Accommodations

The finest luxury resort in the Gorge, Skamania Lodge (1131 S.W. Skamania Lodge Dr., 509/427-7700 or 800/221-7117, www.skamania.com [1], $209–289 d) is a huge property sporting an indoor pool, sauna, hot tubs, fitness center, tennis courts, 18-hole golf course, hiking trails, and convention facilities. The lodge has a classic feeling. Its tall windows face the Columbia River and an enormous river rock fireplace heats up the lobby. Rooms come in various sizes and have views of the mountain or the river. Pet rooms are available for an additional fee. Inside is a small Forest Service information center and bookshop (509/427-2528, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. daily). It also hosts guest speakers each spring and fall.

If those rates are a little rich for your blood, Columbia Gorge Riverside (509/427-5650, www.cgriversidelodge.com [2], $79–199 d) offers a cozy atmosphere in its modern, well-appointed log cabins along the Columbia River near Stevenson [3]. It has no phones or TVs, but each has a kitchen, back deck, and access to the hot tub.