Skamania County, Washington · Columbia River Gorge
Stevenson
Forty-five minutes east of Portland on the Washington side of the Columbia Gorge, Stevenson is the county seat of Skamania County, the trailhead for Beacon Rock, and the home of Skamania Lodge. Small as county seats go, but one of the few Gorge towns that genuinely rewards an overnight.
POPULATION
1,491
FOUNDED
1907
FROM PORTLAND
~45 min via SR-14
FROM SEATTLE
~3.25 hrs
COUNTY
Skamania (county seat)
ON THE RIVER
Columbia
Stevenson sits on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge, 45 minutes east of Portland via I-84 and SR-14. It is the county seat and largest town in Skamania County, named for George H. Stevenson, who platted the townsite in 1893. The town was incorporated in 1907.
The dominant geographic feature is Beacon Rock, seven miles west on SR-14, an 848-foot basalt volcanic plug that is one of the largest monoliths in North America. The 1.6-mile summit trail gains 577 feet over 52 switchbacks and takes about an hour round trip. Lewis and Clark noted it when they passed in 1805. The hike is moderate and the views across the Gorge are the payoff.
Within Beacon Rock State Park, the Hamilton Mountain Trail leads past Rodney Falls and Hardy Falls to Pool of the Winds, a geological anomaly where wind channels through a narrow basalt slot. Both are worth the separate hike from the Beacon Rock summit trail.
In town, Walking Man Brewing has operated since the late 1990s, now woman-owned and serving Detroit-style pizza, burgers, and house-brewed beer Wednesday through Monday in a dog-friendly space. The Columbia Gorge Museum documents the natural and cultural history of the Gorge with Lewis and Clark materials, Ice Age flood geology, and Native American artifacts. Skamania Lodge, on the hillside above town, is the full-service resort option with a spa, zip line, and three restaurants.
Getting Here
From Portland, take I-84 East to Exit 44 (Cascade Locks), cross the Bridge of the Gods ($2 toll), then follow SR-14 East approximately 4 miles to Stevenson. Total drive: approximately 45 minutes. Alternatively, continue on I-84 to Hood River, cross the Hood River Bridge, and follow SR-14 West. From Seattle, take I-5 South to SR-14 East via I-205, or take US-12 to US-97 and then SR-14. Allow approximately 3 hours 15 minutes from Seattle. There is no bus or rail service to Stevenson. A Washington State Discover Pass is required for parking at Beacon Rock State Park.
Things to Do
Outdoors
Beacon Rock State Park
An 848-foot basalt monolith rising from the Columbia River — one of the largest monoliths in North America. The 1.6-mile summit trail climbs 577 feet over 52 switchbacks in about an hour. The views across the Gorge from the top are among the best in Washington. Open daily 8 AM to dusk; Discover Pass required for parking. See the <a href="https://explorewashingtonstate.com/conquering-beacon-rock-in-the-gorge/">full EWS guide to Beacon Rock</a> for trail detail.
Outdoors
Hardy Falls and Pool of the Winds
The Hamilton Mountain Trail within Beacon Rock State Park passes Rodney Falls and Hardy Falls before reaching Pool of the Winds, a slot in the basalt where wind channels through year round. A separate and more demanding hike from the Beacon Rock summit trail. See the <a href="https://explorewashingtonstate.com/hardy-falls-and-pool-of-the-winds/">full EWS guide to Hardy Falls and Pool of the Winds</a> for the route.
Culture
Columbia Gorge Museum
Documents the natural and cultural history of the Columbia River Gorge with Lewis and Clark materials, Ice Age flood geology, Native American artifacts, and pioneer heritage exhibits. Located at 990 SW Rock Creek Drive, open daily 10 AM to 5 PM. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Day, New Year's Eve and Day.
Food
Walking Man Brewing
Stevenson's anchor brewery and restaurant at 240 SW 1st Street, serving Detroit-style pizza, burgers, house-smoked meats, and house-brewed craft beer in a dog-friendly space since the late 1990s. Woman-owned as of 2026. Open Wednesday through Monday noon to 9 PM; closed Tuesdays. See the <a href="https://explorewashingtonstate.com/columbia-river-gorge-beer-and-cider-tasting-tour/">Columbia River Gorge Beer and Cider Tasting Tour</a> for the full Gorge beer route.
Outdoors
Columbia River Windsurfing
Stevenson sits in the Columbia River Gorge wind corridor that draws windsurfers and kiteboarders from across the world. The gap winds that funnel through the Gorge are consistent in summer and early fall. Beacon Rock State Park has river access. For rentals and lessons, Hood River (25 minutes east) has the most concentrated infrastructure.
Outdoors
Wind Mountain Trail
A moderate hiking trail along SR-14 east of Stevenson with Columbia River Gorge views and interpretive signs about the cultural significance of the area to Native peoples. A shorter alternative to the Beacon Rock hike for those wanting Gorge views without the switchbacks. [VERIFY current trailhead address and access conditions]
Recreation
Skamania Adventures
The zip line, aerial course, axe throwing, and e-bike rentals at Skamania Lodge include seven zip lines linked by sky bridges through old-growth Douglas fir forest. Located at 1131 SW Skamania Lodge Way. Open to lodge guests and day visitors.
“Beacon Rock is an 848-foot basalt monolith rising directly from the Columbia River. The summit trail takes about an hour. The views from the top explain why Lewis and Clark noted it in 1805.”
Explore Washington State
Where to Stay
Skamania Lodge
The full-service resort above Stevenson with 254 rooms and suites, treehouses, five luxury glamping sites, and a three-bedroom villa. Amenities include the Waterleaf Spa, indoor pool, outdoor hot tub, three restaurants, and Skamania Adventures. The standard for Gorge lodging on the Washington side.
Book at Skamania LodgeBeacon Rock State Park Campground
CCC-built campground within the park, with standard tent sites, full-hookup RV sites at the Woodard Creek campground, and an equestrian camp. Reservations via washington.goingtocamp.com. Upper campground sites are among the most scenic state park camping spots in the Columbia River Gorge.
Reserve at GoingToCampHome Valley Park and Campground
Skamania County-operated camping on the Columbia River, approximately 15 miles west of Stevenson. River access and a more primitive camping experience than Beacon Rock. [VERIFY current fees and season at skamaniacounty.org]
Visit county siteFind a Cabin Near Stevenson
Find a Cabin Near Stevenson
Food & Drink
Walking Man Brewing (240 SW 1st Street) is Stevenson’s anchor restaurant, serving Detroit-style pizza, burgers, house-smoked meats, and soups alongside its own craft beer in a dog-friendly space with a beer garden. Open Wednesday through Monday noon to 9 PM. Big River Grill (192 SW 2nd Street) is the downtown alternative, open Monday through Friday from 11 AM and Saturday through Sunday from 8 AM, ranked among the top restaurants in Stevenson on TripAdvisor and available on OpenTable. Skamania Lodge operates three on-site dining outlets including the Cascade Room for resort dining with Gorge views. [VERIFY current hours and operational status for Red Bluff Taphouse and Brigham Fish Market before visiting]
Festivals & Events
May
Skamania Sip and Stroll
An annual wine and beer tasting walk through downtown Stevenson, now in its fifth year in 2026. Held on a Saturday in mid-May. A good introduction to Gorge-area wineries and breweries in a walkable format.
June
Gorge Blues and Brews Festival
Now in its 33rd year, this two-day festival at the Skamania County Fairgrounds brings national blues acts, regional craft beer, Columbia Gorge wine, food vendors, and on-site camping. One of the best festivals on the Washington side of the Gorge. 2026 dates: June 19 to 20.
July
Columbia Gorge Bluegrass Festival
Four days of bluegrass music at the Skamania County Fairgrounds, drawing pickers and listeners from across the Pacific Northwest. 2026 dates: July 23 to 26. On-site camping available.
August
Skamania County Fair and Timber Carnival
The county fair at the Skamania County Fairgrounds with 4-H and FFA exhibits, a timber carnival, and family events. 2026 dates: August 12 to 15.
October
Stevenson Mushroom Festival
An annual downtown celebration of the Columbia River Gorge's foraging culture, with mushroom walks, vendors, and local food. 2026 date: October 17.
Day Trips
Hood River, Oregon is 24 miles east on SR-14 (or via the Bridge of the Gods to I-84 east), about 25 minutes — one of the Pacific Northwest’s most complete small cities with an extensive restaurant scene, the Hood River Fruit Loop, and Mount Hood access. White Salmon, Washington is 22 miles east on SR-14, about 28 minutes, with White Salmon River rafting and a walkable main street on East Jewett Boulevard. Cascade Locks, Oregon is 4 miles south via the Bridge of the Gods, connecting to the Pacific Crest Trail crossing and the Historic Columbia River Highway waterfall corridor. Bonneville Lock and Dam is approximately 8 miles west, free to visit, with fish ladders and a visitor center.
Planning Your Visit
Stevenson is an easy day trip from Portland but rewards an overnight stay, especially if combining Beacon Rock, Hardy Falls, and the Columbia Gorge Museum in a single visit. Skamania Lodge fills up on summer weekends; book well ahead. The Gorge Blues and Brews Festival in June is one of the Gorge’s best annual events and draws crowds — plan lodging early. Rock climbing on Beacon Rock’s south face is closed February 1 through approximately July 15 for peregrine falcon nesting; the hiking trail remains open year round. Walking Man Brewing is closed Tuesdays. A Discover Pass is required for parking at Beacon Rock State Park.
More Stevenson on EWS
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Stevenson, Washington known for?
Stevenson is the county seat of Skamania County and the Washington-side gateway to the Columbia River Gorge. It is best known as the base for Beacon Rock (an 848-foot basalt monolith with a summit trail), the home of Skamania Lodge, and the location of the Columbia Gorge Museum. Walking Man Brewing, the Gorge Blues and Brews Festival, and consistent Columbia River winds for windsurfing round out what draws visitors.
Is Beacon Rock an easy hike?
Beacon Rock is a moderate hike. The summit trail is 1.6 miles round trip with 577 feet of elevation gain over 52 switchbacks. It takes most hikers about an hour round trip. The trail is well-maintained and does not require technical equipment, but the switchbacks are consistent. The views from the 848-foot summit across the Columbia River Gorge are the payoff. Note: the south face rock climbing routes are closed February 1 through approximately July 15 for peregrine falcon nesting. The hiking trail is open year round.
How far is Stevenson from Portland?
Stevenson is approximately 45 to 51 minutes east of Portland. The standard route is I-84 East to Exit 44 (Cascade Locks), cross the Bridge of the Gods ($2 toll), then SR-14 East approximately 4 miles into Stevenson. Walking Man Brewing describes it as 45 minutes from Portland, which is accurate in light traffic.
What county is Stevenson in?
Stevenson is in Skamania County, Washington, and serves as the county seat. Skamania County covers most of the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge, from the Bridge of the Gods east to White Salmon.
Is Skamania Lodge worth it?
Skamania Lodge is the premier lodging option on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge, with Columbia River views, a full spa, three restaurants, zip line and adventure activities, and a range of room types including treehouses and glamping sites. Rates run high ($$$), but the location and amenities are genuine. For budget travelers, Beacon Rock State Park campground is a few miles west.
What is there to do in the Columbia River Gorge on the Washington side?
Stevenson is the base for the Washington side of the Gorge. Top activities include hiking Beacon Rock and the Hamilton Mountain Trail to Hardy Falls and Pool of the Winds, visiting the Columbia Gorge Museum, windsurfing and kiteboarding on the Columbia, and tasting wine and beer at Walking Man Brewing and Gorge-area wineries. Hood River, Oregon is 25 minutes east via SR-14 for additional dining, wineries, and outdoor outfitters.