By Linda Thieman
Skamania Lodge is located in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.
There's something for everyone at the Dolce Skamania Lodge in Stevenson, Washington. Located just over 40 miles from the Portland, Ore., airport, the Skamania Lodge sits in a vast, 90-mile-long recreational area called the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Whether you are looking for a rugged, outdoor experience, some organized sightseeing, 18 holes of golf or a therapeutic massage after a long day of activities, the Skamania Lodge has it all.
Exploring the Gorge
This scenic mountain range, which includes three volcanoes, is the perfect site for rigorous outdoor activities. Fish for sturgeon, salmon and steelhead, or go kayaking, windsurfing or whitewater rafting. Of course, acres of trails exist for hikers, climbers and bikers to enjoy. In winter, the area offers both downhill and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Sightseeing
If you wish to see the sights while avoiding the rigors of a long hike, you'll find many activities to suit your taste, including visiting museums, sampling the local wines, and cruising the Columbia River. Check out sites from the days of Lewis and Clark, drive the scenic highway, take in the wildflowers or visit some of the 70 waterfalls in the area.
Golf
A dream come true for any avid golfer, the Skamania Lodge boasts its own on-site 18-hole golf course that will challenge even the best of players. The par-70 course features nearby practice areas for putting, chipping, driving and even getting out of bunkers. Bring your own golf clubs or rent a set on-site. There's a full-service shop that includes cart rental and a team of PGA pros who offer lessons.
Spa and Fitness Center
The Skamania Lodge offers a full plate of on-site therapies and physical activities at the Waterleaf Spa & Fitness Center. Treatments include a wide variety of massage therapies, such as deep tissue massage, sports therapy and reflexology. The Waterleaf Spa also offers rock, pre-natal and couples massage. You can also partake of facials, manicures, pedicures, nail therapy, paraffin hand treatments and several kinds of wraps, including mud, body, coffee/sea kelp and aloe vera wraps. The fitness facilities include a dry sauna, whirlpools, a heated swimming pool, exercise equipment and Jacuzzis. You will also find on-site tennis, volleyball and basketball.
Skamania Lodge
1131 SW Skamania Lodge Way
P.O. Box 189
Stevenson, WA 98648
509-427-7700
skamania.com
Resources
About the Author:
Linda Thieman has 15 years' experience as a freelance writer and editor. She's the author of the children's book series "Katie & Kimble: A Ghost Story." A former English teacher, Thieman has traveled extensively and lived in Europe, Asia and The Middle East. She holds a master's degree in French and TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) from the University of Northern Iowa.
Photo Credits:
columbia river gorge image by Joy Prescott from
Fotolia.com
