Around Stevenson
Stevenson is surrounded with historic sites, and a myriad of activities. Enough variety to fill any week. Or two.
The area outside of Stevenson, we call Skamania County and the Skamania County Chamber of Commerce provides a wealth information.
A few other local highlights you might consider. . .
Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center Museum
An award winning building hosting several of the Northwest’s most interesting historic collections. From life in the Gorge before the Anglo settlers to the present time, to the world’s largest rosary collection, the Interpretive Center is a day well spent.
Skamania County Community Events & Recreation
Many of the Stevenson festivals are hosted by the County Fair Grounds. For what’s on tap—Bluegrass to livestock—check them out. Or check it out to book your own event.
www.skamaniacounty.org/community_events_&_recreation.htm
The Bonneville Dam
Made famous by the songs and lyrics of Woody Guthrie, the Bonneville Dam is now designated a National Historic Site. Providing economical renewable and reliable energy for the Northwest, a visit to the Dam is both entertaining and educational. From the massive turbines to the viewing windows on the fish ladders, there is something for everyone.
www.nwp.usace.army.mil/op/b/home.asp
Mt. St. Helens
Our very own volcano. There are a variety of interesting loop excursions from Stevenson to St. Helens.
Mt. St. Helens National Volcano Monument
The official site of the Monument and what’s open, what’s happening and when.
For the real dirt on Mt. St. Helens visit
This is where the scientists go who watch it every day. Before 1980, after and how it’s rumbling today.
And for a great 360 view of the mountain (or what’s left) visit
www.fullscreen360.com/st-helens.htm
Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Where the locals go to play.
Named after the first National Forest director, the “GP” offers every thing from alpine lakes and 3 designated wilderness areas to comfortable day hikes with an up-close view of a waterfall as the reward.
The Pacific Crest Trail crosses the Columbia River into the GP just west of Stevenson. If long (or short) hikes are to your liking, visit the Pacific Crest Trail Association at
Or visit the Forest Service site which also has a ton of info relating to the PCT and its designation as a National Scenic Trail.
For the skinny on the U. S. Forest Service nationally
The Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area
Stevenson lies in the only designated national scenic area in the country, The Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area (CGNSA). The CGNSA is jointly administered by the states of Oregon, Washington and the U. S. Forest Service.
The Columbia Gorge Commission site details the history and preservation of this unique landscape.
The US Forest Service site offers a slightly different perspective
on the issues and preservation in the Gorge.
www.fs.fed.us/r6/columbia/forest/
Fishing
Fishing is big around here and even those who don’t fish learn from a fish hatchery visit. We have three close by, all raise salmon to help build back the historic runs on the Columbia River. They provide an interesting, detailed look at the salmon’s life cycle.
The Carson Fish Hatchery
The Little White Salmon Fish Hatchery
www.fws.gov/gorgefish/littlewhite/
The Spring Creek Fish Hatchery
www.fws.gov/gorgefish/springcreek/
Washington State Fish & Wildlife
If all the fish in the hatcheries make you want to toss a line, be sure to visit the Washington Fish and Game to check out the seasons—what open, what’s closed and what’s been most recently stocked.
Washington State Parks
The State of Washington maintains several parks within an easy drive of Stevenson. Beacon Rock is the most often visited. With an exciting hand-built trail to the top, some 800 feet above the river, this is an easy, enjoyable (and safe) scenic excursion.
www.parks.wa.gov/parkpage.asp?selectedpark=Beacon%20Rock
For the other Washington State parks visit
Sailing
The “Gorge” first became famous for the windsurfing. A summer Mecca for thousands seeking reliable winds. The Columbia Gorge Windsurfing Association maintains several sites and hosts numerous functions over the year.
If you look out from Stevenson and see a bunch of sailboats, it’s likely a race being run by the Columbia Gorge Racing Association.
Hosting regional, national and international sailboat races, The CGRA put the Gorge on the map as a sailboat racing venue equal to San Francisco Bay or Santa Cruz.
Kiteboarding
Check out video from last summer's Bridge of the Gods Kiteboarding
Festival
in Stevenson on www.youkiteboard.com. And
plan to visit Stevenson for this
year's event, July 20 - 22, 2007 at East Point Beach.
Surrounding area business associations and chambers
Columbia River Gorge Visitors Association
An umbrella organization for all the Gorge Chambers and business associations.
Carson Home Valley Stabler Business Association represents
the businesses just to the east of Stevenson and along the
Wind River Highway leading into the Gifford Pinchot National
Forest and toward Mt. St. Helens.
The only other incorporated area in Skamania County, the City of North Bonneville lies to the west of Stevenson next to Beacon Rock
And of course we do have a local government. To see how our county runs
.