- Columbia River Gorge – A popular recreational destination, the gorge holds federally protected status as the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area and is managed by the Columbia River Gorge Commission and the U.S. Forest Service.
CITY OF STEVENSON
Situated on the banks of the scenic Columbia River, the City of Stevenson is your launch pad to the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Just 55 minutes from Portland, Oregon, 45 minutes from Vancouver, Washington and 3 ½ hours from Seattle, Stevenson is perfect to visit for the day, weekend or for an extended vacation. The county seat for Skamania County, with just over 1,500 residents, Stevenson also serves as the base camp for adventures in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument.
With a history steeped in timber and logging, Stevenson is now a tourism destination. Home to the world-famous Skamania Lodge and world-class Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center Museum, the opportunities for adventure are endless.
KEY LOCATIONS OF INTEREST
Columbia River Gorge Interpretive Center Museum – Exhibits on the economic history of the area including sternwheelers, logging and fishing.
Beacon Rock – 900-foot tall core of an ancient volcano with a trail to the top that provides panoramic views of the Gorge
Bonneville Lock and Dam – Hydroelectric dam spanning the Columbia River with fish viewing windows and ladders
Bridge of the Gods – a steel truss cantilever bridge that spans the Columbia River between Cascade Locks, Oregon, and Washington state near North Bonneville. There is another Bridge of the Gods nearby – a natural dam created by the Bonneville Slide, a major landslide that dammed the Columbia River near present-day Cascade Locks, Oregon 600-700 years ago.
Dog Mountain – The stunning views and unparalleled springtime flowers make this one of the most popular hikes in the Gorge. On a good day, you can get a bird’s eye view of Mount Hood and the Columbia River. In the spring, the top is carpeted with vibrant yellow balsam root. Although the trail is steep and sometimes crowded, this hike is unquestionably worth the effort.
Cape Horn – Scenic viewpoint from State Route 14 overlooking the Gorge
Maryhill Stonehenge Memorial – A Full-Scale Replica of Stonehenge.
Maryhill Museum of Art – A small museum with an eclectic collection, located near what is now the community of Maryhill in the U.S. state of Washington. The museum is situated on a bluff overlooking the eastern end of the Columbia River Gorge.
Petroglyphs located in Columbia Hills Historical State Park