Run Oregon Road Trip to the Skamania Lodge

Run Oregon loves running – that’s no surprise. But we also love the Pacific Northwest and all that it has to offer. Running is a part of us, but it does not fully define us. In our “Make a Day of It” feature, we aim to showcase some great local non-running events and highlight where to run and how to make the most of your experience! The most recent location for our runcation series is a new stay at the Skamania Lodge.

First the Running:

Let’s be real – it’s the Gorge. Head to any one of a number of trails and explore some of the best backcountry routes there is in the PNW. It’s hard to pick just one.

Check out the Stevenson Ridge Trail – which can be picked up just over a mile from the Lodge. This trail is host to the Ridge Run 10-miler – which happened to be occuring the day we arrived.

Gorge Loop Trail

However, we would be remiss not to mention a perfect option – Skamania Lodge’s hree on-site trails: the Lake Loop Trail, Creek Loop Trail, and Gorge Loop Fitness Trail. These ranged from approximately 1-1.75 miles in length and are easy to loop around multiple times. It’s really easy to tackle all three in one run to get a solid 5 miles.

Each are labeled with color-specific trail signs and seem to offer slight differences. The Gorge Loop is the shortest and combined of single track dirt trails. The Lake Loop Trail is more hard packed dirt and comes complete with beautiful lake and mountain views.

Lake Loop Trail

The Creek Loop Trail shares half of its distance with the Lake Loop Trail and has some well packed gravel along the way as well. There is nothing too challenging with any of the trails, but it does provide a really diverse and fun run experience.

Creek Loop Trail

The Spot:

Skamania Lodge is a fantastic destination for runners and outdoor enthusiasts seeking to explore the scenic beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Located in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge, this lodge offers easy access to a variety of trails and outdoor activities. The lodge itself is situated on over 170 acres of pristine forest, with stunning views of the Columbia River and Cascade Mountains.

And those views. It’s really hard to fully capture how amazing the view is from the main lodge. At least three times (in our two days there) I grabbed a drink and headed out to look out into a freaking masterpiece of nature. The Columbia River Gorge stretches out before my eyes, a colossal tapestry of blue and green (or grey if its the off-season). Lush forests blanketed the hills and the green contrasted with sun shining off the the shimmering waters of the mighty Columbia.

The Gorge cliffs, hiding a hundred waterfalls in the distance, provided the backdrop. It was awe inspiring. Seriously, it’s one of those views that make you feel small, humble, and in awe of the beauty that the PNW offers.

Our Room:

The Treehouses at Skamania Lodge offer a truly enchanting escape for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. These elevated retreats blend seamlessly with the surrounding forest, providing a unique and immersive experience. We weren’t expecting an upgrade to these magnificent spots, but now we for sure recommend splurging for them.

Each Treehouse is thoughtfully designed with rustic charm and modern comforts, featuring spacious interiors and large windows that showcase stunning views of the surrounding forest. The private decks are amazing to be among nature as you nurse a morning coffee or unwind in the evening with a glass of Columbia Valley wine. It is a unique experience that offers a tranquil respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life – and away from most every other person at the lodge – allowing guests to reconnect with nature in a serene and luxurious setting.

In addition to the cool location and looks, the Treehouses at Skamania Lodge boast an array of amenities to enhance your stay. The beds are cozy and at least our spot came with a secondary queen in a nook that zips up for extra privacy. The well-appointed bathrooms offer modern fixtures and luxurious toiletries for your convenience. It was also bloody huge.

There is complimentary Wi-Fi and TV, but this is a location that begs you to be unplugged and enjoying the peaceful seclusion. There is also a small fridge, coffepot, teapot, and microwave. Toss in a private firepit – complete with an extremely simple push-to-start process – just added to the ambiance.

Finally, for those guests staying multiple nights, their turn-down service comes with free cookies and milk!

We are gushing over here – and honestly we really dont have anything bad to say about our lodging. The Treehouses are just perfect.

Refueling:

The Skamania Lodge also offers a variety of dining options, including the River Rock Lounge, which serves serves a variety of appetizers and cocktails. The Cascade Dining Room serves delicious Pacific Northwest cuisine and offers stunning views of the Columbia River Gorge. Our Treehouse stay came with free breakfast for two at the Cascade Dining ROom – which allowed for an item/beverage off their menu or buffet. It’s really a savings of upwards of $40 easy!

The River Rock Lounge is solid spot to grab some simple bites and drinks. I will note that, due to its more secluded locations, these can get pretty busy during standard meal times. Please be nice to staff! If you are looking to take something with you as you explore the Gorge, there are to-go options as well.