Day trip: Multnomah Falls, Bridge of the Gods and the Gorge loop
From Skamania Lodge, a convenient day loop reaches Multnomah Falls on the Oregon side and the Bridge of the Gods at Cascade Locks, letting you see the Gorge’s main viewpoints and return to the lodge in the evening. Plan for short drives between stops, a 45–60 minute drive to Portland if needed, and set aside 3–5 hours for the Multnomah Falls + Bridge of the Gods loop depending on walking time and photo stops.
In this guide
- Start at Skamania Lodge — logistics and where to park
- Drive time and route: Stevenson → Multnomah Falls → Bridge of the Gods
- What to do at Multnomah Falls
- Bridge of the Gods and Cascade Locks — what to expect
- Timing, packing, and safety tips for the loop
- Return to Skamania Lodge: dining and recovery
- Where to stay on future visits — room suggestions at Skamania Lodge
Start at Skamania Lodge — logistics and where to park
Skamania Lodge is at 1131 Skamania Lodge Way, Stevenson, WA; the front desk is open 24 hours and check-in begins at 4:00 PM. The property offers on-site self-parking included with the resort-fee breakdown on some listings, but OTA descriptions vary—confirm current parking charges at check-in.
Before you leave, pick up maps and local tips from the concierge desk. The lodge also provides free shuttle service to downtown Stevenson which can be useful if you want to leave your car and walk the nearby Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center Museum area.
- Front desk hours: 24-hour service
- Confirm parking policy at check-in (some sources list a parking fee)
- Free shuttle to downtown Stevenson — check schedule at the desk
| On-site service | Notes |
|---|---|
| Concierge / Front desk | 24-hour assistance; local directions and shuttle info |
| Bicycle rentals | Complimentary bikes available at front desk (seasonal) |
| Waterleaf Spa | Basement-level spa and pool access; book treatments in advance |
Drive time and route: Stevenson → Multnomah Falls → Bridge of the Gods
Traffic and season affect timing, but expect about 18–22 minutes driving from Skamania Lodge to Multnomah Falls (the falls are on the Oregon side). The loop continues east or west along I-84/US-30 and local roads to the Bridge of the Gods at Cascade Locks.
Crossing the Bridge of the Gods is quick; sources reference a short crossing time and a small toll for passenger vehicles. If you plan to cross state lines, bring a method of payment for the toll and watch for Pacific Crest Trail access on or near the bridge.
- Approx. drive to Multnomah Falls: ~18–22 minutes (from Skamania Lodge)
- Bridge of the Gods crossing time: about 90 seconds listed by third-party guides
- Toll for passenger vehicles on Bridge of the Gods — have payment method ready
| Leg | Typical drive time |
|---|---|
| Skamania Lodge → Multnomah Falls | About 18–22 minutes |
| Multnomah Falls → Bridge of the Gods (Cascade Locks) | Varies; often 20–35 minutes depending on route |
| Bridge of the Gods → Skamania Lodge | 7–15 minutes (depends on exact crossing point and traffic) |
What to do at Multnomah Falls
Multnomah Falls is a year-round waterfall with a viewing area and the Benson Bridge (Benson Bridge crossing) that gives close-up views. From the main parking/viewing area you can see the falls in a short visit; walking to Benson Bridge and back will lengthen your stop to roughly 45–60 minutes.
Parking at the Multnomah Falls lot can fill quickly in peak season; plan to arrive early or later in the afternoon if you want an easier time finding a space. If you prefer less walking, the main viewing plaza provides an excellent photo vantage point without the full hike.
- Main visit time options: 15–30 minutes (viewing plaza) or 45–60+ minutes (Benson Bridge round-trip)
- Year-round destination — dress for wet or cool conditions near the falls
- Facilities and restrooms are available at the Multnomah Falls parking area
| Visit option | Typical duration |
|---|---|
| Main viewpoint and photos | 15–30 minutes |
| Benson Bridge walk (round-trip) | 45–60 minutes |
| Longer hikes beyond the falls | Several hours (plan accordingly) |
Bridge of the Gods and Cascade Locks — what to expect
The Bridge of the Gods is a steel-truss toll bridge at Cascade Locks that spans the Columbia River and carries the Pacific Crest Trail across the river. It offers a good viewpoint back into the Gorge and an opportunity to visit Cascade Locks village for snacks or a short walk along the waterfront.
Crossing the bridge takes only a minute or two; sources note a toll for passenger vehicles. If you want to walk across on foot, check local rules and trail connections for the Pacific Crest Trail access near the bridge.
- Short crossing time; passenger vehicle toll applies
- Trail access: Pacific Crest Trail crosses the bridge
- Cascade Locks has waterfront spots and small eateries near the bridge
| Feature | Notes |
|---|---|
| Bridge crossing | Short—about 90 seconds reported by guides |
| Toll | Small toll for passenger vehicles; have payment ready |
| Nearby services | Cascade Locks village offers food and waterfront views |
Timing, packing, and safety tips for the loop
Bring layered clothing, sturdy shoes, a rain shell in wet months, water, and any required items for crossing states (ID, payment for toll). Even on short outings you’ll be near water and exposed viewpoints where wind and spray can make conditions cooler than valley areas.
Allow extra time for parking, restrooms, and short hikes. Cell service can be spotty in parts of the Gorge; save maps offline or ask the Skamania Lodge concierge for printed directions if you need them.
- Dress in layers and wear traction-friendly shoes if trails are wet
- Bring water and snacks—restaurants at Skamania Lodge are available when you return
- Check parking and shuttle options at the lodge before you go
| Month / Season | Quick note |
|---|---|
| Late spring to early fall | Milder weather and easier hiking; more visitors |
| Winter | Wet and overcast conditions; dress for rain and cooler temps |
| Shoulder seasons (spring, fall) | Fewer crowds; good for wildflowers or fall color |
Return to Skamania Lodge: dining and recovery
After the loop, dine at the Cascade Dining Room for breakfast or dinner service (hours: breakfast 7:00–11:00 AM; dinner 5:00–9:00 PM) or the River Rock Lounge for casual pub fare (hours: Sun–Thu 2:00–10:00 PM; Fri–Sat 2:00–11:00 PM). Reservations are recommended for dinner at the Cascade Dining Room.
If you want to relax on property instead of dining out, the lodge includes an indoor heated pool, whirlpool, saunas, an outdoor hot tub overlooking the Gorge, and the Waterleaf Spa (book treatments in advance).
- Cascade Dining Room: Pacific Northwest American fare; Prime Rib served Fri–Sat per lodge info
- River Rock Lounge: sandwiches, burgers, shareables; seasonal patio seating
- Pool and spa access included as part of on-site amenities (check spa treatment hours)
| On-site option | When open (per property info) |
|---|---|
| Cascade Dining Room | Breakfast 7:00–11:00 AM; Dinner 5:00–9:00 PM |
| River Rock Lounge | Sun–Thu 2:00–10:00 PM; Fri–Sat 2:00–11:00 PM |
| Waterleaf Spa | Retail/pool hours listed 8:00–9:00 PM Sun–Thu; 8:00–10:00 PM Fri–Sat — confirm treatment hours |
Where to stay on future visits — room suggestions at Skamania Lodge
If you want Gorge views, look for a Room (Windows on the Gorge), Premier Room (River), or Premier Suite (Gorge); these room types are named in the property room list and are positioned to offer river or gorge views. The lodge also offers treehouses and cabins for different experiences.
For families or groups, consider the One-Bedroom Cabin or Villa, 3 Bedrooms (both listed among the property room types) to give separate sleeping and living areas. BookResorts agents are available 24/7 at +1 (888) 605-1350 to help with room selection and availability.
- Room (Windows on the Gorge) — named room with gorge-oriented windows
- Premier Suite (Gorge) — suite option with river/gorge views
- One-Bedroom Cabin w/ — family-friendly cabin with multiple beds
| Room type (exact name) | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Room (Windows on the Gorge) | Gorge-facing windows and views |
| Premier Suite (Gorge) | Suite layout with river/gorge view — extra space |
| One-Bedroom Cabin w/ | Multiple beds and living area for families |
