What to pack for a stay at Skamania Lodge and the Columbia River Gorge
Pack layered clothing for variable Columbia River Gorge weather (light waterproof outerwear, warm mid-layers, and breathable hiking clothes), sturdy footwear for trails, and swim/spa items for use of the indoor pool, hot tubs, and Waterleaf Spa. Bring basic travel documents, chargers, and any specialty gear you need for planned activities (bike helmet, golf shoes, or river-rafting clothes).
In this guide
Clothing for Gorge weather
Stevenson and the Columbia River Gorge can change through the day—summers are warm and dry while spring and fall bring cool mornings and evenings. Plan layers you can add or remove on hikes and drives.
Include a waterproof jacket or light shell (rain is possible outside the dry season), a warm mid-layer (fleece or light down), and breathable base layers for active days.
- Waterproof/light rain jacket
- Fleece or insulated mid-layer
- T-shirts and long-sleeve shirts
- Socks for hiking (wool or synthetic)
- Hat, sunglasses, and gloves (seasonal)
| Season | Suggested items |
|---|---|
| Summer (June–Aug) | Light layers, sun hat, hiking shoes |
| Spring/Fall (Apr–May, Sep–Oct) | Layers, waterproof jacket, warm mid-layer |
| Winter (Nov–Mar) | Warm coat, waterproof boots, insulated layers |
Footwear and trail gear
If you plan to use the lodge’s walking trails, nearby Beacon Rock, or short Gorge hikes, bring sturdy footwear with good traction. Trail surfaces near the Gorge may be rocky or muddy outside the dry months.
Add a small daypack for water, snacks, first-aid basics, and a light layer. If you’ll do organized outdoor activities like zipline or rafting, check provider requirements in advance.
- Hiking shoes or boots (broken in)
- Comfortable trail socks
- Daypack with water reservoir or bottles
- Basic first-aid kit and blister supplies
- Trekking poles (optional for steeper hikes)
| Activity | Important gear |
|---|---|
| Short Gorge hikes / Beacon Rock | Hiking shoes, water, snacks |
| Mountain biking | Helmet, gloves, durable shoes |
| Water activities (rafting/jetboat) | Quick-dry clothing, water shoes, waterproof bag |
Pool, hot tub, spa, and fitness
Skamania Lodge offers an indoor heated pool, indoor whirlpool hot tub, saunas, and an outdoor hot tub overlooking the Columbia Gorge, and Waterleaf Spa is on the property. Pack swimwear and a quick-dry towel if you prefer your own towel.
Note family and age guidelines: the pool area is noted as kid-friendly from 11:00 AM–7:00 PM, and the outdoor hot tub becomes 21-and-over from 6:00 PM until closing. The fitness center has an age minimum (16+).
- Swimsuit and flip-flops or pool shoes
- Light cover-up or robe (in-room robes are allowed to/from the spa)
- Waterproof phone pouch for pool deck
- Workout clothes and trainers for the fitness center
| Facility | What to pack |
|---|---|
| Indoor pool & whirlpool | Swimsuit, pool shoes |
| Outdoor hot tub | Swimsuit, towel/robe; 21+ after 6 PM |
| Waterleaf Spa | Robe (you may wear in-room robe), slip-on shoes |
What to bring for your room and comfort
Rooms at Skamania Lodge vary from Superior Room and Premier Room types to unique options such as Tree House (Spruce) and Suite (Hood River). Expect standard in-room amenities like free Wi‑Fi, but pack any personal items you want for comfort.
If you have a specific preference for views or a fireplace, request rooms such as Premier Room (River) or Premier Room (River Fireside) when booking — the property offers rooms with river or fireside options, but availability and exact features depend on your reservation.
- Phone and electronics chargers (outlets vary by room)
- Prescription medicines and toiletries (hotel provides basics)
- Slippers or comfy indoor shoes
- Small laundry bag and stain stick for active days
| Room example | Notes |
|---|---|
| Superior Room | Standard guest room options (1 King Bed or 2 Double Beds) |
| Premier Room (River) | River-view variants available; check booking for specifics |
| Tree House (Spruce) | Unique elevated accommodation — confirm access needs |
Dining, snacks, and day trips
On-site dining includes the Cascade Dining Room (breakfast and dinner hours listed by the lodge) and the River Rock Lounge for casual meals; reservations are recommended for dinner at the Cascade Dining Room. The property also lists a takeaway/Skamania To Go option.
For day trips into the Gorge (Multnomah Falls, Beacon Rock, Bridge of the Gods), pack a refillable water bottle, snacks, and a lightweight picnic layer if you plan to eat outdoors. The lodge offers shuttle service to downtown Stevenson for nearby dining and shops.
- Reusable water bottle
- High-energy snacks for hikes
- Daypack for camera, layers, and packed lunch
- Cashless payment method and photo ID for dining or incidental charges
| On-site outlet | Typical use / hours |
|---|---|
| Cascade Dining Room | Breakfast and dinner service; reservations recommended |
| River Rock Lounge | Casual bar fare with afternoon/evening hours |
| Skamania To Go / Green Apron | Takeaway and room service options |
Travel documents, transport, and practical items
Bring a photo ID and the credit card you plan to use at check-in; the property requires a card for incidentals. Confirm any airport transfers ahead of time—Skamania Lodge does not operate a regular airport shuttle to PDX and local shuttle details vary.
If you arrive by car, note the lodge sits above the Columbia River Gorge and offers on-site parking included in most resort-fee descriptions, though OTA listings vary — confirm parking charges when booking. If you plan EV charging, Tesla-sponsored chargers are available on property.
- Photo ID and same-name credit/debit card used for booking
- Printed or digital reservation confirmation and BookResorts contact if you booked through them
- Car charger cable or EV adapter if driving an EV (property has Tesla charging)
- Portable power bank and travel adapter for electronics
| Transport | Notes |
|---|---|
| Airport | Nearest major airport: Portland International Airport (PDX); no regular hotel airport shuttle |
| Local shuttle | Skamania Lodge offers a shuttle to downtown Stevenson |
| Parking | On-site parking is commonly included in resort-fee listings—confirm when booking |
