
Skamania Lodge
Best for activity-focused stays and on-site amenities like zipline, golf, and a full spa.
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Skamania Lodge is a full-service, family-friendly resort on 175 wooded acres above the Columbia River Gorge with on-site activities, a spa, and multiple dining outlets. Best Western Plus Columbia River Inn is a practical, riverfront Cascade Locks hotel with chain-standard rooms, an indoor pool, and a complimentary breakfast — read this if you want a resort getaway (Skamania) versus a convenient, value-oriented base on the Oregon side (Best Western).
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Best for activity-focused stays and on-site amenities like zipline, golf, and a full spa.

Best for practical, riverfront stays with free breakfast and easy access to Cascade Locks attractions.
When Skamania Lodge wins: choose Skamania if you want a resort that’s the destination itself — lots of on-site recreation (zipline, golf, trails), multiple dining outlets, spa services, and larger meeting/wedding venues.
When Best Western Plus Columbia River Inn wins: pick the Best Western if you want a straightforward, comfortable hotel on the Columbia River with a heated indoor pool, hot tub, free full breakfast, and easy access to Cascade Locks and the Bridge of the Gods.
Bottom line: Skamania is the choice for multi-day stays focused on activities and wellness; Best Western Plus Columbia River Inn is a practical option for travelers prioritizing river access, value, and chain-brand predictability.
| Category | Skamania Lodge | Best Western Plus Columbia River Inn |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Full-service resort on 175 wooded acres with resort activities and event spaces | Practical, riverfront 2.5-star hotel in Cascade Locks with chain-brand familiarity |
| Location | Stevenson, WA — set above the Columbia River Gorge with resort grounds | Cascade Locks, OR — on the Columbia River/Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area |
| Size (rooms) | 254 guest rooms and suites (multiple room types, treehouses, cabins, villas) | 63 air-conditioned rooms |
| Ages / audience | All ages; family-friendly with playground, family rooms, and kid-friendly pool hours | All ages; not adults-only |
| Pools & hot tubs | Indoor heated pool, indoor whirlpool hot tub, saunas, and outdoor hot tub overlooking the Gorge | |
| Restaurants & bars | Cascade Dining Room (Pacific Northwest), River Rock Lounge (pub fare), additional casual outlets | No signature on-site restaurant listed; rooms include microwaves and fridges and the hotel offers complimentary full breakfast |
| Spa & wellness | Waterleaf Spa with HydraFacial, massages, body treatments; fitness center with Peloton bikes | Fitness center and pool; full-service spa — Not published |
| Known for | On-site activities (zipline, ropes course, 18-hole golf), large meeting/wedding facilities, spa | Convenient riverfront location, free breakfast, indoor pool and hot tub |
| Parking & transport | On-site self-parking included in resort fee; free shuttle to downtown Stevenson | Free self parking onsite |
| Accessibility | Range of accessibility features and accessible rooms; pool hoist available | Wheelchair-accessible path of travel and multiple accessible room types |
Skamania Lodge sits on wooded acreage above the Columbia River Gorge in Stevenson, WA, offering views and immediate access to trails and resort activities.
Skamania is positioned as a resort set into the Gorge landscape; expect more grounds to explore.
Best Western Plus Columbia River Inn is a practical, riverfront hotel in downtown Cascade Locks on the Oregon side of the Gorge.
Best Western’s main advantage is direct river access and proximity to Cascade Locks’ walkable attractions.
Skamania Lodge offers many room types including suites, treehouses, cabins and multi-bedroom villas across a large property.
Skamania is better if you want a wider selection of specialty rooms and larger-group accommodations.
Best Western Plus Columbia River Inn provides chain-standard rooms with accessible options and many river-view rooms.
Best Western is a straightforward hotel with functional rooms and accessible options, including river-view choices.
Skamania has several on-site dining outlets focused on Pacific Northwest cuisine and casual pub fare.
Skamania offers full-meal dining options on property suitable for multi-night stays.
Best Western Plus Columbia River Inn supplies a complimentary full breakfast and in-room conveniences for light self-catering.
Best Western is convenient for mornings and quick meals; it’s not positioned as a dining destination.
Skamania’s signature amenity is its mix of on-site recreation and wellness — pools, hot tubs, zipline, golf and trails.
If you want varied on-site activities and a resort atmosphere, Skamania’s recreation options are the draw.
Best Western Plus Columbia River Inn centers on river access plus standard hotel fitness and pool facilities.
Best Western is focused on river access and a reliable set of hotel amenities rather than extensive on-site activities.
Skamania includes a dedicated spa and larger event/nightlife options tied into lodge dining and lounges.
Skamania suits guests who prioritize spa treatments and resort-style evening options.
Best Western provides a 24-hour fitness facility and basic evening amenities but no published full-service spa.
Best Western covers basic wellness needs but lacks the resort spa experience found at Skamania.

Skamania Lodge — playground, kid-friendly pool hours, zipline, golf, and many family-room options.

Best Western Plus Columbia River Inn — steps from the Columbia River and a short walk to Cascade Locks attractions.

Skamania Lodge — Waterleaf Spa and multiple wellness facilities including saunas and hot tubs.

Best Western Plus Columbia River Inn — complimentary full breakfast and predictable chain-brand service.
Skamania Lodge — it has on-site activities (zipline, golf, trails), a spa, multiple dining options, and more varied room types.
Best Western Plus Columbia River Inn — it sits in Cascade Locks on the river and is within easy walking distance of the Bridge of the Gods and local attractions.
Yes — both properties list indoor pools, hot tubs, and fitness centers.
No — Best Western Plus Columbia River Inn is not adults-only; it welcomes guests of all ages.
Explore how Skamania Lodge stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·