written by Kerry Newberry
photography by Skamania
Many adventurous travelers are familiar with Skamania, the historic resort that’s set on 175 acres of woodlands in one of the Pacific Northwest’s most magnificent natural spaces.
Located in the tiny town of Stevenson, Washington, the 254-room upscale lodge greets guests with a grand 85-foot lobby fireplace and captivating views of the Cascade Mountains and the Columbia River Gorge.
But imagination truly comes to life when you stay in one of their elegantly designed treehouses. All six treehouses—which will expand to nine this summer—soar into the forest canopy as high as forty feet in the air. A stylish inside-outside gas fireplace adds warmth to the modern spaces along with cabin-inspired, simple decor that let’s nature star.
Decadently spacious with abundant windows, no matter where you turn, you feel immersed in the grove of surrounding Douglas fir trees. Add in thoughtful perks from private fire pits and complementary s’mores kits to numerous outdoorsy activities and each nature-soaked moment tops the next.
Above all, it’s the expansive deck overlooking serene evergreens that feels trans-formative. Perched in the verdant canopy with nothing to be heard but a light breeze rustling the trees and morning birdsong—you’ll find a moment of complete tranquility. Who couldn’t use more of that?
1131 SW SKAMANIA LODGE WAY
STEVENSON, WA
www.skamania.com
TREEHOUSES
The six treehouses (nine this summer along with some glamping sites) are clustered together in a grove of Douglas fir trees. Note when booking that some are geared for couples and others are family-friendly and can sleep four with one king-size bed and one queen tucked into a nook with large bay windows and tented drapes for a charming camping corner.
FEATURES
A utopia for outdoor activities, join Skamania Adventures to soar through the forest on ziplines or test your strength and balance in the aerial park. Next pick from golf, disc golf or the beautiful hiking trails around the lodge. Relax and recharge at the onsite spa where there’s also an indoor heated pool, dry saunas and indoor and outdoor whirlpools—both with gorgeous forest views.
DINING
Head to the woodsy main lodge for more formal dining in the grand Cascade Dining Room and find casual pub fare and conviviality around a cozy hearth at the River Rock Lounge. Both spots highlight seasonal Pacific Northwest flavors. On warmer days, check out the Backyard Grill for pet-friendly seating on the patio.
AMENITIES
Expect luxurious touches like a Smart TV, lounge seating, a king-size bed and a bright and airy full bath with dreamy heated flooring. Other all-weather comforts include an indoor/outdoor fireplace, Steven Smith Teamaker blends and pitch-perfect board games—who knew there was a National Parks Edition of Scrabble?
