Skamania and Klickitat counties are known for their gorge-ous (pun intended) Columbia River Gorge views and a variety of outdoor recreation options. But did you know it’s also a fantastic area for locally made craft beer, cider and spirits? Read on for some of my favorites, including where to find great sour beers and family-friendly spots.
Skunk Brothers Spirits in Stevenson
Skunk Brothers Spirits is a veteran-owned business making whiskey, moonshine, kirsch, apple pie brandy and more with local ingredients at their distillery near the shores of the Columbia River.
Visitors can taste and purchase at the tasting room and tour the distillery.
Kids are welcome while adults taste, and there are places for them to sit and read or play.
Jester and Judge Hard Cider in Stevenson
Located just down the street from Skunk Brothers, Jester and Judge’s cider flavors include Pineapple Express, Blueberry Lemon, Blackberry, Sharp Cherry and American Apple.
If you stop by on a day their tasting room is closed (as happened to me on my last visit), you can still get your cider fix in town. Walking Man Brewing has a seasonal selection of Jester and Judge ciders at their brewpub.
Walking Man Brewing in Stevenson
Known for their hoppy beers, Walking Man Brewing has a cozy all-ages pub. When the weather’s nice, grab a table and relax outside on their patio.
In addition to their 10-beer tap list, Walking Man also offers a regional selection of red and white wines and a seasonal selection of local Jester and Judge Hard Cider.
Backwoods Brewing in Carson
Backwoods Brewing has a great selection of many types of beer. My go-to is always a gose. Into the Backwoods We Gose is my favorite there, and the Cherry Gose is tasty as well. In addition to their beers, Backwoods’ rotating taps usually include a cider or two and sometimes kombucha.
Backwoods Brewing is also family friendly with yummy pizza and breadsticks on their menu. There is seasonal outdoor seating as well.
If you’re into shopping, check out their merch section for beer soap, cool sunglasses, tote bags and more.
Everybody’s Brewing in White Salmon
Everybody’s Brewing offers a range of beers from IPAs to stouts to sours. My recent favorite was the Prickly Pear Sour Ale.
Everybody’s is for everybody and is kid friendly. They have a fun build-your-own plate kids’ menu option so kids can choose what sounds good to them.
Tips and Tricks
Always drink responsibly. Don’t drink and drive.
Some business hours do change seasonally so confirm what’s open before you head out.
More to Explore
If wine is more your thing, the Columbia River Gorge area has you covered as well.
If you’re interested in exploring outside of Washington, Hood River and Cascade Locks, Oregon, are just a $2 bridge toll across the Columbia River. There are more great breweries, cideries, wineries and distilleries there too.
Photos: Christine Hunt, Walking Man Brewery, Backwoods Brewing
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