Stay in a modern treehouse on your next visit to the Evergreen State
If you know anything about the Pacific Northwest, you know that the outdoors are kind of a big deal. Many of the region’s best resorts and lodges can be found nestled among its beautiful forests. One of those is Skamania Lodge, located on the Washington side of the Columbia River less than an hour from the Portland-Vancouver area. The lodge has been a fixture in the Gorge for nearly 30 years.
A new addition to this classic lodge are several treehouse units. The are six treehouses are a hit with guests, typically 90% occupied during the summer season. Intrigued by their popularity, we wanted to check the treehouses out for ourselves.
When I pictured a treehouse, this wasn’t what I had in mind. At all. I imagined something more rustic and makeshift, rather than refined and modern. Let me be clear, I wasn’t disappointed. At all.
Each unit stands elevated among the Douglas fir trees, the newest and tallest tower 40-feet in the air.
Accommodations
The interior of the treehouses are spacious, much larger than your standard hotel room. We stayed in one of the newest units, named the Candy Flower.
As you walk up, you’ll notice a private gas campfire pit. (This is where you’ll be making s’mores later.)
Upon opening the door, you’ll enter a large open area. It’s a studio-style unit with the bed and sitting area all in-one.
The decor has an elegant Northwest vibe with features like Pendleton blankets.
The family units have a second bed, built into a nook with a canvas curtain that can be zipped closed. My kids loved their bed. When the curtain was closed, they felt like they were camping. When it was open, they could see the TV.
In case you’re wondering, these treehouses come equipped with indoor plumbing. The bathrooms are huge. You’ll feel like you entered a spa when you see the walk-in shower with a view of the forest.
Other amenities inside the treehouse include a coffee maker, wine fridge, microwave, and a s’mores kit.
My favorite part was the expansive private balcony. The fireplace warms both the interior and exterior. I put on the fluffy robe, took my morning coffee outside and relaxed on the balcony while the rest of the family snoozed inside.
My other favorite thing was enjoying a glass of wine at the gas fire pit. Flip a switch and you’re good to go. You’ll find everything you need to whip up a batch of s’more inside your cabin.
The treehouses sit away from the main lodge. Treehouse guests have assigned parking, near their unit.
KidTripster Tip: Pay attention to which treehouse you’re reserving. Some only sleep two people.
The cost varies depending on the day, but typically start at around $450 per night.
Activities
If you’re looking to recreate while you’re at Skamania Lodge, there’s quite a bit to do on the property. The lodge sits on a golf course, but that’s not all you’ll find here.
Get outside and explore four miles of hiking trails. Be sure to grab a trail map at the lobby. (It also offers ideas for other hikes in the area.)
If you prefer to ride rather than walk, bikes are available for use. Unfortunately, there are only adult bikes available.
Bring your swimsuits, too. There’s an indoor pool with a hot tub and sauna, as well as an outdoor hot tub.
If your kids are older, you’ll have even more options including a zip line, aerial course and axe throwing. Reservations are required for these activities. Sign up in advance.
My ever-adventurous 12-year-old daughter insisted we zip line during our visit. Of course, she did! The Skamania course includes seven zip lines, some stretching 900-feet. The whole experience lasts about 2 1/2 hours. You’ll be high up in the trees. It’s a rain-or-shine activity, so dress appropriately. In the NW, that means layers. Kids must be at least 60 pounds and anyone under 10 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The cost is $99 plus tax.
Like to zip line? Try it in an an Alaskan rain forest.
For a more strenuous experience, we’d recommend the Aerial Park. There are 19 platforms and 23 elements that vary in degree of difficulty. It’s a self-guided experience allowing guests to go at their own pace. Guides are there to assist. Kids must be 8-years-old and able to reach up to six feet high, or else they’ll need to be accompanied on the course with a parent. For full rules and requirements check the Skamania Lodge Adventures website. The cost is $69 plus tax for approximately two hours.
Want to see another aerial course? Check out the one at Salishan Lodge.
There’s one more activity to consider. How about axe throwing? The challenge? Throw a steel axe at the bullseye and see who can score the most points. Kids will need to be at least 12-years-old to participate. It costs $30 per person an hour.
Dining
No need to leave Skamania Lodge when you get hungry. You’ll find great dining options throughout the day between the Cascade Dining Room and River Rock lounge.
After enjoying a morning coffee on your private deck, head over to the lodge for breakfast. The menu goes beyond the standard pancakes and eggs. It features tasty NW inspired dishes like the steelhead omelet.
We enjoyed a great dinner here, too. We sat outdoors, dining with a view of the Columbia River Gorge. If you’re staying on a weekend, the Prime Rib Special is offered on Friday and Saturday nights. You’ll find special dinner menus on other nights of the week, too.
Shoutout to the Skamania Lodge team. We always appreciate a menu that’s clearly marked for food allergies. We found the servers to be very helpful when accommodating our food allergies.
If you chose to leave the resort, you’ll find several restaurants in nearby Stevenson, Washington or just across the bridge in Cascade Locks, Oregon.
Getting There
Skamania Lodge is located 45 miles east of Portland in the Columbia River Gorge, a national scenic area.
As you make your way down I-84, consider making a stop at Multnomah Falls (Exit 31). Oregon’s largest waterfall is visible from the highway, but pull over to get up close. You can see the falls a viewing platform. This is a popular tourist attraction drawing more than a million visitors a year.
During your stay, you may choose to just enjoy the many amenities and activities at Skamania Lodge. If you want to do some more sightseeing, the Columbia Gorge is a recreational playground with plentiful hiking, biking, fishing, even whitewater rafting. About a half-hour away is Hood River, Oregon, known as the windsurfing capital of the world. It’s also home to a number of craft breweries and wineries, with a cute downtown shopping district. The Hood River Waterfront Park and the Children’s Park are good spots to let the kids play.
As you head back to Portland after your relaxing getaway, you might not be quite ready to return to real life. Treat yourself with a stop at Sugarpine Drive-In. It’s located on the banks of the Sandy River in Troutdale, a short detour off I-84. The highlight here is the soft-serve with a variety of toppings ranging from classic to unique. There’s tasty food, too, like sandwiches and salads.
The writer received a complimentary stay and meal at Skamania Lodge for purposes of this review. All opinions are her own.
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