Center Museum. At this world-class museum in Stevenson,
is what inspires their creativity. River House Art Gallery and
you will be able to visualize and participate in the bountiful life
Studio is home of local watercolor artist Marilyn Bolles, who
of the Columbia River Gorge. Don’t miss The DeGroote Family
is a prominent artist in the Columbia Gorge and has been well
Trust Theater, which features a 12-minute program recreating
known for the past 30 years.
the cataclysmic formation of the Gorge. www.columbiagorge.org
20
2010 SKAMANIA COUNTY VISITORS’ GUIDE
www.skamania.org
events on the Columbia River. While in Skamania County plan to enjoy one of the many performances provided by the Skamania Performing Arts Foundation (SPAF). From their summer musicals to the Guest Artist Series, SPAF offers a wide variety of entertainment. Summer of 2008 brought a special performance by singer/songwriter, Karla Bonoff, to Skamania Lodge's outdoor amphitheater. Rumor has it that Grammy-award nominated pianist David Lanz will be performing on June 13, 2009. www.skamaniaarts.org In a community so rich in beautiful scenery and history, it makes perfect sense that Skamania County is full of dedicated artists. You will notice in local restaurants and coffee bars local art work on display. River House Art Gallery and Studio is home of local watercolorist Marilyn Bolles, who is a FAIRS well known artist in the Columbia Gorge for the past The 30Skamania years. County Fair and Timber Carnival is a traditional gathering of people sharing knowledge and skillsisforone the Thetheir Columbia River Gorge of the most historic locations in preservation and promotion of what is best in America. People the Pacific Northwest. A trip to Skamania County of all ages demonstrate their talents and hard work to educate would not be complete without a visit to the and inspire us about what we can achieve. Whether it's a nineColumbia Gorge Interpretive Center Museum. At this year-old showing his timely tended sheep or a seventy-yearworld-class museum in Stevenson you will be able to oldvisualize sharing the secret of her preserves, you can see and participate in the bountiful lifethe of hope, the industry and pride reflectsDon’t the best in allThe of us.DeGroote Join us at Columbia Riverthat Gorge. miss which a disappointed. 12-minute ourFamily annual Trust countyTheater, fair in August. Youfeatures will not be program recreating the cataclysmic formation of the There is so much to see and do. www.skamaniacountyfair.com Gorge. www.columbiagorge.org Stop by the Skamania County Chamber of Commerce office in Stevenson to pick up the newest THE version of the Columbia Gorge Wine Map. Then plan your day accordingly as you travel COLUMBIA GORGE east from Skamania INTERPRETIVE County throughout the Columbia River Gorge and taste the wonderful varieties of wine CENTER MUSEUM offered in the region’s newest appellation. As you visit 15,000 years of cultural Maryhill Winery, the 18th largest winery in the state of and natural history! Washington, you will enjoy views of Mount Hood as the sun sets across the river in Oregon. With 19 tastOPEN ing rooms and EVERY wineries, one cider house, and more in DAY the works, the Columbia River Gorge is a great place to spend a day toExcept visit the many wineries. If you would New Year’s like shuttle service, check out Martin’s Tours (see ad Thanksgiving on page 31). www.columbiagorgewine.com & Christmas
THEATER:
THE COLUMBIA GORGE INTERPRETIVE CENTER MUSEUM 15,000 years of cultural and natural history!
OPEN EVERY DAY
ART:
HISTORY:
WINE:
20
HOURS 10am-5pm 990 SW Rock Creek Drive PO Box 396 Stevenson, WA 98648
Except New Year’s Thanksgiving & Christmas
HOURS 10am-5pm
FESTIVALS
Stevenson’s Bluegrass Festival, Hoptoberfest, and Brews
990each SW Rock Blues and BBQs, bring crowds to Skamania County Creek Drive
summer for food, spirits, music and a bounty of family fun.396 PO Box
Stevenson, WA Wine and All that Jazz is an event offering wine, live jazz, art 98648
displays and local cuisine. Bigfoot Bounty and Bash 509cele427 8211
800 991 2338 brates Skamania County as one of the few Sasquach Refuges
in the world. North Bonneville boasts their annual Gorge Days with a sock hop and street rod cruise-in with over 350 cars on display. Outrigger Canoe Races and the Bridge of the Gods
®
Kiteboard Festival bring spectators to the riverfront to watch info@columbiagorge.org www.columbiagorge.org top athletes compete. www.cityofstevenson.com
River House
ART GALLERY & STUDIO
MARILYN WOOD BOLLES Artist
115 NW Second St (Hwy 14) Stevenson 509-427-5930
www.skamania.org
Skamania County Fair & Timber Carnival August 11-15, 2010 www.skamaniacountyfair.com
509 427 8211 800 991 2338
®
Columbia Gorge Bluegrass Festival July 22-25, 2010 www.columbiagorgebluegrass.net
info@columbiagorge.org www.columbiagorge.org
River House
www.skamania.org
2010 SKAMANIA COUNTY VISITORS’ GUIDE
21
Wines of Distinction It is fitting that the landscape, the experience and uniqueness of the Columbia River Gorge is celebrated with federal recognition of the Columbia Gorge as a unique American Viticultural Area. FROM THE MARINE INFLUENCED CLIMATE of
White Salmon Vineyards
Underwood Mountain to the
the White Salmon River in
arid dry land of the Eastern
Skamania County. Grower and
Gorge, it is no surprise that
winemaker, Peter Brehm and
the Columbia River Gorge
Brehm Vineyards have been
is one of America's most
providing grapes to winemak-
unique wine regions. The
ers since 1986. Peter is proud
diversity of grapes, the soil
of the quality of grapes pro-
and the elevation make the
duced on Underwood Moun-
Columbia Gorge a wonder-
tain. The region's cool climate,
ful place for growing grapes.
eastern slope, and volcanic
The Columbia Gorge has
soil provide a terroir for world
long been famous for its
class Chardonnay and Pinot
fine pears, apples, cherries
Noir. White Salmon Vineyards
and other fruits. Grapevines
is opening a new tasting room
were planted by early settlers
in Spring 2010.
lies on the western side of
the driving to a tour guide as you explore the many winer-
along the Columbia’s shorelines. Although these vines
Located at the eastern end
ies in the Gorge. Sit back,
prospered, there were few
of the Gorge, Maryhill Winery
relax and let a guide do the
who recognized their ease of
was named Washington
work for you. Martin’s Gorge
growth with the goal of mak-
Winery of the Year in 2009
Tours will help you discover
ing wine. The Columbia Gorge
by Wine Press Northwest—
the hidden attractions that
lay as an undiscovered viti-
and for good reason. They
make the Columbia River
cultural gem exploited by only
produce 27 different award
Gorge a National Scenic Area
a few brave souls in the early
winning wines and boast
as you make your way to visit
1970s. In the late 1980s and
gorgeous views of Mt. Hood
the wineries in the Gorge.
90s, some of the fruit from
and the Gorge from their tast-
the early vineyards planted
ing room. Consider leaving
began to get into the hands of very good winemakers. Soon
Text and photo courtesy of Peter Brehm, White Salmon Vineyards
W I N E • W AT E R F A L L • W I L D F L O W E R
TOURS
the Columbia Gorge was recognized for its world class grapes. The Columbia Gorge
In the beautiful Columbia River Gorge
brings a climate that is well defined and predictably varied. It has soils accumulated from floods, volcanic eruptions and landslides, creating well suited grape growing conditions.
22
Experienced Guide Customized Trips
503.349.1323
877.290.TOUR (8687)
MartinsGorgeTours.com
2010 SKAMANIA COUNTY VISITORS’ GUIDE
www.skamania.org
MARTIN
Estate Grown Wines from the heart of the Columbia River Gorge Wines Available Now Tasting Room Open Spring 2010 Call (509) 493-4640 www.WhiteSalmonVineyard.com
& AMPHITHEATRE
Over 500 awards in 6 years “Based on this superb and well-priced portfolio of wines, Maryhill Winery merits serious attention.”
2009 WASHINGTON WINERY OF THE YEAR Wine Press NW
Best Destination Winery Seattle Magazine
- Jay Miller of The Wine Advocate
Robert Parker Scores, The Wine Advocate
2006 Serendipity 91+ Points. 2006 Cabernet Franc Proprietor's Reserve 91 Points.
Photography by Loriant.com
2006 Syrah Proprietor's Reserve 92 Points.
2006 Malbec Proprietor's Reserve 91 Points. 2006 Merlot Proprietor's Reserve 91 Points. 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Proprietor's Reserve 90 Points. 2008 Pinot Gris 87 Points.
PASSION. PATIENCE. BALANCE. YAKIMA
The Dalles Bridge
north 80 miles
west 17 miles (to I-84 via 197)
Look for our Summer Concert Series FREE LIVE MUSIC every weekend all summer long! See website for music and events schedule
PORTLAND west 100 miles via I-84
BEND south 130 miles
MaryhillWinery.com Open Daily 10-6 877-MARYHILL 9774 Hwy 14 W. Goldendale, WA www.skamania.org
2010 SKAMANIA COUNTY VISITORS’ GUIDE
23
Swift Reservoir Stabler
Mill A
Running beside the Columbia River through
oPEn 24 hourS
the entire county, State Route 14 is a scenic byway also known as the Lewis and Clark Trail. Although it stretches from the Idaho border to the Pacific Ocean, the route’s 47-mile traverse through Skamania County is often called its most scenic section. The highway crosses the Cascade Mountains near sea level, allowing year-round transit and easy access to four seasons of outdoor beauty and activity. Do you want to see some sights but stay close to the car? By using a combination of state, county and Forest Service roads, one can enjoy the awesome and beautiful scenery found in Skamania County and the Columbia River Gorge.
{ 24
hot DElI ♦ FrESh MADE PIzzAS ♦ hArD SErvE ICE CrEAM Fishing & Hunting Licenses and Supplies Northwest Forest Pass Snow Park & Trail Permits Special Trail Groomed Permits
}
Summer & Winter Apparel ♦ Pools & Sleds Air Mattresses ♦ Camping Equipment and MuCh MorE!
Before leaving on your scenic drive, it is advised to stop by the Chamber of Commerce or local convenience store for a map to assist you in your adventure.
2010 SKAMANIA COUNTY VISITORS’ GUIDE
Gas ♦ Groceries ♦ Water ♦ Movie rentals ♦ Propane ♦ Firewood
509-427-5653
Located on the west end of Stevenson Indoor seating available for enjoying the deli and fresh pizza!
www.skamania.org
Map courtesy of USDA Forest Service
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Heading east from Stevenson, Washington, follow
Heading eastDon’t from Stevenson, Washington, Hwy Hwy 14. blink or you may missfollow the small of you Home located east of the 14.community Don’t blink or may Valley miss the small community of
Wind River boat dock. it Wind is springtime for Home Valley located east ofIfthe River boatlook dock.
the fishermen on the Columbia River casting their hopes of catching the infamous spring Chinook. River their hopes catching infamous spring As casting you leave Home of Valley youthe will pass Wind Chinook. As you Valleybefore you willapproaching pass Wind Mountain andleave Dog Home Mountain Mountain and Dog Mountain beforelake approaching Drano Drano Lake, a popular fishing for salmon and steelhead. The Spring Creek National Fish Lake, a popular fishing lake for salmon and steelhead. Hatchery is located on Fish HwyHatchery 14 just after completThe Spring Creek National is located on ing your drive through the many tunnels. Not only Hwy 14 just after completing your drive through the many can you learn about the local salmon, the tunnels. Not to only can you learn about thegreat local close salmon, entrance the hatchery also offers up theviews entrance to the hatchery also close of windsurfers. Make a offers roundgreat trip out of up this views of windsurfers. Make a round trip out of thisRiver, adventure by crossing the bridge to Hood Oregon and make sure you look for Mount Hood! adventure by crossing the bridge to Hood River, Oregon You finish your loop by traveling on I-84 west and make sure you look for Mount Hood! You finish and your taking the Cascade Locks exit and then crossing loop by traveling on I-84 west and taking the Cascade the Bridge of the Gods, bringing you back to Locks exit and then crossing the Bridge of the Gods, Stevenson, Washington.
If it is springtime look for the fishermen on the Columbia
dvd als e r nt
www.ajmarket.com
don ut mad s e dail y
bringing you back to Stevenson, Washington.
Don’t forget to get snacks before you leave at Main Street Store you or leave A&J at Market in Don’t forgetConvenience to get snacks before Main Street Stevenson, and if you forget something, there is Convenience Store or A&J Market in Stevenson, and if also the Home Valley Store (see ad on page 12).
full service grocery store
you forget something, there is also the Home Valley Store (see ad on page 13).
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Cakes & pies • sandwiches & wraps hot food • fried & rotisserie chicken Fresh meats, cheeses & prepared salads
509-427-5491
265 SW Second St / PO Box 789 • Stevenson, WA 98648
OPEN 24 HOURS
Eastwind Laundry
NEW COIN
OPERATED LAUNDRY MACHINES
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Map courtesy of USDA Forest Service
Take a DRIVE Drive TAKE A
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
located next to A&J Select Market
Located on the west end of Stevenson Indoor and outdoor seating available
www.skamania.org
www.skamania.org
HOT DELI FRESH MADE PIZZA & SUBS GAS • VIDEOS GROCERIES PROPANE SNOW PARK & TRAIL PERMITS FISHING & HUNTING LICENSES and SUPPLIES
427-5653
2010 SKAMANIA COUNTY VISITORS’ GUIDE
25 25
Mount Adams rises 12,326 feet and is the second highest peak in Washington State after Mount Rainer. Mount Adams is in a remote wilderness area 35 miles east of Mount St. Helens. Mount St. Helens stood 9,677 feet before the May 18, 1980 eruption that blew 2,000 feet off the top of the volcano, reducing the elevation to 8,364 feet. A strong earthquake rumbled throughout Mount St. Helens, 5.1 on the Richter scale, the strongest since her awakening on March 20. The debris and ash flows that followed the eruption caused extensive damage to local communities and downed thousands of acres of forest. The blast is said to have been 500 times greater than the 20-kiloton atomic bomb that fell on Hiroshima. Winds reached 670 miles per hour and carried temperatures of 800 degrees Fahrenheit. Over the past 200 years there have been only three periods of eruptive activity on this grand volcanic peak; 1800-1857, 1980-1986 and just recently in 2004-2006. In late photo by Tom Mehren
MOUNT ST. HELENS and the GIFFORD PINCHOT NATIONAL FOREST LOCATED IN SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON, Skamania
September 2004, after 18 years of relative quiet, hundreds of earthquakes signaled Mount St. Helens' reawakening. During 2005, the volcano erupted more than 90 million cubic yards of new lava forming seven massive rock piles on the south crater floor. Compared with other volcanoes, Mount St. Helens ranks amongst the world’s most active and violent mountains.
County covers over 1,000,000 acres of spectacular, diverse country. Eighty percent of Skamania County is home to the
Website for Gifford Pinchot National Forest: www.fs.fed.us/gpnf
Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The county’s southern
Website for Mount St Helens: www.fs.fed.us/gpnf/mshnvm
border is defined by the Columbia River and the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. The northern territory is dominated by Mount St. Helens in the west, and the base of Mount Adams to the east.
TAKE A DRIVE The quickest way to see Mount St. Helens is via the
The Gifford Pinchot National Forest offers an array of
Carson route: follow Hwy 14 to Carson, head North on
recreational opportunities; hiking, mountain biking, hunting,
Hwy 30 (a.k.a. Wind River Highway). Beyond the Carson
camping, fishing, mushroom and berry picking, winter recre-
National Fish Hatchery turn right, and continue to
ation and more. Within the forest lie Trapper Creek and Indian
Oldman Pass. A short time after reaching the pass, you
Heaven Wilderness, the Pacific Crest Trail, lakes, waterfalls
will turn left at the 51 Rd/Curly Creek junction. The
and mountain rivers.
McClellan Viewpoint provides a distant but outstanding view of the mountain. It will take approximately 30-45
Trapper Creek Wilderness is 6,050 acres of forested solitude.
minutes to reach McClellan Viewpoint from Carson. The
The lower elevations of the wilderness area are characterized
closest southeastern view of Mount St. Helens, and the
by stands of old growth Douglas fir, with fire-regenerated
devastated area, is found at Windy Ridge, which is also
second growth Douglas fir at higher levels. Huckleberry fields
accessible by the northern route past Carson and beyond
can be found at higher elevations near Observation Peak.
McClellan Viewpoint to the FS 90 Road. From FS 90, head north on FS 25, and then turn left on FS 99 which will take
Indian Heaven Wilderness totals some 16,000 acres near
you to the Windy Ridge viewpoint and amazing views
Mount Adams, with numerous meadows, forested areas and
of the crater and Spirit Lake.The locals and visitors alike
more than 150 lakes. Many of the lakes are stocked with trout
agree that Mount St. Helens is a must-see destination
for anglers. The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (PCT), which
in Skamania County.
stretches from Mexico to Canada, crosses Indian Heaven Wilderness (running south to north) for 16.4 miles, with several side trails providing access to larger lakes.
26
2010 SKAMANIA COUNTY VISITORS’ GUIDE
www.skamania.org
Detailed maps and brochures are available at the Skamania County Chamber of Commerce.
www.skamania.org
2010 SKAMANIA COUNTY VISITORS’ GUIDE
27
GORGE WINDS THE COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE is a source of phenomenal beauty and enjoyment, providing a playground for just about every kind of recreation. The river’s canyon-like walls create a natural wind tunnel, making ideal conditions for windsurfing, kiteboarding and sailing. In fact, some call Hood River, just 20-minutes east of Stevenson, the windsurfing capital of the world, thanks to the incredible gorge winds that blow from Rooster Rock in the west to Arlington in the east. In the early 1980s the “boardheads” discovered the high and steady wind that blew through the Gorge. Windsurfing shops began to spring up all over the area. Summer saw an annual migration of windsurfing enthusiasts from all over the world who came to challenge what soon became affectionately labeled the "nuclear winds" of the Gorge. For some real entertainment, drive down to the Spring Creek Fish Hatchery on Highway 14 in Washington and watch the windsurfers jump and loop in the large waves. Kiteboarding was discovered in 1989 when Corey Roeseler strapped his feet to stock water skis, and with three rectangular colorful kites, took off across the Columbia into a crowd of surprised windsurfers. Today, kiteboarding is one of the fastest growing water sports in the world and you can find the mecca of kiteboarding enthusiasts right here in Skamania County. A great spot for viewing this exciting sport is on the riverfront at East Point in Stevenson, Washington. The Bridge of the Gods Kiteboarding Festival is held on the waterfront in Stevenson each summer. Athletes from all over the nation travel to this event to compete in the nation’s longest running kiteboarding contest. Skamania County is your home base for all the fun, excitement and scenery the Columbia River Gorge has to offer. Enjoy your visit and don’t forget your camera!
28
2010 SKAMANIA COUNTY VISITORS’ GUIDE
www.skamania.org
Skamania County Beaches BOB’S BEACH: Rocky beach, grassy lawn area, spacious launching area for windsurfing, covered changing cabana, picnic tables, and restrooms. Located on the west end of town next to the Columbia Gorge Riverside Lodge. CASCADE BOAT LAUNCH: Boat launch, new restroom facility with changing cabana, grassy lawn area, picnic tables, easy access for jet skiing, fishing, sailing, kayaking. No overnight docking or camping. EAST POINT KITE BEACH: Great spot for watching the powerful winds launch kiteboarders up to 40 feet in the air. Home of the summertime Kiteboarding Festival. Located behind Port of Skamania building just west of Cascade Boat Launch. HOME VALLEY SWIM BEACH: Sandy beach, swimming area, ball fields and playground nearby. Seven miles east of Stevenson in Home Valley.
LEAVENS POINT: Set between Stevenson Landing and the East Point Kite Beach. A great spot to picnic and soak up the sun, while viewing the Columbia River and mountains of Oregon. PEBBLE BEACH: A more quiet secluded beach with pebbles and interesting driftwood. A walk down a short path just east of the Cascade Boat Launch. STEVENSON LANDING: The perfect spot for taking photos and watching the activity on the river. Cruise ship pier located at the end of Russell Street next to Teo Park. TEO PARK: Home to the annual Blues Brews and BBQs. Grassy lawn area, picnic tables and parking. Located east of the Columbia Gorge Riverside Lodge. All beaches listed above are located in Stevenson, Washington, with the exception of Home Valley Swim Beach.
www.skamania.org
2010 SKAMANIA COUNTY VISITORS’ GUIDE
29
photo by Dr. Peter Regan
24 RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS BERRY PICKING In late August or early September, family huckleberry picking is popular at numerous places throughout the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. BIKING The City of North Bonneville has more than 12 miles of relatively flat paved biking trails that wind throughout town. www.nbtrails.net Strawberry Island in North Bonneville is a local favorite for family mountain biking. There are also several mountain bike trails in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. For a list of favorite rides: www.fs.fed.us/gpnf.
BIRD WATCHING Skamania County is home to a vast number of birds and waterfowl. For a birding map or more information, stop by the Skamania County Chamber of Commerce. BOAT TOURS Experience the natural and scenic wonders of the Columbia River Gorge aboard a luxurious riverboat, an old-fashioned sternwheeler,
30
or a high-speed catamaran jet boat. Scenic rides, dinner cruises, thrill rides, and interpretive tours are all available from the Willamette River in Portland to the Columbia River in Skamania County. www.portlandspirit.com CAMPING Skamania County is camping country, with campgrounds to satisfy all levels of wilderness experience. Visit the Gifford Pinchot National Forest website to learn about available campgrounds. www.fs.fed.us/gpnf FISHING Skamania County provides a limitless number of fishing opportunities for the experienced to the beginning angler. The vast Columbia River, mountain streams, wilderness lakes, reservoirs and ponds make Skamania County a year-round fishermenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s paradise. GOLF Take advantage of golfing among some of the most beautiful scenery in the Pacific Northwest. Skamania Lodge has a challenging 18-hole, par-70 golf course that is beautifully tucked into the resort's 175 wooded acres. HIKING There are numerous trailheads in the area for hikers of all abilities. Waterfalls are abundant in the Pacific Northwest and the Pacific Crest Trail runs through Skamania County. See pages 36-39 for featured popular hiking trails. JET SKIING Jet skiing has become quite popular at East Point in Stevenson. This newly remodeled family friendly day use area features picnic grounds, boat dock and restroom facilities. KAYAKING For flat water kayaking try the Columbia River on a calm day. Greenleaf Reservoir, Rock Creek Pond and Ashes Lake are great spots for those looking for touring opportunities. KITEBOARDING One of the most interesting spectator sports since chariot races. Stevenson is home to one of the most popular kiteboarding sites
2010 SKAMANIA COUNTY VISITORSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; GUIDE
www.skamania.org
in the Gorge. Watch the kiteboarders launch 20, 30, 40 feet into the air at Stevenson's Kite Beach on the east end of town. Kiteboarding lessons are available on the Stevenson waterfront. MUSHROOMING From morells to chanterelles, Skamania County has a bunch. Be sure to take an experienced mushroomer with you when you go picking. PARAGLIDING Somewhere in the sky above Skamania County you might see someone flying in a paraglider. You need to really keep an eye out if you want to be a paraglide watcher, as they tend to flock to out of the way places like Silver Star Mountain (as shown in the above photograph). This little observed sport has many local enthusiasts that take every opportunity to enjoy the gift of foot-launched gliding flight. Keep your eyes skyward and you might see them overhead! www.cascadeparaglidingclub.org
See all of
Portland
No visit to Portland would be complete without a cruise along the scenic Willamette River aboard the Portland Spirit. Dine on fresh Northwest cuisine, prepared onboard. It's an experience that shouldn't be missed.
CRUI SE the GORGE COLUMBIA RIVER ADVENTURE CRUISES
Add the scenic Columbia River Gorge to your travel plans. Cruise in legendary riverboat style aboard the Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler or book a high-speed adventure on the Outrageous Jet Boat.
Portlan d S p ir it Cr uis e s 800-224-3901 or 5 03 -2 2 4-3 900 Vi s i t w w w . p or t la n d s p i r i t . c om
www.skamania.org
2010 SKAMANIA COUNTY VISITORSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; GUIDE
31
ROCK CLIMBING Although technically not a mountain, Beacon Rock is a rock climber’s paradise with over 400 vertical feet of technical climbing on the southside. Beacon Rock has enchanted generations of climbers ever since the first ascent of the southeast face in April 1954. This is bold climbing and not for those unfamiliar with multipitch climbing and retreating. The presence of a falcon nest requires that the south face be closed to technical rock activity February 1 to July 15 annually. SAILING Sailors travel from all over the world for the consistent and dependable wind that blows throughout the Columbia River. Sailing is popular all summer. You'll find sailboats racing across the river or enjoying an evening sail. SPELUNKING : APE CAVE With more than 100,000 visitors a year, Ape Cave is one of the most popular spots in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. At the Apes Headquarters, visitors can rent lanterns and buy books and maps in
Rafting on the:
Since 1979
• White Salmon • Deschutes • Clackamas & More Guided Raft Trips & Rentals Safe & Fun! Great Value!
32
2010 SKAMANIA COUNTY VISITORS’ GUIDE
the summer. Interpretive tours in the cave are held several times a day from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Forest interpreters lead lanternguided walks down into the Ape Cave; a lava tube that formed when the surface of an ancient lava flow cooled and hardened, while molten lava still freely moved underneath. 360-247-3900 WATER SKIING : WAKE BOARDING : TUBING When the wind stops blowing on the river, the calm waters offer a getaway for tubing, wake boarding and water skiing. WHITE WATER RAFTING : KAYAKING Treat yourself to a fun filled day of white water rafting or kayaking amongst the beautiful river canyons. Many local outfitters offer a variety of trips and packages for rafters of all experience levels. WINDSURFING The Gorge is the windsurfing capital of the world. Did you know you'll find the most famous windsurfing site, plus a few more user friendly launches, in Skamania County, Washington? The most famous site is at Spring Creek Fish Hatchery, known to "boardheads" as "The Hatchery." This site is on Hwy 14, only four miles west of the Hood River Bridge. Windsurfing lessons and rentals are available in Hood River, Oregon. WINE TOURS With over 30 tasting rooms and wineries, and more in the works, the Columbia River Gorge is a great place to explore the scenery while stopping to taste wine along the way. Martin’s Hike and Bike offers guided tours so you can sit back and enjoy the ride — and the wine. WINTER FUN Winter recreation in Skamania County is one of the Columbia Gorge’s best kept secrets. The Wind River Sports Area provides groomed snowmobile and cross country trails, covering beautiful terrain. Oldman Pass has one of the best sledding hills around for family friendly fun. If downhill skiing is your passion, Mount Hood is located in Oregon, with four ski areas to choose from. When road conditions are good, the drive from Stevenson is just over an hour.
www.skamania.org
GETTING THERE MOUNT ADAMS WINTER RECREATION AREA Access Mount Adams Sno-Parks via Hwy 141, north off of Hwy 14, eighteen miles from Stevenson. To reach Atkisson Sno-Park, follow 141 past the Ranger Station approximately five miles. The Sno-Park entrance is on the south side of the road, just within the Forest boundary. Flat Top Sno-Park is farther north from Atkisson.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • WIND RIVER WINTER RECREATION AREA Access the Wind River Sno-Parks via the Wind River Highway (Hwy 30) north of Carson about 30 miles. After you pass the Carson Fish Hatchery, you will see a sign for the recreation area that points to your right. Follow the road to the parking area at the top of the pass. GOVERNMENT MINERAL SPRINGS Access Government Mineral Springs by traveling on Wind River Highway north of Carson approximately 12 miles to the Carson National Fish Hatchery. Continue northwest for one mile, proceeding straight on to Forest Service Road 3065 to the entrance.
www.skamania.org
2010 SKAMANIA COUNTY VISITORS’ GUIDE
33
FISHING IN SKAMANIA COUNTY Skamania County is home to 142 lakes, providing a limitless number of fishing opportunities for the experienced or beginning angler. The vast Columbia River, mountain streams, wilderness lakes, reservoirs and ponds make Skamania County a year-round fishermen’s paradise. The season starts out on the Columbia River with the spring run of Chinook salmon, also known as king salmon. Trolling the mouth of the Wind River and Drano Lake during the early part of the run is popular in the springtime, with the fish beginning to show up in mid-March and the run peaking in early May. Spring Chinook are highly prized by Northwest anglers because the early runs contain the highest oil content, which many claim make the“springers” the best tasting salmon. During the latter part of the run when the springers enter the tributaries, the Wind River becomes the hot spot, usually around Memorial Day weekend. As spring turns to summer, steelhead and summer Chinook season kicks in. When the days start to shorten in the fall, coho and fall Chinook fishing picks up. While some say that the fall Chinook are not as tasty as the springers, they are typically much larger and can get up to 50-60 pounds, which is more than enough to fill up most smokers. As winter sets in, the heartiest of local anglers bare the elements for the winter steelhead run.
There's a multitude of other angling opportunities for fishing such as sturgeon, walleye, small mouth bass and wilderness lake trout fishing. Skamania County is abundant with many lakes, streams, rivers and beaver ponds throughout the back country. Kidney Lake, Icehouse Lake and Ashes Lake are all within easy access of Highway 14 between Stevenson and North Bonneville, and are well stocked with huge rainbows, blue gill and largemouth bass. Sturgeon fishing may be the most underrated fishing on the Columbia River. Sturgeon are somewhat of a prehistoric creature and can get to an enormous size of up to 10 feet. Aside from the possibility of hooking into a monster, sturgeon fishing can get quite active at times with frequent strikes and plenty of action. In the north woods of Skamania County, rainbow trout are stocked in the10 mile long Swift Reservoir, which is fed by the beautiful and scenic North Fork Lewis River. Native Bull trout, historically known as Dolly Varden, can be caught here but must be released. Whether you are a first timer or a salty veteran angler, consider going out with a reputable guide service. A good guide will dramatically increase your chances of hooking up. And there is certainly something to be said about having all your gear, bait and boat provided — not to mention a tip to a secret spot!
6 PUBLIC BOAT LAUNCHES WIND RIVER BOAT RAMP Located at the mouth of the Wind River in Home Valley. DRANO LAKE BOAT RAMP Located 14 miles east of Stevenson. CASCADE BOAT RAMP Located in downtown Stevenson on the east side waterfront. BEACON ROCK STATE PARK BOAT LAUNCH Located 13 miles west of Stevenson just past North Bonneville. SWIFT RESERVOIR BOAT LAUNCH Located at Swift Forest Camp. HAMILTON ISLAND BOAT RAMP Located just downstream of Bonneville Lock and Dam.
34
2010 SKAMANIA COUNTY VISITORS’ GUIDE
• • • • • • • • • • •
There are six public boat launches in Skamania County; three above Bonneville Dam, two below and one at Swift Reservoir.
www.skamania.org
Catch of the day: White Sturgeon
NATIONAL FISH HATCHERIES
BONNEVILLE LOCK AND DAM
CARSON NATIONAL FISH HATCHERY Since 1960, hatchery production has helped spring Chinook population recover in the Columbia River. Today Carson releases more than 2 million smolts (young salmon) annually. The best time to visit is May-August to view adult salmon returning up the ladder. Located 14 miles north of Carson on Hwy 30. 509-427-5905 www.fws.gov/gorgefish/carson
THE MIGHTY BONNEVILLE DAM IS A MUST-SEE ATTRACTION. Located in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Bonneville Lock and Dam spans the Columbia River and links the two states of Washington and Oregon. Built and operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Bonneville Lock and Dam was the first federal lock and dam on the Columbia and Snake rivers. The Dam is 3,463 feet long and produces over one million kilowatts of electricity. Visitors can experience first-hand the operation of two hydroelectric powerhouses and watch migrating fish traveling upstream at the underwater viewing rooms next to the fish ladders. The Washington Shore Visitors Center offers one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most accessible views of a powerhouse. Inside, generators can be seen from a walkway 85 feet above the powerhouse floor. Visitors can ride an escalator down into the powerhouse to get a closeup view of a generator and rotating turbine shaft through special viewing windows. Fish viewing windows offer a chance to watch coho, sockeye, and king salmon, along with steelhead, shad, lamprey and other fish, as they head upstream each summer and fall.
SPRING CREEK NATIONAL FISH HATCHERY The Spring Creek National Fish Hatchery raises more than 15 million Tule Fall Chinook salmon annually. Adult Tule Fall Chinook salmon return in September and visitors can watch the fish being spawned in mid- to late September. Located 16 miles east of Stevenson on Hwy 14. 509-427-1730 www.fws.gov/gorgefish/springcreek LITTLE WHITE SALMON FISH HATCHERY An underwater viewing area and wildlife viewing opportunities at the hatchery make this a favorite for visitors year-round. Chinook and coho can be seen spawning in the river below the hatchery, particularly in the fall. The mile long entrance road begins at the west end of the bridge, over the Little White Salmon River at Drano Lake, 12 miles east from Stevenson. 509-538-2755 www.fws.gov/gorgefish/littlewhite
The Bradford Island Visitors Center, located on the Oregon side of the Columbia River, is a five-level-facility, offering amazing underwater views of migrating fish, a large theater, and displays that offer incites into the history and workings of a hydropower plant. The adjacent Bonneville Fish Hatchery has informative displays and ponds filled with rainbow trout and a half-dozen massive white sturgeon. Sturgeon still spawn in the area below the dam and the lower Columbia River supports a healthy sturgeon population. Bonneville Lock and Dam was placed on the National Register of Historic Places as an historic district in June 1986. Visitor centers are open daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day. Admission is free. For further information call 541-374-8820 or 509-427-4281. https:/www.nwp.usace.army.mil
www.skamania.org
2010 SKAMANIA COUNTY VISITORSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; GUIDE
35
SCENIC HIKES OF SKAMANIA COUNTY
HIKING IN SKAMANIA COUNTY and the surrounding area is one reason so many locals have chosen to make this wide and beautiful territory their home. The following pages are designed to show the first time visitor, veteran traveler, or county resident, just a few of the hikes Skamania County has to offer. DON’T FORGET! A NORTHWEST PASS PERMIT IS NEEDED FOR MOST COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE SCENIC AREA & FOREST SERVICE TRAILS AND FEE SITES. Permits can be purchased at local convenience stores and the Chamber of Commerce. Note: Changing weather conditions can affect the hiking levels for trails.
GUIDE TO HIKING LEVELS
Skamania County Chamber of Commerce www.skamania.org 509-427-8911/800-989-9178 Mount St. Helens National Monument www.fs.fed.us/gpnf/mshnvm 360-449-7800 Gifford Pinchot National Forest www.fs.fed.us/gpnf/trails 360-891-5000 Mount Adams Ranger Station www.fs.fed.us/gpnf/recreation 509-395-3400 Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/columbia/forest/ 541-308-1700
Easy: Level to gently rolling terrain and incline. Easy hiking. Requires limited skill and has minimal physical challenges. More Difficult: Vigorous hiking with moderate hills and slopes. Requires a moderate skill level and provides a moderate physical challenge. Most Difficult: Requires a high degree of skill and provides a lot of physical challenge. Steep grades, narrow tread widths, low levels of maintenance could arise. May require stepping over logs or traversing steep slopes or stream fords. Suitable for experienced hikers in good physical condition.
• • • • • • • • • •
HIKING RESOURCES
Panther Creek Falls waterfall Water is abundant in the Columbia River Gorge and especially in Skamania County. And when it is in the form of waterfalls, it is a lovely spectacle to behold. Panther Creek Falls is by far one of the most unique waterfalls in the entire country. The falls consist of two tiers of segmented waterfalls, 50 to 75 feet in height, all pouring into the same basin. You will spend more time in the car driving to this waterfall than actually hiking to it. The falls are reached in less than 500 feet. The trail is short and easy leading to an observation deck. This waterfall is a photographer's dream.
Round Trip: 1000 feet Level: Easy 13 miles from Carson, WA
DRIVING DIRECTIONS: Drive along Wind River Highway (Hwy 30) north through Carson for 5.8 miles to the second entrance to Old State Road and turn east. Almost immediately turn left onto Panther Creek Road № 65. Drive along Panther Creek Road for 3.5 miles, you will see the sign for Panther Creek Campground. Continue to travel 4 miles and you will see a large gravel pit on the right side of the road (if you cross Big Huckleberry Creek, you've gone too far). Park at the gravel pit, cross the street and walk back down the hill about 100 yards and look for the trail dropping down next to the rocky slope below the road. There is a sign for Panther Creek Falls on the opposite side of the trailhead. The falls are reached in less than 500 feet.
Pacific Crest Trail Thornton Munger Natural Research Area old-growth forest
The Pacific Crest Trail is widely known and begins in Canada following the Cascade Mountain Range south to the deserts of Mexico. It is 2,665 miles long. There are different access points that join the Pacific Crest Trail in Skamania County with varying levels of hiking conditions. One particular hike along the Pacific Crest Trail is in the Thornton Munger Natural Research Area, located in the Wind River Experimental Forest. The trail begins by crossing a wooden foot bridge spanning Trout Creek. The first part of the hike takes you through old-growth forests and climbs to an exceptional look-out point with views overlooking the former Wind River Nursery and Wind River canyon area. DRIVING DIRECTIONS: Follow the Wind River Highway (Hwy 30) north through Carson, turn left at the Stabler Store on Hemlock Road. Just past the Wind River Work Center, turn right and proceed up the road about 1.5 miles, the trailhead begins on the left side by crossing a wooden foot bridge. There is no sign, so look for the small turnout and bridge on your left on Trout Creek. Round Trip: 4 miles Level: Easy to More Difficult 12 miles north of Carson, WA
36
2010 SKAMANIA COUNTY VISITORS’ GUIDE
www.skamania.org
Lower Falls Creek waterfall A 2.2 mile hike takes you to the lower level of the spectacular Falls Creek waterfall. Start the hike by crossing the cable suspension bridge which spans a rock gorge providing spectacular views of the white water of Falls Creek. The trail follows Falls Creek, climbing through a 50- to 60-year-old forest for about 1.5 miles. Continue uphill for 0.7 mile to the base of the waterfall. The trail ends at the waterfall. There is a creek crossing prior to the falls. The delicate mist from the cascades of Falls Creek creates a cool peaceful environment for relaxing at the end of the trail. There is also a hike to the Upper Falls by following this road for 2.5 miles to the trailhead. The grade of the trail slowly climbs away from Falls Creek and crosses two creeks before reaching the waterfall in about 2.5 miles. The trail flattens out for about ¾ of a mile where it meets road #6503 and ends. Falls Creek surges over rocks and timber, cascading from a height of about 100 feet. DRIVING DIRECTIONS: Travel north to Carson on the Wind River Highway (Hwy 30) to mile post 15. Turn right onto Forest Rd. 3062, turn right on Rd. 057 and continue ¼ mile to the trailhead. Plenty of parking available. Round Trip: 4.4 miles Level: Easy to More Difficult 18 miles from Carson, WA
Dog Mountain wildflowers ∙ view A very popular trail, particularly from mid-April through early June, when the hills are filled with blooming wildflowers. Hikers will also see impressive views of Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams and Mount Hood. The trail is somewhat challenging as it gains 2,400 feet in elevation and is 3.5 miles to the top. Plan four hours to hike this one and take water and food for the break on top! This heavily used loop opportunity climbs rapidly in the first 0.5 mile, gaining 700 feet in elevation. The trail forks, giving hikers the option of heading north on the more direct, but steep route to the summit, or to the east for a longer but more gradual climb. The trail to the right (east) provides a great opportunity for sweeping views of the Columbia River and beautiful flowered meadows, while the northern route is a 2.5 mile steep grade through the forest where it links back up to the summit loop trail. Watch for poison oak and rattlesnakes along the trail. DRIVING DIRECTIONS: To reach the trail, travel 10 miles east of Stevenson. After mile post 53 on Highway 14, there is a large dirt parking lot on the north side of the highway and a sign marks the trailhead. Round Trip: 7 miles Level: Most Difficult 10 miles from Stevenson, WA
photo by Amy Colacello
Strawberry Island river ∙ mountain views Strawberry Island’s 4-mile wildlife walk offers family-friendly, flat-terrain hiking. The area used to be an island, however, it is now landlocked. You will find footpaths through high grass, rolling hills and a remote pond full of wildlife. The hike offers gorgeous river and mountain views as well as a great distant view of Beacon Rock. Lewis and Clark discovered Strawberry Island in 1806, naming it for its profusion of strawberry vines. They observed abundant wildlife and much Indian activity when passing by on November 2, 1805 and again on April 6, 1806. This is a Lewis & Clark Heritage Site. DRIVING DIRECTIONS: Travel to North Bonneville, Washington, 8 miles west on Highway 14 from the Bridge of the Gods. Enter North Bonneville and turn right at the gas station, follow signs to the ball park. Trailhead begins near the ball park, look for totem pole. photo courtesy of Bonneville Dam
Round Trip: 4 miles Level: Easy 10 miles from Stevenson, WA
www.skamania.org
2010 SKAMANIA COUNTY VISITORS’ GUIDE
37
Hamilton Mountain waterfalls ∙ view The trail to the top of Hamilton Mountain is a gradual climb (total gain is 2,100 feet) and is open and maintained year-round by Beacon Rock State Park. The trailhead is at the park and is four miles one way. Allow two hours to hike each way. As the trail climbs it becomes quite steep on your way to a sheer cliff with spectacular views of the Columbia River Gorge and the Bonneville Dam. Hikers will enjoy lush forest scenery and views of Hardy Creek and Rodney Falls along with the “Pool of the Winds,” an impressive cavern enclosing Rodney Falls. The hike is less difficult if you hike only to the waterfalls. DRIVING DIRECTIONS: Drive west on Highway 14 towards North Bonneville, then to Beacon Rock State Park. Turn right and drive to parking area on your right. The trailhead is located behind the restrooms.
Round Trip: 8 miles Level: More to Most Difficult 12 miles from Stevenson, WA
Beacon Rock short hike ∙ view Beacon Rock is a well known landmark that is recommended for first time visitors to the Gorge. Beacon Rock is the core of an extinct volcano. Henry J. Biddle, an early owner of the rock, finished the original trail in 1918. The plug is 848 feet high with handrails lining most of the ascent. The trail is 4,500 feet long with a 15 percent grade and takes 45 minutes to an hour to make the round trip. Once on top of the rock, the view of the Columbia River and the gorge is breathtaking. It is a quiet and yet exhilarating experience to stand on the summit with the ever-present Columbia winds sweeping around you. The trail is open year-round and is maintained by the State Park. DRIVING DIRECTIONS: Drive west on Highway 14 towards North Bonneville, then to Beacon Rock State Park. Parking and the rock are on the south side of the highway. You can’t miss it! photo by Amy Colacello
Round Trip: 1.8 miles Level: More Difficult 12 miles from Stevenson, WA
Lewis River Trail #31 Lower Falls Recreation Area spectacular waterfalls
The Lewis River Trail follows the course of the Lewis River as it meanders through a magnificent old-growth forest of Douglas fir, western red cedar and big leaf maple. Spectacular waterfalls will delight you as you explore this route. The trail leaves the Lower Lewis River Campground, crosses Copper Creek and comes to Middle Falls. The trail circumvents a cliff above Upper Falls, providing excellent views of the falls. It crosses Alec Creek and terminates on Forest Road 90, near Quartz Creek Trail #5. DRIVING DIRECTIONS: Follow the Wind River Highway (Hwy 30) north of Carson, Washington. Continue up and over Oldman Pass to Forest Rd #51 (Curly Creek Rd). Turn left. Stop by McClellan View Point for view of Mount St. Helens. Turn right on Forest Rd #90, follow to Lower Falls Recreation Area to Lewis River Trail #31. photo by Erik R. Odegard www.pbase.com/erikodegard
Round Trip: 3.5 miles Level: Easy to More Difficult 40 miles north of Carson, WA
38
2010 SKAMANIA COUNTY VISITORS’ GUIDE
www.skamania.org
Fort Cascades Historic Site Trail guided trail ∙ views ∙ forest The Fort Cascades trail is a short one-and-a-half mile loop along flat ground bordering the Columbia River. The trail includes several sites marking important historic events during early settlement of this area, when it was known as the Lower Cascades. Portions of the old portage railroad, a Chinook Indian village, and the site of one of the three military forts near the Cascade Rapids are seen on this interpretive trail. The Fort Cascades Trail area was a focal point for commerce beginning with the American Indians and continuing through explorers, fur traders, settlers, railroad workers and fishermen. A guide brochure offers hikers a “hands-on” historical experience. The Fort Cascades Trail Guide is available at the Bonneville Dam Visitor Center and the Skamania County Chamber of Commerce in Stevenson. DRIVING DIRECTIONS: Travel 8 miles west on Highway 14 towards Bonneville Dam and North Bonneville. Just west of Bonneville Dam, turn left on Dam Access Road and follow the road west to the trail head. photo courtesy of Bonneville Dam
Round Trip: 1.5 miles Level: Easy 8 miles from Stevenson, WA
Whistle Punk Trail interpretive ∙ old-growth This trail is a barrier-free interpretive trail that tells the story of forest management from a historical perspective. Signs and a brochure guide visitors along the trail, which runs along an old railroad grade (dating back to 1913) and past features associated with railroad logging by the Wind River Logging Company. The trail also goes past a wetland area and into an old growth forest. The final leg of the trail takes visitors through an old Wind River Nursery field. DRIVING DIRECTIONS: Travel north for 9 miles on Wind River Hwy. Turn left onto Hemlock Road at the Stabler Store. After 1¼ miles, turn right on FS Road 43 (just past the Ranger Station). Go 0.5 mile to FS Road 417. Turn right on FS Road 417. Take a left at the T-intersection (stop sign). Go about ¼ mile to the parking lot.
Round Trip: 1.5 miles Level: Easy 12 miles north of Carson, WA
Wind Mountain river ∙ mountain views Wind Mountain is a relatively short but moderately challenging hike. It is also known for being home to authentic Native American vision quest sites. The summit offers remarkable views of the Columbia River and Cascade Mountains. There are some spots on the trail that are rocky, so be cautious, and there can be rattlesnakes and poison oak along the trail. And yes, it is windy at the top so be prepared! If you are looking for a quieter hike, this is a trail that is not as well known as Dog Mountain and you can be at the top in half the time. DRIVING DIRECTIONS: Travel 6 miles east of Stevenson on Highway 14 and turn left on Wind Mountain Road (1/2 mile past Home Valley Store). Follow the road about a mile to a gravel parking lot. A wide gravel path at the east end of the lot leads downhill to the Bob Kuse Memorial Trail. (Watch for the unmarked, but easily identified, trail that leaves the road to the right.) Round Trip: 3.6 miles Level: Most Difficult 8 miles from Stevenson, WA
www.skamania.org
2010 SKAMANIA COUNTY VISITORS’ GUIDE
39
2010 SKAMANIA COUNTY EVENTS CALENDAR Saturday, June 26
JANUARY
MAY
Saturday, January 23
Saturday, May 8
WinterFest
Ridge Run and Fitness Fair
Oldman Pass Snow Park north of Carson. Sponsored by Skamania County Community Events & Recreation. 509-427-3980 parks@co.skamania.wa.us.
Skamania County Fairgrounds, Stevenson. 509-427-3980 parks@co.skamania.wa.us Wednesday, May 12
Skamania Charity Tournament
FEBRUARY Saturday, February 27
Winter Blues Shamble Golf Tournament 18 holes at Skamania Lodge Golf Course, Stevenson. 800-293-0418
MARCH Saturday, March 13
Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center Museum, 18th Annual Dinner and Silent Auction Catered by Skamania Lodge, proceeds benefit the museum. Over 100 auction items. 6–10pm at CGIC Museum in Stevenson. 509-427-8211 or 800-991-2338 www.columbiagorge.org Thursday-Saturday, March 18-20
Friends of the Library Annual Book Sale Thursday evening open to members only, Friday and Saturday open to the public. Stevenson Community Library. 509-427-5471 Friday-Saturday, March 19-20
Boer Goat Show Skamania County Fairgrounds, Stevenson. 509-427-3980 parks@co.skamania.wa.us
18-hole golf tournament benefits local charities including Skamania County Food Bank, Skamania/Klickitat United Way and Relay for Life. 800-293-0418 Saturday, May 22
CGICM 14th Anniversary Celebration & Annual General Membership Meeting Annual free admission day. Demonstrations of traditional handcrafts, music, etc. 800-991-2338 www.columbiagorge.org
Skamania County Fairgrounds, Stevenson. 509-427-3980 parks@co.skamania.wa.us Sunday, April 25
Skamania Scramble Golf Tournament 18-holes at Skamania Lodge Golf Course, Stevenson. 800-293-0418 Month of April
Guest Artist Series, Skamania Performing Arts Foundation
JULY Sunday, July 4
Mill A Community 4th of July Parade
Sunday, July 4
Celebration at Rock Creek Park and Fireworks Display
JUNE
Old-fashioned 4th of July in Rock Creek Park. Skamania County Community Events & Recreation. 509-427-3980
Thursday, June 10
Concert in the Street Annual performance by Stevenson High School Band on Highway 14 in downtown Stevenson. 6:30pm. Directed by Mark McCormick. 800-989-9178 Saturday, June 12
Guest Artist Series, Skamania Performing Arts Foundation
Bridge of the Gods Kiteboarding Festival Freestyle format kiteboarding, trick clinic, downwind race, mini-music festival, food on the Stevenson waterfront. www.DaBridge.us Friday-Sunday, June 25-27
Sternwheeler Days Annual summer celebration including arts and crafts vendors, food, beverages, music, parade and Sternwheeler rides in Cascade Locks, Oregon. 541-374-8619 www.cascadelocks.net
Check the website for performance details. 509-427-7047 www.skamaniaarts.org
40
Annual Cowboy Breakfast at Camp Howe in Hemlock. 8am–1pm. 509-427-3930 or 509-427-5991
Check the website for performance details. 509-427-7047 www.skamaniaarts.org
Friday-Sunday, June 18-20
PNWPA Poultry Show
Cowboy Breakfast
Guest Artist Series, Skamania Performing Arts Foundation
18-holes at Skamania Lodge Golf Course, Stevenson. 800-293-0418 Saturday-Sunday, April 17-18
Sunday, June 27
Month of May
Spring Tune-Up Shamble Golf Tournament
Saturday, April 10
Microbrews and wines from the Pacific Northwest, food and music. Teo Park on the waterfront in Stevenson, on the banks of the Columbia River. 509-427-8911 or 800-989-9178 www.cityofstevenson.com
The best old-fashioned parade in Skamania County! Parade route is along Jessup Road in Mill A. Parade begins at 10:30am. 509-538-2643
One piano, four hands. Performance at Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center Museum in Stevenson. 509-427-7047 www.skamaniaarts.org
APRIL
17th Annual Brews, Blues and BBQs
2010 SKAMANIA COUNTY VISITORS’ GUIDE
www.skamania.org
Friday-Saturday, July 9-11
Gorge Days Community-wide garage sales, “Best Car Show by a Dam Site,” food, beer garden, crafts and a street dance on Friday night. City Park in North Bonneville. Sponsored by North Bonneville Business & Community Association. 800-989-9178 Saturday, July 17
Wine and All That Jazz! Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center Museum. Blues and jazz from local Northwest performers. Wine tasting from Gorge wineries. Admission fee includes museum admission. 800-991-2338 or 509-427-8211 www.columbiagorge.org Saturday, July 17
Columbia Gorge “Relay for Life” Annual fundraiser for American Cancer Society. Call Tammara at Skamania Lodge to join their team. 509-427-2513 Saturday–Sunday, July 17-18
Gorge Outrigger Races Outrigger Canoe racers paddle the Columbia River and compete for prizes. Call Waterwalker at 509-427-2727. www.nwoutrigger.com
Thursday-Sunday, July 22-25
Wednesday-Saturday, September 15–18
Columbia River Gorge Bluegrass Festival
Columbia River Gorge Quilt Show
Annual bluegrass festival at Skamania County Fairgrounds in Stevenson. Concerts, workshops, contests. 509-427-3980 www.columbiagorgebluegrass.net
Friday, November 19
Skamania County Fairgrounds www.columbiarivergorgequiltshow.org
Rock Cove’s Annual Wine Tasting Fundraiser Tastings from several Columbia Gorge wineries. Rock Cove Assisted Living, Stevenson. 509-427-7272 www.rockcove.org
Saturday, September 18
Hoptoberfest
Sport Bike NW/Sport Touring NW
Live music, food and handcrafted brews. Walking Man Brewery, Stevenson. 509-427-5520
Skamania County Fairgrounds, Stevenson. 206-329-7808 www.soundrider.com
Saturday, September 18
Wednesday-Saturday, July 28-31
NOVEMBER
Month of November
Spring Creek National Fish Hatchery
AUGUST Tuesday-Sunday, August 3-8
Skamania Performing Arts Foundation Summer Musical Performance at Stevenson High School. Check the website for details. 509-427-7047 www.skamaniaarts.org Wednesday-Sunday, August 11-15
Skamania County Fair
Open House 9am–2pm. 509-493-1730
Check the website for performance details. 509-427-7047 www.skamaniaarts.org
Wednesday, September 22
DECEMBER
Nine and Dine Golf Tournament
Friday-Sunday, December 3-5
Second Annual Bulldog Scholarship Fundraiser for Stevenson High School. 4pm at Skamania Lodge. 800-221-7117 www.skamania.com
Christmas in the Gorge
Month of September
Free fair, entertainment, animals, timber carnival and family fun for everyone. Call Skamania County Fair Office for details. 509-427-3979 www.skamaniacountyfair.com
Guest Artist Series, Skamania Performing Arts Foundation
Saturday, August 28
October 7-30
Bigfoot Bash and Bounty
Artists in the Gorge
“Hunt” for Bigfoot, food vendors, live music, beer garden, Bigfoot booths, kids corner and much more. Home Valley Park in Home Valley, Washington. 800-989-9178 www.bigfootbashandbounty.com
Local art display at the Stevenson Community Library. 509-427-5471
SEPTEMBER Month of September
United Way Campaign Kickoff Help make a difference. All dollars raised are spent in our local communities. www.unitedwaygorge.org Saturday, September 4
Show N’ Shine 15th Annual Show at Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center Museum in Stevenson. Cars and trucks cruise-in and swap meet. People’s Choice awards, food vendors, music, raffles, door prizes. Spectators free. Museum open, admission fees apply. 509-427-8211 or 800-991-2338 www.columbiagorge.org
Check the website for performance details. 509-427-7047 www.skamaniaarts.org
Saturday, December 4
Carson Winter Wonderland
Saturday, December 4
Christmas in the Gorge Sing-a-Long
Saturday, October 9
Public sing-a-long, holiday refreshments, free program at Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center Museum. 800-991-2338 www.columbiagorge.org
Skamania Open 27-hole golf tournament at Beacon Rock Golf Course and Skamania Lodge. Proceeds benefit The Free Toy Store. 509-427-2797
Month of December
Skamania Performing Arts Foundation’s “Madrigal Feast”
Friday, October 29
Halloween Costume Party 3rd Annual Halloween Costume Party with live music and dancing at Skamania County Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall. Sponsored by Stevenson Business Association. 800-989-9178 Month of October
Guest Artist Series, Skamania Performing Arts Foundation Check the website for performance details. 509-427-7047 www.skamaniaarts.org
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
www.skamania.org
Starlight Truck Parade, Arts and Crafts Bazaar, community events, business open houses, nativity displays, and many more activities, Stevenson. 800-989-9178 or 509-427-8911 www.cityofstevenson.com or www.skamania.org
Food, beverages, music and lighting of the largest living Christmas tree in the area! Sponsored by Wind River Business Association. 800-989-9178
OCTOBER
Saturday, September 11
12th Annual Carson National Fish Hatchery Kids Fishing Day 8am –1pm. 509-427-5905
Guest Artist Series, Skamania Performing Arts Foundation
Annual Christmas production featuring feasting and frolicking. 509-427-7047 www.skamaniaarts.org Month of December
Gift of Music Free holiday concert series at Skamania Lodge in Stevenson. 509-427-7700 or 800-221-7117 www.skamania.com
{
For more details, contact Skamania County Chamber of Commerce. 509-427-8911 or 800-989-9178 www.skamania.org
2010 SKAMANIA COUNTY VISITORS’ GUIDE
} 41
2010 SKAMANIA COUNTY CHAMBER MEMBERS ACCOUNTANTS Arrowhead Accounting & Tax 509-427-7609 monica@saw.net Tennison Accounting & Tax Service 509-427-5995 www.tennisonaccounting.com Valerie Epling, CPA 360-910-7921 www.eplingcpa.com ANIMAL FARMS Gorge-ous Doodles 503-342-3417 www.gorgeousdoodles.com Gretchen’s Dream Alpacas 509-427-5383 gretchenlh@gorge.net ARTIST/ART GALLERIES Artifice Studio 509-427-0097 ddvance2@gorge.net Don Perry Metal Art 509-427-4102 www.donperrymetalart.com Lorang Fine Art & Gorge-ous Gifts 541-374-8007 www.lorangfineart.com
Lacamas Community Credit Union 509-427-4031 www.lacamas.org Mortgage Express 866-905-6867 mcorl@mtgxps.com Riverview Community Bank 509-427-5603 www.riverviewbank.com BUILDER/DEVELOPER Adair Homes, Inc. 360-225-1150 www.adairhomes.com Chinidere 360-573-5144 Three Rivers Recreational Area 360-607-1646 www.threeriversrecreational.com BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SERVICES Skamania County Economic Development Council 509-427-5110 www.skamania-edc.org
Pat Hood Art & Design 541-399-1338 pathoodart@earthlink.net
BUSINESS/TECHNICAL/ CONSULTING SERVICES Current Communications 509-538-2643 rls@gorge.net
River House III Art Gallery 509-427-5930 marilynbolles@gorge.net
Kinetics, Inc. 509-538-2008 www.kineticsinc.com
ARTS and CULTURE Skamania Performing Arts Foundation 509-427-7047 www.skamaniaarts.org
KPF Surveying Inc. 360-834-0174 kpfsurvey@comcast.net
ATTORNEYS Bradley Andersen, Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt 509-427-0093 www.schwabe.com Woodrich and Archer, LLP 509-427-5665 www.woodrich.com ATTRACTIONS Bonneville Dam Visitor Center 509-427-4281 www.nwp.usace.army.mil/op/b Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler 800-224-3901 www.portlandspirit.com Soundrider 206-329-7808 www.soundrider.com AUTOMOTIVE/MOTORCYCLE Bob’s Welding & Auto Repair 509-427-5094 towingbob@earthlink.net Discovery Auto Glass 541-980-5610 keithnw@hotmail.com
Normandeau Associates, Inc. 360-694-2300 www.normandeau.com Scheduling & Information Services, Inc. 509-427-4474 www.1sis.com WesternWaters Engineering 970-214-8826 h2omark@gorge.net CAMPGROUNDS AND RV PARKS Beacon Rock State Park 509-427-8265 www.parks.wa.gov/parkpage
SpotMaster Carpet Cleaning 360-904-4562 danielw57@peoplepc.com CLOTHING Andrea Bevin Closet and Design 503-560-3609 andreabevin.closet.design@gmail.com Duck Soup Clothing & Gifts 509-427-5136 ducksoup@embarqmail.com COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS American Legion Post 137 509-427-8989 legion137@saw.net Cascade Locks Tourism 541-374-8484 tourism@cascadelocks.net Eagles Lodge #1744 509-427-5255 foe1744@earthlink.net Families for Kids 360-910-5260 www.familiesforkids.org North Bonneville Business & Community Association 509-427-4449 www.northbonneville.net Skamania County Council on Domestic Violence & Sexual Abuse 509-427-4210 sccdvsa@gorge.net Skamania County Fair Board 509-427-3979 www.skamaniacountyfair.com Skamania County Lions Club 509-427-5466 frank@gorge.net Stevenson Business Association 509-427-8911 www.cityofstevenson.com Underwood Community Council 509-493-3624 scoop@embarqmail.com
The Resort at Skamania Coves 509-427-4900 www.skamaniacoves.com
United Way of the Columbia Gorge 541-386-6100 www.unitedwaygorge.org
Timberlake Campground & RV Park 509-427-2267 www.timberlakecampgroundandrvpark.com
Wind River Business Association 509-427-0010 www.chvs.org
Wind Mountain Resort 509-427-5152 www.windmountainresort.com
Reddi Towing, Inc. 509-427-8111 www.redditowing.com Stevenson Auto Parts (NAPA) 509-427-5601
Relish Catering in the Gorge 503-939-5890 kristihofer@earthlink.net
BANKS/MORTGAGES/LOANS Columbia Gorge Mortgage Group 509-493-8326 www.gorgeloans.com
Simply Delicious 509-427-5097 epec1943@hotmail.com
42
Jacob’s Services 509-427-5079
Lewis & Clark RV Park 509-427-5559
CATERING & CULINARY SERVICES Chefs Petrone 509-427-4227 chefspetrone@gmail.com
First Independent Bank 509-427-5698 www.firstindy.com
CLEANING PROFESSIONALS CCQ Cleaning Service 541-308-6397 bccqb@aol.com
CHURCH The Bridge Church 509-427-5378 www.thebridge-stevenson.com
2010 SKAMANIA COUNTY VISITORS’ GUIDE
www.skamania.org
COMPUTER SPECIALISTS ABC Computing 503-459-7252 www.abccomputing.org The Byte Choice 360-904-3257 www.thebytechoice.com CONTRACTORS Allways Quality Construction 509-427-2728 www.allwaysquality.com Bulldog Plumbing, LLC 509-427-5585 bulldogplumbingllc@yahoo.com Cedar Designs/Linwood Homes 509-427-4944 www.cedardesigns.com
2010 SKAMANIA COUNTY CHAMBER MEMBERS Excavator Rental Services 360-210-7726 www.excavatorrentalservices.com
GIFTS/FLOWERS Bloomsbury of Kanaka Creek Farm 509-427-4444 www.bloomsburyshop.com
Northwest Blower Door 509-427-7238 greenenergy@saw.net
Grandma’s House 509-427-4160 gayla444@aol.com
Hamlin Construction Inc. 509-427-4562
GOLF COURSES Beacon Rock Golf Course 509-427-5730 www.beaconrockgolf.com
Invision II, LLC 503-720-8778 www.canuinvision.com
WaterWalker 509-427-2727 www.nwoutrigger.com HAIR CARE/SKIN CARE Arbonne International 509-427-8837 www.arbonne.com Juanita’s Shoppe 509-427-0047 chicky_bok_bok@yahoo.com
O&S Enterprises NW 509-427-0064 www.obiashomes.com
Carson Mineral Hot Springs Resort & Golf Course 509-427-8292 www.carsonhotspringresort.com
Van Pelt Construction, Inc. 509-427-7397 www.vanpeltandvanpelt.com
Skamania Lodge & Golf Course 800-293-0418 www.skamania.com
Wind River Builders 509-427-5886 www.windriverbuilders.com
GOVERNMENT OFFICES City of North Bonneville 509-427-8182 www.northbonneville.net
CULINARY TOOLS Pampered Chef 503-780-1508 www.pamperedchef.biz/cookinwithnat DANCE Deborah Messinger Dance Academy 503-896-3937 www.messingerdancenw.com DAY CARE Child of Mine Early Learning Center 509-427-4131 childofmineelc@yahoo.com Wee Care of Stevenson 509-427-7711 weecare@gorge.net ELECTRIC Bonney Electric, Inc. 541-387-2633 bonneyelectric@gorge.net Watkins Electrical Construction 509-427-5525 www.watkinselectrical.com EMERGENCY/FIRE Skamania County Emergency Medical Services 509-427-5065 www.skamaniaems.com FINANCIAL PLANNING Money Concepts 509-538-2341 www.moneyconcepts.com/rathgeber Sharon Bumala, Waddell & Reed 360-694-1266 www.sbumala.wradvisors.com Smith Barney 509-735-0193 rene.m.kasma@smithbarney.com FITNESS Stevenson Curves 509-427-2787 www.curves.com FUNERAL HOME Gardner Funeral Home 509-493-1323 www.gardnerfh.com GENERAL LABOR/HANDYMAN Common Sense Enterprises 509-427-5158
HARDWARE Columbia Hardware, LLC 509-427-5551 columbia@truevalue.net
Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area 541-308-1700 www.fs.fed.us/r6/columbia Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission 503-238-0667 www.critfc.org Port of Cascade Locks 541-374-8619 www.portofcascadelocks.org Port of Skamania County 509-427-5484 www.portofskamania.org
J & L Farm and Home 509-427-8320 larrysmith10@gorge.net HEALTH CARE/MEDICAL/DENTAL Cascade Acupuncture Center, LLC 541-387-4325 www.cascadeacupuncture.org Evan M. Gwilliam, D.C. 360-834-3434 www.drgwilliam.com Hospice of the Gorge 541-387-6449 www.hospiceofthegorge.org Mid-Columbia Family Health Center 509-427-4212
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service 509-493-2934 www.fws.gov/gorgefish
Northwest Health Education & Training 360-619-5920 springday1@juno.com
WorkSource Columbia Gorge 509-493-5010 www.go2worksource.com
Skamania Physical Therapy 509-427-8203 www.skamaniapt.com
GRAPHIC DESIGN Competition Logos 509-427-7783 www.competitionlogos.com
Skyline Hospital 509-637-3602 www.skylinehospital.com
db design 541-374-9070 http://dbdesign.info
Stevenson Dental Care 509-427-8605 www.stevensondental.com
Greyson Rudd Graphic Design 509-427-4596 www.grudd.net
Wind River Eye Care 509-427-8259 windrivereyecare@earthlink.net
GROCERY STORES A & J Select Markets 509-427-5491 www.ajmarket.com
Wind River Pharmacy 509-427-5480 rx1179@hi-schoolpharmacy.com
Home Valley Store 509-427-4015 www.windmountainresort.com Main Street Convenience Store 509-427-5653 mainstreet@gorge.net Skamania General Store 509-427-4820 jihoom85_chang@gmail.com GUIDE SERVICES/OUTDOOR RECREATION KD Guide Service 509-493-3167 www.kdguide.com Martin’s Gorge Tours 503-349-1323 www.martinsgorgetours.com
www.skamania.org
Reed’s Hair Salon 509-427-7390 Salon Bella 509-427-4055 salonbella@gmail.com
City of Stevenson 509-427-5970 maryann@ci.stevenson.wa.us
Sanctuary Faith Trails 541-460-0177 www.sanctuaryfaithtrails.org
Mary Lamebull, Avon 509-427-7321 www.youravon.com/mlamebull
HEALTH/WELLNESS Old Mermaids Healing Works 509-427-7196 www.oldmermaidshealingworks.net Quality Care Counseling 509-427-7983 www.ellenjensen.com INSURANCE AFLAC 360-904-4562 danielw57@peoplepc.com Judith Lanz, Farmer’s Insurance 509-427-5517 jlanz@farmersagent.com McCoy Holliston Insurance 509-493-2266 www.mccoyholliston.com
2010 SKAMANIA COUNTY VISITORS’ GUIDE
43
2010 SKAMANIA COUNTY CHAMBER MEMBERS INSURANCE Ken Wallway 360-695-3211 wallway39@msn.com INTERNET SERVICES Sawtooth Technologies 509-427-4865 www.saw.net LANDSCAPING Columbia Gorge Landscape & Irrigation 509-427-4174 jamesb@saw.net DK LeSieur 360-335-1041 www.dklesieur.com Harris Tree N Landscape or Home Repair 509-427-3633 LAUNDROMAT Eastwind Laundromat 509-427-5491 LIBRARY Stevenson Community Library 509-427-5471 www.fvrl.org LODGING/ACCOMMODATIONS Arny’s Vacation Rentals 602-625-0551 www.homeaway.com Best Western Columbia River Inn 800-595-7108 www.bwcolumbiariverinn.com Bonneville Hot Springs Resort & Spa 866-459-1678 www.bonnevilleresort.com Carson Mineral Hot Springs Resort 800-607-3678 www.carsonhotspringresort.com Carson Ridge Private Luxury Cabins 877-816-7908 www.carsonridgecabins.com Columbia Gorge Riverside Lodge 509-427-5650 www.cgriversidelodge.com Columbia Gorge Inn 541-374-0015 www.columbiagorgemotelor.com Hood River Hotel 800-386-1859 www.hoodriverhotel.com
Wind Mountain Resort 509-427-5152 www.windmountainresort.com LOGGING Wind River Logging Company, Inc. 509-427-8519 carson@saw.net MANUFACTURING Insitu 509-493-6402 www.insitu.com MAPS The Best Gorge Map 360-631-2907 www.bestgorge.com MASSAGE PROVIDERS John Forsberg 509-427-4739 johnf@embarqmail.com North River Spa 509-427-0080 www.northriverspa.com Susie Veley, LMP 509-427-7992 gorgegang@gorge.net Vigil-ize Relaxing the Soul 509-427-5263
OFFICE EQUIPMENT/SUPPLIES A-Tech 509-427-9349 haganopolis@yahoo.com Craig Office Supply 541-298-4111 www.craigofficesupply.com ORGANIC Simply Put Organic 541-490-5273 bbhealth@gorge.net PET SERVICES Columbia Canine Cottage 509-774-8278 www.columbiacaninecottage.com Humane Society for Southwest Washington 360-635-7321 www.southwesthumane.org
Maryhill Museum of Art 509-773-3733 www.maryhillmuseum.org
PHOTOGRAPHY FreelanceImaging.com 541-387-3025 www.freelanceimaging.com
MUSIC/ENTERTAINMENT Andreas Ehrlich 503-544-8706 www.my8stringguitar.com
Sikora Photography 503-866-2645 www.sikoraphotography.com
William Shelton 509-427-9599 http://billshelton.imaginationprocessing.com NEWSPAPER Skamania County Pioneer 509-427-8444 scpioneer@gorge.net The Northwest Connection Newspaper 503-328-8416 www.nw-connection.com
Rivermist Lodge 503-630-3561 www.rivermistlodge.com
Gorge Local Currency Cooperative 541-374-9070 www.riverhours.org
Rodeway Inn 800-423-6423 www.rodewayinn.com
IAFF Local 4574 509-427-8825 kaitlynhildenbrand@yahoo.com
Sandhill Cottages 509-427-3464 www.sandhillcottages.com
Klickitat Trail Conservancy www.klickitat-trail.org
Joan Schnaible 425-584-7089 www.homeaway.com
Heart Journey 509-427-5910 sagecenterinthegorge@gmail.com
44
Mt. Pleasant Iris Farm 360-835-1016 www.mtpleasantiris.com
Kandi’s K-9 Klips 509-427-7776 www.kandisk9klips.com
Mt. Adams Lodge at Flying L Ranch 509-364-3488 www.mt-adams.com
The Farm, a Bed and Breakfast 509-395-2488 www.thefarmbnb.com
Gator Creek Gardens 509-427-0010 www.gatorcreekgardens.com
MUSEUMS Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center Museum 800-991-2338 www.columbiagorge.org
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS Big Brothers Big Sisters 360-891-8382 www.bbbsnorthwest.org
Skamania Lodge 800-221-7117 www.skamania.com
NURSERY Acadian Farms 509-427-4297 acadianfarms@gmail.com
Skamania County Democratic Central Committee 509-427-4197 pgspencer@earthlink.net
2010 SKAMANIA COUNTY VISITORS’ GUIDE
www.skamania.org
Through My Eye Production 509-427-8378 jwhit@saw.net PRIVATE INVESTIGATION Owens Investigations 509-427-8378 www.pvteye1.com PUBLISHING/PRINTING Columbia Gorge Magazine 541-308-0308 www.columbiagorge.com Express Color 541-400-3634 www.expressclr.com Gorge Publishing 541-386-7440 annisa@gorgepublishing.com Print It Inc./Sign Media 541-386-4950 www.printitsignmedia.com The Optimist Printers 541-296-2954 steve@optimistprinters.com Wind River Publishing 541-806-1436 www.windriverpub.com QUILTING Birdhouse Quilting 509-427-4139 birdhousequilting@yahoo.com Columbia River Gorge Quilt Show 541-386-6369 www.gorgequiltersguild.org
2010 SKAMANIA COUNTY CHAMBER MEMBERS REAL ESTATE/RENTALS Amy McAllister Realty 541-490-1436 www.amymcallisterrealty.com Carol Bradley, John L. Scott 971-533-3646 www.johnlscott.com/carolbradley Copper West Properties 541-386-2330 www.copperwest.com Frank Cox, Windermere Real Estate 509-427-5466 frank@gorge.net Shirley M. Cox 541-490-3139 shirlymc@gorge.net John L. Scott Columbia Gorge 509-427-0021 www.johnlscott.com Trish Dixon, Windermere Real Estate 509-427-2772 www.glenntaylor.com Gorge Real Estate Buyers Guide 800-490-6124 www.gorgebuyersguide.com Jim & Elaine Joseph, Windermere Real Estate 509-427-8755 jimjoe@gorge.net Jennifer Lausche, John L. Scott 509-427-0021 www.johnlscott.com/jennylausche
Granny’s Gedunk Ice Cream Parlor 509-427-4091 sherrinotfred@hotmail.com
Skamania County Title Company 509-427-5681 sctc@gorge.net
Jolinda’s Coffee Roastery and Wine Shop 509-427-0100 www.jolindas.com
TRAVEL AND TOURS Advantage Cruising & Tours 509-538-2223 oamom@saw.net
La Casa de Sabor 509-427-5423 D__Rangel@hotmail.com Main Street Convenience Store 509-427-5653 mainstreet@gorge.net
UTILITIES Avista 509-773-4833 www.avistacorp.com
Mark’s Place Restaurant 509-427-0006 thrulowharley@yahoo.com
Broadstripe 206-210-8710 www.broadstripe.com
Skamania General Store 509-427-4820
CenturyLink 877-541-3386 www.centurylink.com
Skamania Lodge 800-221-7117 www.skamania.com
Skamania County Public Utility District No. 1 509-427-5126 www.skamaniapud.com
Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler 800-224-3901 www.portlandspirit.com
Verizon Wireless 509-435-6595 www.verizonwireless.com
Subway 509-427-0035 alyalbin@yahoo.com
VETERINARIAN Stevenson Veterinary Clinic 509-427-8763 animaldoctor@gorge.net
The Crab Shack 509-427-4400 kentv1@bigplanet.com
VIDEOS/MOVIES In the Sticks Movies 509-427-5292 dcallen@gorge.net
Venus Café 509-427-2233
Laxson Appraisal Services 509-427-4836 ivalueit3@juno.com
Walking Man Brewery & Public House 509-427-5520 www.walkingmanbrewing.com
Debbie Sullivan Realty Advisors 509-427-4449 dsrealtyadvisors@gmail.com
Wind River Inn 509-427-4000
Three Rivers Recreational Area 360-607-1646 www.threeriversrecreational.com
RETIREMENT/ASSISTED LIVING Rock Cove Assisted Living Center 509-427-7272 www.rockcove.org
Windermere Glenn Taylor Real Estate 509-427-2777 www.glenntaylor.com RESTAURANT/DINING A & J Select Market 509-427-5491 www.ajmarket.com Andrew’s Pizza and Pasta 509-427-8008 www.andrewspizza.com Bahma Coffee Bar 509-427-8700 www.bahmacoffee.com Big River Grill 509-427-4888 www.bigrivergrill.us Bonneville Hot Springs Resort & Spa 866-459-1678 www.bonnevilleresort.com Bungalow Bar & Grill 509-427-4523 El Rio Texicantina 509-427-4479 www.joeselrio.com Eric’s Place 509-427-4414 ericsplace@cablespeed.com Fountains at Carson Greens 509-427-5150 www.carsonhotspringresort.com Gotta Hava Java 509-427-5112
WEB SERVICES joeboard.com 541-387-2844 www.joeboard.com WEDDING SERVICES Captain Randy Holmstrom 541-380-1130 strnwheel@aol.com Gorge-ous Weddings 503-360-4707 www.gorge-ousweddings.com
SANITATION SERVICES Skamania County Sanitary Services 800-622-1096 bgs@gorge.net
Quinn Mountain/Special Moments Weddings 360-837-3711 www.columbiagorgeministers.com
SCHOOLS Stevenson-Carson School District 509-427-5674 www.scsd.k12.wa.us
WHITEWATER RAFTING All Adventures Rafting 800-743-5628 www.alladventuresrafting.com
SPAS Bonneville Hot Springs Resort & Spa 866-459-1678 www.bonnevilleresort.com
River Drifters 800-972-0430 www.riverdrifters.net
Carson Mineral Hot Springs Resort 509-427-8292 www.carsonhotspringresort.com
Wet Planet Whitewater 800-306-1673 www.wetplanetwhitewater.com
North River Spa 509-427-0080 www.northriverspa.com
Zoller’s Outdoor Odysseys 800-366-2004 www.zooraft.com
Waterleaf Spa at Skamania Lodge 800-221-7117 www.skamania.com
WINDSURFING/KITEBOARDING Cascade Kiteboarding 541-490-9621 www.cascadekiteboarding.com
STORAGE Pak Rat Mini-Storage 509-427-2726 missyvr@hotmail.com TITLE & ESCROW Clark County Title 360-882-9088 www.clarkcountytitle.com
www.skamania.org
Hood River WaterPlay 541-386-9463 www.hoodriverwaterplay.com Slingshot Sports 509-427-4950 www.slingshotsports.com
2010 SKAMANIA COUNTY VISITORS’ GUIDE
45
ADVERTISER LISTING Many thanks to the Skamania County Chamber of Commerce and all of the advertisers for their support in making this publication possible. Please remember to refer to the Membership Directory located on pages 42-45. ART GALLERIES River House Art Gallery & Studio
21
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Skamania Performing Arts Foundation
21
BANK/FINANCES Columbia Gorge Mortgage Team Lacamas Credit Union
5 7
QUILTING Birdhouse Quilting
46
GROCERIES/GAS/CONVENIENCE STORE A&J Market 25 Home Valley Store 13 Main Street Convenience Store 24
REAL ESTATE Carol Bradley Real Estate Skamania County Title Company Windermere Glenn Taylor Real Estate
14 14 15
HIKING Martin’s Gorge Tours
22 7
RESTAURANTS Andrew's Pizza Bahma Coffee Bar Big River Grill Bonneville Hot Springs Resort & Spa Bungalow Bar & Grill The Charburger The Crab Shack El Rio Texicantina Jolindas Mark’s Place Skamania Lodge Wind Mt. Café
19 19 47 17 10 19 48 47 19 19 2 13
GOLF Skamania Lodge
2
BOAT CRUISES Sternwheeler Columbia Gorge
31
HOSPITALS/CLINICS Skyline Hospital
BONNEVILLE LOCK AND DAM Bonneville Lock and Dam (Fish Ladders)
35
INSURANCE Judith Lanz, Agency of Farmers Insurance 7
CARSON/HOME VALLEY/STABLER Wind River Business Association
11
CASCADE LOCKS Cascade Locks Tourism
13
LODGING Bonneville Hot Springs Resort & Spa Columbia Gorge Riverside Lodge Rodeway Inn River Mist Lodge Skamania Lodge Wind Mountain Resort
17 17 17 17 2 13
MOTORCYLE RALLY Sound Rider
25
MUSEUMS Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center
21
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Skamania County Chamber of Commerce 3 COFFEE/WINE SHOPS Bahma Coffee Bar Jolindas
19 19
CONSTRUCTION Wind River Builders
2
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Skamania County Economic Development 5 EYE CARE Wind River Eye Care FAIRS/FESTIVALS Skamania County Fair and Bluegrass Festival
6
NORTH BONNEVILLE City of North Bonneville PARKS FACILITIES AND RECREATION Skamania County Parks Faciilities & Recreation PET GROOMING AND GIFTS Kandi’s K-9 Klips and Gift Boutique
21
PORT OFFICE Port of Skamania
70 SW Russell Ave., Stevenson birdhousequilting@embarqmail.com
2010 SKAMANIA COUNTY VISITORS’ GUIDE
4 46 4
www.skamania.org
42-45
SPAS Bonneville Hot Springs Resort & Spa Skamania Lodge
17 2
STEVENSON Stevenson Business Association
29
STORAGE UNITS Wind River Storage
10
WHITEWATER RAFTING River Drifters
32
WINERIES/TOURS Maryhill Winery Martin’s Gorge Tours (wine tours) White Salmon Vineyards
23 22 22
Unique Pet Clothing Accessories Gifts
509-427-4139
46
9
SKAMANIA COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Member Listing
77 SW Russell Stevenson (509) 427-7776
www.skamania.org
2010 SKAMANIA COUNTY VISITORS’ GUIDE
47