- Visitors to the Columbia River Gorge shouldn’t neglect Stevenson, Washington, on the Lewis & Clark Highway across the river from Cascade Locks.
- Hiking trails, windsurfing, wine-tasting, golfing, and hot springs are some popular Stevenson activities.
- The Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center illustrates the area’s Native, explorative, and geologic history.
Overview
Visitors to the Columbia River Gorge should not neglect the river’s Washington banks, home to plenty of activities and Native American history. The town of Stevenson is close to a wide variety of hiking trails, including Beacon Rock and Dog Mountain, and two mineral hot springs (North Bonneville and Carson) lie within a few miles of town. More than 25 wineries can be found within a 40-mile radius of Stevenson as well.
Location
Stevenson is located along Highway 14 which follows the Washington bank of the Columbia River Gorge. Stevenson is just across the Columbia from the Oregon town of Cascade Locks.
Services/Amenities
Two riverside lodges, a hotel, and an RV park provide ample lodging options for Stevenson visitors. Plenty of restaurants include coffee houses, delis, pizza, small cafés, steakhouses, and a brewpub.
Activities
- Stevenson is close to a multitude of hiking trails, from family nature walks to grueling climbs.
- Windsurfing and kiteboarding can be enjoyed on the Columbia.
- Biking, camping, fishing, bird watching, and mushroom hunting.
- Two golf courses within 20 miles.
- Rejuvenating hot springs less than 10 miles away.
Attractions
- The Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center in Stevenson provides a wealth of area information, from the Lewis & Clark expedition to Native tribal history. The Creation Theater details the geologic evolution of the Gorge.
- The scenery along the Lewis & Clark Highway (Highway 14) is worth the drive.
- Bonneville Dam and Bridge of the Gods are close at hand.
Getting Here
From Hood River a visitor may take the Hood River Bridge (Highway 35) north across the Columbia, turn west on Highway 14 (the Lewis and Clark Highway) and drive 20 miles to Stevenson. Or take Interstate 84 west of Cascade Locks and take Bridge of the Gods across the river to Highway 14, then drive a few miles east to Stevenson.