HIKING TRAILS

The road less traveled…

There are three scenic hiking trails right on the property, all of which I explored again and again to my heart’s delight. They are easily accessed right outside the Lodge. But the best part is the feeling of seclusion. Even in the high season months while I was there, I had the trails all to myself.

The trail is wide in some places, and then narrows, meandering through the property’s forest, up and down small hills that give one a great workout.

I don’t know if anyone else gets as excited about moss and lichen as I do. Perhaps it’s just my own oddly romantic nature.

Moss clings to the tree trunks and drapes from the branches, and the ground is carpeted with pines needles and leaves that crunch softly underfoot. The air is so fresh, fragrant, and richly oxygenated, my cheeks were flushed a deep crimson by the time I finished my hike.

Rocks and small boulders are covered with patches of lichen which look almost like guano. An abundance of ferns and lush vegetation lend it a prehistoric appeal. I could almost imagine I was in Jurassic Park.

The wooded path twists and climbs through the stately trees, while a gentle breeze rustles the birch leaves, making them shimmer in the dappled light.

Beautiful views are everywhere

The resort’s golf course lies nearby, but one only catches a glimpse of it on occasion when the trail curves along its edge. There are also tranquil ponds fringed by cattails, reeds and a profusion of flowers and grasses which delight the senses with their rich, earthy scent. Ducks and turtles swim among the water lilies there. The ponds are a serene green color.  I half-expected the Lady of the Lake to rise from their emerald depths to give King Arthur his sword Excalibur. It’s so enchanting, it sent my imagination on an adventure of its own.

DINING

Wild blackberries… mmm

I can go on and on about the trails, but even hikers need to eat.

There are two on-site restaurants: the Cascade Dining Room and River Rock, with the seasonal outdoor Greenside Grill located at the golf course. The Greenside Grill’s hot dogs, incidentally, are amazing, with grilled onions and relish. The Cascade Dining Room has a tasty selection of fresh fish, steaks, chops, soups and appetizers like pan seared scallops (a personal favorite), roasted beet and smoked goat cheese salad, and mushrooms sautéed in garlic, shallots and thyme. The River Rock features a more casual fare for sharing. Things like salads, pizza, and burgers are prepared fresh, and full bar awaits.

Turtles sunning themselves atop a sunken log

The resort’s thoughtful little touches like complimentary gourmet coffee and Tazo tea in main lobby, and complimentary fresh crisp apples in the Gorge Room by the lobby add an inviting touch.

ADDITIONAL AMENITIES

Guest can enjoy tennis, basketball and volleyball, complimentary use of adult street bikes, zip lining right in the property’s forest, and a full-service spa. An 18-hole, par-70 golf course is enticingly tucked into the 175 wooded acres.

The Gorge Room, right off the Lobby

Skamania Lodge is a place I would not mind visiting again, especially for the hiking trails on the gorgeous property. I love the remote feel of the resort, and enjoy losing myself in all the natural beauty. It is also a great place for this writer to set her imagination on fire. Oh, the romance of nature. It always does that to me.

Perhaps it will for you as well.

Multnomah Falls is the second tallest year-round waterfall in the United States

Legend has it that a beautiful Multnomah princess gave her life to save her people by jumping off the high cliff overlooking the water of the Big River, now known as the Columbia River Gorge.

It was done in order to appease the Great Spirit’s anger by offering an innocent maiden in sacrifice. The silvery-white stream of water that sprung forth from the cliff formed Multnomah Falls, and was the Great Spirit’s token of peace between him and the people, following the princess’s death.

Standing near the upper pool of this enchanting place, it is easy to imagine the legend coming alive.  The moist, fragrant air envelops you in its misty embrace, almost transporting you to a land of myth and mystery.

The air is moist and fragrant, with moss and lichen clinging to the rocky cliffs and trees along the trail

Multnomah Falls is the second tallest year-round waterfall in the United States. It is located in the state of Oregon by the Columbia River Gorge.

The waterfall is split into two steps, the upper portion which is 542 feet, and the lower is 69 feet.

Visitors can take a comfortable, easy hike up to the bridge overlooking the pool where the upper fall cascades, and then continue to the very top if desired, though the second part is much more challenging. There is a creek nestled among rocks and trees once you reach the top, and some visitors enjoy wading through the cool water as they catch their breath before moving on.

The trail is narrow, steep, but oh so very lush and lovely

It is 1.2 miles to the very top, comprising of steep switchbacks with beautiful views of the scenery below.

There are no fees to visit this beautiful place which is conveniently open year-round.

Multnomah Falls Historic Lodge

The historic Lodge boasts a full-service restaurant with a delicious menu serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. It also has a bar, and snack bar, a lovely gift shop below, and informative visitor center.

The sweet aroma of freshly made fudge and other tasty treats lure hungry visitors after a stimulating hike.

It is best to visit the falls early in the  morning before it gets too crowded. This is not to be missed when visiting the Columbia River Gorge.