Overview
Stevenson is a city in southwest Washington, in the Columbia Gorge. It is the capital of Skamania County.
4 sights · 5 things to do · 9 places to eat · 2 bars & cafés · 3 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Stevenson
Columbia Gorge Museum
The Columbia Gorge Museum interprets the natural and cultural history of this beautiful region. This museum is designed for all age levels.
The Bridge of the Gods
The Bridge of the Gods connects Oregon and Washington in the midst of the Columbia River Gorge. The bridge is also part of the Pacific Crest Trail that stretches from Mexico to Canada. Enjoy amazing views of the Gorge.
Bonneville Dam
Less than 5 minutes down the road from Stevenson is the Bonneville Dam. Take a tour on the Washington side through the Dam and check out the fish ladders. Kids will enjoy watching the fish swim up the strong river curren…
Beacon Rock State Park
This giant monolith, the second-largest free-standing monolith in the world (after the Rock of Gibraltar), was once the core of an ancient volcano. It acquired its name from Lewis and Clark during their expedition west. …
Dog Mountain
Intermediate and experienced hikers will enjoy Dog Mountain. It is a very steep 6.5 mi round trip hike with great views of the Columbia River and a flourish of wildflowers.
Bonneville Dam Fish Hatchery
On the Oregon side of the dam is the Bonneville Fish Hatchery, home to Herman, the 11-foot-long, 50-pound sturgeon, born around 1950. He is quite a sight.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–Oct. Summer highs reach about 82°F; winter lows dip to about 36°F. Wettest: Dec and Nov. (climate data from nearby Portland)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- PDX Portland International Airport, Portland — 35 mi away (major hub). Directions
- SLE Salem-Willamette Valley Airport/McNary Field, Salem — 77 mi away. Directions
Stevenson is 45 minutes outside of Portland and 3 ½ hours from Seattle.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Columbia Gorge Museum, Bonneville Dam, Bonneville Hot Springs Resort & Spa
- Lunch Walking Man Brewery & Public House
- Afternoon Beacon Rock State Park, Dog Mountain
- Dinner 130 Bar & Grill
- Evening River Rock Lounge
Day 2
- Morning The Bridge of the Gods, Bonneville Dam Fish Hatchery
- Lunch The Crossing
- Afternoon Carson Mineral Hot Springs Resort, Hamilton Mountain
- Dinner Cascade Room
- Evening Walking Man Brewery
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
Stevenson is 45 minutes outside of Portland and 3 ½ hours from Seattle.
By car
State Route 14 passes through Stevenson.
Interstate 84 is on the Oregon side of the river, across the Bridge of the Gods.
By plane
Fly into Portland International Airport (PDX) and hop onto I-84 East.
If you fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, take I-5 South to SR-14.
Get around
Driving, biking and walking are all sufficient forms of transportation around Stevenson.
See
See The Bridge of the Gods
The Bridge of the Gods connects Oregon and Washington in the midst of the Columbia River Gorge. The bridge is also part of the Pacific Crest Trail that stretches from Mexico to Canada. Enjoy amazing views of the Gorge.
See Bonneville Dam
Less than 5 minutes down the road from Stevenson is the Bonneville Dam. Take a tour on the Washington side through the Dam and check out the fish ladders. Kids will enjoy watching the fish swim up the strong river currents.
See Bonneville Dam Fish Hatchery
On the Oregon side of the dam is the Bonneville Fish Hatchery, home to Herman, the 11-foot-long, 50-pound sturgeon, born around 1950. He is quite a sight.
Do
Hot springs
Do Bonneville Hot Springs Resort & Spa
A high end resort and spa secluded in the forest of the Columbia River Gorge. A beautiful retreat for anyone in need of relaxation and an escape.
Do Carson Mineral Hot Springs Resort
Hiking
Do Beacon Rock State Park
This giant monolith, the second-largest free-standing monolith in the world (after the Rock of Gibraltar), was once the core of an ancient volcano. It acquired its name from Lewis and Clark during their expedition west. A relatively short, but moderately vertical hike up the 1 mi trail to the top of this old volcanic core rewards you with spectacular views of the Gorge, the river, and wildlife. An average hiker can reach the top in less than thirty minutes. The park also offers camping and more hiking trails, if you feel so inclined or you wish to avoid other hikers.
Do Hamilton Mountain
For all hikers there is the Hamilton Mountain trail. There is a 7.5 mi loop trail for more experienced hikers but families and beginners can walk a mere 1.25 mi up the trail to view Rodney Falls and the Pool of the Winds.
Do Dog Mountain
Intermediate and experienced hikers will enjoy Dog Mountain. It is a very steep 6.5 mi round trip hike with great views of the Columbia River and a flourish of wildflowers.
Buy
Shop Artifice Studio
Eat
Eat Walking Man Brewery & Public House
Award-winning craft brewery. Great pizza and bar menu.
Eat 130 Bar & Grill
Come enjoy both fine dining and casual fare on the waterfront. The spacious back deck offers a beautiful view of the river and the mountains.
Eat The Crossing
Great lunch spot with a variety of seasonal items on the menu.
Eat Cascade Room
Dine with the Columbia River Gorge as your backdrop.
Eat River Rock Lounge
The lounge inside Skamania Lodge satisfies those looking for a meal or just a scenic spot to have a beverage and conversation.
Eat Andrew's Pizza and Pasta
New York style pizza, whole pies or by-the-slice. Menu includes fresh made pasta, salads, soups and local Northwest microbrews.
Eat The Venus Cafe
Great breakfast and lunch menu.
Eat Big River Grill
A local hot spot with delicious Northwest cuisine and a great atmosphere.
Eat Joe's El Rio
Tasty Mexican food made from scratch and a wicked selection of margaritas.
Drink
Drink Walking Man Brewery
Walking Man Brewery, Stevenson’s award-winning craft brewery, is located just a block off of the riverfront. There is a reason this brewery has fans around the world; it has an all-star selection of brews and a great northwest vibe. If you can’t make it to the brewery, their beers are offered in nearly every restaurant in town.
Sleep
Stay The Columbia Gorge Riverside Lodge
If the Gorge winds are what pulled you to Stevenson, try out the Columbia Gorge Riverside Lodge conveniently located on Bob’s Beach. It’s a popular launch point for any windsurfer or kite boarder (and it beats paying fees to launch on the Oregon side). If you have your gear, the only effort needed to get out on the river is to open your front door. The Columbia Gorge Riverside Lodge offers very competitive room rates and several rooms are equipped with hot tubs built-in to their font decks –not too shabby!
Go next
- Cascade Locks is just across the Columbia River, accessible via the Bridge of the Gods.
- Only 15 minutes from Stevenson on the Oregon side of the Columbia River is Multnomah Falls, the second tallest year-round waterfall in the nation, stretching 620 ft from top to bottom.
Nearby
Cascade Locks
City / town · 12 listings · 2 mi away
Hood River
City / town · 14 listings · 18 mi away
Mount Hood
City / town · 7 listings · 19 mi away
Washougal
City / town · 15 listings · 24 mi away
Camas
City / town · 4 listings · 26 mi away
Troutdale
City / town · 14 listings · 27 mi away
Government Camp
City / town · 2 listings · 28 mi away
Gresham
City / town · 13 listings · 30 mi away
My experience
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